Did you ever notice that your regular pruning shears struggle with those slightly thicker branches in your garden? Yeah, I’ve been there too. That’s why many garden enthusiasts, including me, recommend grabbing a solid pruning saw for the job. But here’s the million-dollar question: Can these saws handle most of the pruning challenges thrown at them?
Stick with me, as I dive deep into testing the top pruning saws to see if they’re truly the heroes we need to keep our gardens in tip-top shape!
Reviews of the Top Pruning Saws
1. Corona Tools RS 7255
When you cut thick branches, it’s important to consider a pruning saw with a pistol grip like Corona Tools RS 7255. Thanks to its special ergonomic handle, hand slippage accidents are less likely during its usage. Its saw blade also includes an easy latch lock to prevent potential injuries.
Looking closely, this folding saw is equipped with a 6-teeth/inch blade. You may not know, but it’s a very convenient feature for limbing and cross-cutting. And because it’s an 8-inch high-quality blade, cutting branches up to 4 inches won’t be an issue.
What I Like
- Capable of cutting slightly thick branches
- The blade folds for safe handling and storage
- Made with Japanese SK5 steel
- Has a safe and ergonomic handle
What I Don't Like
- Not recommended for large branches
- Curved blades may flex if not handled properly
2. Silky Zubat Professional
If you seek stability for cutting thicker branches, pruning tools from Silky Zubat Professional with full tang blades are the best option to consider. Despite its long blade structure (which is 13 inches in diameter), it has a safe juncture between handles and blades to avoid sudden breakage.
Unlike most pruning saws with narrow blade options, its material is 1.5mm thick, giving it enough strength to carry on smooth and fast cutting operations. Besides efficient cutting, another feature that makes it stand out for our testers is its convenient belt loops.
What I Like
- Reliable for cutting thick tree branches
- Absorbs vibration during usage to prevent fatigue
- Requires less strength than many pruning saws
What I Don't Like
- Not as portable as folding saws
- Sold at a higher price
3. Flora Guard HS1027-1
The best pruning saw to buy if you have a limited budget is Flora Guard HS1027-1. Despite being sold at less than $10, this straight-blade pruning saw can cut branches as thick as 4 inches in diameter.
Its sharp blade also has its razor tooth impulse hardened, making this folding saw durable enough to withstand tough cutting conditions.
During the test, its ergonomic and hand-fitting handle provides better stability even amidst the strong push and pull stroke. This type of design also helps the pruning saw in getting accurate cuts.
What I Like
- Can prune branches faster and smoother
- Comfortable grip that fits all hand sizes
- The sharp blade is folded for safe storage
What I Don't Like
- Only recommended for smaller branches
- A bit heavier than other handheld pruning saws
4. Corona Tools RS 7265D
Corona Tools[1] are home to top-quality pruning saws, so I didn’t skip the chance to test RS 7265D. Unlike traditional tools, the blade attached to this lightweight saw is curved. Because of this, cutting a few branches is faster and smoother than using a pruning saw with straight blades.
When the unit is not in use, you can latch its saw blades by folding it to prevent accidents that may cause injuries. And since it has a blade length of 10 inches, I didn’t encounter difficulty cutting small to medium branches 5-6 inches thick.
What I Like
- Equipped with comfy grips for extended usage
- Faster and smoother cuts than traditional saws
- Longer blade length to handle thicker materials
What I Don't Like
- Requires regular maintenance for lasting usage
- May bend if used in branches out of its capacity
6. Samurai Ichiban GC-330-LH
With a blade length of 13 inches, there’s no denying that the Samurai Ichiban GC-330-LH is designed at least three times longer than regular pruning tools. It also has an impulse-hardened tooth design, allowing users to produce swift cutting action.
Friction is the least of your problems when using this Samurai Ichiban Pruning saw because its blade is made with taper ground material to reduce that.
The cutting efficiency of this tool is also enhanced via its soft grip handle, which is ergonomic enough to prevent your hand from being fatigued.
What I Like
- Its blade material is durable and sharp
- Suitable pruning saw for elderly
- Blades are three-sided for faster cutting
What I Don't Like
- Not as cheap as other saws
- No front finger groove included
6. Fiskar’s Garden 393440-1001 Pruning Saw
If you’re not keen on buying from unpopular brands, a highly-acclaimed product like Fiskar’s Garden 393440-1001 may fulfill your needs. At first glance, I can already see its capability with a 15-inch blade length.
Upon trying to lift it, it was lighter than expected based on its extensive design. Regardless of its size, its pistol-like handle helped us control the blade better for more accurate output.
The blade is rigid enough for buckle resistance amid the push stroke. However, you should know that it’s not small enough to fit narrow spaces.
What I Like
- It’s made of highly durable chrome-plated steel blade
- An efficient tool for top cutting and undercutting
- Reasonable price tag for its quality and features
What I Don't Like
- Not designed with a scabbard
- Not suitable for pruning in tight spaces
7. Corona TP 4210
There are certain cutting tasks only pole saws can achieve, and that’s just what Corona TP 4210 can deliver. It’s designed to reach 10 feet high, and you can freely adjust the length of the pole according to their needs.
Despite its long reach, this pole pruner isn’t hard to wield. I’m also impressed with its pulley system operated by a rope, as it provides more power to the unit. This pole pruning saw also features a 13-inch blade, making it capable of cutting through 8-inch wood and branch pieces.
What i Like
- More versatile and extensive than other pole pruners
- Attached blade can cut up to 8-inch wood material
- It has a dual-link shear feature included
What i Don't Like
- Angle adjustment options aren’t available
- The rope may interrupt sawing operations
Pruning Saw Buyer’s Guide
Type of Saw
When you start to shop, it’s crucial to remember different types of pruning saws may vary in shapes, blades, and main purpose.
Considering your specific pruning needs and the type of plants or trees you will be working with will help you choose the most suitable pruning saw that will provide efficient and effective results.
Handheld
If you’ve got some small trees and plants in your backyard, this model is the way to go. Trust me, it’s super user-friendly and easy to handle. You’ll feel in control in no time!
Pole
Cutting branches in higher-grown plants or trees is a task only pole pruner models can accomplish. Most of these units have adjustable handles and pruning blades on edge.
Folding
Folding pruning tools are like the pocket knives of the gardening world! You can easily slip them into your bag or pocket and take them anywhere.
Plus, with their neat locking features, they’re pretty safe to carry around. No more worrying about accidental nicks or scratches when they’re safely tucked away.
Powered
Powered pruning tools operate with batteries or electricity. Given that these have electrical components in their system, they’re heavier than manual options.
Curved
If you have to choose a tool for cutting thicker branches, curved models have the design to handle heavier pruning tasks and can deliver cleaner cuts.
Straight
Thin branches need quick motion, and that’s what straight blades can do. It’s not as versatile as the curved ones, but it gets jobs done faster.
Blade
Material Strength
These tools are made from carbon and steel materials that go through different hardening methods, like quench and impulse. For quenching, the blade will experience high-temperature exposure and cooling.
Impulse hardened materials also do the same, except it has intervals in high-frequency currents. Because of this, it can maintain sharpness longer.
Length
Before you buy this cutting tool, we advise checking the overall diameter of the branch you’ll be cutting. Through that, you can determine the blade length you should get.
Teeth
The cutting teeth’s geometry can indicate if the model can cut on both the push stroke and the pull motion. We also recommend buying tools with triple ground teeth as it makes cutting operations faster.
Handle
Look for models with non-slip handles because they’ll come in handy during extensive pruning tasks to prevent accidents.
Weight
Pruning tasks require maneuverability and flexibility, so lighter tools have more advantages in speed and accuracy.
Safety
Lock mechanisms in folding saws are highly recommended to keep the blades tucked when not in use. Some models have sheaths users can use for safe storage.
So, Should You Get a Pruning Saw?
Yes, you should. If you spot dead branches in your small trees, the only way to save them is by pruning. It’s also necessary for shrubs with dense growth.
How We Assessed Each Pruning Saw
The tests revolved around comparing the tool’s specifications versus our first-hand experience. Do these sharp blades cut through cleanly and accurately?
It’s also important to us that the tool has a great material quality to endure tough cutting conditions and tasks.
Tips on Operating a Pruning Saw
When cutting, always remember to start from top to bottom and let gravity do the work. If you can, execute quick cuts to prevent the blade from lodging.
Safety Reminders to Know Before Using One
It’s inevitable to encounter sawdusts during cutting tasks, so you must wear safety glasses. Using hard hats will also save you from falling branches if you’re doing overhead branch cutting.
FAQ
What are the ways to clean and maintain pruning saws?
After using the saw, you can wipe the blade with a cloth to remove residues on its surface. If you’re storing it, spread a small amount of mineral oil on it.
Why are there curved blade pruning saws?
Curved designs are made to make overhead and lower branch cutting easier.
Can I sharpen a pruning saw?
No, because sharpening a pruning saw will remove its carbon-steel plating.
What is the best length for a pruning saw?
The best length of a pruning saw depends on the branches you’ll need to cut. If you’re slicing through a wood with a 4-inch diameter size, you should get an 8-inch blade.
My Top Pick For a Pruning Saw:
Corona Tools RS 7255
After several tests, the Corona Tools RS 7255 stands out as the best pruning saw among the options I’ve tried. With an 8-inch blade in hand, it’s just right for most pruning jobs.
It’s long enough to tackle those branches but sleek enough to get into those tight spots. And hey, there’s even a blade-lock feature, ensuring it’s safe to carry and store.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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