Well the spring snow storms are finally ending here in the Midwest. The sun is out, buds are blooming, we are finally ready to step outside…to the busted branches, misshapen shrubs, and the tree you promised is coming down this year. Good news, four new SKIL OPE tools designed for shearing, pruning, and cutting have arrived to help you make your yard ready for all the spring and summer parties.

Today we’re sharing with you the four new SKIL OPE’s, their features, prices, and where to buy them. Let’s get to it.

New SKIL OPE

• 20V Shear/Shrubber
• 20V Pruning Saw
• 20V Telescopic Pruning Saw
• 40V Chainsaw

SKIL 20V Cordless Shear/Shrubber

SKIL OPE 20V Shear/Shrubber

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• Product Name: SKIL 20V Cordless Shear & Shrub 2-in-1 Kit
• Model #: GH1000B-00
• Features: 2-in-1 shear/shrubber kit with easy tool-free blade change between 5 in. grass blade and 8 in. shrub shears. The intentional compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for one-handed use or use in tight spaces.
• Price: $99
• Where to Buy: Amazon.

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SKIL 20V 6 in. Pruning Saw

SKIL OPE 20V 6 in. Pruning Saw

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• Product Name: SKIL 20V 6 in. Pruning Saw
• Model #: PR0600B-00
• Features: Compact and lightweight pruner that delivers up to 115 cuts per charge. Added chain life from auto-lubricated chain, and holds up in weather thanks to IPX4 Water Resistance rating.
• Price: $129
• Where to Buy: Amazon.

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SKIL 20V 6 in. Telescopic Pruning Saw

SKIL 20V 6 in. Telescopic Pruning Saw

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• Product Name: SKIL 20V 6 in. Telescopic Pruning Saw
• Model #: PR0601B-00
• Features: 2.8 ft. in adjustable length adds up to 7 ft. of cutting reach. Compact and lightweight for user control and delivers up to 115 cuts per charge. Ideal for light pruning needs. Added chain life from auto-lubricated chain, and holds up in wet weather thanks to IPX4 Water Resistance rating.
• Price: $149
• Where to Buy: Coming soon to the SKIL Amazon Store.
• Learn More: SKIL product listing.

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SKIL 40V 18 in. Chainsaw

SKIL 40V 18 in. Chainsaw

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• Product Name: SKIL Brushless 40V 18 in. Chain Saw
• Model #: CS1800C-00
• Features: Power equivalent to a 40cc gas chainsaw, has a 32 in. cut capacity, and auto-lubricating chain for extended chain life. IPX4 Water Resistance rating keeps the chainsaw going despite the weather.
• Price: $299
• Where to Buy: Amazon.

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Advantages of SKIL OPE & Power Tools

There are quite a few reasons that put SKIL OPE ahead of competitors.

Affordable Quality

For one, SKIL is competitively priced with other OPE brands while maintaining dependable quality. So even if SKIL OPE products aren’t the cheapest on the market, the price is still reasonable and you’re guaranteed quality performance.

SKIL Power Tools Lineup

SKIL doesn’t just make OPE. SKIL is actually known for its large collection of power tools. Not all OPE brands carry power tools as well. The advantage here is that your SKIL OPE and power tools can share the same batteries, which can save you hundreds of dollars from the get-go.

Designed for the Everyday User

SKIL originally made professional-grade tools and products but switched to focusing on the everyday DIY’er. Since that change, SKIL OPE and tools have been designed with the everyday consumer in mind. SKIL also doesn’t cut back on performance to accommodate a less experienced user. Instead, SKIL focuses on the ease of use so beginners are comfortable using the products and can grow their skills and confidence quickly.

These are just a few of the key advantages of SKIL OPE over other brands.

What’s Next for SKIL OPE?

SKIL has been on a steady track of new releases for all of its power tools and OPE. This includes everything from small hand tools to large tools and OPE. Some of the items today were direct improvements from previous models.

So tell us: what’s next for SKIL OPE? What products would you like to see the brand release? Let us know in the comments.

The post 4 New SKIL OPE for Spring 2024 appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to outdoor power equipment (OPE), EGO is the front runner.  Since 2014 they have been not only known for quality but also for their innovation and large, extensive line of products in their 56V line-up.  Today they are adding another tool to their ever-popular line-up, the EGO Pole Saw which is a 10″ telescopic pole saw.

EGO Pole Saw Information

• Name – EGO POWER+ 10″ TELESCOPIC POLE SAW
• Model – PS1001
• EGO Reviews – EGO Reviews

Thoughts

When it comes to innovation, this EGO has something cool up its sleeve.  This is the first pole saw that incorporates a LED Cut Line indicator which is key when working in dark, low-light, or shaded areas.

The pole saw is powered by a single 56V EGO battery which offers some of the best power and run time on the market.

The carbon fiber shaft can be broken down into two sections for easy transport and storage.

Putting the two sections together is quick, easy, and tool-free. Just line up, click into place, and then turn the tightening handle on the shaft.

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The telescoping shaft can reach up to 16′ in length and because it has a carbon fiber shaft, it is still 30% lighter than other pole saws in this class.

The head is straightforward and uses a D-handle design making it easy to use when fully extended.

The pole saw is equipped with a 10″ bar and chain.

The saw has a clear oil tank to easily see how much chain oil is left in the unit.

As far as the limb hook with teeth, it is metal for better control.

The tool also utilizes a tool-free chain tensioner.

If you need to change or access the chain, the cover comes off without any tools so it’s very easy to access.

Wrap up

Bottom line, if you are looking for a quality OPE line to get into, EGO is the way to go.  This EGO POWER+ 10″ TELESCOPIC POLE SAW is just another example of why EGO is top dog.  The quality and ease of use, plus its power make this a great addition to their large line of 56V OPE tools.

The post EGO Pole Saw – Power+ 10″ Telescopic appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

You gotta love a good pole saw. Being able to trim up your shrubs and trees without the hassles and risks of using a traditional chainsaw up on a ladder makes that unpopular task so much easier. And it’s even better when you do not have to pull-start your chainsaw while up on that ladder. The SKIL 20V Pole Saw is the newest addition to SKIL’s PWRCORE 20 OPE line-up. We used this flexible-length, battery-powered pole saw to trim up some of our trees and shrubs, let’s see if it has the power and performance we needed.

SKIL 20V Pole Saw Overview

SKIL offers just under ten OPE’s in their PWRCORE 20 line-up. This SKIL 20V Pole Saw is the newest addition and was more than adequate for what I needed to do. SKIL also offers a more robust 10 in., 40V brushless version that has a telescopic shaft instead of the 20V’s 3-piece version. It is also slightly larger and heavier than the SKIL 20V Pole Saw.

SKIL 20V Pole Saw Features

The kit includes the SKIL Pole Saw Model PS4563B-10 two-piece saw assembly, a 3.5 ft. extension shaft, a blade sheath, shoulder strap, storage bracket, U Link, 20V 2.0Ah battery, and a 60W charger. The assembly of this lightweight (8.9 lbs.), cordless, pole saw was fairly standard, without any notable issues.

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The power is supplied by a SKIL PWRCORE 20 2.0Ah battery and PWRJUMP charger. I was able to run it for just under an hour before I needed to recharge the battery. The charger’s PWRJUMP technology will take the battery from zero to a 25% charge in about five minutes, which allowed me to finish the job.

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This pole saw has two assembly options. The two-piece stock pole is approximately 6.5 ft. When you also utilize the aluminum 3.5 ft. extendable shaft you can reach up to 10 ft.

The bar length is 8″. The chain is 0.043″ gauge and 0.375″ pitch.

Shown here is the control for tool-less chain tension adjustment and the chain sheath lock.

The saw requires standard bar and chain oil and is auto-lubricating. The oil level can easily be viewed through the oil-inspection window.

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When I used it with the extension pole, at its maximum length of 10 ft., to cut some higher branches, the 135° pivoting head and tree hook provided secure placement of the saw.

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There are two grip locations, the rubberized rear handle and a padded section of the shaft.  With a hand at each location, I felt I could securely operate the saw. For safety, there is a lock-off button on top of the handle, above the trigger, that must be depressed to start the saw.

SKIL 20V Pole Saw Performance

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The SKIL 20V Pole Saw easily cut through branches up to about six inches. It was convenient to have the shoulder strap and it felt well balanced, even at its maximum length of 10 ft.

SKIL 20V Pole Saw Value

Compared to comparable 20V pole saws on the market, this one is competitively priced. Another plus is SKIL provides a 3 Year Warranty, and if you register within 30 days you get a 5 Year Warranty (battery & chargers are two years). The SKIL 20V Pole Saw kit sells for $149 on Amazon. The 40V version is also available on Amazon for $179.99. If choosing between these two is based on price alone, the 40V seems like the better value. But if you have already invested in SKIL’s PWRCORE 20 platform the differences might not be enough for you to add a 40V tool+battery+charger to your stock. The main differences are bar length, the motors, and length extension configurations. The 8″ 20V has a brushed motor and the extension rod is a separate piece. The 10″ 40V is powered by a brushless motor and offers a telescoping shaft.

SKIL 20V Pole Saw Wrap Up

I needed to do some seasonal trimming around my yard and this SKIL 20V Pole Saw was able to do exactly what I needed it to do. The 10 ft. reach, pivoting head, and tree hook allowed me to safely trim up almost everything I wanted this fall. It’s light weight and the shoulder strap made this task physically pretty easy. The one-hour run time was just about enough time for me to complete my trimming – then I just put the battery on the charger for about five minutes and was able to finish.  If you’ve already invested in the SKIL’s PWRCORE 20 platform, I would recommend adding this pole saw to your OPE’s. I’ll bet you’d use it a lot more than than you think and your yard will look great. And the one last thing I really appreciate is the built-in storage hook and provided bracket, so I can conveniently hang it up until the next time I need it.

The post SKIL 20V Pole Saw appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

A while back we reviewed the EGO POWER+ Multi-Head tool system (you can find the link below).  I have never been a fan of multi-head tools.  The concept sounds great but the implementation always leaves me wanting more.  So when we first tested the EGO Power Head Pole Saw system, I wasn’t expecting much, even though I know EGO is the number one OPE tool for quality and reliability.

However, the Power Head really surprised me.  EGO stood up and made a reliable, tough, and powerful multi-head system; something I still haven’t seen from any other company.  With these multi-head systems, usually there is a loss of power for at least one of the attachments, so is worth it?  With the EGO, all the attachments are powerful and worth every penny.

So why am I here talking about a system we already reviewed?  We have received numerous questions on what is the best pole saw to buy.  So instead of individually answering all the questions in-depth, we thought it would be better to create a piece about why I think EGO has the Best Pole Saw.  So let’s take a look at the EGO Power Head Chainsaw.

EGO Power Head Pole Saw – Information

• Name – Power+ 10″ Pole Saw Attachment
• Model – PSA1000
• Price – $149 (Does not include Power Head or battery)
• Where to Buy – Amazon
• Original Review – Review #1, Review #2
• EGO Review – EGO Reviews

EGO Power Head Pole Saw – Revisit

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Here is a quick overview of some of the features of this Pole Saw.

• 10″ Bar & Chain
• Auto Lubrication
• Weather Resistant

EGO Power Head Pole Saw – Thoughts

1. Power – As I noted above, usually multi-head systems don’t have a ton of power.  This isn’t the case with the EGO Multi-Head.  The Power Head unit is powerful and can power through the thickest of branches and even hardwood without having any issues.
2. Ease of Use – Using the Pole Saw couldn’t be easier.  First, it runs on a battery so no worrying about mixing gas or anything.  Second, changing attachments is simple, no tools are needed.  Third, all you have to do is pull a trigger and you’re off to the races.
3. Quality – If you know anyone who owns EGO, they can tell you firsthand that EGO is high quality.  It’s a tool line you don’t have to worry about letting you down.  The shaft of the tool is solid and doesn’t have a ton of flex.  The Power Head is going to last and the electric motor will stay working all day.
4. Reach – As with any pole saw you will have a decent reach.  But with the EGO, you can buy an extra attachment (EP7500) and get an additional 31″ of reach.  So you’ll be able to reach even higher areas.
5. Battery – EGO has one of the best batteries in the market.  The design and how they dissipate heat is one of the reasons that they are considered one of the top OPE batteries in the market.  Plus you can use this battery with so many other EGO products which gives you even more solutions to take care of your property.

Wrap Up

Above are just five reasons that I think the EGO Power Head Pole Saw is the best solution on the market.  I could go on and on for other reasons, like the ability to add to the system and use other attachments, but I think you get the idea.  If you need a pole saw, EGO is the top dog.

The post EGO Power Head Pole Saw Revisit appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

As a professional, you need a chainsaw that offers reliability, power and run time.  While there are a lot of gas powered chainsaws on the market, have you ever thought about a battery-powered chainsaw for smaller jobs?  If not, you might want to consider it as battery technology has come a long way, the brushless motor offers more efficiency, longer run times, and longer tool life.  With that said, let’s jump into the Greenworks Top Handle Chainsaw.

Greenworks Top Handle Chainsaw Features

The Greenworks top handle saw, model 48TH12, is designed around a brushless motor.  Which means longer run times, a more efficient motor, and a better experience for the end-user.

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The saw is powered by a 48V 4Ah battery.  The battery sits on the back of the saw which helps provide a better-balanced saw.

The saw features a 12″ bar but a user can also change it out with a 10″ or 14″ bar, which is sold separately.  The saw offers a 64 ft./s chain speed.

On the side on the saw, the two nuts will allow the user to take the cover off for any maintenance needed such as changing the chain or cleaning.  Between the two nuts is a screw that will allow the user to adjust the tension for the chain.

On top of the handle, there is a power button to turn on/off the saw.  One nice feature is you can just hit the button to turn it on.  You don’t have to hold it down for 5 seconds.

As you grip the handle, you will automatically hold down the safety switch and then you can use your finger to control the speed of the saw.

On the side is where you fill the oil.  There is also a clear view side to see how much oil is in the saw.

The side handle allows the user to cut from the top or if you need to angle the saw on the side, it’s easier to make a cut.

Performance

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We took the saw out to Bode Tree Care who is a local arborist.  He was at a local park where he and his crew were trimming over 120 trees so we figured what better way to test the saw.  Some of the trees he was trimming were Locust, Maple, and other hardwood trees.

Here is what he had to say. Overall he was surprised how well the saw cut and worked.  While he liked the power, he was impressed by the run time.  He loved not having to pull the cord to start the engine all the time.  The ramp-up time was quick and could start cutting right away without any delays.

For him, he thought the ideal customer would be a landscaper who isn’t cutting down trees every day.  A landscaper is hard on their tools so they need something that is more professional like the Greenworks.  However, if they aren’t cutting 8 hours a day, it makes more sense having a battery-powered tool so they aren’t messing around with gas, gummed up carbs, and having to mix oil. Plus as he noted, not having the loud sound of the saw ramping up is also a huge feature when working at residential homes.

So in regards to performance, it works great.  Bode was cutting a ton of hardwood without having issues.

Value

You can pick this saw up on Amazon for about $500 which includes the saw, the battery, and the charger.  All said and done, it’s not a bad price to get a commercial grade saw that will help make you or your crew more efficient on the job site.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line, Greenworks offers a huge line of OPE tools for the homeowner and the professional  Anyone looking for a top handle chainsaw, this is a great saw to consider.  Reasonably priced, plenty of run time and power to get the job done.  What else do you want in a saw?

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When it comes to taking care of your property or if you are in the business of taking care of other properties, we can all agree that having the right tool for the job is extremely important.  How many times have you tried to do something with the wrong tool?  Not only is it dangerous, but it can be extremely frustrating.  We are talking about a way to cut those high branches in a customer’s yard or even your own yard.  Today we are looking at the Greenworks 80V Pole Saw.

Greenworks 80V Pole Saw Overview

How do you go about reaching those high branches? Have you ever used a pole saw?  How about a cordless pole saw?  For me, I have used pole saws in the past.  Some good and others not so good.  I am not a huge fan of gas because I am not using it all the time so I always have a hard time starting it up months later.  Some of the cordless ones we have tried in the past, well they are nice but the power isn’t always there or sometimes the shaft flexes too much and just makes it hard to make good cuts.

So how does the Greenworks stack up compared to some of the other ones we have tried?

Features

The 1400202 features a brushless motor which in return provides longer run times, less maintenance, and a longer life for the tool.

The saw is powered by the Greenworks 80V battery platform.

The saw features a 10″ bar so you can cut more than just the small lower branches.

Not only can you see the chain oil level on the side but the saw features an automatic oiler.

To tighten or loosen the chain, the cover comes off with a twist screw and you can access everything under the cover.

To fill the oil, there is a wide mouth reservoir.

The pole has an 8′ extension for a maximum reach of 11′ which means you can easily cut those lower branches without any issues.

The saw features a trigger switch with a D-Handle to protect your hand if a limb does come down the wrong way.

Performance

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I have a small property so I don’t use pole saws a lot except for once a year to trim a couple of trees.  Dan has more property and uses it more often.  However down the road from us, we have some nice tall trees that are both hardwood and softwood trees, so we were able to put this to use.

First, I love how easy it is to use.  From tightening the chain to a single press of a button, this saw is easy.  Second, I love the reach.  The saw has a great reach for those high up branches but most importantly is the pole stays strong and doesn’t flex like we have seen in other pole saw.

Best of all is the power.  Just put the saw on a branch, pull the trigger, and the saw cuts through without any issues. What else do you really want in a pole saw?

Greenworks 80V Pro Tools Wrap Up

Bottom line, I feel like Greenworks has come a long way over the years.  The more I use them, the more I am seeing the technology and the quality of their tools.  The Greenworks pole saw is extremely easy to use but most important, it’s powerful.  So if you are looking for a powerful saw, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this pole saw.

The post Greenworks 80V Pole Saw appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

As a homeowner and looking to get into an Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) line, you might not think of a chain saw as a necessary addition.  In fact, when I moved to a battery OPE, I thought I would never need a chainsaw since I only have one tree in my yard.  However, I was wrong and use a chain saw every fall and it’s a very important part of my OPE collection.  Today we are looking at the SKIL 40V chainsaw.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Overview

SKIL might be a name you are familiar with but maybe not their OPE line.  In fact, you might be asking yourself, don’t they just make power tools and what business do they have going into the OPE world?  Well, there is an interesting story and one I would suggest you read about SKIL Outdoor Power Equipment.

I will sum it up in case you don’t have time to read but SKIL is now owned by Chervon, the makers of EGO.  EGO is a leader in the OPE world.  So yes, SKIL has the experience and know-how behind the name to make this a successful brand.

In fact, out of all the OPE tools we have tried from SKIL so far, they are much better than what we even thought for a homeowner brand.  The build quality and power both are top-notch.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Features

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The saw is built around a digital brushless motor which means the tool is efficient.  When you have an efficient power tool, you get longer run times, longer life and more cuts per charge.

As a safety note, the saw features an anti-kick brake. So when the saw senses or a kick back occurs, the saw will cut the power to protect the user.  This is one of the coolest features of the saw.

The saw weighs in at 7.83 lbs and has a length of 31″ with a width of 9″.

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The saw is powered by a SKIL 40V battery which has some cool technology.  Each cell is wrapped with a cooling material.  Heat kills battery cells, so if you can keep the cells cooler, longer, then not only do you get longer run times per charge but the battery life will last longer.

Another cool feature is the 15 minute charge time.  Say you are almost done with a project but need a little more juice for the job.  Just drop the battery in the charger and in 15 minutes, the battery will have a 30% charge.

The battery is on the back of the tool which helps with the balance and it is inserted from the side which makes it easy to access.

The handle has a rubber over-mold grip for comfort.

On the side of the saw is where you can add chain oil, plus there is an easy view area to see the level of the oil.  The saw has an auto-lubricating system that automatically adds oil to the chain.

The tool features a 14″ bar which makes this a perfect saw for around the house and yard.

As with other chainsaws it has a large handle in the front with easy access to the brake.

On the side, the saw features a tool-less chain tension adjustment.  Simple and easy.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Performance

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As a homeowner you are not cutting everyday.  In fact, you may only cut a couple times a year and that is when branches fall after a storm.  For me, I only have one tree on my property so I am not doing a ton of clean up after storms.

However, I get a ton of use from my saws in the fall.  I have a wood-burning stove and always get around 4 cords of wood for the winter-time, which is about 900 pieces of wood.  I always have about 50 or more pieces a year that are too long for my stove or were not split correctly so I am always cutting hardwood in the fall.

While it isn’t fall, I have some wood leftover and had a chance to try it out in the conditions I am familiar with.  All I can say is that I am impressed how quickly the saw cuts.  Yes, it’s a new sharp chain but so are my other saws.  For me, this is a great compact saw for my needs.  I don’t need a long bar as it ends up getting in the way.  Great saw, fast cuts and a great build.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw Wrap Up

Overall I am extremely impressed by this saw.  Not only is the power great but I feel the build quality is more than what I would expect in a homeowner tool.  Anyone looking for a quality saw, I think this is a great saw to own.  Not only this saw but the other OPE tools we have tested from SKIL have been far better than what we would have expected from a homeowner tool.

SKIL 40V Chainsaw available on Amazon

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Tree pruning stands out to me as one of those jobs that usually needs multiple tools that basically do the same thing. Small branches can be cut with hand sheers, large sheers or loppers are needed for medium branches, and large branches usually need some type of saw. Our Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review showcases a new tool that encompasses all of those tools into one.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Overview

Craftsman has jumped head first into the 20v market with their re-branding. They seem to be going after not only the professional customers but also the home users as well. This cordless lopper kit is a great example of that. The small bar can get into tight spaces between branches and tear through limbs quickly and effortlessly.

This Craftsman Cordless Lopper combines the motion of a large pair of loppers with that of a small chainsaw. While this concept is not new, this release is in the Craftsman 20v line of tools.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Features

The handles are large and easy to grip/hold. They’re big enough to easily grip and use while wearing gloves. The triggers have to both be depressed to turn the lopper’s motor on. That is easy to do since they’re so long. You can easily press them no matter where your hands are on the large handles.

The handles lock securely together to keep the chain and bar covered for safety. The lock is also easy to engage and disengage.

The chain and bar are covered by hefty metal guards. One of which is spring loaded so as to cover the chain but still allow branches to be easily cut.

The oiler was a little messy and cumbersome to fill. You have to fill the included bottle first. The hole to fill the oiler only accepts the tip from the included bottle (or something similar). There is no way to tell how full the oil reservoir is.

Wood chips are expelled through a large opening at the base of the bar. I did not experience any issues with it getting clogged up with chips and shavings from the chain.

The chain is tensioned automatically with a spring-fed lever at the end of the bar. This makes it easy to tighten up the chain, as all you have to do is loosen up the two bar nuts and then tighten them up again after the spring tightens the chain.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Performance

I was quite surprised by the power this little fella had. My trees, unfortunately, did not need to be trimmed, so I used some scrap wood and some mesquite firewood.

The saw tore right through them with surprising ease. I was able to get the chain to bog down if I squeezed the handles together forcefully. The force I had to exert was way more than what is required for typical use. As with all cutting tools, you just need to keep enough pressure on the tool to allow the cutting bit, blade, or chain to do its job.

What was also impressive about this tool is that the woods I used for the testing were harder than what you would generally use this tool for. I can only imagine how easy it would slice through softer green limbs.

The power buttons are large and easy to depress, and using the tool as a whole feels natural. It uses the same form to operate as regular loppers. This makes it easy to pick up and use for the first time, without having to learn a new operation.

The chips were expelled well, and although at different angles they may not fall out as easily, there seems to be ample room to keep the saw from jamming up on chips.

The oiler was difficult to fill. You have to fill the included bottle to then be able to fill the saw. There also is no way to know what the oil level is. This makes it difficult to know when to add more, and how much to add. Additionally, since the short bar is covered it is next to impossible to tell if the oiler is working. You are unable to hold the saw near the ground and see an oil spot appear like you can with a traditional chainsaw.

I found the battery life to be more than adequate. As with all of the Craftsman V20 line, the batteries are interchangeable like other cordless lines, so you can easily amass numerous batteries by purchasing one or two more tools.

The included bar nut wrench almost broke when trying to loosen the nuts. I eventually got them off with the wrench, but it suffered some damage.

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Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Value

This kit is available on Amazon for $129. The kit includes a 2.0ah battery and charger. While significantly more expensive than a pair of manual loppers, it can do way more work. Additionally, the ease of use on larger branches makes this investment worthy.

I hope to see this available as a tool only option as well. If you are already invested in Craftsman’s V20 line, tool only options are a great way to economically add more tools to your collection.

All in all, I think the $129 is a good price for what you get and for how much work it does.

Craftsman Cordless Lopper Review Final Thought

This little tool packs a lot bigger punch than I had expected. The price is right, and the performance is impressive. While probably not able to withstand commercial use, that is not the intended audience. This tool is great for homeowners who need a fast and easy way to prune trees and large shrubs seasonally.

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Milwaukee has come a long way over the last decade.  What was once a one or two tool pony show has grown into one of the biggest power tool lines out of any power tool manufacturer.  Today we are going to look at something you wouldn’t associate with Milwaukee tool, the Milwaukee Quick-Lok System.  We live in Chicago so there is still snow on the ground, so we really can’t test and review this system today.  This is more of an unboxing.  Follow us on our Social channels and once the grass turns green, we will go into a more in-depth review.

Milwaukee Quick-Lok System – Information

• Name – Milwaukee Quik-Lok Attachment System
• Model – Varies – Trimmer 2825-20ST
• Price – $54 – $478
• Where to Buy – The Home Depot
• More Information – Milwaukee Quick-Lok
• Milwaukee Reviews – Milwaukee Tool Reviews

Milwaukee Quick-Lok System – Features

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The Quik-Lok attachment system is powered by the Milwaukee M18 battery.  What’s great about this system is you only have a single power head.  Besides no gas, spark plugs or pull ropes, the single powerhead means your overall investment isn’t huge.  You can buy the powerhead and then buy only the attachments you need to help save money. Best of all, you get full power up in under a second.

Milwaukee Quick-Lok System – Impressions

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The system as a whole seems like a professional system.  The shaft is solid and not flimsy as we have seen with other attachment systems.  I love the hedger and how easy it is to change the degree of cut.  There is an extension which means the chain saw will actually be useful as I can reach high up.

All the are easy to change and like how simple the whole process is to work with. The best part, is the run time and no more gas, plugs or pulling a cord until it break.

Milwaukee Quick-Lok System – Wrap Up

I am usually not a fan of a Jack-of-All-Trades tool but with this system, it seems to be great.  The build quality of each piece is high quality and love how easy it is to change each head.  I am a huge fan of the M18 battery and the platform, so this is a perfect fit.  I like the idea of being able to buy just the heads I want.  For instance, I need a hedger, but will only use it twice a year.  So now I don’t need a dedicated tool that only runs 2 out of 365 days a year. Overall, I like this system and can’t wait for the grass to start growing and give this a run. So does that mean Milwaukee will be hitting the market with a mower soon?

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It’s amazing to think that there are chainsaws that are powered by a battery. Who would have thought that a high demand tool like this can be powered and be efficient enough to actually cut tree trucks? Not only cut large pieces of wood but do serious work. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that this has really become possible. While there are some great battery powered chainsaws on the market, let’s face it, there are also others on the market that probably shouldn’t be. So let’s see which category the Milwaukee falls into and dive into the Milwaukee Chainsaw Review.

Milwaukee Chainsaw Review Overview

I know there are multiple power tool manufacturers in the marketplace that have battery-powered OPE tools such as chainsaws, but when it comes to chainsaws, the only two I am a fan of is the Ego and the Makita.

When Milwaukee announced they were coming out with a chainsaw, I was excited because I know they have the capability of making a great saw and I know they have the battery to produce a chainsaw that runs for a long time. The question was how will it compete against the Makita and Ego.

Milwaukee Chainsaw Review Features

This is the first Milwaukee cordless chainsaw and Milwaukee claims its faster than a 40CC saw in hardwoods. The saw is built around a brushless motor which provides efficiency and longer run times. The saw weighs in at 13.9 lbs and has an rpm of 6600.

As you would expect, a chainsaw takes a lot of power to perform the task at hand.  Milwaukee designed this with their M18 battery platform and more specifically, the Milwaukee 12Ah battery which is their highest amp battery available.

The 2727-21HD comes with the saw, battery, charger and bar oil.

Milwaukee designed this with a 16″ Oregon bar which means you can do some serious cutting with this saw.

The grip has a rubber overmold grip just likes their power tools.

As with all power tools, this has a safety feature so you don’t accidentally pull the trigger.

The handle is a full D-Handle that wraps from the top of the saw all the way down the left side, which gives you more grip options.

As with other chainsaws, it has a bar lock for safety.

The oil chamber features a see-through side so you can gauge how much oil is in the reservoir without having to take off the cap.

Milwaukee Chainsaw Review Performance

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I have a wood burning stove so each year I am cutting a ton of wood. As I said earlier, I rely on my Ego and the Makita as those are my two favorite saws on the market. Well, I can add a third. I am loving the Milwaukee saw.

The saw is powerful and has awesome runtime with the 12Ah battery. This is truly a saw that can actually perform real work. I love how fast the saw turns on when I depress the trigger. I love how powerful the motor is when cutting through larger pieces of wood and I appreciate long runtimes of this saw.

For the homeowner, this is a winner. For the professional arborist, it is up to you. I think for an arborist this serves a couple of functions. This would be a great saw for ground clearing and an awesome saw for the guy who is working the chipper and needs to cut a branch before it goes into the chipper. I also think this is a great saw for the climber. Instead of having to climb, start the saw by pulling it then cut and repeat for each branch. Now just depress the trigger and your off and running. No more worrying about gas. Yes, you will have to keep a bunch of batteries with you, but at the same times, it has a real advantage.

Milwaukee Chainsaw Review Value

The Milwaukee chainsaw 2727-21HD retails for about $400 at The Home Depot. If your cutting one or two times a year, this might be a little high priced. However, for those of us who do a lot of cutting, the $400 price tags is a decent value as that also comes with a 12Ah battery.

Milwaukee Chainsaw Review Final Thoughts

For me, this is a winner. I love the power, the ease of use and the freedom to remove gas and spark plugs out of the equation. I love how this saw can have some real output and perform a ton of work, even on a single battery. Best of all, I love how fast the saw cycles up to full speed. This chainsaw is a great addition to any tool collection for users looking to ditch the gas and head over to cordless performance from Milwaukee.

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Prior to being a part of the crew here at Tools In Action,  I personally researched EGO when looking at brands to invest in for our home lawn care. Despite hearing a lot of really great things, I ended up going with a budget-friendly brand, and guess what? None of those tools work today. I always tell people to trust their instincts and I definitely learned that lesson here. Now that we have a property with a lot of trees, and I have started gradually replacing each tool, EGO was one I knew I wanted to test out. Let’s jump into the EGO Chainsaw Review and see what all the fuss is about.

EGO Chainsaw Review Overview

EGO was introduced to the market in 2013, so while still a young company, years of research premediated their launch.  EGO is owned by Chevron, a company that has manufactured tools for some of the biggest and most recognizable names in the tool business. EGO made no secret that their main goal is to provide the performance and features on a cordless platform that only gas could offer previously on outdoor power equipment. Despite the inner skeptic in me, cordless technology, whether power tools or outdoor power equipment is the future of tools and advances in technology are making it possible without sacrificing quality and performance.

EGO Chainsaw Review Features

The EGO Chainsaw operates at a speed of 6800 RPM’s and weighs in at 11.4 pounds and is powered using an advanced brushless motor. EGO’s water resistant technology allows for protection from minor rain or water exposure, including the battery when attached to the chainsaw.

The EGO Chainsaw comes with EGO’s 56V Lithium ION battery platform. This chainsaw comes with a 2.5 Ah battery and the included charger has an internal fan to protect from overheating when charging.

The battery is easily mounted using preformed slides, and features and easy to use ejection lever that is a relatively standard design. Simple, and effective.

The Bar features a 14-inch max-cut and features a double guard bar with a narrow-kerf sprocket nose. The narrow-kerf provides better performance over standard chainsaw bars, allowing better and more aggressive cutting using less power. Both the Bar and Chain are manufactured by Oregon, which is a company well known for their quality chainsaw bars and chains.

The EGO Chainsaw and uses a .43 inch Guage Chain with a 3/8 inch low profile pitch, creating less kickback for the user. As well, the chainsaw has a chain brake, stopping both the motor and the movement of the chain to prevent injury when kickback occurs.

The EGO Chainsaw includes a Chain Sheath for safer storage.

The side cover features a knob for easy removal to clean or replace the bar and chain.

The EGO Chainsaw features a standard trigger and lock-off button for increased safety.

The EGO Chainsaw has a chain kickback brake handle, an added safety mechanism both to activate the chain brake, and helps prevent the user from projecting debris. It also provides a measure of protection from the saw blade is your hand were to slip from the handle.

The chain-tensioning knob provides easy adjustments to the tension of the chain.

This Chainsaw also features a chain-tensioning screw which allows for even more precise adjustments to the chain tension using a screwdriver.

The Front handle has over-molding for better grip and durability and is placed in natural spacing for maximum comfort.

The Chainsaw accepts standard bar and chain oil and has the benefit of automatic lubrication protecting the chainsaw from damage.

The oil tank features a see-through window to allow for visibility of oil levels. The twist-on knob with internal catch ensures the cap is not misplaced while the small internal filter ensures debris does not contaminate the oil.

EGO Chainsaw Review Performance

EGO Chainsaw Review Performance

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This Chainsaw greatly exceeded my expectations. Given the cordless platform, no matter how many volts the battery was, I wasn’t expecting it to be able to able to truly power a chainsaw and have it function as it should. I have cut through a lot of different woods with this chainsaw, from pine to the dreaded yaupon and some serious oak. These woods are all common here in Texas, but yaupon and oak always made an issue for previous chainsaws I have used. Oaks hardness posed an issue while yaupons fibrous and very wet nature caused chainsaws to stop dead in its tracks, or worse rip the chain right off the bar. You can see here, I cut through oak logs that stretched about 16 inches at its widest. The kickback was minimal overall and was quite comfortable to use.

EGO Chainsaw Review

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The actual chain mechanism was easy to adjust, and the dial and fine-tuning adjustment screw worked well at tightening or loosening the chain. The only issue I had with the chain is if it was not adjusted properly. The tension of the chain is an important part of using a chainsaw in general, and once a user gets the right feel for it, it was a breeze. I would absolutely recommend keeping bar and chain oil on hand as the automatic oiling on this chainsaw works almost too well.

EGO Chainsaw Review Value

The EGO 14″ Chainsaw (Model # CS1403) comes included with a charger and a 2.5 Ah battery runs $279 dollars and is available at Home Depot. It’s certainly not comparable to the bargain buy chainsaws, even with the cordless aspect, its performance is much more on par with a gas chainsaw. I think the price is about right and given the 5-year warranty EGO provides, it’s a worthwhile investment.

EGO Chainsaw Review Final Thoughts 

EGO has pioneered the cordless platform for outdoor power equipment. When homeowners are shopping for a chainsaw the options are endless, from gas to battery, from budget buys to high-end options. Trying to settle on one is an intimidating task. The EGO Chainsaw falls securely in the middle, combining the convenience of cordless battery power without losing the performance of gas. EGO has managed to make a chainsaw that can appeal to everyone.

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A while back we reviewed a Makita chain saw.  We took it out to Bode Tree company and ran it through some trees.  Now we are looking at a newer, bigger and better cordless version, model XCU03PT.  As an FYI, we got the kit XCU03PTX1, which came with a cordless grinder.  However for the Makita cordless chain saw review, we will only focus on this chain saw, model XCU03PT.  The grinder will be covered in another review.  So is this a good chain saw for the landscapers and arborists?

Makita Cordless Chain Saw Review – Overview

The Makita chain saw is based off their 18V platform.  However, there is a twist to this.  Instead of having a single 18V battery, the system uses two batteries so it’s basically a 36V saw.

Makita Cordless Chain Saw Review – Features

The saw is designed around a brushless motor.  This type of motor is more efficient, which means you will get more work done per charge and the motor will last longer.

The brushless motor powers the 14″ guide bar with a variable speed of 0 – 3,940 FPM.

As with other chain saws, this has a front guard that doubles as a chain brake.

If the chain does come off the guide bar or you need to tighten or loosen the chain, it’s tool free and easy to make changes.

There is an on/off push button in easy reach of your thumb.  If the saw isn’t used for a certain period of time, it will automatically shut off to help preserve battery life.  For me, it seems like it turns off too quickly.  If I cut a piece of wood and bend down to move the piece I just cut and try to use the saw again, I am forced to press the power button again. Not a huge deal, but would be nice if you had a little longer.

Towards the front of the saw, there is a battery LED that will let the user know how much juice is left in each battery.

There is a built in view window to easily check bar oil levels.

Makita Cordless Chain Saw Review – Performance

You’re not going to cut down a 100 year Oak tree with this saw, but who would really expect that type of performance with a battery saw?  As long as you understand this is a battery saw and not designed to replace your gas saw, you will then really appreciate the performance of the saw.

The saw is powerful, well balanced and very easy to use and control.  I love the electric brake for obvious safety reasons.  If you are using this as a tree topper or just trimming branches around your customer’s yard, this will perform up to your expectations.

I am still surprised how fast this saw just eats through wood.  I am guessing that has to do with the direct drive design of the saw.  I am also surprised how much cutting can get done before your batteries need to be recharged.

Makita Cordless Chain Saw Review – Final Thoughts

The Makita cordless chain saw is well designed and balanced making using it much easier than a gas model.  While it doesn’t come close to gas in regards to run time, for a battery powered saw, it runs for an amazingly long time.  The saw is powerful and will surprise you at what such a quiet machine can do in regards to performed work.  With less maintenance, it’s hard to beat.

While I still think it’s a long way from being the number one saw in an arborists arsenal, I think landscapers will enjoy this saw for their tree work as a second source of income. Someone who is mowing and doing minor tree work will get plenty of use this from this saw.

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A while back we showed you the Ego Chain Saw with a 14″ bar.  Then we told you they were offering a new 16″ Chain Saw.  Well the day is finally here, the new Ego 56V Chain Saw is here.  If you are not familiar with Ego, this is a brand that is sold exclusively at Home Depot.  Ego has paved the way for battery powered Outdoor Equipment.  They started off fast out of the gate with a lawnmower, weed whip, blower and a chain saw.  Well they haven’t stopped.  They are coming out with a new lawn mower, new blower and obviously this new chain saw.  All their products are powered by their 56V battery platform.

The 14″ saw, model CS1401, really surprised us.  As you know, to run a tool like a chain saw, you need lots of power.  Something that will cut like butter, lightweight, but last long enough to make it worth it to own.  The CS1401 is a great saw.  However if you want something a little bigger, the new CS1604 should be your saw.  The 16″ bar will allow you to have a max cut diameter of 32.5″, which is 8″ more than the 14″ bar. In regards to speed, this is the same with a 6,800 rpm.  As with the 14″, the 16″ has pretty much the same options such as a chain kickback brake, water resistant construction, reversible bar, low kick back chain design and more.  A huge difference is the battery.  While the 14″ came with a 2 Ah battery, the new 16″ has a 5 Ah battery.  This will be a huge improvement.  Another item to love about the Ego 56V Chain Saw is the chain tensioner design.  Changing the chain or even the tension is extremely easy, no tools required.

Ego 56V Chain Saw Specification

• Speed: 6800 RPM
• Chain Kickback Brake
• Chain Tension Adjustment
• Water Resistant Construction (ipx4)
• Chain Size: 16 in.
• Maximum Cut Diameter: 32.5 in
• Double Guard Bar and Narrow-Kerf Sprocket Nose
• Low Kickback Chain Design (complies with ANSIB175.1)
• Reversible Bar
• .043 in. Gauge Chain with 3/8 in. Low Pro Pitch
• Battery Included: 5.0. Ah
• 5 Year Warranty

If you have been following us for a while, you know we were there from the start of EGO.  While we loved the tools,  our big question was the battery technology and how they would last.  After using them for a couple of years, we can finally say that the battery is no longer an issue.  We still have some of their first batteries and they run like champs.  As with the other EGO products, I really have a hard time finding something I don’t like.  This saw is no different.  The saw is easy to use, powerful and just one of those tools you will love to use.

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Think green!  Fossil fuels are deemed evil and soon will be eradicated from this planet.  Well maybe in about 70 years, but Greenworks is one step closer to making a no gas a reality for millions of property owners.  We were highly impressed with the Greenworks 40V chainsaw that we saw at GIE a few years back.  The 80V has twice the power and longer run time.

When we first got the 80v Chainsaw we took it out to a huge cottonwood tree that we had dropped last year and never chopped up.  After charging the battery for 30 min and adding the chain bar oil the saw was ready to cut.  The saw cut through the thick tree trunk just as good as any gas-powered saw I have used.  The saw has an overload protection that prevents damage, when we pushed the saw hard it engaged.

The 2.0 Ah battery will give you 150+ cuts.  We went through some thick logs so didn’t get near that but it is possible with smaller trees.  The brushless motor gives an equivalent of 2.7hp. With this saw on the market I don’t ever see a homeowner going with gas again. This saw will make some pros converts also.  Gas is a huge hassle, it is loud and it smells and unless you need a ll day production this saw is for you.

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If you are familiar with Ego outdoor equipment, you probably already know about their new chainsaw.  However for those of you who haven’t heard of them or haven’t taken the leap of faith, you might want to listen up.  Well first I guess I should back up in case you haven’t heard of them.  If you have visited a Home Depot lately, I am sure you have seen their end cap display.  If not, you have to take time and look next time you visit a store.  Ego has a line of 56V outdoor power tools that have been rocking the lawn and garden arenas this year.  I know what you’re thinking, “Eric how can you be so confident in these tools?”  First, I have never been a believer in battery powered lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers and hedgers.  Come on who the heck would trust a battery powered outdoor tool over a gas tool?  I am a huge fan of gas power tools, except for the noise, the mess, changing the spark plug, buying gas, etc.  At the beginning of this summer I had a chance to try the Ego system and I can tell you first hand they have changed my mind.

Now Ego took it one step further with a 56v chainsaw, yes a battery operated chainsaw.  Three words that come to my mind about this chainsaw is, this thing rocks.  Now I am not going to say you will cut down a forest with this saw, well you could, but you would be charging a heck of a lot of batteries along the way. However, I will tell you for someone like me who doesn’t use a chainsaw for a living, this is a must have tool.  I pull my saw out three to four times per year.  After a storm or at the beginning of fall for my firewood is the only time I use a saw. Instead of trying to start a saw that has been sitting around, I can now just put a battery in the saw and start cutting.  Yes, you will be able to get ample work done with this saw. I know I am sounding like a sales guy right now, but it just because I like this saw that much.  In fact, I have been using the Ego platform this whole summer as my main mower, weed whip, hedger and blower and none of them have let me down.  In fact, they have done something for me that I have never been able to accomplish and that is having my wife mow the lawn.  Come on how cool is that? Thank you Ego.  Now if they could only get something designed to clean the inside of my truck.

• Hi-efficiency brushless motor
• 6300 RPM’s
• 14 in. Oregon bar and chain
• Chain kickback break for added safety and control
• Chain tensioning knob
• Oil inspection window
• Automatic lubrication system
• 5 year limited warranty

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