Hello there! If you're someone who enjoys spending time outdoors or tackling landscaping projects, then you'll definitely want to know about the best pruning saw. Whether you're looking to trim back overgrown branches, cut through thick logs, or shape your hedges, a good pruning saw can make your life a whole lot easier.
Pruning saws come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. That's why I'm here to help! In this post, we'll be giving you the lowdown on what to look for in top-quality pruning saws and pointing out some of the best options on the market today.
No matter if you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, I am thrilled to assist you in finding the ideal pruning saw that matches your requirements.
How We've Made Our Selection
Figuring out the correct pruning saw for your garden tending needs can be quite a complicated process if you are not well-versed in the art of gardening.
We have scoured the internet and the market for the best pruning saws available to you, gathering customer reviews and all feedback from verified buyers to curate our list.
Best Overall- 1. Corona Razor Tooth Pruning Saw
Best 15-Inch- 2. Fiskars Pruning Saw
Best Folding Saw- 3. Corona Tools Razor Tooth Folding Saw
Best Budget Folding Saw- 4. Amazon Basics Folding Pruning Saw
Best Pole Saw for Tree Trimming- 5. Black + Decker Pole Saw
Best Electric Saw, Tool Only- 6. Worx Power Share
Best Pruning Saw- 7. Greenworks TruBrushless Pruning Saw
Best 7 Pruning Saws
What We Love
- It is quite lightweight while being stable, making it easy to maneuver for long periods
- Extra sharp blades help cut thick branches easily
- Includes sheath to protect from injury while not in use
What to Keep in Mind
- The screws can get loose during operation; you need to keep an eye to prevent them from coming apart
- Thick branches require a bit of extra effort
The Corona Razor Tooth Pruning saw is another classic handheld saw. It's made with high-quality, high-carbon steel SK5; the product is very durable and efficient. This saw is ideal for cutting branches up to 7 inches in diameter.
The pistol grip handle helps increase the power generated, while the three-sided razor teeth help cut efficiently on both strokes. It comes chrome-plated with six teeth per inch. It is a highly durable saw, making smooth and quick cuts to thick branches.
What We Love
- Quick and efficient cutting, this pruning saw cuts like butter
- The handle is quite comfortable, helping you prune branches for longer
- Durability, the product is quite long-lasting
What to Keep in Mind
- Teeth are really coarse
- Rusts easily if not taken care of
- Stickers on the blade are difficult to peel off
The Fiskars Pruning Saw is a classic pruning saw. It is a handheld saw, ideal for making cuts through medium to large branches. The blade is made of high-quality alloy steel and triple-cut teeth to ensure fast and efficient cutting on both the push and pull strokes.
The saw is 15 inches long with a very ergonomic handle, which helps with the cutting process. It allows you to have an underhand grip for easy undercuts. The grip is quite soft and comfortable, allowing long pruning sessions. With 6 teeth per inch, the cuts are adequately fast while remaining smooth.
What We Love
- The blade is extremely sharp
- Very easy to use due to curved blade and ergonomic handle
- The medium weight helps it remain stable while not being too heavy
- Cuts extremely quick
What to Keep in Mind
- Blade gets dull quickly
- It can be bendy at times, causing rough cuts
The Corona folding pruning saw is great for people who want a smaller or portable saw which is safer and more secure. This corona saw can be considered a medium-length saw due to its 10-inch size.
Made with High-speed steel and 3-sided razor teeth, it cuts down branches up to 2x faster. This folding pruning saw is ideal for cutting branches up to 6 inches in diameter. The curved blade pruning saw helps with better cutting at harder-to-reach places by adding force due to the curved blade.
The ergonomic handle helps you stay active for longer, while the chrome plating helps it stay durable and relatively rust-free. The teeth are impulse hardened for a longer life, with six teeth per inch, making it faster and smoother than a traditional saw.
What We Love
Blade length makes it a versatile option for all branch sizes
- The handle is quite comfortable
- The blade is very sharp
- Clean, smooth cuts in hard-to-reach places
What to Keep in Mind
- Not Made for big branches
- The folding mechanism has a gap which can make it a bit unsafe
This Amazon Basic Folding pruning saw is a great affordable option for someone who is unwilling to invest in a more expensive one. The alloy steel blade folds easily and cuts efficiently.
The folding design helps with safety and security, which is surely needed as the three-sided teeth are definitely sharp blade is too dangerous to be lying around freely. The 7-inch blade is perfect for cutting both smaller and longer tree branches. The non-slip grip makes it easier to operate and stay fresh.
What We Love
- Cuts thick branches easily
- Due to its price, it is great value for money
- The battery-powered pruning saw is very durable
- Easily extendable to increase its reach
What to Keep in Mind
- Has a tendency to get clogged
- The provided battery does not last very long
- The recharge time is very long
The Black+Decker Max is a combination of both a pole pruning saw and a powered saw. The two provided extensions allow for a useable length of 6.5 feet to 10 feet, making the effective reach approximately 14 feet. The battery provided can easily be swapped with another battery from B&D.
A single charge can cut up to 100 branches of 1.5 inches in diameter pine. The 8-inch bar allows you to easily cut branches up to 6 inches. The extension poles are made of lightweight fiberglass. The device itself comes with a limited 2-year warranty.
What We Love
- The cutting process is quick and efficient
- Portable design
- Lightweight helps with longer sessions
What to Keep in Mind
- The blade needs to be re-tensioned from time to time to maintain efficiency
- Bare tool only; you need to buy the battery and charger separately.
This cordless pruning saw is a blessing for those who do not like manual labor. This electric pruning saw is made with high-speed steel and has a compact design, making it easy to use. At the same time, its offset bar and chain design improve the line of sight. The chain itself is auto-lubricated due to its innovative technology.
This chainsaw comes with a guarded rail and sheath for the blade for safety. It features a retractable bar that helps with undercutting. Due to its battery-powered design, cutting thick branches is a breeze.
What We Love
- Comes with Multiple batteries, and it is easy to keep it going
- The adjustment-making process is easy
- Due to its lightweight, it is easy to control.
What to Keep in Mind
- Price is considered expensive to others.
The Greenworks mini chainsaw is a dream to work with. The automated saw blade makes thick branches feel like butter due to the high-power mechanism. This battery-powered pruning saw comes with a 6-inch bar and chain design, which is very light.
It is quite easy to start with the help of a push start button. While it is easy to start, it is also safe as they come with a safety locking mechanism.
Buyers Guide
The best pruning saws have a multitude of different characteristics which determine their maximum cutting capacity, whether they cut on the push stroke or the pull stroke, their durability, and comfort. We will dive into the details and help you pick the best pruning saw as per your need.
Types Of Pruning Saws
Long-handheld pruning saws:
These are the classic saws requiring 100% manual labor. These saws are generally large-sized.
Folding pruning saw:
These are smaller versions of the Long Handheld pruning saws. They are lighter and foldable. These saws are easily portable and fold to avoid injuries when not in use. They generally come with a locking mechanism.
Power pruning saws:
These are the big brothers of all pruning saws. They are powered by electricity, gas, or a battery. The power saws are more efficient in cutting branches than a regular saw and require less strength and skill than the basic saw. The batteries included are rechargeable.
Pole saws:
Pole Saws are thinner saws attached to a pole to reach high places and branches out of your reach. Pole saws make it safe to cut branches that are high above you without needing a ladder.
Material
All the best pruning saws are made of a specific group of materials. The blades are generally made of chrome, high-carbon, high-speed, or steel alloy. These materials ensure that the blade does not rust easily and lasts long. The material of the blade also determines the cutting strength and efficiency. Moreover, the material determines how much the blade can bend and how much bend the saw blade can sustain.
Pruning Saw Blade
Curved blade or a straight blade:
The blade's curve determines the efficiency of the saw depending on the height it will be used at. Curved blades are ideal for overhead and under-level areas where you must reach out a little. Straight blades are best for branches that are waist level, as most of the strength is generated in that area. If you have small plants, straight-blade pruning is the best option.
Length of the blade:
Length is an important factor in the decision-making of the best pruning saw. A longer length enables more reach, while a short length helps with convenience. If you have a garden with larger shrubs and trees, a longer length will help. Otherwise, choose a shorter one. The average size of pruning saws is between 6-9 inches.
Teeth per inch and teeth pattern:
The pattern of teeth in a blade is quite important. The saw can have any one of the following: impulse-hardened teeth, triple-cut razor teeth, and teeth with bi-directional sharpening. This determines on which stroke the blade cuts, be it the pull stroke, the push stroke, or both the push stroke and the pull stroke.
Teeth per inch is a factor that determines how quickly and how smoothly a blade cuts the branches. A Higher TPI level means the cut will be slower yet smoother. On the other hand, a lower TPI level means the cut will be faster but rough. Teeth per inch range from 3-24.
Handle
The handle is a critical part of a pruning saw. It determines the grip, how well it is maintained, and the stress on your wrist and arm. A good handle is one of the components of the best pruning saw.
An effectively designed handle makes it easier for the user to operate the saw as it reduces the chance of slipping and strain on the body and makes overall operation easier. The handle can be rubber lined, D-shaped, or pistol grip.
Weight
The weight of the pruning saw is an important aspect that determines how long a user can operate the saw before getting tired. A lightweight saw is recommended for a longer session but requires more force for cutting. Heavier saws require less force but tire easily. The best pruning saw is one which balances both of these while not compromising on the stability aspect. The average weight of a pruning saw is between 2 to 3 pounds.
Safety Features
Since Saw blades are sharp, they can cause serious injuries. It is better to be safe and keep your saws in a protected environment. Some manufacturers provide a sheath to cover the saw blade while not in use. Folding pruning saws have their own safety mechanisms, which are there to prevent injuries. Power saws have safety features in place to prevent unintended activation of the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pruning shears the same as pruning saws?
Pruning shears, also known as hand pruners, are small handheld tools that are designed for cutting small branches and stems. They typically have two sharp blades that are hinged together and are operated by squeezing the handles together.
On the other hand, pruning saws are larger tools with longer blades designed for cutting slightly thicker branches and limbs. They often have curved blades with sharp teeth that can quickly work even the toughest wood.
What saw is best for pruning trees?
A pruning saw, also referred to as a hand saw, is considered the optimal type of saw for pruning trees. With their sharp teeth, pruning saws are specifically designed to cut through smaller to medium-sized branches. Pruning saws are lightweight, and their maneuverability makes them an excellent option for pruning trees. In cases where the branches are thicker, a folding saw or bow saw can be used to great effect.
What's the best length for a pruning saw?
The best length for a pruning saw depends on the size of the branches you need to cut. A saw with a blade length between 7 and 12 inches (18 to 30 cm) is usually sufficient for general pruning tasks. Shorter blades offer better control, while longer blades cut through thicker branches more quickly.
Are curved pruning saws better than straight ones?
Whether a curved pruning saw is better than a straight one depends on the type of cuts you need to make. Curved pruning saws are better for cutting branches in tight or awkward spots. In contrast, straight ones are better for making cleaner cuts on relatively straight branches. The best choice for you will depend on your specific pruning needs.
What saw to use for cutting branches?
For small to medium branches, use a pruning saw. For larger branches or limbs, use a bow saw or reciprocating saw. Choose the appropriate saw based on the size and thickness of the branches to ensure safe and efficient cutting.
What Option of Pruning Saw is Best for You?
Ultimately, the decision is all yours. We understand how important your decision is and the impact it will have on your gardening experience.
As you consider the pruning saw options above, consider their pros and cons and ultimately decide which one could be a great fit for you. Always prioritize safety and quality when selecting a product. Don't forget to consider how much maintenance you want to do for your equipment.
Investing in a quality pruning saw will surely pay off when managing your garden's condition over the long term.
Take your time before making your choice – happy shopping!
Items reviewed:
Best Overall- 1. Corona Razor Tooth Pruning Saw
Best 15-Inch- 2. Fiskars Pruning Saw
Best Folding Saw- 3. Corona Tools Razor Tooth Folding Saw
Best Budget Folding Saw- 4. Amazon Basics Folding Pruning Saw
Best Pole Saw for Tree Trimming- 5. Black + Decker Pole Saw
Best Electric Saw, Tool Only- 6. Worx Power Share
Best Pruning Saw- 7. Greenworks TruBrushless Pruning Saw
