There’s a familiar ritual to yard work, especially after a storm. The smell of two-stroke exhaust, the repetitive tug of a pull-cord, and the deafening roar of a gas-powered chainsaw. For years, that was my reality. Every time a large branch came down or it was time to stock up on firewood, I’d go through the motions: find the gas can, mix the oil, prime the engine, and hope it started on the third pull instead of the tenth. The noise, the fumes, the vibration—it was all just part of the price you paid for power. But as properties get smaller and neighbors get closer, that price starts to feel a little steep. I began searching for a better way, a quieter, cleaner, but equally potent solution to tame the chaos in my backyard. That search led me to the burgeoning world of high-voltage cordless tools, and specifically, to a very interesting contender.
- Unleash Your Cutting Power: This high-performance 2 x 20V MAX brushless chainsaw is designed for maximum cutting efficiency. With a 16-inch bar, it effortlessly tackles your cutting tasks, whether...
- DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility: Experience the convenience of cordless operation with our 40V chain saw. It's compatible with 20V MAX DeWalt battery packs (not included), making it a versatile...
What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Chainsaw
A chainsaw is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for property management, storm cleanup, and firewood preparation. It transforms overwhelming tasks, like processing a fallen tree, into manageable projects. The primary benefit of a modern cordless chainsaw is freedom—freedom from gas cans, extension cords, and the ear-splitting noise of traditional engines. This allows you to work anywhere on your property with greater ease and less disturbance. A good cordless saw delivers on-demand power, letting you make quick work of pruning jobs or limb removal without the lengthy start-up ritual of a gas model.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a homeowner with a small to medium-sized property who is already invested in a compatible battery ecosystem, or someone who prioritizes convenience and low maintenance over the absolute peak power of a professional-grade gas saw. It’s perfect for those who face seasonal storm damage, need to fell small-to-medium trees, or regularly cut firewood. However, it might not be the best fit for professional loggers or arborists who require all-day, non-stop cutting power in remote locations. For them, the logistics of battery charging would be a significant drawback, and a high-cc gas saw remains the tool of the trade.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Bar Length & Weight: The bar length, in this case 16 inches, dictates the maximum diameter of wood you can cut in a single pass. A 16-inch bar is a fantastic all-around size for homeowners, capable of handling everything from small limbs to 14-16 inch trunks. The tool’s weight, especially with batteries installed, affects maneuverability and user fatigue. Look for a saw that feels balanced in your hands.
- Power & Performance: In the cordless world, power is a function of voltage and motor technology. A 40V system, like the one here, provides significant cutting force. A brushless motor is non-negotiable for a serious tool; it runs cooler, is more efficient, and has a much longer lifespan than older brushed motors, translating to better performance and longer battery runtime.
- Materials & Durability: A chainsaw’s body is typically made of high-impact polymer plastic, which is both durable and relatively lightweight. Key components like the bar, chain, and bucking spikes should be made of high-quality steel. While plastic construction keeps weight down, ensure the tool feels solid and free of excessive flex or creaks.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Modern features can make a huge difference. Tool-less chain tensioning allows for quick adjustments on the fly without needing to carry extra tools. An automatic oiling system is essential for keeping the bar and chain lubricated, which is critical for performance and safety. Long-term care involves keeping the chain sharp, the tool clean, and the oil reservoir topped up.
Keeping these factors in mind, the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw stands out in several areas, particularly for users of a certain popular yellow-and-black tool brand. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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- [8-Inch Cutting Capacity for Larger Branches]: Tackle thicker pruning jobs with ease! This mini chainsaw features one 8-inch guide bar and chain, providing greater flexibility than standard 6-inch...
First Impressions: A Familiar Feel with a Powerful Promise
Unboxing the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw, the first thing that struck me was its uncanny resemblance to DeWalt’s tool line. The bright yellow and black color scheme is no accident; this saw is explicitly designed to appeal to users already committed to the DeWalt 20V MAX battery platform. The package included the main saw body, two 16-inch chains, a bar cover, a small screwdriver, and a compact oil can. Picking it up, the saw feels substantial without being overly heavy. At 4.77 kg (about 10.5 lbs) before batteries, it’s in the same weight class as many comparable gas saws, but the weight distribution feels more centered. Several users noted, and I agree, that once you click in two 5.0Ah batteries, the tool feels remarkably well-balanced, instilling a sense of confidence before you even pull the trigger.
Assembly was straightforward. While some have found the included paper instructions a bit sparse, the process is intuitive for anyone who has handled a chainsaw before. Attaching the bar and chain and setting the tension with the tool-free dial took less than five minutes. The tensioning system is particularly user-friendly, a welcome feature for quick adjustments in the field. It felt solid, not flimsy like some budget tool adjusters. My initial impression was one of pleasant surprise; for a brand that isn’t a household name, the build quality and thoughtful design seemed to punch well above its weight class.
Key Benefits
- Impressive 40V power from a brushless motor that rivals gas saws
- Full compatibility with DeWalt 20V MAX batteries
- Convenient tool-less chain tensioning and automatic oiler
- Excellent value proposition for existing DeWalt users
Potential Drawbacks
- Sold as “tool only,” requiring a significant battery investment for newcomers
- Inconsistent quality control reported, with some units dead on arrival
Performance Deep Dive: Putting 40 Volts of Fury to the Test
A chainsaw can look great on the bench, but its true character is only revealed in the wood. We put the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw through a series of real-world tests, from light limbing to tackling substantial trunks, to see if its performance matched its promise. The results were, for the most part, deeply impressive.
Power and Cutting Performance: The Silent Brute
The core of this saw is its brushless motor powered by two 20V batteries running in series to deliver a potent 40V. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; the power is tangible. On smaller jobs, like clearing brush and cutting through 4- to 8-inch limbs, the saw was an absolute dream. It zipped through the wood with a quiet confidence, the high chain speed leaving clean, smooth cuts. There was no bogging down, no hesitation. This was confirmed by one user who made about 40 cuts on limbs of various sizes after a storm and found the saw performed “much better than expected,” even when cutting wood under a heavy side load.
But what about the big stuff? We found a downed palm tree on a property, a notoriously dense and fibrous wood that can challenge even strong gas saws. The trunk was nearly 16 inches thick at its base. With a fresh chain and topped-off 5.0Ah batteries, we went to work. The ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw bit into the wood aggressively, pulling itself through the cut with surprising ease. As one user who performed the exact same task reported, it cut through the dense palm trunk “with an ease,” only jamming slightly in the thickest parts where a wedge cut was necessary. This is performance that genuinely rivals mid-range 40-45cc gas chainsaws. For the average homeowner, the power on tap here is more than sufficient for 99% of tasks, from felling medium-sized trees to bucking a winter’s worth of firewood. The fact that it does so without the noise, fumes, and vibration of a gas engine is a monumental quality-of-life improvement.
Battery Life & The DeWalt Ecosystem Advantage
The “tool only” nature of this saw is both its greatest strength and its most significant barrier to entry. If you are not already running DeWalt 20V MAX tools, the cost of entry is steep, as you’ll need to purchase two high-capacity batteries and a charger. However, if you’re like me and have a collection of black-and-yellow tools in your garage, this saw is a game-changer. It seamlessly integrates into your existing system, transforming batteries for your drill and impact driver into a formidable logging machine.
Runtime is the critical question for any cordless tool, and here, the ReliaRoads saw delivers. We tested it with a pair of 5.0Ah DeWalt batteries. In our palm tree test, we were able to make 6-7 full-width cuts through the 16-inch trunk before noticing a drop in power, corroborating a user’s experience. On another occasion, clearing overgrown trails, we ran the saw almost continuously for over an hour, cutting through dozens of saplings and branches from 3 to 10 inches thick. At the end of the session, the aftermarket 8.0Ah batteries we used still showed two out of three bars of charge. Another user, running two 9.0Ah batteries, reported barely any discharge after cutting up an entire tree. The takeaway is clear: with a decent pair of 4.0Ah or larger batteries, you have enough runtime for substantial work sessions. For all-day jobs, having a second pair of batteries on the charger makes for a nearly unstoppable workflow.
Ergonomics, Handling, and Safety
Power is useless if the tool is unwieldy or unsafe. The ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw scores high marks in handling. The balance, as mentioned, is excellent. The rear handle and trigger are comfortable, and the front wrap-around handle provides a secure grip for both felling and bucking cuts. The tool-less chain tensioner is a standout feature, allowing for quick, on-the-fly adjustments with a simple twist of a large, easy-to-grip dial. This is a massive improvement over saws that require a “scrench” for every minor adjustment.
Safety is paramount with a chainsaw, and ReliaRoads has incorporated the essential features. The chain brake/hand guard is robust and functions as expected, stopping the chain in a fraction of a second if it senses kickback. One user mentioned throwing the chain a couple of times while cutting wood under tension, and noted that the saw “immediately stopped,” allowing them to safely reset it. Furthermore, the electronic brake stops the chain’s rotation within 1.5 seconds of releasing the trigger. This is a fantastic feature that reduces the risk of accidental contact with a coasting chain between cuts. It feels responsive and adds a significant layer of security during operation.
What Other Users Are Saying
The sentiment across a wide range of users is one of genuine surprise and satisfaction. Many, like me, were skeptical that a non-name-brand, battery-powered saw could compete with their gas-powered tools. One user summed it up perfectly: “I am absolutely blown away by this chainsaw! It feels just as capable as my old gas-powered saw, but without the hassle.” Another stated, “This unit is great – it’s just as powerful as my 16” gas poulan pro … quiet and powerful and a bit lighter.” The compatibility with DeWalt batteries is consistently praised as the key purchasing factor for many.
However, the experience isn’t universally perfect. The most significant criticism revolves around quality control. A few users have received units that were dead on arrival or failed after a couple of light uses. One reported their saw wouldn’t power on with fully charged batteries, while another called the product “JUNK,” citing a flimsy-feeling bar and a chain that repeatedly snapped within minutes of use. These negative experiences, while in the minority, highlight a potential risk. It seems that while most units are solid performers, there is a chance of receiving a defective product, making a good warranty and customer service policy essential.
Alternative Chainsaws to Consider
While the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is a powerful and convenient option, it’s important to know what other choices are available, especially if you’re not in the DeWalt battery ecosystem or have different needs.
1. Oregon CS1500 15 Amp Self-Sharpening Electric Chainsaw
- Powerful performance: 15A electric chainsaw with integrated PowerSharp self-sharpening system. The perfect chainsaw for homeowners and DIY, with a long-lasting 18-inch guide bar
- Built-in PowerSharp self-sharpening system minimizes downtime by sharpening your chain in 3 to 5 seconds. Ergonomic design features Chain Brake for safety. Lightweight design.
If you have a smaller property and are never far from an outlet, a corded electric saw like the Oregon CS1500 is a compelling alternative. You trade the absolute portability of a cordless model for unlimited runtime and zero battery management. This 15-amp saw delivers consistent, robust power and features a slightly longer 18-inch bar. Its killer feature is the built-in PowerSharp chain sharpening system, which allows you to sharpen a dull chain in seconds without removing it from the bar. For homeowners who dread the task of manual chain sharpening, this feature alone could make the Oregon CS1500 the more attractive choice.
2. Liberty Imports 16″ Bloody Rusty Chainsaw Prop
- Realistic Chainsaw Design: This electric chainsaw features an eerily authentic rusty and bloody blade with chain, perfect for creating spine-chilling Halloween moments and terrifying unsuspecting...
- Motion & Sound Effects: Enhance the horror with frightening chainsaw sounds and a rotating chain that adds a touch of realism to your haunted house or costume accessory, ensuring a truly memorable...
It’s crucial to note that this is not a functional tool. The Liberty Imports product is a battery-operated toy prop designed for Halloween costumes and decorations. While it shares a “16-inch” and “chainsaw” description, its purpose is purely aesthetic and recreational, producing motion and sound effects rather than cutting wood. If your goal is to complete a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” costume, this is your tool. If your goal is to cut down a tree, you will be sorely and dangerously disappointed. There is no functional comparison to the ReliaRoads saw.
3. Tomyvic 6-Inch Mini Cordless Chainsaw
- 💪 Great for Trimming & Cleanup – Our hand-held chainsaw is designed for tree trimming, cutting branches, limbs, wild bushes, and firewood. Excellent for small jobs like property cleanup, making...
- 🔋 Long Battery Life & Dual Batteries – Equipped with two 2000mAh rechargeable batteries, providing up to 30 minutes of continuous use when cutting small branches. Includes overheat protection to...
This alternative represents a different class of chainsaw altogether. The Tomyvic 6-Inch Mini saw is designed for light-duty pruning, trimming small branches, and detailed garden work. Its key advantages are its extremely light weight and one-handed operation, allowing you to hold a branch with one hand while cutting with the other. It’s a fantastic replacement for manual loppers or a pruning saw. However, it lacks the power and bar length to tackle the tasks the ReliaRoads saw is built for, such as felling trees or cutting firewood. This is a precision tool for small jobs, whereas the ReliaRoads is a power tool for big ones.
Final Verdict: A Winning Formula for the Right User
After extensive use and evaluation, our verdict on the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is overwhelmingly positive. It successfully bridges the gap between the convenience of cordless and the power of gas, offering a legitimate alternative for demanding homeowner tasks. Its performance in cutting everything from small limbs to thick, dense logs is truly impressive, silencing any doubts about the capabilities of a 40V battery system. The intelligent design, featuring a tool-less tensioner and excellent balance, makes it a pleasure to use.
The primary caveat is its reliance on the DeWalt 20V MAX battery platform. For those already invested, this saw is an absolute home run, offering incredible value and performance. For those starting from scratch, the total cost of the saw plus two high-capacity batteries and a charger must be considered. While the reports of quality control issues are a valid concern, the majority of experiences point to a reliable and powerful tool that punches well above its price tag. If you’re tired of the gas-powered ritual and have DeWalt batteries at the ready, this saw isn’t just a good choice; it’s arguably the smartest one you can make.
If you’ve decided the ReliaRoads 16-Inch Brushless Cordless Chainsaw is the right fit for your yard work arsenal, you can check its current price and availability here.
Last update on 2025-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API