Review of 80V Kobalt Chainsaw

[@dustinroutzong8261]

This is a solid review coming from a person with relative and knowledgeable experience. No fluff, no teasers, honest opinion. This is the kind of “diamond in the rough” review that you scout KZbin to find. I appreciate you helping to inform me of a potential purchase. Subscribed.

[@aaronsmith5433]

I liked his body language after the first cut("wow, it ain't no gas saw "). As someone who also cut with gas for half a century, I had the same reaction. Gas rules! Electricity= the poor cousin.

[@ezsoriano]

Thanks by the way, Nice presentation, taught me enough to go out and safely start up the 80V Kobalt Chainsaw I bought on clearance at Lowe's.

[@stepdawg1]

I bought one of these and love it. It's perfect for the amount of cutting I do and I don't have to deal with the 2 cycle oil.

[@russ4930]

Glad it is working for you. I am very pleased with my saw and have not used my gas one in over a year now. Almost time to just get rid of the old one.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Hey guy, I'm in my 70s n been in the woods all my life. We have basically the same background experience. This is an experienced review. Well done, honest, and fair. Useful to me. Thanks. Dandahermit

[@russ4930]

Thanks for your comment.

[@NeoJSsk]

you old guys with experience should all have a channel and teach us all, we trust the word of experience more than anything else out there in this days

[@charlestonemt]

Thanks for the honest review. Exactly what I needed to see.

[@DrDIYporsche]

The more I use my saw the more I like it. You will too.

[@austinwebb8986]

Great to carry with you on an OHV trail too. No gas and stink in the rig while you bounce around and if you run into a tree across a trail, cut it and keep driving. Can even bring an inverter and charge it if you're going overlanding.

[@russ4930]

I often leave mine in the trunk of my car. Here in Maine I have needed it to get home more than once. No drips or smell. Love it.

[@jamesshride3158]

I have one of these, as a home owner in the burbs who doest quite need a big gas saw and only occasionally have to cut up things... this sucker is the bees knees.

[@russ4930]

I like the saw and find that I haven't fired up my gas saw in a long time. Almost ready to get rid of the gas one.

[@user-n0tf0und.]

Russ hi Russ and James, we have this saw rebranded in Australia by Victa. My concern is kickback and safety, what are your thoughts? Have not used chainsaws before been using fiskars x15 + x27 to chop and split but obviously while enjoyable it takes a lot of time. Is there serious concern with using this saw or is it safer than a fuel saw? Obviously it can still take your leg off if you are an idiot but how risky is it? My concern is kickback, I guess part of you sawing under the tree up then from top down is stopping saw getting trapped/stuck when tree pushes together? Heard never to get the tip stuck on anything also as that’s the kickback spot. Any advice would be appreciated.

[@russ4930]

@@user-n0tf0und. I wouldn't call it either safer or less safe. Kick back would be the same. Any chainsaw is dangerous. Always be careful. It is lighter and much quieter and I very much like both qualities. it is less tiring to run and that helps. I'm done with gas saws.

[@om617yota8]

Thanks for making + posting this. I bought the same saw and would have really liked seeing something like this before I bought it. I have a larger Stihl, barely gets used now, this Kobalt handles 99.9% of my chainsaw needs. Favorite part is cutting up wood during nasty weather.......... inside my shop with the heat on and the music cranked.

[@russ4930]

Glad we could help. I haven't fired up my gas saw in almost a year now and don't miss it a bit.

[@tommymccomic7715]

Russ, thank you so much for this review, even though it's a few years old now. I'm in Louisiana and just went through Hurricane Laura. I have so many limbs down on my property, worse than anything I've experienced before. Most are not very large, 4-10 inches in diameter but more than a few are long and bulky so cutting them up to clear the property is necessary. I don't own a chainsaw so I was doing some research and came across the cordless saws that seem better suited to a homeowner that may only use it a few times a year. Your review made me choose this one that shows in stock at my local Lowes. I like the fact that I can store it for months at a time and not worry about the gas/oil smell or if it will start after not being cranked in a while.

[@DrDIYporsche]

Wish the best to you all in recovering from the storm. I think you will like your saw.

[@vitaminb4869]

Bought this saw last summer and simply love it. My main use is to cut up LOTS of firewood while camping, roughly 10" wide logs. Occasionally would clear a fallen tree from a forest service road, or even clean up some brush. It has no problem going through 16" trees which is about the max you can do in one pass. Larger trees you'd simply have to do a 2nd cut on the other side. I have 2 batteries and an inverter with me, so never run out of power when I'm in the mountains (which is when I use it). After each trip I clean out the debris and sharpen the chain. Always ready to go the next time I go out. Just last time I have finally replaced the chain with a brand new one, because teeth were almost completely gone from all the sharpening. Awesome saw and I laugh at the stubborn gas guys, especially when their saw is less powerful than this Kobalt.

[@russ4930]

Love my saw too. Thanks for the comment.

[@TheRealJRC]

Thanks for the review without music during the entire video. Everyone is obsessed with music which totally ruins the feel you get for the product. It’s nice to see the saw in the wild so to speak.

[@tomaswalsh-gomez8042]

I just bought one and it cuts better than gas if you don’t saw from beneath the fallen tree! I cut over a 25 foot 30-35 inch round oak in to 12 to 15 cuts in the time it took you to make this video. And with a hell of a lot less noise! Great saw with an 18” bar. I have 2.50 acres and it does just fine. Glad I only have to put bar oil in it. Watch out for those flanged nuts. They will loosen up in a hurry. I replaced them once because I lost one. Replaced them with the same but used crush washers. Not moving now. 😁

[@DrDIYporsche]

Glad you like your saw.

[@07chilj]

My dad always fought with 2 stroke chainsaws for years. They were always finicky. It seemed like every year he had to do a bunch of maintenance just to keep it running. I bought this saw bc I dont want to have to worry about maintenance. I dont use the saw everyday but I know that every time I pick it up it is ready to go. I also bought an extra battery in case I needed it also bc I plan on adding other 80v max tools to my collection in the future.

[@jfish9014]

Get them! I have the 80v lawnmower, weedwacker, and leaf blower - love them all and very durable. Just ordered this chainsaw off eBay - I'd be a Kobalt spokesperson if I could...

[@johnberry8117]

How long ,min. Did the saw cut?

[@steelyman08]

I agree. If you're not using it a lot all year, then it's a good saw. I used mine a decent amount for two years and the only problem was the tightening screw mechanism. It just got worn out after 2 years and gradually lost its ability to grab on and tighten the chain. I took it in to a small engine shop & they explained that that was the problem, but there was no way to replace it, etc. I think that's fair enough for a saw that only costs $250. Like the good man said: great for small volume work each year. It's a shame because everything else about the saw is still working perfectly (including the 80w battery back. I'll miss it, but need something more durable that can handle a bigger work load each year. I love the benefits of an electric saw, but I'm not sure if there's anything more durable than the Kobalt one he's demonstrating. I like the size as well ~ 18 inch. I don't need anything bigger than that. Good review! Thank you. Now off to find a more durable saw!

[@mattf49006]

with the five year tool warranty..take it back and get a new one

[@michaelrussell499]

I bought one.... I love it!! Little pricy but does the job better than my Pouland that seems never want to crank!! Drop in battery and cut away!!! Kobalt the boss

[@russ4930]

I see 6 amp batteries now available should run the saw for about an hour.

[@happycamper2976]

were you buy it how much does it come with battrie and charger

[@FourthWayRanch]

I had to cut a bunch of balsa wood logs and the chain went dull after half an hour. even though the battery is out it's good to touch the blade to the ground to prevent capacative discharge

[@kimchee94112]

Could be the oiler. Mine is not working. It's going wear out the bar and chain much faster.

[@MassiveOverkill]

Nice review. The only thing I would add for safety is to pop the battery even for just checking chain tension and work gloves.

[@trevors8577]

So if you had a gas chainsaw would you drain the gas out and pull the sparkplug just to check chain tension? Gloves.. eh when sharpening a chain yes but otherwise that little bit of leather isn't going to slow a chain down before it hits skin.

[@ernestwalden3894]

Thinking about getting one this weekend. 2 yrs sence this video. Do you still have it and does it still run good?

[@kimchee94112]

My oiler is not working, coming out of the hole slowly but none goes to the bar or chain. Do you have this problem?

[@DrDIYporsche]

Your bar may be plugged. Take it off and clean the groove. I use very thin bar oil. Works good.

[@RIpped_407]

Solid review! Thanks 🍺

[@cjones8076]

"What came in the bwaux is the sahh" reminds me of Paul Teutal Sr.

[@russ4930]

Would love to share a drink with Paul.

[@jfenn402]

Nice video. Not sure that I am ready for electric to be my primary saw, but would make a great pruner etc.

[@russ4930]

Stop by and try it out. You might be surprised. You can cut some of my wood while you're at it. I'm thinking of Huck Finn and his fence here. You remember your grade school reading?

[@hayleyroenigk721]

Thank you, great review.

[@ousamaabdu794]

Good Video If you were comparing to a gas saw, how would you rate the CC on that Kobat saw?

[@russ4930]

I don't know how you would figure the CC but it is almost as good as the Stihl that I normally run. If you do big volume then an electric is not for you but I think a cord or less is perfect and you might stretch it to a couple of cord without too much problem. It really cuts quite well and I have run a pile of saws through the years.

[@om617yota8]

I've used plenty of the Poulan/Sears ~40cc gas saws, I'd call this comparable. Cuts a little slower, will handle the same size wood.

[@happycamper2976]

I have a bunch of poulan pro 18inch s62 chains new in the packs i was told will fit your saw please let me know if your instrested 12 double packs 1 double opned 1 single pacxk opned

[@Geno2846]

Nice vid, Russ. That saw is pretty impressive for what it is and what it costs. After 44 years of sawing my bod is not up to my Husky 372XP so much, so it is gonna be the big saw for my sons when they get out of the city. Glad to see you take out the battery before adjusting the chain.

[@HerminiePA]

I also liked the way Russ cut wood with his body not exposed to the plane of the moving chain. A young father was killed in Nashville (in 1979) when the chain broke and hit him in the neck. I've never used a chain saw, but if I did, I would hold it like Russ did.

[@genemetz1945]

What is happening? Can't find any KOBALT 80V Chain Saws for sale?

[@kimchee94112]

I think they're abandoning the 80V stuff. Bought my chainsaw about 8 months ago, now it's out of production and warranty is useless to get it fixed. BTW parts are not available with any of the Kobalt 80V stuff, good luck with that.

[@genemetz1945]

@@kimchee94112 - I finally purchased the Kobalt 80 volt chain saw. And just now bought the 80 volt kobalt mower. Both work great.

[@mwest0894]

Please help me. I have this battery chainsaw and the start button is stuck down and I wont pop up. No one will work on the batter chainsaw. Please make a video on this.

[@sun9912]

Call coblat

[@dandahermitseals5582]

Is that a chisel cutter chain and is the bar a roller nose?

[@russ4930]

Original was a roller nose. I don't know what they call the chain. I have replaced the original with a 16" set. I like the shorter better.

[@johnrbateman7811]

So about how long does the battery last on a full charge?

[@russ4930]

I have 4 of the 2AH batteries. They last about 15-20 minutes each of hard cutting of large pieces of oak and maple. With 4 batteries, I can cut and charge endlessly. I plan to buy some 5 or 6 AH batteries in the future.

[@jeffmason6344]

I bought this model a few months ago & was very disappointed all the longer the battery lasted before needing charged. As a last ditch effort, I swapped the bar & chain for an Oregon 16" bar & a 3/8 low profile semi-chisel chain (off my Dalmar 421). Not only did it extend the battery life dramatically, it cut better! Idk why they'd put an 18" bar on a saw that small...that combined with an anti-kick back chain made for bad combination.

[@russ4930]

I have also replaced my bar/chain with a 16". Gives me more cut power and I much prefer the shorter bar anyways.

[@14truk]

I still have a ln 18" bar, but swapped for a full chisel chain. I do have two batteries, and they charge as fast as I can use them anyway (haven't used the gas since I bought it, and I heat with wood. Even cleared three trees off my driveway in out spring snowstorm with no power.) The chain that came on this cut very slow comparatively, so that's likely where the battery issue came from.

[@pldaniels]

Looking to buy it here ( already have the 18" mower and 16" whippersnipper/weedwacker) and was concerned about the 18" bar, glad to know it's able to be changed out and might well do that (Sold here under the brand of "Victa", but still the 82V B&S system )

[@happycamper2976]

how much you payfor you saw with battries and charger

[@russ4930]

Similar to a gas saw. Check online for the best prices.

[@ousamaabdu794]

Thanks for the reply Russ. What model Stihl do you run?

[@russ4930]

Currently run an MS250 which was given to me almost new because the previous owner hated it. I am not too impressed either but it does run and have fair power. I probably wouldn't buy another Stihl but have always been fond of Husqvarna. I would have bought another Husky if the Stihl had not been given to me. I have historically run a saw quite hard and the Huskys seem to hold up and cut well. Hopefully reducing my cutting and so the electric seems to be good. I am truly impressed with the Kobalt saw. Plan to use it quite a bit more.

[@trevors8577]

I guess, that stihl is a homeowner saw, I've noticed that all the stihl's that have a solid plastic top are homeowner grade and the ones with the gap where the filter cover slides off are the pro ones. I got my first 026 when I was around 12 and currently have an MS361C which has the toolless chain adjustment which is very very handy.

[@kenhulse5191]

I have owned a lot of Husqvarnas and they all go bad sooner or later. The stihls are the quality gas chainsaw. they cost more but are worth it. they last

[@dane8122]

Great review, thank you! What rule of thumb do you use to determine the perfect "play" in chainsaw tightness before you start cutting?

[@DrDIYporsche]

Normally I want my chain to be very lightly tight. I shoot for no sag but still able to pull the chain with a gloved hand.

[@benkaren1]

good video. its nice to see a chainsaw demo done by someone with logging experience. i think it is comparable to the greenworks 80v saw, maybe even better. just wondering when will kobalt come out with a 4ah battery?

[@chrismason5179]

A useful video as I am looking to buy either a 40 v or 80 v saw. I think that It would be good to know the price of the saw, and, maybe, why you chose this saw over the several other 40 v chainsaws, like did you see any of the other battery operated chainsaw reviews? Thanks for the review.

[@russ4930]

Looked at lots of reviews before purchase. The 40v simply cannot compare with the 80v. A 40v may be fine for a homeowner who doesn't really cut a lot of wood but falls short otherwise. I bought the Kobalt because Lowes is just down the road and I plan to buy the lawnmower and weedwacker to match.

[@thefirewooddoctor]

Chris Mason A 40-volt chainsaw is plenty good IF andnonly IF you can get a 4ah or better battery for it. Then it keeps up with the 80-volt 2ah battery chainsaws.

[@trevors8577]

By this logic you might as well get a 120 volt chainsaw... Volts means nothing without amps.

[@Wingnut353]

@@trevors8577 As an engineer (Computer engineer basically the same as electrical) this is completely wrong. The 80V saw can do twice the work with the same size motor at the same the amps period. Basically by doubling the voltage you can run at twice the watts on the same motor and wiring (even though the 80V saw is probably beefed up a bit) The Amp-Hours rating only tells you how long the charge will last not how well it will cut. The 80V saw will likely either stay cooler or be able to do more work due to drawing fewer amps and loosing less power to heat. The higher currents in a 40V saw result in more losses to heat as well as limit it's peak output.I don't think I would bother with a 40V saw unless I only intended it use it to limb trees.

[@Wallriss]

This is the same as the Snapper branded one isn't?

[@DrDIYporsche]

I'M not familiar with the Snapper. Perhaps someone else?

[@thefirewooddoctor]

For my needs, as in clearing a building site, a gasoline chainsaw is far superior as speed is extremely important if you need a place to live ASAP or a place to put a portable cabin. But if doing simple maintenance here and there in the yard, a battery chainsaw is superior. And if Off-grid and livingnin the sticks, is easier to order bar-chain oil online for the battery chainsaw and have it delivered than running into town for more fuel for the gasoline chainsaw.

[@trevors8577]

We would make premix by the 5 gallon jug, throw a splash of sta-bil in there and it's good for a long long time..

[@job38four10]

The Kobalt 80 volt is no longer sold by Lowes, wonder why.

[@DrDIYporsche]

I see the saw is back on the shelves at my local Lowes. March 2019.

[@billcallahan9303]

Sir, do you know if the gears inside are plastic? I bought a corded electric chain saw from Harbor Fright (Fright) a few years back. It lasted one summer of limited use cutting before the plastic gears stripped out...Thank you!

[@russ4930]

Don't know how the gears are made but I have run my saw hard for quite a while and it just keeps taking it.

[@nagantm441]

Hey Russ how long does the battery typically last before it needs a charge?

[@russ4930]

Batteries last about 20 minutes running hard. I have 2 batteries and after 40 minutes I'm ready to take a break anyways. Batteries charge again in about 20 minutes so with 2 batteries you can almost keep running if you have a charge station handy

[@dnhman]

A year how is this saw holding up for you?

[@russ4930]

The more I use this saw the more I like it. At this point I no longer use my gas saw. Period. Just the other day I dropped several Oak and Hemlock trees 18-24" in diameter without a second thought. I'm not looking back.

[@dnhman]

Thanks I was looking at the 12 inch saw, my use would be cutting up some firewood or clearing brush. Seems like an easy fit

[@Zimeftw]

Glad you said that. Looking at buying a reliable saw and I really didn't want to go with gas. I've already got a Kobalt weed eater with the 80v battery and I could double my cutting time with that saw with two batteries. I think I'll make the investment.

[@czrs85]

great review.

[@andrewford80]

Good video mate

[@justinleonard8361]

Nice video, thank you

[@tonyjcool5314]

Thanks for details

[@genemetz1945]

Now review the KOBALT 80v 5.0ah battery 18 in chainsaw.

[@DrDIYporsche]

Recently bought the 5ah battery and it works great.

[@genemetz1945]

@@DrDIYporsche - Finally got my KOBALT 80V Chain saw with a 6ah battery. I love it. I have yet to have to stop work to recharge. Here in La. the temp stays too hot for me to work very long in the heat. Now we have Hurricane Ida coming right over my property on Monday. That will mean a lot more clearing of downed trees

[@DrDIYporsche]

@@genemetz1945 Glad you like it. Hope Ida goes easy on you all.

[@JalopyTechnology]

"Going to remove the tags and crap"... thanks for shutting off the camera while doing the latter.

[@russ4930]

My pleasure.

[@ericwiese7479]

Lol...funny

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

All the revies so far has convinced me to remove that stupid cord on the oil cap. Your not going to loose it like a set of car keys are you? Love this saw. Getting one for Christmas, I hope. If I buy a Iron for my wife for Christmas, she calls it sexist but if she buys me tools, it's not? WTF? JD

[@russ4930]

Simply give the saw to your wife - problem solved. She will let you borrow it.

[@fullstrutn]

you run a Stihl!!! best there is!!!though these are quieter and handy for a quick trim

[@russ4930]

Haven't run my Stihl since buying the Kobalt. Like this saw more each time I use it.

[@EnlightenedSavage]

To be honest all three of the stihls own have had problems. The electric always works as long as the battery works.

[@Michael-w8v]

I never have known anyone to oiled on the blade, but it shouldn't require to do that before first use.

[@russ4930]

Takes a bit for the new saw to pump. Prevents the chain running dry when brand new. A one time thing.

[@crpth1]

Michael Marr - Consider this a tip for anything mechanical. If it move lubricate it! It's that simple and will save you "tons" of other maintenance. ;-)

[@Michael-w8v]

@@crpth1 I'm sorry, I don't think you understand what blade mean.

[@HylanderSB]

God I hate two stroke engines. Dumped gas for mowing and blowing, this is my next addition.

[@russ4930]

The more I use my electric saw the more I like it. Now living in the off grid home and cut about 5 cord this year electric. Never missed a beat.

[@HylanderSB]

Russ That’s good to hear. I’ve got a bunch of Bradford pears and pines I want to be rid of.

[@davethefish7653]

If you just focus on the chainsaw, you're shown how to use an 80V chainsaw by Richard Nixon.

[@samonge7]

thanks m8

[@normanspurgeon5324]

I think that this fellow need some more wood in his shed-

[@russ4930]

I have since moved to our new off grid home and have about 2 years of wood in my shed. All cut with the Kobalt 80v saw. Like it more the more I use it. Am on my 3rd bar and chain set and it is just plain going strong.

[@shawnbiss88ify]

$10 says he’s from Michigan

[@austinwebb8986]

Idk, maybe Maine, upper Vermont, or mass? It's hard to tell.

[@russ4930]

Maine.