When I got this chain saw, it was much smaller than I expected. However, for its size it cuts through fairly large pieces of wood. I have the Black and Decker Lawn Center so I now have four units that use the same 18 volt battery. That is just outstanding convenience. I use the batteries all of the way down and then put them on B&D's better charger When they are fully charged, I take them right off of the charger. From what I know of this older battery design (like a cordless phone), that is by far the best way to use them. Also, the 'oiler' mechanism on the chain saw doesn't seem to work very well so I use a separate oil can with an adjustable spout to keep the chain and chain bar lubricated. You can hear and see the difference when you keep the cutting mechanism well oiled. Not having to use a gas/oil mixture (or fuel at all!) or drag a cord around is very very liberating, and I now plan ahead to do all of the different chores in one shot instead of making an ordeal out of cutting the lawn, edging, trimming, blowing off excess, etc.
I had two very large, overgrown and browned-out bushes to take out. The gardener that I spoke to said that it would be about $75.00 to cut them down and take them away. It cost me $90.00 for this chain saw, and now I have the tool for the future. Plus one neighbor helped me take down the bushes and the other used a cart on the back of his car to take them away. A little bonding goes a long way. They also know that I will help them in the future with clearing away bushes or trees. Not bad for a $15.00 difference.

I bought this chain saw because my husband had a shoulder injury. We have a lot of woods and this product has become indispensible!! I am not a fan of battery powered equipment and was very skeptical, but we have been using it for about 4 months and are really impressed. It is lightweight, holds a long-lasting charge and gets the job done - even on 5-7 inch pine trees. It can be carried easily out into the woods for clearing all types of branches and saplings. While not a fan of most powered equipment, even I have found that it is simple to use and makes the job so much easier than using a larger pruner or hand saw. Also we have never had the oil drip problem that many have mentioned so I give it an excellent rating!!

Black & Decker 18-Volt Cordless Electric Chain Saw #CCS818 received this item from amazon friday june 6,2008 and filled it with oil. all the oil leaked out the bottom in 5 minutes contacted the help desk who had zero product knowledge "a supervisor will call you" they never did sent online inquiry "we will rush you a new oil tank cap"! oil leaked out bottom where there isn't any cap therefore their solution isn't a solution no chain saw to use for my projects..no solution in hand will return this "oily saw" somehow not a good product to order online as it's difficult to get fixed and a "mess" to return i made a big mistake on this one

I had lost my respect for B&D. However, they have made a remarkable turn around. Their products were getting close to junk status. Not sure who was responsible for the change, but they are now in the front of the pack.

The 18-Volt Cordless Electric Chain Saw is a nice, light and efficient
item. My only suggestion is they should have put it in the 24 Volt
Fire Storm group.

Nice saw. Does what I expected. It is a little slower then a gas model only because of the chain speed. I have used it to cut down and make into firewood 2) 6" diameter trees and still bave plenty of battery left. It does leak chain oil though.