Kobalt (Lowe's) KCS 120-07

Recall notice

In September 2020, this battery-powered chainsaw was recalled due to the switch contacts welding causing the chainsaw to remain in the “on” position and posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

If you own this chainsaw you should immediately stop using it and contact Hongkong Sun Rise Trading for a free repair. You can call Hongkong Sun Rise Trading toll-free at 855-378-8826 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

For more information, go to the CPSC recall notice at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Kobalt-Cordless-Electric-Chainsaws-Sold-Exclusively-at-Lowes-Stores-Recalled-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard-Distributed-by-Hongkong-Sun-Rise-Trading

This 12-inch, 40-volt, battery-powered chain saw from Kobalt (Lowe's) weighs 10 lbs. It has a tool-less bar adjuster and a 5-year warranty.

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CR's Expert Take

How did it perform in our owner surveys and expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model incorporates our expert lab test results, as well as ratings for that brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction from our annual product owner survey of members.

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Current Range of Tested Chainsaws

What goes into the Overall Score?

OWNER SURVEYS

Cutting speed

/ 5

Safety

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Handling

/ 5

Noise

/ 5

Color

/ 5

Weight

Power

/ 5

Tested Bar Length

/ 5

Bar length tested

cc/amp

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

CUTTING SPEED: Extremely slow cutting, measured by averaging multiple sets of cuts through 10- by 10-inch oak beams.

SAFETY: Somewhat less safe than other tested models to use, maintain, and store the saw, taking into account the presence of a chain brake, the intensity of kickback during cutting, any burn hazard during use or maintenance, and safety of storage.

EASE OF USE: Especially easy to use overall, which includes starting the saw, adjusting chain tightness, checking and adding fluids, and accessing supplies such as the spark plug and air filter.

HANDLING: Somewhat hard to hold and operate comfortably, based on our judgments of making horizontal and vertical cuts and the degree to which the saw vibrated during cuts.

About

The Kobalt (Lowe's) KCS 120-07 is part of the Chainsaws test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Chainsaw models like the KCS 120-07 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Cutting speed: A high score means the chainsaw effortlessly cuts though hardwood. A top-scoring model will accomplish the job faster.

Safety: A high score means the saw has lower kickback intensity, includes a reliable chain brake to stop the chain during kickbacks, and reduces the possibility of burns caused by inadvertent contact with a hot muffler. A top-scoring model is generally safer and less likely to cause injury.

Ease of use: A high score means the chainsaw has convenient maintenance features and starts easily.

Features & Specs

Specs

Chain brake

Anti-vibration

Kickback guard included

Safety trigger lock

Tool-free chain adjuster

Yes

Onboard tool storage

Translucent oil tank

Yes

Metal bucking spikes

Yes

Wrap-around handle

Storage case

Scabbard

Number of batteries included

Gas-to-oil mix ratio

Gasoline octane

Warranty

5 yrs.

Volts

Protective sheath

Yes

Extra chain

Kobalt (Lowe's) KCS 120-07

CR's Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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