BLACK+DECKER LCS1240B Chainsaw Review

In this Black and Decker LCS1240B review, I’ll go over what makes this model one of the manufacturer’s biggest sellers, despite its compact design. While it’s cordless it does provide the type of power you need for basic yard maintenance and small DIY projects. This chainsaw is not pro quality, but it can be the perfect choice for small jobs around the home, which is what some buyers are looking for.

Our Verdict: If you’re not looking for a heavy-duty saw, and instead, you need a model that can handle pruning and trimming jobs around the yard, and a model that will come in handy when you’re doing some basic yard maintenance, then this model is it. It’s not able to slice through wood that’s thicker than eight inches, however, it does an efficient job when it comes to ripping through smaller branches. The fact that its battery powered means that you don’t have to worry about access to an outlet or using a long extension cord. The cordless design makes overhead work safer and easier, especially considering the saw’s lightweight design. However, because it’s battery powered you’ll also have to keep the runtime in mind as you work. Additionally, this model doesn’t come with a battery or a charger, so you’ll also have to factor in that extra expense. Overall, if you’re looking for an efficient, compact and lightweight saw that can handle the small stuff around the yard or in your workshop, this model is a steal for the price.

Overview and Features

Black and Decker is a company that’s known for producing low cost, reliable appliances and power tools. Their latest model to hit the market isn’t loaded with features, instead, it’s pretty basic in design. However, this also makes it more user friendly. The lack of a cord combined with the lightweight design also make this model a cinch to use.

While it’s not quite as impressive as some pro quality saws, this model is designed to handle all those important jobs around the yard. This is a battery-powered model, with a lightweight design that promotes longer use, and a tool-less chain tensioning system that makes using this saw a a more streamlined process.

Design

This model is not able to cut through massive pieces of wood, most battery-powered chainsaws just aren’t. Because of this, some buyers may find using this saw a little limiting. However, it does do a great job of handling smaller jobs around the yard such as pruning, trimming, and yard cleanup. The lightweight design promotes longer use and better overhead work. The hand grip is coated with a thick soft rubber coating. The hand grip design does an excellent job of minimizing vibration. An automatic oiling system ensures the chain doesn’t overheat, you just have to keep an eye on the oil reservoir and make sure it’s full before use. The saw doesn’t come with a blade brake, you’ll only find a plastic front handguard. Additionally, the bucking spikes are also made out of plastic, so users won’t have much leverage when working with larger diameter wood.

Battery

This model’s biggest advantage is the fact that it’s battery powered. This means it’s highly portable, so you can take it all over the yard and you won’t be tied down by a short cord. The charge time is decent at 120 minutes, with an average of sixty cuts per charge. So, you can expect a runtime of thirty to forty minutes. Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a battery or charger, so you’ll have to purchase both separately.

Power

This model is equipped with a brushed motor and runs on a forty-volt battery that provides just enough power to handle small jobs around the yard or in the workshop, without the need of two-cycle fuel. Firing up the saw is as easy as inserting the forty-volt battery, pulling on the lock off button using a thumb and then pulling the trigger. There’s a one-second start delay for start up, however, this is pretty common with battery powered models.

Tool-less Chain Tensioning

The chain tension is controlled using a two-step process that involves loosening the bar in order to adjust the locking knob found on the right side. This allows the user to tight the tensioning knob in order to ensure the chain has the proper tension. Ideally, the goal is a max of 1/8” of give on the bottom of the chain when it’s tugged on. When the chain is let go it should snap right back into place. The chain requires only a little give since it will expand and stretch once it heats up during use.

Oil Reservoir

Adding oil to the chain is simple, thanks to the built-in oil reservoir and the self-oiling design. All you have to do is fill the oil in the tank, look through the transparent plastic window found on the right and left side of the saw and keep a close eye on the oil level, especially before you fire up the saw for the day. There’s also an integrated filter which is designed to catch any large debris. Unfortunately, the manufacturer didn’t include any type of strap for the cap, so misplacing the cap to the reservoir is easy to do.

Bar

This model is equipped with a twelve-inch Oregon bar, so you know it’s durable, but the shorter size will be very limiting in terms of the size of wood this saw is able to handle. This may not be a drawback for the homeowner who simply needs a model that can handle small jobs in the yard or in the garage, however those who are looking for a heavy-duty saw that they can use to fell small trees will need to keep looking.

Max Cutting Capacity

The manufacturer claims that this model has a maximum cutting capacity of twelve inches. However, in the field, most people have reported that the saw is only able to cut wood that’s eight inches in diameter and under. As you can see, that’s a far cry from the twelve inches of cutting capacity that the manufacturer reported. This limited cutting capacity is a big deal for buyers with larger properties that are in need of a saw that’s more powerful, unfortunately, if you attempt to cut wood that’s larger than eight inches, you’ll find that the saw stalls out and has a hard time making an efficient cut.

Performance

Unlike the competing model, the Husqvarna 20 Inch 455 Rancher, which features a longer bar at twenty inches, compared to this model’s twelve-inch bar, this saw by Black and Decker can easily become bogged down when you attempt to cut through larger diameter branches at eight inches and higher. This model just doesn’t have much extra power, so it can stall out if you’re not careful and attempt to saw through wood that’s bigger than it can handle. Engaging the plastic bucking spikes and then angling the saw gently downward is the best way to cut with this model. However, make sure you don’t apply too much force, otherwise the saw will stall out. When you apply a significant amount of pressure or you attempt to cut too fast, the saw is going to stall. When it does stall, all you have to do is fire it up again and it’ll get right back to work. During use, you’ll find that it does an efficient job of cutting anything eight-inches in diameter or smaller.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Conclusion and Rating

Our Rating: (4/5)

The Black and Decker LCS1240B cordless chainsaw is lacking when it comes to power, which can be a deal breaker for the potential buyer in search of a battery powered model that offers enough power to handle wood over eight inches in diameter. But while this saw isn’t designed for pro use, it does do an efficient job slicing through wood that’s eight inches in diameter or less. Until you get the hang of using it, you’ll find that it can easily stall out if you try slicing through thicker wood or you apply too much force. While the saw can’t compete with bigger, more powerful models, it offers a solid performance for the homeowner or DIYer in need of a portable saw that can handle smaller jobs. I gave this model a rating of four out of five stars.