Worx Wg510 Review

If you’re looking for a capable and affordable chainsaw for your garden, you’ve probably come across the Worx WG510. This review will give you a clear, honest look at what this electric chainsaw can and cannot do. We’ll break down its performance, features, and value to see if it’s the right tool for your needs.

Let’s get straight into the details. The Worx WG510 is a 14.5-amp electric chainsaw with a 16-inch bar. It’s designed as a homeowner tool, perfect for those who need to cut firewood, clear storm damage, or handle general yard cleanup without the fuss of a gas engine.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Out of the box, the WG510 feels lighter than you might expect. It weighs just under 12 pounds without the bar and chain, which is a big plus for reducing user fatigue. The build uses a lot of high-impact polymer, keeping the cost down and the saw lightweight.

The grip is comfortable and the overall balance is good. It doesn’t feel cheap, but it’s clearly not a professional-grade steel construction. For its price point, the construction is solid and should hold up well with proper care.

Key Features and Specifications

Here are the main specs you need to know:

Motor: 14.5 Amp electric
Bar Length: 16 inches
Chain Speed: Up to 12 m/s
Weight: 11.8 lbs (tool only)
Oil System: Automatic chain lubrication
Tool-Free Chain Tensioning: Yes
Safety Features: Low-kickback bar and chain, hand guard

The Auto-Tension System

This is a standout feature. The WG510 has a tool-free system that keeps the chain at the right tension. As the chain stretches with use, a dial on the side lets you quickly adjust it with your fingers—no wrenches needed. It’s incredibly convenient and works reliably.

Automatic Oiling

The saw has an automatic oiler that releases bar and chain lubricant as you cut. There’s also a manual override button for extra oil when cutting drier wood. The translucent oil tank is easy to check, so you can see when it needs a refill.

Performance in the Garden

So, how does it actually cut? For a 14.5-amp electric saw, the WG510 has plenty of power for its intended jobs.

Cutting Green Wood: It handles fresh-cut logs and branches up to its 16-inch capacity without much struggle. The chain speed is adequate.
Cutting Dry Hardwood: It will work, but you need to be patient. Pushing it too hard in dense oak or maple can bog the motor down. Let the saw do the work.
Limbing and Pruning: This is where it shines. The light weight and good balance make it easy to maneuver for trimming branches off fallen trees.

Remember, it’s an electric corded saw. You are tethered to an extension cord, which limits your range. You’ll need a heavy-duty 12-gauge cord for best performance, especially for longer jobs.

Safety and Ease of Use

Safety is well considered. The saw features a low-kickback bar and chain, which is essential for casual users. The hand guard provides good protection. The rear handle has a comfortable grip that encourages two-handed operation.

Starting is, of course, simple: plug it in, press the safety trigger, and pull the main trigger. There’s no choke or pull cord, which is a huge advantage over gas models for occasional use.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintenance is very straightforward, which is a major selling point.

Chain Tensioning: Use the dial on the side. Turn it until the chain snaps back when pulled away from the bar.
Sharpening: You’ll need to sharpen the chain regularly. Use a round file and guide. It’s the same process as any other chainsaw.
Cleaning: Always clean out the sawdust from the bar pad and oil ports after use.
Storage: Store it indoors. Before putting it away, run the chain for a moment in the air to coat it with oil and prevent rust.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Let’s summarize the clear advantages and the drawbacks.

Pros:

Excellent value for money.
Very lightweight and easy to handle.
Tool-free chain tensioning is a game-changer.
No gas, no fumes, and very low noise compared to gas saws.
Minimal maintenance—just sharpen the chain and add oil.

Cons:

Requires a heavy-duty extension cord and proximity to an outlet.
Power is limited for very large or dense cutting tasks.
The build uses plastics that may not withstand rough treatment or drops.
Not suitable for remote or large-scale logging work.

Who Is the Worx WG510 Best For?

This saw is not for everyone, but it’s perfect for a specific user.

It’s an ideal choice for a homeowner with a suburban yard who needs to process occasional fallen limbs, cut firewood for a fireplace, or clean up after a storm. If you have mature trees that drop branches regularly, this saw will save your back compared to a hand saw.

It is not for a professional arborist or someone clearing acres of land. The cord and power limit make it a tool for defined, residential tasks.

Setting It Up for First Use

When you first get your WG510, follow these steps:

Assemble the bar and chain onto the saw body (usually attached separately in the box).
Fill the oil tank with a good quality bar and chain oil. Do not use motor oil or waste oil.
Plug the saw into a proper outdoor-rated, heavy-duty extension cord (12-gauge recommended).
Adjust the chain tension using the dial. The chain should be snug but still pull freely around the bar.
Do a test cut on a small piece of wood to ensure everything is working smoothly.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Worx WG510 powerful enough to cut down a tree?
A: It can fell smaller trees, up to about 12-14 inches in diameter, with careful use. For anything larger or for frequent tree felling, a more powerful gas saw is recommended.

Q: What size extension cord do I need for my Worx chainsaw?
A: You need a 12-gauge outdoor extension cord. A 14-gauge cord might work for very short runs, but a 12-gauge prevents power loss and motor strain, especially over 50 feet.

Q: How do you sharpen the WG510 chain?
A> You need a 5/32-inch round file and a file guide. Match the file angle marked on the chain (usually 30 degrees). File each cutter the same number of strokes, maintaining the original angle.

Q: Can I use any bar and chain oil?
A: It’s best to use a dedicated bar and chain oil. It’s stickier than regular oil and designed to stay on the chain at high speeds. In a pinch, vegetable oil can work temporarily, but clean the system afterward.

Q: How does the Worx electric chainsaw compare to a gas model?
A: It’s quieter, lighter, and needs almost no routine maintenance besides sharpening. However, it has less power and is limited by the cord. Gas saws are more powerful and portable but are louder, heavier, and require fuel mix and engine upkeep.

Final Verdict

The Worx WG510 is a highly competent electric chainsaw for the right person. It offers tremendous convenience with its tool-free features and eliminates the hassle of gas engines. For typical suburban yard work—cutting up fallen branches, pruning, and processing firewood—it provides more than enough power and is a joy to use because of its light weight.

Just be honest about your needs. If you have a big property with no outlets or you need to cut thick hardwood daily, look elsewhere. But for probably 80% of homeowners, this saw represents fantastic value and gets the job done without any fuss. It’s a reliable garden helper that won’t let you down for routine tasks.