Black+Decker 20V MAX Pole Saw Review: Pros, Cons and Who It’s For

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX pole saw review: the short verdict

The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 sits squarely in the light-duty homeowner category. It pairs a small 8-inch guide bar with a 20V battery platform to handle small overhead limbs, dead branches, and trail clearance without the noise, mixed fuel, or pull cords of a gas pole saw. With the center extension installed, the tool extends to a usable length of 10 ft, giving an estimated working reach of up to 14 ft for someone standing firmly on the turf.

For seasonal yard maintenance, keeping low-hanging limbs away from your woodshed roof, or pruning small branches before cutting firewood, that design makes practical sense. The total listed weight is 10.1 lb, keeping the tool manageable without excessive shoulder strain. The compromises lie in the cutting capacity and listing details: the bar is limited to 6-inch diameter cuts, the oiling system is strictly manual with an included squeeze bottle, and the listing title creates confusion by calling it a 14-inch saw when it actually carries an 8-inch bar.

Key specs

Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on the Amazon listing. The listing title calls this model a 14-inch pole saw, but the bullet points and spec table confirm it features an 8-inch cutting bar and a maximum cutting diameter of 6 inches. The 14-inch label in the title appears to describe the overhead reach of up to 14 ft rather than bar length. The listing also notes an item weight of 10.1 lb, which includes the pole saw and extension. Battery capacity in amp-hours is omitted, though the listing states the battery provides up to 100 cuts of 1 1/2-inch pine branches per charge. The spec table also lists Brushless, a speed of 375 rpm, and 11 teeth, which do not align with standard chainsaw mechanics or the bullet points; trust the title and bullets over those spec table entries.

The saw

What the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX pole saw does well

Working reach without a ladder

Pruning branches from an orchard ladder or leaning step stool is an easy way to take a bad fall. The LPP120 uses a center extension that connects between the handle and the cutting head, allowing a usable length of 6.5 ft without the insert or 10 ft with it. At 10 ft, the tool provides up to 14 ft of overhead reach for an operator working from the ground. Keeping both boots flat on firm soil while cutting overhead limbs is far safer than climbing with a running chain.

Sized right for branch trimming

The 8-inch bar and chain are matched to light yard chores. With a stated maximum cutting diameter of 6 inches, the saw cuts through storm-snapped limbs, overgrown pine boughs, and nuisance branches along property lines. The in-line power-head design keeps the motor aligned with the pole, improving line of sight into dense thickets and keeping the head narrow enough to slip between closely spaced limbs without snagging.

Cordless mobility around the yard

Dragging an outdoor extension cord out to a back fence line or wood storage area is frustrating, and gas pole pruners can be finicky when restarting between cuts. Running on a 20V MAX lithium ion battery, this pole saw starts instantly with a trigger squeeze. The battery holds its charge well while idle, making it convenient to grab for a quick branch cleanup after a windstorm without mixing oil or pulling a cord.

Low-maintenance battery system

The LPP120 is part of the broader BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX tool lineup. If you already maintain other cordless tools on that battery platform, the packs swap across equipment. The kit ships complete with one lithium ion battery, a smart battery charger, an adjustment wrench, an oil bottle, and a protective blade guard, giving you everything needed to assemble the pole and begin pruning.

Limitations

• Misleading listing title. The Amazon title describes this tool as a 14-inch pole saw, which can mislead buyers expecting a long 14-inch cutting bar. The bar is 8 inches, and the 14-inch wording refers to the estimated overhead reach of up to 14 ft.
• Manual chain oiling. Unlike saws with an automatic gear-driven oil pump, this unit requires manual lubrication. An oil bottle is included in the box, and you must apply bar and chain oil directly to the chain teeth by hand before and during cutting sessions.
• Omitted battery capacity. The listing does not state the amp-hour rating of the included 20V battery pack. It claims up to 100 cuts of 1 1/2-inch pine branches per charge, but thicker 6-inch limbs will draw power much faster.
• No chain brake or safety listings. The listing does not state an inertia chain brake, a low-kickback chain standard, or safety certifications such as UL or ETL. Careful handling and proper bar angle are necessary to prevent kickback.
• Conflicting spec table entries. The spec table lists a speed of 375 rpm, a straight blade shape, and 11 teeth, which do not match standard chainsaw specifications and appear to be copied from other tool listings. Trust the title and bullets for actual saw capabilities.

How we scored it

The Woodlot Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The full method is on our How We Pick page.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

Who should buy the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX pole saw, and who should skip it

Buy it if

• You have suburban trees or orchard branches needing seasonal pruning up to 6 inches thick.
• You want up to 14 ft of overhead reach while keeping both boots firmly on the ground.
• You prefer lightweight battery convenience around the yard over gas engine maintenance.
• You want a complete kit backed by a stated 2 Year Limited Warranty.

Skip it if

• You regularly buck fallen firewood rounds or need to prune limbs thicker than 6 inches. Look at our best battery chainsaw for homeowners guide instead.
• You want automatic chain oiling so you do not have to stop and lubricate the bar by hand.
• You have extensive timber to clear. A dedicated pruning tool from our best battery operated pole saw roundup offers more power.
• You need commercial-grade build quality with metal drive components and certified safety features.

Alternatives to consider

Craftsman V20 Pole Saw. If you want another common homeowner platform, read our Craftsman V20 pole saw review. It also runs on a 20V battery system, offering an alternative for homeowners invested in that brand ecosystem.

Greenworks 40V Pole Saw. For larger properties or thicker branches that require more cutting speed than an entry-level tool provides, the Greenworks 40V pole saw review covers a higher-voltage option with extra power for stubborn trimming.

Dedicated Trimming Saws. If you want to compare several cordless and manual pole options before deciding, check our roundup of the best pole saw for trimming for a side-by-side view of reachable heights and bar lengths.

Safety and gear

Working with any chain saw overhead introduces unique hazards from falling limbs, kickback, and pinch points. Never stand directly beneath the branch being severed; position yourself well off to the side so falling wood swings clear. Always wear a hard hat or forestry helmet with a face shield, safety glasses, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, and non-skid boots. Check our chainsaw safety gear checklist for a complete rundown of protective equipment. Because this saw lacks an automatic oiler, check chain lubrication frequently, and sharpen the teeth with a tool from our best chainsaw sharpener guide to prevent forcing a dull chain into the wood. Never use a pole saw near overhead electrical utility wires; hire a qualified utility arborist for branches near power lines, and never work alone.

Around the Woodpile

• Break the pole saw down into its sections after cleaning off sap and wood chips so it stores flat on a high shelf away from ground moisture in your woodshed.
• Always slip the included blade guard over the 8-inch bar and chain before stowing the tool or hauling it in a utility cart across the property.
• Because the saw uses manual oiling rather than an automatic pump, keep the included oil bottle full and lubricate the chain before each pruning session.
• Store the 20V MAX battery pack in a dry shop or shed away from moisture between seasonal trimming tasks to protect its overall service life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick of a branch can the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX pole saw cut?

The listing states an 8-inch cutting bar and chain with a maximum cutting diameter of 6 inches. For clean cuts and to prevent the bar from binding in green wood, branches under 6 inches in diameter are recommended.

How far can the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX pole saw reach?

The pole saw connects with a center extension to provide a usable length of 6.5 ft without the extension or 10 ft with it. At the 10 ft length, the manufacturer states it provides an overhead reach of up to 14 ft for an average operator standing upright on the ground.

Does the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 pole saw have an automatic oiler?

No. The listing does not mention an automatic oil reservoir or pump. The kit includes an oil bottle and wrench, meaning you must lubricate the chain manually by pouring oil over the bar and chain before and during use.

How many cuts does the battery provide per charge?

According to the listing, the 20V MAX lithium ion battery provides up to 100 cuts of 1 1/2-inch pine branches on a full charge. The listing does not state the amp-hour capacity of the included battery, so larger limbs will reduce run time.

What warranty is included with the BLACK+DECKER LPP120?

The listing spec table specifies a 2 Year Limited Warranty from Stanley Black and Decker. Keep your receipt and register the tool after purchase to support warranty claims.

Related guides

Compare more cordless tree trimmers in our best battery operated pole saw guide, see dedicated trimming tools in the best pole saw for trimming roundup, explore options for yard work in the best battery chainsaw for homeowners review, and browse all saws on our chainsaws hub.