BLACK+DECKER 8 inch LPP120 Chainsaw: In-Depth Review and Customer Opinions

The BLACK+DECKER 8-Inch Cordless Chainsaw (model LPP120) is a compact yet powerful lithium ion battery-powered chainsaw designed for light-duty tasks around the home. This chainsaw features an 8-inch low-kickback bar and chain which can cut branches and logs up to 5 inches thick.

Key features and specs:

• 8" low-kickback bar and chain
• 20V Max lithium ion battery provides long runtime
• Tool-free chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Automatic oiling system for bar and chain lubrication
• Weighs just 6.39 lbs for easy maneuverability
• Wrap-around bale handle for comfort and control
• Includes battery and charger

The LPP120 combines portability and convenience with sufficient cutting power for basic property maintenance and firewood cutting. Its cordless design and lightweight build make it easy to use for extended periods. With proper care and maintenance, this chainsaw can provide reliable service for home DIY tasks.

Design

The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 cordless chainsaw features a compact and lightweight design perfect for occasional use around your property. Weighing only 5.2 pounds with the battery, this chainsaw is easy to maneuver and carry.

The LPP120 chainsaw has an 8-inch bar and chain, providing enough cutting capacity to handle small trees, branches, and logs up to 6 inches thick. The bar and chain are Oregon low-kickback components, known for quality and safety.

One unique aspect of the design is the lithium-ion battery pack, which provides cordless convenience without the power fade you may experience on some batteries. The tool-free chain tension system also makes it simple to adjust chain tension when needed.

With its streamlined and thoughtfully designed body, the LPP120 chainsaw is an ideal portable saw for basic property maintenance tasks. The compact size and cordless power system let you bring the saw right to the job.

Power and Cutting Ability

The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 cordless chainsaw is powered by a high-performance 20V MAX lithium-ion battery. This provides plenty of power for cutting through branches up to 8 inches thick, which is substantial for a compact, handheld saw.

The battery can fully charge in just 5 hours, and runtime is up to 60 4x4 pine lumber cuts per charge. This is an impressive amount of cutting time from a single charge. The instant start feature allows you to power on the chainsaw and begin cutting with just the press of a button.

At the heart of the saw is a rugged 8-inch steel chain and bar. The chain design helps prevent kickback, and automatically oils itself to reduce friction and overheating. The chain tension can be adjusted tool-free, allowing you to dial in the perfect tightness.

With its powerful electric motor, long-running battery, and 8-inch cutting capacity, the LPP120 provides plenty of cutting muscle in a lightweight, compact size. Whether trimming trees or cutting firewood, it has the power to get the job done.

Ease of Use

The Black+Decker LPP120 cordless chainsaw is designed with ease of use in mind. At just 8 pounds, it is lightweight and manageable for most users. The compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Users report that the rear handle has a comfortable grip, making the saw easy to hold securely. The front handle is adjustable, allowing you to get the best angle for the cutting task. The chain brake also activates quickly if any kickback occurs.

Starting up the chainsaw is straightforward with the push-button start. Once running, it idles smoothly and has good throttle response. The automatic oiling system means you don't have to manually lubricate the chain.

Overall, the compact size, light weight, ergonomic handles, and smooth operation make this an easy to use cordless chainsaw suitable for light duty homeowner tasks. The intuitive controls and safety features allow even first-time chainsaw users to operate it with confidence.

Safety Features

The Black & Decker LPP120 cordless chainsaw comes equipped with several key safety features to help prevent injury.

Kickback Prevention

Kickback is one of the most common and dangerous chainsaw accidents. It occurs when the tip of the saw blade catches on wood while cutting, causing the bar to suddenly jerk back towards the operator.

To reduce the risk of kickback, the LPP120 utilizes a low-kickback chain design that has a smaller raker depth to help prevent the teeth from digging in too deeply. The chain's depth gauges ahead of each cutter limit the size of the wood chips being removed. This helps maintain a smooth cutting action.

Chain Brake

The LPP120 also includes an inertia activated chain brake that is designed to stop the chain in milliseconds if a kickback occurs. A flywheel inside the motor housing detects a sudden change in momentum and applies the brake, bringing the chain to a halt. This quick reaction time can prevent serious injury.

The chain brake also activates if the rear hand guard pushes forward, such as if your hand slips off the handle and makes contact. This provides an added layer of protection.

Low-Kickback Chain

In addition to the chain brake, the LPP120 comes standard with a low-kickback chain. It has a contoured depth gauge and guard link design to deflect kickback force and allow wood to gradually ride into each cutter.

This reduces the likelihood of a tooth digging in and rotating back towards the operator unexpectedly. The low-kickback chain provides an important line of defense against hazardous kickbacks.

Runtime and Charging

The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 cordless chainsaw comes equipped with a 20V MAX lithium ion battery that provides ample runtime for most homeowners' pruning and cutting needs. The battery has no memory effect, so you can recharge it at any time without diminishing its capacity.

According to BLACK+DECKER, you can expect up to 60 minutes of runtime when using the included 2.0Ah battery. This is sufficient to make dozens of cuts on smaller branches and trees. For larger jobs, it would be wise to invest in a second battery so you can swap it out once the first runs low without any downtime.

The LPP120 uses BLACK+DECKER's patented LithiumFAST charger, which can fully recharge the 2.0Ah battery in just 1 hour. This rapid charging allows you to top off the battery between jobs or have it ready to go the next time you need the chainsaw. The charger plugs into a standard 120V household outlet.

An extra battery and charger can be purchased separately to expand the system. However, the saw only comes with one battery included in the box. Having a second battery ($30-40) is highly recommended for those expecting heavier usage.

Maintenance

The LPP120 requires some routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are a few key maintenance tasks:

Chain Tensioning

• Check the chain tension regularly. There should be only a little up and down movement in the chain (about 1/8 inch).
• Use the side access chain tensioning knob to adjust the chain tension as needed. Turn it clockwise to tighten a loose chain.
• Make sure not to overtighten, as this can damage the bar and chain.

Bar and Chain Oiling

• Check the chain oil tank and refill it as needed. Running the saw without adequate oil will quickly damage the bar and chain.
• Inspect the oil delivery system periodically. Clean out any clogs so oil can flow freely to lubricate the chain.
• Use only high-quality bar and chain oil designed for chainsaws. Regular motor oil is too thick and vegetable oil is too thin for adequate lubrication.

Cleaning

• Keep the bar groove clean and free of debris so the chain can ride smoothly.
• Wipe off any excess sawdust and residue from the saw body, chain brake, and handle areas after each use.
• Avoid using high-pressure water or steam cleaners directly on the saw, as this can push debris into internal parts.
• Clean the air filter periodically to prevent power loss. Replace the filter when excessively dirty.

Following regular chain tensioning, oiling, and cleaning will extend the life of this chainsaw and allow it to operate safely and efficiently.

Price

The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 8-Inch Cordless Lithium Ion Chainsaw is priced very competitively for an electric chainsaw of its size and capabilities. At around $75-90 USD (depending on discounts and sales), it is on the lower end of the price range for comparable 8-inch battery-powered chainsaws. Models from brands like Dewalt, Makita, and Ego tend to be priced from $100 to over $200 for cordless chainsaws with similar cutting capacities. So the LPP120 represents a great value for an entry-level battery-powered chainsaw that still provides reliable cutting power. The lower price makes this a great choice for homeowners or occasional DIY users who want the convenience of a cordless chainsaw without a huge investment. While professional users may want something more heavy-duty, the LPP120 hits a nice balance of price and performance for smaller pruning and cutting jobs around the yard. Overall, it's a very competitively priced model in the compact cordless electric chainsaw category.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to maneuver
• Powerful 8-inch bar and chain can cut through thicker branches
• Tool-less chain tensioning for quick adjustments
• Automatic oiling system requires less maintenance
• 20V Lithium Ion battery holds a charge longer
• Quiet operation compared to gas chainsaws

Cons

• May lack power for cutting very large logs
• Battery life can be limited during prolonged use
• Doesn't work while charging the battery
• Plastic housing could be more durable for heavy use
• Only compatible with BLACK+DECKER 20V Max batteries

Conclusion

The BLACK+DECKER LPP120 8-inch cordless lithium chainsaw is a lightweight and compact option well-suited for light-duty homeowner use. With its 20V Max lithium ion battery, it provides sufficient power for trimming branches and cutting small logs up to 6 inches thick. The tool-free chain tension system and automatic oiling make the LPP120 easy to use, while the wrap-around bale handle enhances control and maneuverability.

Safety features like a low-kickback chain and hand guard add an extra level of protection. Battery life is decent, providing up to 150 cuts per charge. With no fuel or pull cords to deal with, the LPP120 offers a convenient electric alternative to gas chainsaws. While it doesn't have the rugged durability or raw power of professional-grade models, the LPP120 gets top marks for being a versatile and lightweight cordless chainsaw suitable for basic property maintenance tasks.

Overall, the BLACK+DECKER LPP120 is an affordable and user-friendly electric chainsaw that makes a practical choice for homeowners. It combines solid cutting capacity with handy cordless operation and safety enhancements. For light-duty cutting jobs around the home, the LPP120 is a great value purchase.