#11 Best Pruning Saws: Reviews and Buyer's Guide by Sfcutters

The best pruning saws products that SfCutters recommends below may be suitable for your search needs

1. Best Overall: Fiskars Power Tooth Soft Grip D-Handle Saw

The Fiskars PowerTooth pruning saw is very strong and durable. It has a 15-inch curved blade made of precision-ground steel. The slightly curved blade makes it easy to cut away branches both high up and down low. Its straight teeth can cut in either a push or pull motion, and the Power Tooth blade, which is a registered trademark, is great for making sharp, clean cuts.

Hand and arm fatigue are reduced by an ergonomic handle that doesn't slip and a light weight of less than a pound. A pistol grip gives you more control. The whole saw, including the handle, is 21.62 inches long.

The two-way cutting action of the Fiskars 15-inch pruning saw made it sharp and quick in our tests. The blade was flexible enough and stiff enough to keep it from buckling on the push stroke. Even though it was fairly light and easy to move, it didn't fit well into the crooks of smaller branches, so we suggest using it with a pair of loppers to get rid of any smaller branches.

Pros

• Fast cutting in both directions

• Comfortable nonslip grip

• Handle designed to cut both from below and from above

• Steel blade with a chrome finish

Cons

• No scabbard provided.

• Too big for small spaces and trees with 1- to 2-inch branches

2. Best Budget: Rexbeti 8-Inch Folding Saw

Weekend gardeners can bring unruly shrubs in shape with a good pruning saw that doesn't break the bank. The straight 8-inch blade of the reasonably priced Rexbeti Folding Saw is equipped with wide-set 7-TPI teeth, making short work of chopping away undesired branches. The SK-5 steel used to craft the Rexbeti saw blade ensures that it will remain razor sharp for the duration of its useful life.

This pruning saw has a comfortable rubberized handle and may be used with a pull or push motion. Saw blade stores in handle when not in use, allowing for convenient transport in a bag or on a tool belt.

This Rexbeti folding saw did not do well in my first impressions upon opening the packaging. The one we tested looked and felt cheap, and the blade pivot moved somewhat. While in use, however, it proved to be highly effective. 

Although it was a bit stiff, the blade was able to make clean, rapid cuts through even 4-inch thick branches, even those in tight crevices. The lock could be used with one hand with no problem. The grip, too, proved to be more agreeable than at first glance. We have our doubts that this saw will hold up to years of heavy usage, but at this price, it's hard to pass up.

Pros

• Discounted rate

• Cuts branches between 1 and 4 inches thick with ease.

• Protective features include a firm grip and a locked blade.

Cons

• Poorly made looking

• There was wiggle room in the blade pivot of the sampled model.

3. Best Sale: Corona DualLink Tree Saw and Pruner - 10ft

The Corona DualLink Tree Saw and Pruner has an extendable fiberglass pole that can be separated into two sections to a maximum height of 10 feet. The sturdy twist-lock mechanism of the pole allows the user to adjust the length to suit their needs. 

The 13-inch, detachable, triple-ground saw blade easily slices through branches up to 8 inches in diameter. The 1-inch pruning shear is equipped with a dual-link, rope-operated pulley system that increases cutting force for simpler, cleaner cutting.

Corona's pole saw was demonstrated to be both very efficient and surprisingly inexpensive. We noticed that it had a reasonable reach without being cumbersome, and that the extension pole was rather stable after some initial slipping. 

The detachable, razor-sharp saw blade is set at a universal angle that's useful in most situations. The pruning shear's dual-link power assist is effective, although we anticipated that it may be cumbersome in areas with dense branching. All things considered, we think this is a really affordable tool.

Pros

• Branches up to 1 inch in diameter are easily lopped off with this dual-link shear.

• The 10-foot-long saw has a cutting capacity from 1 to 8 inches.

Cons

• While sawing, shear rope can be a nuisance.

• The saw blade can't be set at a different angle.

4. Best Durable: Kanzawa Samurai Ichiban 13" Curved Pruning Saw

To preserve the blade in excellent condition and prevent accidents, Kanzawa includes a protective scabbard with this chrome-plated, rust-resistant pruning saw. The belt loop on the scabbard makes it easy to wear the saw and keep both hands free.

The cushioned, nonslip ergonomic grip is made to prevent hand strain while the curved, impulse-hardened steel blade makes overhead cutting simpler. When used on living trees, this saw's pull-stroke cutting action produces clean, accurate finish cuts. Samurai Ichiban pruning saws have a total length of 20.5 inches, from the very tip of the blade to the very tip of the handle.

We admired the high-quality construction of the Samurai Ichiban pruning saw. The teeth on this blade are broader than the spine, allowing for effortless movement while making deep cuts despite the blade's lightweight flexibility. Neither the teeth nor the edges of the blade were clogged with sap. Additionally, the grip was quite pleasant to hold. 

A few times when using the push (non-cutting) stroke, the blade flexed. Because of this, the saw's rhythm was broken, which didn't happen with the other saws we tried. Despite this little flaw, we found the saw to be an excellent choice for repeated usage throughout a number of seasons thanks to its high-quality materials and easy, comfortable operation.

Pros

• The scabbard is included

• A comfortable, secure hold

• Blade is tapered, steel, and chromed, and it has serrated teeth.

• Simple, quick, and clean slicing; no binding or clogging

Cons

• Highest-end pricing

• On the push stroke, the blade tends to bend at times.

5. Best Quality: Flora Guard Folding Hand Saw

This folding pruning saw has an anti-rust, low-friction steel blade that can cut branches up to 4 inches in diameter, despite its short 7.7-inch length. The Flora Guard is ideal for swiftly removing tiny branches since it cuts on both the push stroke and the pull stroke.

The saw's cushioned, nonslip ergonomic handle facilitates a strong grip, and the locking mechanism prevents the blade from unfolding during storage. Moreover, the button may be used to lock the blade in a variety of positions, making it possible to make precise cuts in confined spaces. There is a hook and eyelet on the saw's handle so it may be clipped to a belt.

Our tests revealed that the Flora Guard folding saw provided respectable results for a low-cost option. There was some binding and sap accumulation on the blade, but it was only a minor annoyance at most. 

The saw was comfortable to hold, and it made rapid work of most tasks. The knuckle guard isn't our favorite feature, but it does its job by keeping the saw from shutting on your fingers if you unintentionally hit a branch. This saw might be kept in the toolbox as a backup for any last-minute projects that come up.

Pros

• Reasonable costs

• Removes limbs with a diameter of one to four inches

• Collapses for compact storage

Cons

• Consistently hefty for its little dimensions

• Binding and clogging are common issues with a stiff blade.

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Types

Despite the fact that all pruning saws serve the same objective — to allow the user to cut a branch swiftly and effectively — design variances make some kinds superior for specialized trimming tasks.

• Hand saws: These instruments, often known as non-folding saws, are what most people image when they think of a pruning saw. The blade of a hand pruning saw is non-folding, can be straight or slightly curved, and comes in a variety of lengths.

• Folding: Folding pruning saws lock into a straight posture for use and then fold for safe storage, making them ideal for putting in a toolbox or purse without fear of grasping a sharp blade.

• Pole: A pole pruning saw is the optimal tool for reaching top branches. It allows the operator to extend the blade of the saw by either extending a telescopic pole or adding a separate utility pole.

• Powered: Whether powered by rechargeable batteries or a corded electric device, these pruning saws make cutting a snap. The only physical exertion necessary is positioning the saw and collecting the fallen branches.

Blade

When it comes to pruning saws, the saw blade takes center stage. Specific blade materials and combinations will affect the quality and optimal use.

• Length: The length of the blade on pruning saws spans from 3 to 15 inches, with 6 and 9 inches being the most popular.

• Angular or straight: A pruning saw with a straight blade is ideal for making cuts around the user's chest or waist, as this is where the user can exert the most force. Because the curved blade helps maintain the saw's position, curved blades are more suited for overhead or low cuts.

• Material: The majority of pruning saw blades are constructed of steel and high-carbon steel. In general, the greater the carbon content of the steel, the harder the blade. However, high-carbon steel is susceptible to corrosion over time, therefore the blade must be coated or plated for protection. Impulse-hardened steel is one of the most durable procedures for manufacturing saw blades, and it results in teeth that are sharper for longer.

Teeth

The design of the teeth on a pruning saw blade will decide whether it cuts by pulling, pushing, or both. If the teeth slope forward, the blade cuts on the draw stroke; otherwise, it cuts on the push stroke. If the teeth extend in a straight line, the blade can be used with either a push or pull stroke.

Additionally, the number of teeth is a performance element. Some pruning saws are identified by the number of teeth per inch (TPI), and most pruning saws have between 3 and 24 TPI. The lower the TPI, the more quickly and aggressively the blade will cut, although it may leave the branch with jagged edges. The more the TPI, the longer the cutting time, but the smoother the chopped branch.

Handle

The length of time an individual can trim branches without experiencing hand tiredness is largely determined by the saw's handle. A superior ergonomic grip conforms to the curve of the hand to decrease strain and discomfort. For both comfort and safety, a nonslip grip is desirable.

Handles of pruning saws typically incorporate pistol grips, in which the user's hand wraps over the handle with fingers underneath. This is enough for the majority of trimming chores, but a typical saw grip allows the operator to use push or pull force for larger cutting jobs.

Weight

The optimal weight of a pruning saw depends on the individual using it. The weight of a saw can range from a few ounces to at least three pounds. The heavier a saw is, the more stable it will be, but the sooner it will cause hand and arm strain, particularly when used above. Lightweight pruning saws are easier to maneuver, but the operator may need to use more downward force to saw through a branch.

Features of Safety

All saw blades are dangerously sharp and provide a risk of harm, particularly powered types. Even though non-powered pruning saws are safer, retrieving a sharp blade from a toolbox can be an unpleasant experience. Some pruning saw manufacturers add a locking mechanism on folding saws to keep the blade safely tucked away until it is needed. Other pruning saws may have a scabbard or sheath that enables the operator to keep the pruning saw safely in its case — often on a belt loop — for easy retrieval.

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1. Which pruning saw size do I need?

Choose a pruning saw with a blade that is double the diameter of the branches you will be cutting as a general guideline. Choose a saw with at least a 10-inch blade for cutting branches up to 5 inches in diameter, for instance.

2. How should a pruning saw be sharpened?

Many modern pruning saws are incapable of being sharpened. They are constructed from carbon steel and coated to prevent corrosion. The plating would be removed by sharpening.

3. How should a pruning saw be cleaned?

After usage, wipe the blade to remove any sap or residue, and then dry it. Optional: Apply a small layer of mineral oil to the saw blade before storing it for the winter to protect it.

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To make SfCutters's list, each knife has to meet a minimal criterion of user comfort and cutting performance for its category. Despite the fact that each category requires the same fundamental function of trimming branches, the context and peripheral specifics vary. We hope that our article on the best pruning saws was helpful in your hunt for the right tool.

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