For typical backyard landscaping and cleaning, manual pole saws should be efficient enough to get the job done. However, you may end up with a tool unsuited to your needs because not all options offer the same length or features.
If you don’t want to waste time buying around, here are some of the best manual pole saws tested by our experts.
Reviews of the Top Manual Pole Saws
1. Fiskars 92406935K
It may not be as cheap as other manual pole saws, but Fiskars 92406935K proved its worth with its distinct rope-free design. You may not know, but this feature allows two-handed control for better tangle and snags removal.
The Fiskars manual pole is equipped with a 15-inch saw blade, making it easier for our testers to cut thicker branches during our hands-on experience. It’s also a precision-ground steel pruner capable of tree pruning at different angles.
Since Fiskars extendable pole extends up to 12 feet, you don’t need to bend when reaching tight spots during the operations.
What We Like
- It includes a long extension pole of up to 12 inches
- Capable of pruning branches at complex angles
- Fully hardened steel blade that’s rust-resistant
- Suitable for cutting thick tree branches
- Lightweight but durable enough for extensive use
- Best rated manual pole saw on the market
What We Don't Like
- Blade may need resharpening
- Not the longest extension pole on the list
2. Jameson Store LS-Series Tree Pruner
Although it isn’t a popular option, Jameson Landscaper Pole has an edge for cutting thick branches because of its 16-inch saw blade. Unlike a regular manual pole saw, it includes a system that enables the extension pole to adjust at three different heights.
It’s a great pole saw for tree trimming because its saw head has a low-profile design. Thanks to this, cutting through dense foliage isn’t as hard as we thought.
Upon closer inspection, it’s designed with a 6-foot extended pole apart from its base pole of the same length. If you count the saw head, which is also 6 feet, it can reach around 18 feet.
What We Like
- Its pole extends up to 16 inches for tall trees and high branches
- Equipped with impulse-hardened teeth for less blade wearing
- Perfect manual pole saws for cutting palm trees and dense foliage
- Easier to set up than most professional manual pole saw options
What We Don't Like
- Heavier than typical manual pole pruners
- Not the best durability when fully extended
3. HOSKO B0896V9697 Tree Pole Pruner
If an affordable manual pole saw is what you seek, then HOSKO B0896V9697 should fulfill your needs without breaking the bank. Despite its lower price range, a HOSKO pole saw has a one-sided barb design and sharp teeth that can cut tree branches seamlessly.
You can rely on its curved blade length of 12 inches to get the job done faster than most pole saws. In fact, its wideness helps to minimize the hassle of sawing back and forth while cutting branches.
As it consists of three detachable extensions, we don’t doubt that this pole pruning saw could work well when you need to cut branches overhead.
What We Like
- Equipped with a wide saw blade for quick and easy cutting
- Easier to control for lower tree trimming
- Extra sharp saw blade for trimming branches at ease
- Easy to disassemble & saves space in the storage
What We Don't Like
- More suitable for cutting small branches
- Not the best professional manual pole saw
4. Buyplus B08S79X5FZ Manual Pole Pruner
Another budget-friendly manual pole saw for basic cutting tasks is Buyplus B08S79X5FZ. Its high-grade 12-inch steel saw blade makes this pole saw much lighter but durable enough to cut branches easily.
It’s a multi-functional tool, making it one of the best manual pole saws for tree trimming, pruning branches, or grooming logs. It also has a saw head replacement that could convert the tool into a telescopic pole saw.
You can adjust its extension pole from 3 to 12 feet during usage. It has 4-stage extension features that are not only effective when you trim branches but also work well on tasks that require extension poles.
What We Like
- Light to carry and wield for quick-cutting purposes
- Extended up to 12 feet for different applications
- Compatible with other tasks that require extension poles
- Designed with anti-slip handles for better user control
What We Don't Like
- This extendable pole saw has a thinner blade
- Not as durable as other options on the list
5. Notch 40207 Manual Pole Saw
It’s not every day you’ll encounter a fiberglass pole saw, so our resident tool experts couldn’t resist the chance to test Notch 40207. Its 6-feet durable pole is accompanied by a 15-inch blade wrapped with chrome plating. Thanks to this, its teeth can resist rust and keep the edges sharp for the longest time.
This extendable manual pole saw also features a maximum length of 18 inches, excluding the blade’s length. Given this range, the Notch pole pruning saw can work well in residential and commercial settings.
The Notch pole saw has a distinct tooth design with a fast-cutting mechanism to get rid of loose limbs at ease.
What We Like
- Secure locking system to avoid mishaps and accidents
- It has an extra sharp blade and extensive reach
- Durable cast aluminum construction that resists bending
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than regular pole saws
- A lot heavier than other options
6. Corona TP 6870 Tree Pruning Pole Saw
Since Corona TP 6870 Tree Pruning Pole Saw has up to 14 feet of reach, climbing ladders won’t be necessary for any cutting task. Its extensive capability is further enhanced with the unit’s action pulley system.
Through this feature, this pole saw can maximize its cutting capacity of 1-1/4-inch diameter at its maximum power. This model also has an exclusive PowerGlide rope pulley system and a curved blade of around 13 inches, allowing it to be versatile enough for any task.
We liked that it has a twist-lock adjustment because it secures the pole’s position and prevents unprecedented accidents.
What We Like
- Highly versatile pole saw suited for different tasks
- Extensive cutting capacity and reach
- Recommended for casual and residential users
- It has a reasonable price with lifetime warranty policies
What We Don't Like
- Shorter length than other pole saw models
- Not for demanding and heavy-duty jobs
7. ARS LA-180ZR203 Tree Pruner Pole Saw
Among the tools on this list, ARS LA-180ZR203 is the simplest pole saw to use and assemble. Some may think its lack of features means it’s not worth buying, but its single-lever operation makes it convenient for newbies and casual users.
It only extends up to 7 feet, so it’s no surprise that this pruner is lighter than some mobile phones in today’s market. And because it’s not that heavy, the mobility of this model should allow you to use this pole saw for long hours without experiencing muscle fatigue.
Additionally, its ergonomic handle made our first-hand experience with this tool much easier than some pruners we tested before.
What We Like
- Simple assembly that’s suited for newbie users
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- It works through a single-lever operation
What We Don't Like
- Limited pole reach
- Not recommended for overhead tasks
Manual Pole Saw Buyer’s Guide
Intended Use
When selecting the best manual pole saw, it’s important to consider where and how you’ll use it. You may not know, but some options only work best when used in softwoods or hardwoods, short or taller trees.
If you ask our experts, it’s always wise to check what your pole saw can handle best for better cutting results. It would help if you also didn’t ignore the recommendations on these tools, whether they’re suited for residential or commercial usage.
Most professionals prefer pole saws with longer reach and impulse-hardened blades.
Blade Material
Now, why do professional users prefer poles with impulse-hardened blades? Simple, because it means its material was sharpened through high impulses and power. This process makes the blade flexible, durable, and hard.
Teeth Per Inch
Using a pole saw for tree trimming could be sold with a coarse or fine blade. These categories are determined through the saw’s teeth per inch (TPI). If you’re cutting softwood, we highly suggest buying pole saws with coarse blades because they have five to six TPI configurations.
Meanwhile, fine blades should work well with cutting hardwoods because they’re made of over 11 teeth per inch (TPI) [1].
Pole Saw Weight
Unfortunately, manual pole saw options aren’t the lightest cutting tool on the market. Since they’re extendable, the material has to be sturdy, making the overall weight heavier than handy tools.
These models could range around 11 lbs, but you can find some poles weighing 8 lbs that are easier to maneuver.
Pole Saw Height
When selecting a pole saw, it’s best to opt for one with extendable reach, as this feature proves to be useful for various cutting tasks. Depending on your specific needs, you can find models that expand from five to thirty feet long.
Pole Construction
As these poles are meant to be extended, you wouldn’t want them to bend under the slightest pressure during the cutting operations. If you ask us, you should consider buying ones that are made of aluminum.
Although these materials are light, it offers adequate strength that will allow your pole saw to cut overhead branches.
2-in-1 Purpose
If you read our recommendations, you’ll see that most tools on the list are used for sawing and pruning. For these models, you can use their pulley system to snap branches if you’re having difficulty cutting them off.
Price
Many of these tools are affordable, but that doesn’t mean they’re automatically the best options to consider. Pole saw models with sturdy and durable constructions are often priced higher. However, they can last longer, making them more economical.
How to Use a Manual Pole Saw
1. Remove debris from the space.
When using a manual pole saw, it’s crucial to clear out anything in the way that the operator may trip on. If you have any furniture or decorations in the area, kindly remove them to avoid getting damaged by fallen branches.
2. Think about the areas you’re planning to cut.
We all know it’s tempting to dive in and start cutting, but this could lead to wrong measurements and cuts. If you want a better cutting experience, try to examine the tree and make a plan on how to cut the area you want.
3. Start working on the lower branches.
After examining the tree, start your cuts on the lower part of the tree. If you start from the top, there’s a chance that the higher branches may fall and tangle with the lower ones.
4. Position yourself correctly.
The tool must be aligned with your chest correctly. Don’t stand below the branch you’re cutting, and try to stay on the side to prevent the branch from falling on you.
5. Adjust the pole saw accordingly.
Depending on how high or low the branches are, ensure that your cutting tool is extended appropriately.
6. Start cutting.
Start sawing at a perpendicular angle. If you can, go slow and control the cut carefully to get the saw’s teeth into the branch thoroughly. When the branch is in a slope position, you’ll notice that the tool will slip sideways.
If that happens, pause the cutting and return it to the original angle before cutting again.
7. Finish the cut.
Once the groove is set into the branch, you can speed up the sawing process to finish the cut. Use the pull and push motion to make cutting faster. However, you should also ensure you’re not in the area where the branches will fall off.
8. Clear the space to prepare for the next cuts.
After the cut, get rid of the fallen tree branches before doing the next cut. This will avoid tripping over and accidents.
9. Cut the next sections and clean up after each cut.
Repeat the steps above for the next cut. Don’t forget to clean right after every cutting session.
FAQ
What pole saw do professionals use?
Most professionals use gas-powered pole saws that are commercially graded. As for manual models, they tend to go for ones equipped with impulse-hardened blades.
What is the longest manual pole saw you can buy?
The longest manual pole saw you can buy is a DocaPole tool, with an extended reach of around 30 feet.
How thick of a branch can you cut with a pole saw?
You can cut 2 to 9 inches thick branches with a pole saw. However, it still depends on the blade equipped with the tool.
Are pole saws worth the purchase?
If you need to cut wood branches with a diameter of 2 to 9 inches, using a pole saw is your best option and is worth every penny you spend on it.
How long can the pole can reach in a manual pole saw?
It depends on the brand and model, but a standard pole saw can reach up to 16 feet.
Will I be able to put down a tree using a pole saw?
Yes, you can cut down a tree using this tool. However, it’s not the easiest option to consider as it’s designed for lighter jobs.
Our Top Pick For a Manual Pole Saw:
Fiskars 92406935K
After testing the best manual pole saws in the market, our team hailed Fiskars 92406935K as our top pick in this review. Besides being a highly rated product, its construction and performance are perfectly balanced to accomplish regular cutting tasks.
On top of that, it’s light enough to maneuver at different angles when tackling hard-to-reach areas.
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