The WORX WG322 has enough power for the needs of most homeowners. A compact (6.2 lbs) 20V battery-powered chainsaw designed for light-duty tree trimming, pruning and cutting firewood. Overall, a great value.
Every homeowner should have a chainsaw sitting in their garage. It’s definitely the most useful power tool you’ll ever own. Not only will it let you tackle a lot of different tasks, but you’ll finish them quicker than ever before too. Also, chainsaws are a lot safer than you think.
You won’t run into any difficulties operating a battery-powered model like the WORX WG322. Cordless chainsaws are hugely popular at the moment. We can discuss why they’re better than corded and gas models in a while. First, let’s look at a few of the best ones available right now:
WORX WG322 Chainsaw
10-Inch — 20-volt battery-powered chainsaw
Features:
- Automatic, tool-free chain tension system
- Automatic chain Lubrication with oil lever indicator
- Compact and light weight design
- Includes Battery indicator for quick Battery life review.
- 20V Battery and charger included. Share Battery across multiple WORX tools within the 20V
- power share platform
Documents for the WORX WG322 :
- ✓ View or download the MANUAL
- ✓ Read the original press release on Sept 12, 2017
Overview
The Positec Tool Corporation was founded nearly 25 years ago, but in the beginning they only supplied parts to huge brands. WORX finally came to fruition over a decade ago and they’ve been manufacturing their own power tools ever since. The WORX WG322 is a huge deal because it’s the first time they’ve released a battery-powered chainsaw.
You’ll notice it’s extremely affordable, but it’s still good enough to keep up with its competitors. It has some great features that you typically find on more expensive models. For example, when it’s up and running oil will be dispersed evenly along the chain automatically. If it’s lubricated at all times you’ll end up with smoother cuts and it won’t overheat. The included oil level indicator will let you know when it needs to be filled up.
Pro Tip: Once your chainsaw arrives you should begin by cutting small logs. You can move onto bigger pieces when you’ve learned to handle the tool. It’s good to know if the bar is lubricated enough and the tension is correct before moving onto more challenging tasks.
VIDEO | See the WORX WG322 in Action
Tech Specs:
- Rated Voltage : 20V Max
- Chain Speed : 12.5ft/s
- Oil tank capacity : 4.5 ounces
- Chain Pitch : 3/8″
- Chain Gauge : 0.043″
- Chain Links : 40
- MACHINE WEIGHT : 6.2 LBS
- Charging Time : 5hrs
- Warranty : 3 Years
BLACK+DECKER LCS1020
10-Inch — 20V Max Battery Chainsaw
Features:
- 10-Inch low kickback bar and chain
- Auto-Oiling mechanism.
- 10 in OREGON low-kickback bar and chain for smooth and fast cuts
- Tool-less chain tensioning for fast and easy adjustments
- Clear oil gauge window enables you to see oil level easily.
- High performance 12 amp motor is quiet
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020.
Overview
If you’re looking for a cordless chainsaw with an excellent battery the BLACK+DECKER LCS1020 is a great choice. They’ve really went above and beyond in this department. The runtime should be long enough to help you finish most tasks in one fell swoop. Once fully charged your battery will be able to cut through 1.5-inch branches roughly 150 times.
Unfortunately, the 20-volt Max lithium-ion battery does take a long time to recharge. There is an easy way to double the amount of work you’ll be able to do. If you keep a spare battery you’ll always be able to have one charging up at any time.
It’s recommended you recharge your batteries as soon as they’ve been used. Don’t worry about them running out of juice while they’re sitting in your garage. BLACK+DECKER 20-volt Max batteries are designed to last around 5 times longer than usual before they begin to lose their charge.
DEWALT DCCS620B
12-inch — 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw
Features:
- Low kick back 12 in. Oregon bar and chain for construction and outdoor cutting applications
- Compact, lightweight design (9 lbs. with battery) for maximum user control
- High-efficiency brushless motor maximizes runtime and motor life
- Up to 90 cuts per charge on 4×4 pressure treated wood (using a 20V MAX* 5Ah battery)
- Tool-free chain tensioning and bar tightening knob for proper bar clamping force
- Part of the 20V MAX* system of tools
- Bare Tool: Battery and charger not included
Every chainsaw we’ve looked at so far is equipped with a 10-inch bar. The DEWALT DCCS620B model comes with a 12-inch Oregon bar and chain. It might seem like an insignificant difference right now, but an extra 2 inches will come in very handy. You will be able to tackle branches you would normally have to cut through twice.
The chainsaw weighs a total of 8.8 pounds, which is around 20 percent heavier than the WORX WG322. Even though it’s still light your arms will fatigue quicker when you’re holding it for a long time. Luckily, it has a low kickback bar and chain. There is less chance it’s going to kick back towards you while you’re working.
Pro Tip: Safety glasses and gloves are the most important things you should be wearing while operating a chainsaw. They’ll give you more control while preventing flying chips from hurting you. A helmet, protective footwear, and ear defenders are beneficial too.
Chainsaw chaps are definitely useful in case you do accidentally fall victim to kickbacks, so wear them when possible. Here are the styles and protection levels you should pay close attention to:
• Type A (Front Protection)
• Type C (Front + Rear Protection)
• Class 1 (20 meters per second)
• Class 2 (24 meters per second)
Why Buy A Cordless Chainsaw?
So far we’ve looked at two cordless chainsaws, but there are quality corded and gas models as well. Each particular kind comes with its own advantages, but cordless models give you the best of both worlds. Let’s put it to the test by comparing them to each other in various categories:
Battery-Power (Cordless) vs. Corded-Electric Chainsaws
You’ll Have A Lot More Freedom – Corded chainsaws need to be plugged into an outlet when in use. If there isn’t any available you won’t be able to turn it on. Even when your chainsaw is plugged in it won’t be able to go very far unless you have a long extension cord.
Models like the WORX WG322 will offer you complete freedom because you’ll be able to take them anywhere with you. It’s one of the main reasons why people like gas-powered chainsaws, but now you won’t have to carry spare gasoline around.
You Can Work During An Outage – If you live somewhere prone to bad weather you’ll eventually wake up to a disaster. There will be trees lying around your garden and the power won’t work. If you own a corded electric chainsaw you’ll be in trouble.
At least you’ll be able to clear up the mess if you own a cordless chainsaw. Make sure your batteries are always charged and you won’t be left helpless in an emergency.
Powerful Battery Chainsaw (36.5V) | Husqvarna 120i (14″)
Corded Models Have Extra Costs – Gas-powered chainsaws have extra costs because you’ll need to keep spare gasoline on hand. Everyone tends to forget corded chainsaws have extra costs too. A generator and extension cords spring to mind. Generators will need to be filled with gasoline.
Small electric chainsaws don’t have a high amp rating, so you’ll be able to choose a cord with a higher gauge (lighter duty). A 25-foot cord is good when you’re cutting logs close to your home, and a 100-foot one helps when pruning trees on the other side of your garden. All these extra accessories soon add up.
You Want To Be In Full Control – When you’re operating a chainsaw you want to let it cut rather than pressing it into the wood. It’s awkward trying to do this when you’ve got an extension cord pulling you sideways all the time.
A chainsaw like the WORX WG322 will always leave you in full control. If you do feel like you’re being pulled to the side while operating a cordless model there might be a problem with the chain (dull teeth, uneven teeth, etc.)
Pro Tip: Even when you’re in full control of the chainsaw you can’t let your mind wander. A high level of concentration is absolutely crucial. Don’t be afraid to take breaks if you need them.
Battery-Powered (Cordless) vs. Gas Chainsaws
The Weight Difference Is Huge – Gas-powered chainsaws are amazing when it comes to heavy-duty cutting. If you’re a professional nothing else will come close. It’s an entirely different ballgame if you’re a regular homeowner. You won’t need anywhere near as much power cutting shrubs.
A basic cordless chainsaw will usually be about half the weight of a gas-powered one. Part of the reason why they’re lighter is because they’ll be comprised of less parts.
Luckily, this means cordless models like the WORX WG322 will be much easier to maintain. You won’t have to deal with things like carburetors, spark plugs, and air filters. The only thing you’ll need to do is keep it clean, which shouldn’t take you very long.
A Gas Chainsaw is best for experienced users | Makita EA3201SRBB
It’s Much Safer On Your Ears – If you want to protect your ears a cordless chainsaw is the number one choice. They normally fall into the 60-85 decibel range, which is around 10-30 decibels quieter than gas-powered chainsaws. These figures will only make sense if you know how decibel ratings actually work.
- 10 Decibels Higher = 2X Louder
- 20 Decibels Higher = 4X Louder
- 30 Decibels Higher = 8X Louder
As a general rule, cordless models are normally 10 decibels quieter than similar gas models. Even though you should still wear ear protection, your hearing won’t be damaged beyond repair if you don’t.
Gas Models Are Tough To Start – Gas models are tougher on your body for a number of different reasons. We’ve already mentioned the fact they’re around twice as heavy. They will fatigue you by vibrating a lot more too. None of these are more annoying than getting your gas chainsaw to start.
You’ll need to pull on a starter cord several times until the engine fires up. You might even need to play around with a master control lever, primer bulb, and chain brake before you get going. If you own a WORX WG322 you’ll simply need to press a button.
You Can Protect The Environment – A study was carried out between 2010 and 2012 that focused on highway maintenance workers. They found dangerous emissions from small tools like chainsaws was more damaging to their health than the heavy traffic. In other words, breathing in chainsaw fumes isn’t good for you.
It’s also deadly for the environment, which has enough problems to deal with in this day and age. Gas chainsaws might not be the leading cause of climate change, but they’re not doing the world any favors. Cordless models don’t emit any toxic fumes whatsoever.
Chainsaw Safety Protection
You know about the safety equipment you should use and the dangers you face. Read your instruction manual carefully and it will help you stay safe. The US Product Safety Commission worked out where people were getting injured over the course of a year, so these figures might come in useful:
- Head Injuries – 3,418
- Upper Body Area – 2,141
- Arm And Hand Area – 17,994
- Leg Area – 16,348
- Foot Area – 2,885
WORX WG322 — Great Little Chainsaw for your Yard
If you’ve never used a chainsaw before you’ll love the WORX WG322. Any of the other battery-powered models we’ve looked at today will work too. They’re small enough to build up your confidence using chainsaws, plus they’re powerful enough to handle any garden tasks you can throw at them.
Hopefully you realize cordless models are the way forward at this moment in time. Now you just have to decide which one you’re going to buy. Before doing anything else you should read all the unbiased reviews on Amazon. They’ll help make your decision a lot easier.