If you’ve never used a chainsaw in your life, it’s probably a wise idea to start with something smaller. You don’t want to fall thick trees. Enter the BLACK + DECKER 40V Max 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw.
With only a 12-inch bar, it’s not the largest chainsaw on the market. Rather, it’s on the smaller side as it can only cut trees and limbs 12 inches or less in width. Don’t worry – you can take care of many jobs around the yard with this BLACK + DECKER. Those dead limbs on the tree? No problem. A scraggly small tree that you need to remove? This chainsaw can handle that.
With a 40V battery, this chainsaw lasts long enough to complete most jobs. However, when the battery is depleted, it takes quite some time to charge up. Surprisingly, I thought a 40V battery would mean a more powerful chainsaw, but I was disappointed. Sure, it cuts through things well and efficiently, but it took me longer (and more work on my part) to complete a job.
That being said, this BLACK + DECKER chainsaw is well-priced, and with the BLACK + DECKER brand name, you can trust quality materials and craftsmanship. Read on to see my full review of this chainsaw and why it’s a solid choice for most buyers, then head to our best chainsaws buyer’s guide to see how it compares.
Dallas-based award-winning author and freelance writer Alex Temblador has an impressive portfolio, with credits in publications such as Tech Radar, Tom’s Guide, Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Home & Gardens, Dwell, Architectural Digest, and Insider. Recently, she purchased her first home, a 103-year-old green Sears & Roebuck house with a sprawling half-acre land, complete with a charming wraparound porch, original hardwood floors, pocket doors, and a butler pantry. Alex enjoys reviewing products for Top Ten Reviews, Tech Radar, and Tom’s Guide, enhancing her experience as a first-time homeowner. When not working, she can be found unwinding in her lovely outdoor spaces.
BLACK + DECKER 40V Max: Key specs
| Model no.: | LCS1240 |
| Fuel/power source: | 40V battery |
| Maximum cutting thickness: | Less than 12 inches |
| Size/dimensions: | 28.56"L x 8.81"W x 9.63"H |
| Bar length: | 12 in. |
| Weight (with battery): | 10.4 lbs. |
BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX: Price & availability
If you look up the BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw on the BLACK + DECKER website, you’ll see that it’s priced at $218.99 at full price. This includes the chainsaw and the battery (chain oil is not included in the price and must be bought separately). However, I’m here to tell you that the chainsaw can be bought for as low as $169.95 on Amazon and Walmart.
It’s also sold through Home Depot for $140.00 but without the battery and charger included if, for instance, you already have a 40V BLACK + DECKER battery on hand at home.
No matter what version you buy, the BLACK + DECKER is well-priced considering the wider market. Anything under $200 is an affordable chainsaw, and while some battery-powered chainsaws are cheaper, most don’t have the name and brand recognition of BLACK + DECKER.
Score: 10 out of 10
BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX: Setup
This chainsaw was ordered online and shipped to me in a cardboard box. Upon opening the box and removing the items within, I was surprised that the battery was fitted into the chainsaw. That didn’t seem like a very safe thing to do until I realized that there was a zip tie around the trigger that prevented it from being engaged. I’d suggest removing the battery before cutting that zip tie off, just in case the trigger somehow becomes engaged. Nobody wants an accident. The battery wasn’t fully charged, but it did have some power.
I’d already tested a 12-inch chainsaw before receiving the BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw. Even so, my first impression upon pulling the chainsaw out of its box was, “Wow, that bar looks longer than 12 inches.” It’s interesting how different designs can make same-sized chainsaws look different.
I placed the battery on the charger and let it charge for about four hours. This battery takes 4-5 hours to charge, which is quite long. This is perhaps due to the unique charger provided. Rather than a traditional battery charging port, the battery is quite small and compact, so it fits only on the terminal or the part that the battery connects to the machine to start.
Score: 7 out of 10
BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX: Design
This orange and black chainsaw is lightweight and has a 12-inch bar. A removable cover should be used when the chainsaw is stored away. The battery fits on one side of the machine, while the built-in tension tool is on the other. To tighten the chain, all you have to do is turn the tool to the right. It was tightened to perfection upon arrival, so I didn’t have to adjust the chain before using it the first time.
Atop the chainsaw is the oil container with a somewhat opaque viewfinder on the side so you can see how high the chain oil level is. It’s not as see-through as I would like. The container seems smaller than the others I’ve tested. It’s outfitted with a plastic basket that catches and filters the oil into the container. I can see the point of the basket as it forces the user not to pour a ton of oil in too fast and causes an overflow. However, it is a bit of a bother as pouring oil into the container takes so long.
There are two handles. The back handle has a trigger on the bottom and a button on the top that must be pushed forward. The trigger and the button must be engaged simultaneously for the chainsaw to start up. This two-trigger system and the chain brake at the front of the chainsaw are two great safety features. The chain brake engages if the chainsaw kicks back while working. Unfortunately, I couldn’t engage the chain brake on my own. It seems it only engages if the chainsaw kicks back.
The front handle is a wraparound handle that allows users to turn the chainsaw differently if the project requires it and maintain a two-handed grip. However, the handle extends out to the left only, which could make it a bit uncomfortable for left-handed individuals to hold the chainsaw straight on.
Score: 8 out of 10
BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX: Performance
Once I added chain oil and the battery to the BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw, I took it to the front of my yard, where I have a lot of brush. Within that brush are some trees that have found a way to grow among the mess. It’s an eye-sore in my yard, and though I’ve used some brush-cutters in the past, the brush-cutters can’t cut through some of the thicker trees and such. This is where the BLACK +DECKER chainsaw came in.
When the BLACK + DECKER chainsaw is running, it doesn’t vibrate much, and it isn’t that loud. I tested the noise level, and it came out to 87 dB, which is fairly average for battery-powered chainsaws.
First, I worked on some smaller trees and branches. The chainsaw cut through them quickly and efficiently. Then, I moved to cutting some 8-inch limbs from a tree. These limbs had already been cut; I was going to shorten them. While the chainsaw sliced through these thicker limbs efficiently, it seemed to do so very slowly.
When I saw that this chainsaw had a 40V battery, I expected a more heavy-duty performance. I was surprised by how much strength and effort I had to add toward the chainsaw to push it through the limb. I’ve tested three other chainsaws recently and didn’t have that experience with the others. This BLACK +DECKER chainsaw does cut well, but it seems to take a bit longer and requires more energy from the user, especially if you’re cutting a tree 8-12 inches wide.
I should note that the chainsaw has plastic bumper spikes built into the machine's main part. I didn’t feel like they made much of a difference in assisting me with controlling the chainsaw. In fact, they didn’t seem to ‘catch’ onto the bark like metal bumper spikes do.
Overall, this chainsaw does an average job. It’s not the fastest cutting, but at least it can cut efficiently—and isn’t that the most important thing you need in a chainsaw? Plus, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver for different jobs thanks to a wrap-around handle. The battery lasted over two cutting projects. For those who are new to chainsaws, they’ll see the worth in this BLACK + DECKER.
Score: 6 out of 10
Should you buy the BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX?
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | High-quality brand with a great price tag; sold at Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. | 10/10 |
| Setup | Safety features; extended charging time | 7/10 |
| Design | Lightweight chainsaw with a wrap-around handle, two- trigger system, and a chain brake that engages when the chainsaw kicks back. | 8/10 |
| Performance | Can cut through limbs that are 12 inches or smaller efficiently but does take some time and effort to do so. | 6/10 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
How does the BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX Chainsaw compare?
Despite having a 20V battery, the Dewalt 20V Max XR DCCS620P1 12 in. Battery Chainsaw feels like it’s a lot more powerful than the Black+Decker chainsaw. Yes, it’s pricier, but that speaks to the quality of materials and power you get from the 12-inch DeWalt chainsaw.
The Greenworks 40V 12-inch Cordless Compact Chainsaw may be a little more expensive, but it has a 40V battery and a design that makes it more suited to both right—and left-handed people. A hassle-free push-button start is a nice addition, too.
If you’re on a budget and need something to cut 6-inch or smaller limbs, go for the Bomves Cordless Mini 6-inch Chainsaw. It’s a one-handed chainsaw that’s super easy to use and has a battery that lasts 25-30 minutes.
How I tested the BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX
The BLACK + DECKER 40V MAX 12-inch Cordless Chainsaw was the fourth chainsaw I tested in a month. Like the others, I tested this chainsaw on different types of trees and stumps in my yard. All trees and stumps were less than 12 inches, as is required of a chainsaw with a 12-inch bar. To write this in-depth review, I tested all its features.
Find out more about how we test.
