Black & Decker LCS1020 Chainsaw review

The Black & Decker LCS1020 isn't the strongest chainsaw, but it's affordable

Black & Decker LCS1020
(Image: © Future)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

Although this battery-powered chainsaw isn't as powerful as others, the small size and price make it a decent buy. It's suitable for small tasks like pruning and limb work, though it won't be appropriate when cutting timber or larger logs.

Pros

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    Small and portable

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    Low price

Cons

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    Short sidebar

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    Lacks power

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While the Black & Deckler LCS1020 may not be as powerful as other entries on our list of the best chainsaws, it will still appeal to certain types of saw users.

The Black & Decker LCS1020 is ideal for pruning, limb work and clearing unwanted shrubs and other growth, like small quaking aspen that can take over your yard if you don’t cut them down before they get too big. It’s the decent chainsaw to fill out your tool collection and to have around for those unexpected times that you need a chainsaw – and you’ll be glad you have one.

Danny Chadwick looks haunted
J.D. Chadwick

J.D. Chadwick has tested plenty of chainsaws for Top Ten Reviews, making him perfectly placed to review the Black & Decker LCS1020, with tests designed for various chainsaws. With over 15 years of testing for Top Ten Reviews under his belt, Chadwick knows which of these devices cut it.

Black & Decker LCS1020 design

Black & Decker LCS1020

(Image credit: Future)

Unlike gas models that require multiple pull starts, the LCS1020 starts with a sliding safety lock and start button. To activate the saw, you have to push the safety lock through the handle. This ensures you have a steady grip on the saw before it starts. In addition, this electric saw has large hand guards and a chain brake to help reduce kickback. 

This chainsaw has a toolless chain tensioning system that makes adjusting the chain easy. It also has an oiling system to keep the bar and chain lubricated, which is a nice feature for a battery-operated chainsaw.

What's the Black & Decker LCS1020 like to use?

Black & Decker LCS1020

(Image credit: Future)

The Black & Decker chainsaw has a 10-inch bar, making it the smallest chainsaw we reviewed. And although we don't recommend using this saw on wood larger than a few inches thick, it works great for jobs around the house, like pruning dead or unwanted branches off trees and cutting fallen branches. If you need a chainsaw for those scenarios, it’s hard to go wrong with this model.

When we tested the chainsaws, there was some debate among our lab crew as to the usefulness of this model. One tester said, “I simply don't understand the point of having tiny, weak battery chainsaw. What are you going to be able to cut with this?” Another pointed out that it’s not for heavy-duty jobs, “It's for branches, pruning trees” and a good tool for occasional use “I'd have that around the house – it's not that bad.”

Black & Decker LCS1020

(Image credit: Future)

We used all the chainsaws we reviewed to clear overgrown bushes, trees and more from a residential backyard. There was one particularly gnarly, half-dead bush that the Black & Decker LCS1020 handled without any problems. It took about 25 minutes to remove the bush completely, and the tool never faltered or left us wanting a more powerful chainsaw. This saw is ideal for in-tree work, pruning and cleanup after bigger jobs.

We also used this saw on a 6x6-inch piece of lumber, and unsurprisingly, it struggled with making the cut because of its low power and short guide bar. But it did get the job done, just not as smoothly or quickly as the other models we tested.

Black & Decker LCS1020 performance

Black & Decker LCS1020

(Image credit: Future)

Although it lacks muscle when compared with some of the bigger gas-powered chainsaws we reviewed, the LCS1020 is low maintenance and low emission. Of all ten models we tested, it is the quietest, with decibel levels maxing out at about 80. That's about the noise level of a vacuum cleaner.

What this saw lacks in muscle, it makes up for in ease of use. The electric power source is far cleaner since it doesn’t require gas, cans or engine oil. Electric power also makes this saw safer when it isn’t in use. 

Although battery-powered chainsaws don’t have quite as much power as their gas counterparts, they are easier to maintain. Instead of gas, you can leave the 20-volt lithium-ion battery charging for when you need to use the saw.

J.D. Chadwick
Contributor

J.D. Chadwick started writing articles for Top Ten Reviews 2008 and, after filling the role of Multimedia Editor, the keen video creator and expert in software was one of the most prolific members of the TTR team, authoring articles on things like antivirus software, video editing apps, and more.