I love mine! I cleared a river bank that I paid $5k to clear a few years prior! As a woman, I couldn’t use a gas chainsaw! I spent less than $500 on the Dewalt, oil, and chains! It’s the greatest investment that I’ve made. I think it’s a great beginner chainsaw, or for any woman that needs to cut some trees. I just went on TH-cam and watched a video of a woman and her hubby going over operation and maintenance of their Dewalt, and I was cutting trees in 10 min
Hi Herrick. I’ve owned one of these saws for 2 years now. Originally used it for trimming & pruning, handy to make a cut, set the saw down & haul the limbs away without worrying about keeping the gas saw running. Last fall I tore a muscle trying to start my 025 still. Got mad & bought the 18” 60 volt saw. So far very impressed. Battery life can be an issue but I’m an old guy & need to rest while it’s charging.
I've never had a cordless one, but years ago we moved to a house that had an electric one left in a shed. Besides having to lug an extension cord and generator around, I loved it. It was light weight and perfect for cutting up the smaller branches on tree tops while my husband used the big old Stihl on the main part of the tree. He was impressed by it too. He he was a professional tree trimmer/ logger for over 20 years. I imagine a cordless one would be great for smaller things. As long as you had a few spare charged batteries. I might get myself one. Thanks for the review.
I have a bunch of Makita cordless tools from my life as a carpenter so when it was time for me to move from my gas chain saw to a cordless one, Makita was the obvious choice. I love it- Model XCU04PT1 36V. It's extremely capable and does not sound toy-like, like that Dewalt. I cut logs over 12" (16" bar) very smoothly without any chatter. Very pricey though- I paid over 4 bills for it two and a half years ago and now I see it's over 5 bills. (this is a kit with 4 5AH batteries and a dual charger) Not at all cheap but it performs beautifully. Worth every dollar as far as I'm concerned. No more gas for me. Just pick it up and get to work. It takes 2 18v batteries. When I take it down away from the house, I always take four batteries with me and I could take 6 if needed. Continuous cut time on a set of 2 batteries is about 20 minutes but there are always stoppages for stacking etc. At 72, I know my John Deere saw will just be gathering dust from now on. Absolutely love the story of your wife praying that tree would fall down on it's own. For only 1/3 of the money you saved, you could say goodby to that Stihl. Just sayin! ;-)
I do not have one of these, but did get the DeWalt pole chain saw (8"). I had never used a chain saw and was scared of hurting myself as a now older woman. Getting the pole saw put it farther from harming myself in my book. That pole saw is a sweet little tool in my opinion and I have let some others use it and they agreed....these being men with the big chain saws. It does the job if you "let" it do the work. I will be getting this 12" now that I know more about how to use one and am a bit less afraid of chopping my leg up. I will still be VERY cautious, but can say the pole saw one is great and yes I have extended to to the full length AND used it almost above my head.
I’ve been watching a lot of reviews on battery powered chain saws. All my other battery powered tools are DeWalt. Your review is really making lean toward getting one of these. I’ve just recently found your channel and really enjoy your content. You have a new 71 year old subscriber in Middleton, Idaho.
Hi Neil, Welcome aboard. I’ve used the DeWalt chainsaw a lot since the review. Still like it but it has its quirks. Uses a lot of chain oil for one. I am no longer using bar oil to lubricate. Too expensive. I have partial containers of motor oil that I’m using, and looking to buy partial containers of any kind of oil at estate and yard sales. Good enough. And the oil does leak out some when you set the saw down. I lay it on its side so it doesn’t leak. That’s the biggest drawback to this saw. Otherwise, it is downright convenient to grab and go. I plan on having an update video on this saw hopefully next month. 👍
I've been thinking about one of those small battery saws. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I'm watching a lot of reviews. I tend to stay away from battery-powered anything after getting burned a few times by the companies changing things up so the older batteries couldn't be used on newer tools, or stopping their support for the older tools. I had to throw away a perfectly good drill my brother bought me as a gift simply because Ryobi stopped supporting it. Still miffed about that! Gotta admit, though, that lugging around the big gas-powered saw gets a bit old after awhile when all you're cutting is small stuff to clear some territory. I've been doing most of it with a simple pull saw just so I wouldn't have to get the chainsaw out. More work, for sure, but nicely quiet as well. I'll have to ponder on that DeWalt saw and appreciate your honest review.
Have a similar Dewalt 20v and for it's size it is little beast. It has evolved into my carry saw. After a storm I put it and a spare battery with some bar oil into a backpack and clear my local hiking/dog trails. Have cut some big wood with it. Obviously not as fast as a big gasser but way less hassle.
I have the 14” Ego with 56V battery. Fantastic. We also have the Ego lawnmower and weedwhacker that use the same batteries and we’ve been happy with all of them. As a woman almost 70, I don’t have as many pulls left in my arm getting small engines going, so I appreciate the easy starting.
My 12" 20V quit working after about 3 years, motor burned out I guess. I got it because I have 5 other 20V Dewalt tools, they are all still working well after lots of use and abuse. Was hoping for the same reliability. Might try the Ego next, the 16" 56V is about the same price as the little Dewalt.
The only danger with cordless tools like this is you forget when the battery is plugged in, that the tool is ALWAYS alive and only takes an accidental push of a trigger or even a malfunction of the trigger to turn it on. Safest thing to do is ALWAYS remove the battery when not actually using it. I have a cordless circular saw, and router, I always take the battery out. I have an electric (wired) Oregon chain saw that has been very impressive, Ive used it to cut tree limbs bigger than the bar which I think is 16". Only trouble I had was most of my outlets are 15 amp breakers and it kepts tripping the outlets' breaker, so I put a 20 amp in and thta fixed that- and before anyone comments on doing that- I have 12ga copper wire throughout the house minimum, I had put in 15 amp breakers because that's all I ever needed. But the long extension cords are a PITA, I need a cordless saw to take up in a tree with me and cut limbs off, the Oregon is heavy and the cord a nuissance to do that with
I just picked one up as well, you and I must have hit the same sale. I've used and abused a corded HF saw and was really impressed by the torque and how much it could do. Electrics are quieter and loved not having to stop to refuel with the corded. Will see in the spring how long this Dewalt will go on an 9AH flexvolt battery.
The trick to using these electric saws is too keep them sharp. If you already use the same batteries in other tools that's the way to go. I use 18 volt Ryobi tools and 4 amp batteries. I have one of their 10 inch bar electric saws. It works fine for limbing and small jobs. Ryobi tools are not tools I would make my living with but in my opinion are ok for small jobs around the house. That saw would probably work well for limbing up in a tree. A tree guy could hang it from his belt so it would be handy. Thanks for all you do.
Good Day to you! I have a Worx Electric Chainsaw, and like your it is mostly plastic, but it does cut. I think mine has a 14' or 16' blade. It works through some pretty thick trees. I am however limited to the length of the cord though. I do appreciate this review as I have been looking for a battery powered one.
It grows on you because you don't have to jerk a cord or listen to it scream. I want one but just cant pull the trigger for a new battery line at this time..
These things are cute for sure. But I’ve been accustomed to using the really sharp, stainless steel, well sharpened limb saws (and an extendable 12’ extension) by Wolfgarten (Germany). It’s a pleasure to use. And the exercise is free! Quieter, too. Just sayin’. Love your channel, Herrick. I’ve made a set of classic carpenter sawhorses and your garden cart from your plans. Both 2 of my most prized possessions. You remind me of my dad in a lot of ways, but you’re closer to my age (71). God’s peace be with you and yours.
I have a 40volt Kobalt 14" chainsaw. It cuts like a gas powered saw and cuts a long time. I've haven't found any size that it wouldn't zip through. I even used it to cut some rotted tree stumps close to the ground.
I agree that these cordless saws have their place. Could be a used indoors. You won't smell like gas after using it. May be a good saw for climbing work. I have many Dewalt cordless tools, and the plastic that they use is rather tough.
I'm trying to decide which small cordless chainsaw to buy,.. this is why I visited and watched this video. Herrick, I wonder, 8 months on, would you buy this saw today? In other words, are happy that you did buy this DeWalt?
I’m satisfied with the saw but it does have annoying issues. It uses an excessive amount of bar oil and the oil tends to leak out when the saw is set down. Those are common complaints. There may be better options out there.
I have the this saw and love it for demolition work and light quick chores - it has become my go to saw for the ATV or around the house. I have gotten more use out of this saw then I ever imagined. Bar oil is the only issue(s). Mine leaks bar oil when stored or set down on its base. There are lots of online fixes for this problem and maybe Dewalt has already addressed the issue. I just store my saw on its side with the oil cap pointing up to solve the problem. Maybe I will take it apart someday and get the silicone out. The other issue is the amount of bar oil it uses. It certainly lubricates the chain. I suspect the lubrication rate is set high to reduce drag because of the electric motor. Don’t use it is on the driveway or above any surface you don’t want to clean up oil spray from. The chain and bar will never wear for lack of lubrication. You do have to get into the habit of monitoring the oil in the reservoir because unlike a gas saw it you don't top it up with each tank of fuel. I also own a few commercial Stihl saws and a woodlot - either way it is full PPE with any tool. These battery powered saws are not to be dismissed or taken lightly. I would not use any chainsaw one handed.
It sounds like you have a bad seal on your oil reservoir. It is the spot where oil is meant to seep through to lube the bar. But it should be controlled. It should not be splattering on everything around, nor leaking when sitting, nor going through oil like mad. Do not simply use silicone to seal this up. There is a specific rubber seal which mounts on or under the tank to help meter and emit the right amount of oil. It's possible that yours might have been installed incorrectly at the factory if its always been that way. I'd look into changing it or having a repair shop change it.
@@RoyatAvalonFarms Thank you for your reply - According to correspondence with DeWalt - “If there has been oil left in the chainsaw after use it will leak a little of the oil. This is normal. They use a gravity feed system. Therefore, a little leaking oil is very normal. It is not defective.” But a lot of folks are taking the units apart and sealing up every connection on the oil reservoir with silicon / RV sealant. I send along a TH-cam link for your use. th-cam.com/video/kRJ7MESfVp8/w-d-xo.html&lc=UgxwFsjfSVNOIEF0lEd4AaABAg.A-xzkgLtZATA-yJWYoHDYU I will not say that it goes through oil like mad but it does use considerable more oil than any of my Stihl gas saws. It will leave residue on the ground beneath the cut area. It uses enough oil that I will not use the more expensive biodegradable oil in it. Aside from the oil leak I LOVE my DeWalt saw. Very dependable and good run time with Flexvolt batteries. I also like the shorter bar for demo work.
I can definitely appreciate a chainsaw; I used to say it was a gal's best friend! Since 2018, I've not had to cut our store of firewood because that's when the Carr fire went through and we've had piles and piles of firewood waiting to be used up, that my husband took off customer's property. Nevertheless, all that to say our liberal state of California government is outlawing all equipment that uses fuel, and making it all rechargeable. Rechargeable is great. My husband uses it constantly on the job site. What I don't like is that California doesn't give the individual the choice what to purchase in stores anymore. We're having tons of rain and are using our now 6 yr old firewood. We just spent time on the big island of Hawaii where it was in the low 80sF. I couldn't wait to get back home to winter. It's extremely expensive there and highways very crowded, though you can find nice beaches. I'd rather have stayed home to prep. Regards from far north California, where I wish it was me cutting up a tree.
I do not own a cordless chainsaw but have heard great reviews aboot them, especially the DeWalt. One benefit from many guys is how quiet they are. Ive seen other videos attesting to that. However, yours sounds very rattly, like its clanking on something inside. I hope it lasts you for many years.
Skip ahead to 3:18 if you want to get straight to the review.
I love mine! I cleared a river bank that I paid $5k to clear a few years prior! As a woman, I couldn’t use a gas chainsaw! I spent less than $500 on the Dewalt, oil, and chains! It’s the greatest investment that I’ve made. I think it’s a great beginner chainsaw, or for any woman that needs to cut some trees. I just went on TH-cam and watched a video of a woman and her hubby going over operation and maintenance of their Dewalt, and I was cutting trees in 10 min
Hi Herrick. I’ve owned one of these saws for 2 years now. Originally used it for trimming & pruning, handy to make a cut, set the saw down & haul the limbs away without worrying about keeping the gas saw running. Last fall I tore a muscle trying to start my 025 still. Got mad & bought the 18” 60 volt saw. So far very impressed. Battery life can be an issue but I’m an old guy & need to rest while it’s charging.
I've never had a cordless one, but years ago we moved to a house that had an electric one left in a shed. Besides having to lug an extension cord and generator around, I loved it. It was light weight and perfect for cutting up the smaller branches on tree tops while my husband used the big old Stihl on the main part of the tree. He was impressed by it too. He he was a professional tree trimmer/ logger for over 20 years. I imagine a cordless one would be great for smaller things. As long as you had a few spare charged batteries. I might get myself one. Thanks for the review.
I have a bunch of Makita cordless tools from my life as a carpenter so when it was time for me to move from my gas chain saw to a cordless one, Makita was the obvious choice. I love it- Model XCU04PT1 36V. It's extremely capable and does not sound toy-like, like that Dewalt. I cut logs over 12" (16" bar) very smoothly without any chatter. Very pricey though- I paid over 4 bills for it two and a half years ago and now I see it's over 5 bills. (this is a kit with 4 5AH batteries and a dual charger) Not at all cheap but it performs beautifully. Worth every dollar as far as I'm concerned. No more gas for me. Just pick it up and get to work. It takes 2 18v batteries. When I take it down away from the house, I always take four batteries with me and I could take 6 if needed. Continuous cut time on a set of 2 batteries is about 20 minutes but there are always stoppages for stacking etc. At 72, I know my John Deere saw will just be gathering dust from now on. Absolutely love the story of your wife praying that tree would fall down on it's own. For only 1/3 of the money you saved, you could say goodby to that Stihl. Just sayin! ;-)
Great comment. Thanks. 👍
I do not have one of these, but did get the DeWalt pole chain saw (8"). I had never used a chain saw and was scared of hurting myself as a now older woman. Getting the pole saw put it farther from harming myself in my book. That pole saw is a sweet little tool in my opinion and I have let some others use it and they agreed....these being men with the big chain saws. It does the job if you "let" it do the work. I will be getting this 12" now that I know more about how to use one and am a bit less afraid of chopping my leg up. I will still be VERY cautious, but can say the pole saw one is great and yes I have extended to to the full length AND used it almost above my head.
I’ve been watching a lot of reviews on battery powered chain saws. All my other battery powered tools are DeWalt. Your review is really making lean toward getting one of these. I’ve just recently found your channel and really enjoy your content. You have a new 71 year old subscriber in Middleton, Idaho.
Hi Neil, Welcome aboard. I’ve used the DeWalt chainsaw a lot since the review. Still like it but it has its quirks. Uses a lot of chain oil for one. I am no longer using bar oil to lubricate. Too expensive. I have partial containers of motor oil that I’m using, and looking to buy partial containers of any kind of oil at estate and yard sales. Good enough. And the oil does leak out some when you set the saw down. I lay it on its side so it doesn’t leak. That’s the biggest drawback to this saw. Otherwise, it is downright convenient to grab and go. I plan on having an update video on this saw hopefully next month. 👍
I've been thinking about one of those small battery saws. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I'm watching a lot of reviews. I tend to stay away from battery-powered anything after getting burned a few times by the companies changing things up so the older batteries couldn't be used on newer tools, or stopping their support for the older tools. I had to throw away a perfectly good drill my brother bought me as a gift simply because Ryobi stopped supporting it. Still miffed about that!
Gotta admit, though, that lugging around the big gas-powered saw gets a bit old after awhile when all you're cutting is small stuff to clear some territory. I've been doing most of it with a simple pull saw just so I wouldn't have to get the chainsaw out. More work, for sure, but nicely quiet as well. I'll have to ponder on that DeWalt saw and appreciate your honest review.
Have a similar Dewalt 20v and for it's size it is little beast. It has evolved into my carry saw. After a storm I put it and a spare battery with some bar oil into a backpack and clear my local hiking/dog trails. Have cut some big wood with it. Obviously not as fast as a big gasser but way less hassle.
I have the 14” Ego with 56V battery. Fantastic. We also have the Ego lawnmower and weedwhacker that use the same batteries and we’ve been happy with all of them. As a woman almost 70, I don’t have as many pulls left in my arm getting small engines going, so I appreciate the easy starting.
My 12" 20V quit working after about 3 years, motor burned out I guess. I got it because I have 5 other 20V Dewalt tools, they are all still working well after lots of use and abuse. Was hoping for the same reliability. Might try the Ego next, the 16" 56V is about the same price as the little Dewalt.
The only danger with cordless tools like this is you forget when the battery is plugged in, that the tool is ALWAYS alive and only takes an accidental push of a trigger or even a malfunction of the trigger to turn it on. Safest thing to do is ALWAYS remove the battery when not actually using it.
I have a cordless circular saw, and router, I always take the battery out.
I have an electric (wired) Oregon chain saw that has been very impressive, Ive used it to cut tree limbs bigger than the bar which I think is 16". Only trouble I had was most of my outlets are 15 amp breakers and it kepts tripping the outlets' breaker, so I put a 20 amp in and thta fixed that- and before anyone comments on doing that- I have 12ga copper wire throughout the house minimum, I had put in 15 amp breakers because that's all I ever needed.
But the long extension cords are a PITA, I need a cordless saw to take up in a tree with me and cut limbs off, the Oregon is heavy and the cord a nuissance to do that with
I just picked one up as well, you and I must have hit the same sale. I've used and abused a corded HF saw and was really impressed by the torque and how much it could do. Electrics are quieter and loved not having to stop to refuel with the corded. Will see in the spring how long this Dewalt will go on an 9AH flexvolt battery.
I use mine with the 9AH Flexvolt - they will cut a long time.
First: the battery saws have come a very long way. Second: I thought I was the only crazy person to cut and burn the smaller branches 😂
The trick to using these electric saws is too keep them sharp.
If you already use the same batteries in other tools that's the way to go.
I use 18 volt Ryobi tools and 4 amp batteries. I have one of their 10 inch bar electric saws. It works fine for limbing and small jobs.
Ryobi tools are not tools I would make my living with but in my opinion are ok for small jobs around the house.
That saw would probably work well for limbing up in a tree. A tree guy could hang it from his belt so it would be handy.
Thanks for all you do.
Good Day to you! I have a Worx Electric Chainsaw, and like your it is mostly plastic, but it does cut. I think mine has a 14' or 16' blade. It works through some pretty thick trees. I am however limited to the length of the cord though. I do appreciate this review as I have been looking for a battery powered one.
I don't have an electric saw, but I do know prayer changes things!!!
It grows on you because you don't have to jerk a cord or listen to it scream. I want one but just cant pull the trigger for a new battery line at this time..
These things are cute for sure. But I’ve been accustomed to using the really sharp, stainless steel, well sharpened limb saws (and an extendable 12’ extension) by Wolfgarten (Germany). It’s a pleasure to use. And the exercise is free! Quieter, too. Just sayin’.
Love your channel, Herrick. I’ve made a set of classic carpenter sawhorses and your garden cart from your plans. Both 2 of my most prized possessions. You remind me of my dad in a lot of ways, but you’re closer to my age (71). God’s peace be with you and yours.
I have a 40volt Kobalt 14" chainsaw. It cuts like a gas powered saw and cuts a long time. I've haven't found any size that it wouldn't zip through. I even used it to cut some rotted tree stumps close to the ground.
I agree that these cordless saws have their place. Could be a used indoors. You won't smell like gas after using it. May be a good saw for climbing work. I have many Dewalt cordless tools, and the plastic that they use is rather tough.
I'm trying to decide which small cordless chainsaw to buy,.. this is why I visited and watched this video.
Herrick, I wonder, 8 months on, would you buy this saw today? In other words, are happy that you did buy this DeWalt?
I’m satisfied with the saw but it does have annoying issues. It uses an excessive amount of bar oil and the oil tends to leak out when the saw is set down. Those are common complaints. There may be better options out there.
@@herrickkimball Thanks for your reply and comment., now I will check others.
I have the this saw and love it for demolition work and light quick chores - it has become my go to saw for the ATV or around the house. I have gotten more use out of this saw then I ever imagined.
Bar oil is the only issue(s). Mine leaks bar oil when stored or set down on its base. There are lots of online fixes for this problem and maybe Dewalt has already addressed the issue. I just store my saw on its side with the oil cap pointing up to solve the problem. Maybe I will take it apart someday and get the silicone out. The other issue is the amount of bar oil it uses. It certainly lubricates the chain. I suspect the lubrication rate is set high to reduce drag because of the electric motor. Don’t use it is on the driveway or above any surface you don’t want to clean up oil spray from. The chain and bar will never wear for lack of lubrication. You do have to get into the habit of monitoring the oil in the reservoir because unlike a gas saw it you don't top it up with each tank of fuel.
I also own a few commercial Stihl saws and a woodlot - either way it is full PPE with any tool. These battery powered saws are not to be dismissed or taken lightly. I would not use any chainsaw one handed.
It sounds like you have a bad seal on your oil reservoir. It is the spot where oil is meant to seep through to lube the bar. But it should be controlled. It should not be splattering on everything around, nor leaking when sitting, nor going through oil like mad.
Do not simply use silicone to seal this up. There is a specific rubber seal which mounts on or under the tank to help meter and emit the right amount of oil. It's possible that yours might have been installed incorrectly at the factory if its always been that way. I'd look into changing it or having a repair shop change it.
@@RoyatAvalonFarms Thank you for your reply - According to correspondence with DeWalt - “If there has been oil left in the chainsaw after use it will leak a little of the oil. This is normal. They use a gravity feed system. Therefore, a little leaking oil is very normal. It is not defective.”
But a lot of folks are taking the units apart and sealing up every connection on the oil reservoir with silicon / RV sealant. I send along a TH-cam link for your use. th-cam.com/video/kRJ7MESfVp8/w-d-xo.html&lc=UgxwFsjfSVNOIEF0lEd4AaABAg.A-xzkgLtZATA-yJWYoHDYU
I will not say that it goes through oil like mad but it does use considerable more oil than any of my Stihl gas saws. It will leave residue on the ground beneath the cut area. It uses enough oil that I will not use the more expensive biodegradable oil in it.
Aside from the oil leak I LOVE my DeWalt saw. Very dependable and good run time with Flexvolt batteries. I also like the shorter bar for demo work.
@@gregorymacneil2836 thanks for that addendum.
I have the larger Dewalt chain saw and it has replaced my 2 gas powered ones 100%.
I can definitely appreciate a chainsaw; I used to say it was a gal's best friend! Since 2018, I've not had to cut our store of firewood because that's when the Carr fire went through and we've had piles and piles of firewood waiting to be used up, that my husband took off customer's property. Nevertheless, all that to say our liberal state of California government is outlawing all equipment that uses fuel, and making it all rechargeable. Rechargeable is great. My husband uses it constantly on the job site. What I don't like is that California doesn't give the individual the choice what to purchase in stores anymore. We're having tons of rain and are using our now 6 yr old firewood. We just spent time on the big island of Hawaii where it was in the low 80sF. I couldn't wait to get back home to winter. It's extremely expensive there and highways very crowded, though you can find nice beaches. I'd rather have stayed home to prep. Regards from far north California, where I wish it was me cutting up a tree.
Nice video.
I do not own a cordless chainsaw but have heard great reviews aboot them, especially the DeWalt. One benefit from many guys is how quiet they are. Ive seen other videos attesting to that. However, yours sounds very rattly, like its clanking on something inside. I hope it lasts you for many years.