Black+Decker LCS1020 Chain Replacement — Which Chain Actually Fits the 20V?

If you own a Black+Decker LCS1020, you’ve probably seen the same question come up again and again in owner forums and community discussions: “Which replacement chain actually fits?” It sounds simple, but this little 10-inch battery chainsaw has caused a lot of confusion because many buyers accidentally order the wrong pitch, wrong gauge, or the wrong drive link count.

That’s a big deal on a saw like the LCS1020. It’s one of the best-selling budget cordless chainsaws for light pruning, storm cleanup, and backyard trimming, so there are a lot of them still in service. When the original chain gets dull, stretched, or damaged, owners want a low-cost replacement that fits correctly without guesswork. A confirmed-fit 3-pack is often the smartest buy, especially for casual users who don’t sharpen often and would rather swap chains and keep working.

The Problem — why owners need this replacement part

The Black+Decker LCS1020 is a handy saw, but like any chainsaw, the chain is a wear item. Even if the motor and bar are perfectly fine, the chain will eventually need replacement.

Common failure modes and symptoms include:

• Chain dulling quickly after contact with dirt, rocks, or pressure-treated wood
• Stretching over time, causing repeated tension adjustments
• Bent or damaged cutters after pinching the bar or hitting hidden debris
• Rough or crooked cuts, even when the chain is tensioned correctly
• Excess vibration or chatter during cutting
• Poor cutting speed, where the saw throws dust instead of chips
• Chain jumping or derailing, often due to wear or incorrect sizing

For LCS1020 owners, the biggest headache isn’t always the worn chain itself — it’s ordering the wrong replacement. The most common mistake is buying a chain with the wrong pitch or drive link count. Many generic listings are vague, and some chains that are labeled “10-inch Black+Decker compatible” still don’t match the original spec.

For the LCS1020, the correct chain spec is:

• 3/8” low profile pitch
• .043” gauge
• 40 drive links

That spec matters. If one of those numbers is off, the chain may not fit the bar or sprocket properly, and even if you manage to install it, performance and safety can suffer.

Our Pick — present the product with specs, price, and what makes it a good value

Our recommendation is the 3PC 10-Inch Replacement Chain for Black & Decker LCS1020 20V Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw.

Product details:

• Product name: 3PC 10-Inch Replacement Chain for Black & Decker LCS1020 20V Max Lithium Ion Chainsaw
• ASIN: B0B3GBDLBQ
• Price: $22.99
• Rating: 4.6
• Pack size: 3 chains

Confirmed fit spec:

• Pitch: 3/8LP
• Gauge: .043
• Drive links: 40DL
• Chain length: 10-inch

What makes this a strong buy is simple: it solves the exact fitment issue that trips up so many LCS1020 owners. This chain matches the known correct spec for the saw, and that takes a lot of guesswork out of the process.

At $22.99 for a 3-pack, the value is also solid. That works out to roughly $7.66 per chain, which is a practical price point for a light-duty cordless saw. If you use your LCS1020 a few times each season, having spares on hand makes a lot of sense. You can rotate chains, replace one immediately if it gets damaged, or keep a sharp backup ready instead of stopping to sharpen mid-job.

This is especially appealing for the kind of owner who bought the LCS1020 in the first place: someone who wants convenience, low operating cost, and easy maintenance rather than pro-grade chain sharpening routines.

Compatibility — which models this fits

This replacement chain is a confirmed fit for the:

• Black & Decker LCS1020
• Black & Decker LCS1020B

Because fitment depends on the bar and chain spec rather than just the brand name, buyers should still verify their saw uses:

• 10-inch bar
• 3/8 low-profile pitch
• .043 gauge
• 40 drive links

That’s the key combination.

This is important because not every 10-inch cordless chainsaw uses the same chain, and even within compact saw categories, there are different gauge and pitch combinations. If you’re shopping by bar length alone, it’s easy to get the wrong part.

If you have a different Black+Decker saw model, don’t assume this chain fits automatically. Check the owner’s manual, the bar markings, or the original chain markings for confirmation.

Installation Tips — brief how-to or gotchas

Replacing the chain on the LCS1020 is generally straightforward, but there are a few details worth watching.

Basic install steps

1. Remove the battery before doing any work.
2. Loosen the side cover and remove the old chain.
3. Clean the bar groove and sprocket area before installing the new chain.
4. Set the new chain onto the sprocket and around the bar, making sure the drive links sit correctly in the groove.
5. Check cutter direction — this is the most common install mistake. The cutting edges on the top of the bar should face forward.
6. Reinstall the cover and set chain tension.
7. Tighten until the chain is snug but still pulls freely by hand with gloves on.
8. Recheck tension after the first few cuts, since a new chain may seat in and loosen slightly.

Common gotchas

• Don’t overtighten the chain. That can accelerate wear on the bar, sprocket, and motor.
• Don’t run it dry. Make sure your chain oil reservoir is filled.
• Watch the chain direction carefully. A backward chain won’t cut properly and can make you think the saw or chain is defective.
• Inspect the bar while you’re in there. If the groove is badly worn or the nose is damaged, even a new chain won’t perform well.

If your old chain has been run loose for a while, also inspect the drive sprocket area for unusual wear. A new chain on a worn system can still cut poorly.

Watch: Video Guide

If you want a visual walkthrough, here’s a helpful video guide:

Why This Over OEM? — price comparison, availability, quality assessment

For a saw like the LCS1020, aftermarket replacement chains often make more sense than OEM.

Price

The biggest advantage here is the cost per chain. At $22.99 for three, this pack is typically more economical than buying single OEM replacements one at a time. Even when OEM chains are available, they’re often priced high enough that stocking extras feels wasteful on a budget saw.

For many homeowners, that math matters. The LCS1020 itself is popular because it delivers decent utility at a low entry price. Spending premium money on consumables doesn’t always make sense.

Availability

OEM parts can also be inconsistent in stock, especially for older or very specific cordless saw models. Aftermarket chain packs like this are often easier to find and easier to keep on hand.

That matters if you use the saw seasonally and don’t want downtime after a storm or during pruning season.

Quality

This is where it helps to be realistic. An aftermarket chain at this price is not necessarily trying to compete with high-end professional chain brands on longevity under heavy use. But that’s not really the right comparison for the LCS1020.

The better question is: does it fit correctly, cut well for homeowner tasks, and offer good value? Based on the confirmed 3/8LP .043 40DL spec and the strong 4.6 rating, this one checks the right boxes for the intended use case.

For light-duty trimming, branch cutting, and yard cleanup, a 3-pack like this is often a smarter buy than chasing a more expensive OEM option. You get the right fit, multiple replacements, and lower cost per use.

In other words, this isn’t just “cheaper than OEM” — it’s better aligned with how most LCS1020 owners actually use their saw.

FAQ

1. Will this chain fit any 10-inch Black & Decker chainsaw?

No. A 10-inch bar alone is not enough to confirm fit. This chain is confirmed for the Black & Decker LCS1020 / LCS1020B using 3/8LP pitch, .043 gauge, and 40 drive links. Always verify those specs before ordering.

2. How do I know if I ordered the wrong pitch?

If the chain won’t seat properly on the sprocket or doesn’t align correctly in the bar groove, the pitch or gauge may be wrong. On the LCS1020, the correct spec is 3/8 low profile (.043 gauge, 40DL). This is the most common point of confusion for owners.

3. Should I replace the chain or sharpen the old one?

If the chain is only mildly dull, sharpening can extend its life. But if it’s stretched, damaged, cutting crooked, missing teeth, or repeatedly giving poor performance, replacement is the better move. Since this pack includes three chains for $22.99, it’s a convenient option for owners who prefer swapping chains over regular sharpening.

For LCS1020 owners, this is the kind of replacement part that’s worth buying once and keeping on the shelf. The main reason is confidence: the 3/8LP .043 40DL spec is the right fit, and that saves you from the most common ordering mistake. Add in the reasonable $22.99 price for a 3-pack, and this is an easy recommendation for anyone maintaining a Black+Decker LCS1020 20V Max.