worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY) Review: The DeWALT User’s Secret Weapon for Tree Trimming

There’s a moment every homeowner with a bit of property knows all too well. It starts with a glance out the window at a tree you’ve nurtured for years. But now, one of its branches is creeping ominously close to the roofline. Another is casting too much shade on the garden, and a third, dead and brittle, looks like it’s just waiting for the next big storm to come crashing down. My moment came last spring. A beautiful old oak had a limb that was scraping against our gutters with every gust of wind, a sound that grated on my nerves and my budget with visions of expensive repairs. The ladder felt too risky, and calling a professional for a single branch seemed like overkill. This is the precise scenario where the right tool isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity for safety, property maintenance, and peace of mind. It’s the gap between a nagging problem and a satisfying solution that a reliable pole saw is built to fill.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Pole Saw

A cordless pole saw is more than just a chainsaw on a stick; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your yard from the vertical overgrowth that ladders can’t safely reach. It offers freedom from tangled cords and loud, fume-belching gas engines, providing a powerful, convenient, and surprisingly quiet way to handle tree trimming, pruning, and storm cleanup. The primary benefit is safety—keeping your feet firmly on the ground while precisely cutting branches high overhead. For homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and property managers, this tool transforms a hazardous, expensive chore into a manageable task. When you need to maintain the health of your trees or protect your home from falling limbs, a cordless pole saw is an indispensable ally.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who is comfortable with basic power tool operation and has recurring light-to-medium-duty trimming needs. If you have trees with branches up to 6-7 inches in diameter that are difficult to reach, a model like the worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY) is a perfect fit, especially if you’re already invested in a compatible battery platform. However, it might not be suitable for those who need to fell large trees or perform commercial-grade logging. For heavy-duty, all-day use, a professional gas-powered saw would be more appropriate. Likewise, if you only have a few small, low-hanging twigs to trim once a year, a simple pair of manual loppers might suffice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Reach & Dimensions: The “reach” is the most critical specification. It’s often advertised as a maximum achievable reach, which includes the tool’s length plus the height of an average user. Consider the actual length of the pole itself. The worksky model offers an adjustable pole with lengths of 5.8 FT or 8.3 FT, which is excellent for versatility. Ensure the tool’s collapsed size is also practical for storage in your garage or shed.
• Capacity/Performance: Look at the bar length and chain speed. An 8-inch bar, like the one on this model, is a sweet spot for handling most residential branch trimming, typically up to 6-7 inches in diameter. Chain speed, measured in feet per second (FT/S), dictates how quickly and smoothly the saw cuts. The worksky’s 13 FT/S is quite respectable for a 20V tool, promising efficient cutting without excessive bogging down.
• Materials & Durability: A pole saw’s head is subject to significant stress. Look for a durable housing and a high-quality alloy steel bar and chain. The pole itself should be made of a rigid but lightweight material like aluminum or fiberglass to minimize flex when fully extended. User feedback often reveals a tool’s true durability, and initial reports on the worksky’s construction are surprisingly positive, even after accidental drops.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Battery-powered tools are inherently easier to use than gas, but details matter. An automatic chain oiler is a must-have feature, as it simplifies maintenance and prolongs the life of the bar and chain. Also, consider the tool’s weight and balance. All pole saws are top-heavy by nature, but a well-designed tool will feel manageable, not dangerously unwieldy.

Navigating the options can be challenging, but understanding these core features will empower you to make a choice that fits your property’s specific needs.

While the worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY) 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:

First Impressions: Smart Design for the Savvy DIYer

Unboxing the worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY), the first thing we noticed was its straightforward, no-frills packaging. Inside, the components were neatly laid out: the motorhead with the 8-inch bar and chain, two extension pole sections, and the handle/trigger assembly. Assembly was intuitive, with the three main sections connecting securely in just a few minutes without needing to consult the manual. The bright orange and black color scheme is practical for visibility in the yard.

The standout feature, of course, is its “tool-only” nature, designed specifically to be compatible with DeWALT 20V MAX batteries. For anyone like me who already has a collection of black and yellow tools, this is a massive plus, eliminating the cost and clutter of a separate battery system. As one user noted, it’s critical to remember two things that aren’t in the box: the battery and, just as importantly, bar and chain oil. We had to make a quick trip to the hardware store before we could get started, a minor inconvenience but one to be aware of. Picking it up, the 4.24 kg (about 9.3 lbs) weight feels substantial. As expected, it’s top-heavy, but the handle design provides a decent grip for control. You can immediately tell this tool is designed to provide maximum reach at an accessible price point.

Deep Dive: Putting the worksky Pole Saw to the Test

A tool’s real worth is only revealed through hands-on use. We spent several weeks using the worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY) for various trimming tasks around our property, from light pruning of fruit trees to cutting back thick, overgrown maple limbs. Our goal was to push it beyond simple tasks to see where it truly shines and where its limits lie.

Power and Cutting Performance: The Little Saw That Could

Skepticism is natural when looking at a third-party tool designed to run on a major brand’s battery platform. Would it have the guts to compete? We snapped in a fully charged 5.0Ah DeWALT 20V MAX battery, filled the oil reservoir, and targeted a 4-inch thick pine branch that had been bothering us for months. The saw spooled up instantly with a press of the trigger, and the 13 FT/S chain speed was immediately apparent. It wasn’t a blistering, gas-powered scream, but a confident, high-RPM hum. We let the weight of the saw do the work, and it bit into the wood with surprising aggression, pulling itself through the branch and producing a clean cut in under 15 seconds. There was no significant bogging or hesitation.

We continued testing on various wood types. Softer woods like poplar and pine were no challenge at all. For harder woods like oak, we found the sweet spot was on branches up to about 3 inches in diameter, where it cut smoothly and efficiently. Pushing it to its 6-inch maximum capacity on a dense oak limb required more patience and a bit of rocking, but it got the job done. This confirmed what we and other users found: for the vast majority of residential trimming—those pesky 1 to 4-inch branches—it has more than enough power. The 90° cutter head design also seemed effective at clearing wood chips, preventing the chain from getting pinched, which is a common frustration with lesser saws. For homeowners needing to clear storm debris or perform seasonal maintenance, its cutting capability is perfectly matched to the task.

Reach, Handling, and On-the-Job Durability

The primary reason for buying a pole saw is reach, and this is where the worksky excels. The tool itself can be assembled to 5.8 FT with one extension or a full 8.3 FT with both. When you factor in your own height and arm extension, the advertised 14.3 FT maximum reach is entirely realistic. This allowed us to easily and safely reach second-story branches without ever thinking about a ladder. The pole sections lock together firmly with minimal wobble, which inspires confidence when you’re maneuvering the cutting head 12 feet in the air.

However, physics is undefeated. With the motor, bar, chain, and oil at the end of an 8-foot pole, the tool is undeniably top-heavy. This isn’t a flaw in the design but a characteristic of all pole saws. Proper technique is key: use your front hand to guide the pole and your back hand to control the throttle and support the weight. Making the cut on the underside of the branch first (an undercut) before cutting from the top prevents the bark from tearing and helps control the branch’s fall. One user’s experience particularly stood out to us when he recounted accidentally dropping the saw from a height. He expected it to be shattered, but it survived the fall and kept working. We didn’t intentionally replicate this “torture test,” but it speaks volumes about the tool’s construction. The materials feel robust enough for typical homeowner use and the occasional mishap, which is a significant point in its favor and a feature that truly sets it apart at this price point.

The DeWALT Ecosystem Advantage and Easy Maintenance

The single biggest selling proposition for the worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY) is its seamless integration with the DeWALT 20V MAX battery system. If your garage is already home to a DeWALT drill, impact driver, or circular saw, you can buy this tool for a fraction of the cost of a full kit from a big-name brand. We tested it with official DeWALT batteries ranging from 2.0Ah to 6.0Ah, as well as a few generic aftermarket batteries. It fit and powered them all without issue, just as other users have confirmed. A 5.0Ah battery provided us with well over an hour of intermittent cutting, enough to tackle significant trimming projects on a single charge.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple thanks to the automatic oiling system. This feature, once reserved for more expensive saws, continuously lubricates the bar and chain during operation. This is crucial for reducing friction, preventing overheating, and dramatically extending the life of your chain. The oil reservoir has a translucent window, making it easy to monitor the level at a glance. Filling it is straightforward, though a funnel is recommended to avoid spills. Aside from keeping the oil topped up and occasionally checking the chain tension (which is a simple, tool-based adjustment), there is very little maintenance required. This “pick up and go” convenience is a huge advantage over gas-powered alternatives.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is echoed by many other users who have put the tool to work. The general sentiment is one of pleasant surprise, with many highlighting its performance and value. One user called it a “cool little saw for trimming away those branches that are just out of reach,” a perfect summary of its core function. He praised its ability to cut through 1-inch branches with “no problem at all,” confirming our findings on its effectiveness for common trimming jobs.

The feedback also provides a balanced view. The same user pointed out the two key things to know before buying: it doesn’t come with a battery (which is clearly stated) and it doesn’t come with bar oil (which is a common but frustrating omission). Several users, including us, have noted the top-heavy balance, describing it as something you “get the hang of.” Perhaps the most compelling piece of feedback came from a user who subjected it to an unintentional “ultimate torture test” by dropping it. Its survival and continued performance led him to conclude that it “must be built well,” giving prospective buyers confidence in its durability. You can see its full feature set and additional user reviews here.

How Does the worksky Pole Saw Compare to the Competition?

The worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY) operates in a competitive space. To understand its true value, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Greenworks 40V 8″ Pole Saw + Hedge Trimmer

The Greenworks 40V model is a formidable competitor, especially for those not already committed to a battery platform. Its biggest advantage is that it’s a 2-in-1 combo kit, including an articulating hedge trimmer attachment, and it comes with a 2.0Ah battery and charger. The 40V system offers a theoretical step up in power over the 20V worksky. However, you are paying for that versatility and the included battery. If you already own DeWALT batteries and don’t need a hedge trimmer, the worksky presents a much more economical path to getting your high branches trimmed.

2. DocSmart 2-IN-1 Pole Saw Mini Chainsaw

The DocSmart model targets a slightly different user, one who values extreme versatility and light-duty use. It’s a 2-in-1 tool that can be used as a 6-inch mini chainsaw or attached to a pole. It comes as a complete kit with two batteries, making it an excellent all-in-one gift or starter tool. However, its 6-inch bar and likely lower power make it less suitable for the thicker branches the 8-inch worksky can handle. It’s a great choice for very light pruning and someone who would benefit from the handheld chainsaw feature for small ground-level cuts.

3. DEWALT DCPS620B 20V MAX XR Pole Saw

This is the first-party alternative and the most direct comparison. The DEWALT DCPS620B is a premium tool featuring a brushless motor, which generally offers better performance, efficiency, and longevity. It boasts an 8-inch bar and is part of the high-performance XR lineup. The primary reason to choose the worksky over the official DEWALT model is cost. The worksky delivers comparable core functionality—reaching and cutting high branches using a DeWALT battery—for what is typically a significantly lower price. For the homeowner who will use a pole saw a few times a year, the worksky offers an incredible value proposition that’s hard to ignore.

Final Verdict: The Smart Choice for DeWALT Tool Owners

After extensive testing, the worksky 8 Inch Cordless Pole Saw (NO BATTERY) has earned our strong recommendation, with one important condition: it is unequivocally the best choice for homeowners who are already invested in the DeWALT 20V MAX battery platform. It leverages your existing investment to provide a capable, durable, and easy-to-use solution for one of the most challenging yard maintenance tasks. It delivers on its promises of excellent reach, sufficient power for most residential needs, and hassle-free operation thanks to its auto-oiler.

While it’s true that it feels top-heavy (a trait shared by all pole saws) and you’ll need to supply your own bar oil, these are minor trade-offs for the immense value it provides. It makes quick, safe work of hazardous high branches, turning a dreaded chore into a manageable and even satisfying task. If you’ve been staring up at overgrown limbs and own a DeWALT battery, this is the missing piece in your tool collection. It’s a smart, budget-friendly purchase that punches well above its weight. Ready to take control of your treetops? We highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the worksky pole saw today.