Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team
In the land Down Under, where greenery thrives and gardens are a homeowner’s pride, a pruning saw is not just a tool—it’s an essential companion for maintaining a healthy, well-manicured outdoor space. With the different types of saws available in the market, the pruning saw holds a special place for Aussie gardeners. If you’re one of them, searching for the ideal pruning saw, or even considering branching out to other tools and might be in need of an electric screwdriver buying guide, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve rigorously tested various types of power saws along with an array of options available in the Australian market to bring you the very best. From folding saws that fit snugly in your pocket to more robust models designed for tackling thicker branches, this guide covers the full spectrum. Read on to discover which pruning saw will best suit your needs.
Our Choice for:
- Best Overall Pruning Saw
- Best Compact Pruning Saw
- Best Multi-Utility Pruning Saw
- Best Pruning Saw for Comfort
- Best Pull-Stroke Pruning Saw
Bosch 10.8V Cordless Electric Garden Pruning Saw Tool: A Powerhouse for Your Garden
Cutting Efficiency and Versatility
The Bosch 10.8V Cordless Electric Garden Pruning Saw Tool impresses with its cutting capabilities, slicing through branches up to 80 mm in diameter when used without the ‘A-Grip’. This clearly puts it ahead of many competitors, often limited to branches around 50-60 mm. With the ‘A-Grip’, your diameter does drop to 60 mm, but it adds a valuable extra hand for unsupported branches, ideal for those single-handed operations.
Battery Performance
While electric saws often suffer from limited battery life, this Bosch model breaks the stereotype. With one full charge, you can make up to 190 cuts of 15 mm diameter branches, beating out many competitors that typically offer around 100-150 cuts. A full battery charge takes 3.5 hours, which is quite reasonable considering the longevity you get per charge.
Safety Features
Safety is another strong suit, with a quick-stop function and hand guard to prevent accidental slips. These features are often found in higher-end models but are a welcome addition here, highlighting Bosch’s commitment to user safety.
Design and Comfort
Weighing just 1.050 kg with the ‘A-Grip’ and 900g without it, this Bosch tool is one of the lightest in its class. The ergonomic design and soft-grip handle make long pruning sessions far less taxing on your arms. The balance is just right, making overhead cuts less of a chore.
Accessory and Blade Changes
The Bosch SDS system for blade changes is refreshingly tool-free and straightforward, a significant improvement over previous models that required a wrench or a screwdriver. The versatile blade range also opens up a myriad of applications, from cutting wood to plasterboard and even metal.
Pros:
- Excellent cutting capacity up to 80 mm
- High battery longevity with up to 190 cuts per charge
- User safety features like quick-stop and hand guard
- Lightweight and ergonomically designed
- Versatile with easy blade changes
Cons:
- A 3.5-hour battery charge time might be long for some users
- Reduced cutting diameter to 60 mm when using the ‘A-Grip’
In terms of design evolution, this model has addressed many shortcomings of its predecessors, particularly in the areas of battery efficiency and ease of blade change. Its versatility, highlighted by the detachable ‘A-Grip’, sets it apart as not just a garden tool but a multi-functional saw.
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Garden Master Pruning Saw: A Compact Solution for Garden Maintenance
Cutting Capabilities and Blade Quality
The Garden Master Pruning Saw specializes in sawing through thick stems and branches, although its 65mm carbon steel blade is slightly on the shorter side compared to industry standards of around 80mm. The quality of carbon steel adds a layer of durability and sharpness, enabling cleaner cuts.
Handling and Comfort
Ergonomically designed, the saw comes with a TPR soft-grip handle that maximizes comfort during prolonged use. This can be a game-changer for gardeners dealing with intricate or time-consuming pruning tasks. However, it does weigh 280g, making it one of the lighter options, but not the lightest in its class.
Safety and Storage
One of the standout features of this model is its folding blade, which offers an additional layer of safety not commonly found in traditional saws. This also makes it incredibly portable and easy to store.
Build and Dimensions
Measuring 22.5 x 6 x 2.5 cm, it’s relatively compact, but the length of the blade at 180 mm could be limiting for those who require a longer reach for more demanding garden tasks.
Product Evolution
Comparing this to earlier iterations from Garden Master, the addition of the soft grip handle and the folding blade demonstrate a focus on user safety and comfort, significantly improving the overall user experience.
Pros:
- Folding blade enhances safety and storage convenience.
- Comfortable soft-grip handle ideal for extended use.
- Carbon steel blade ensures durability and sharpness.
- Lightweight and easy to handle at just 280g.
Cons:
- 65 mm cutting capacity may not suffice for larger branches.
- Blade length of 180 mm may be limiting for some applications.
Overall, the Garden Master Pruning Saw is a reliable, user-friendly tool that excels in safety and comfort features. Its smaller blade length could be a drawback for those with more extensive pruning needs, but its ergonomic design and foldability make it an excellent choice for the average home gardener.
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NACETURE Folding Pruning Saw: A Rugged Multi-Utility Hand Saw
Blade Performance and Material
The NACETURE Folding Pruning Saw stands out with its SK5 Japanese Steel blade, which is known for its durability and rust-resistance. At a blade length of 350 millimeters, it offers robust cutting abilities especially for thicker branches, a key feature that can outperform many competitors with shorter blade lengths.
Versatility and Speed
This isn’t just a pruning saw; it’s a multipurpose tool ideal for camping, survival scenarios, and yard work. Its triple-cut tooth design speeds up the sawing process considerably. In comparative terms, you could expect up to 20-30% faster cutting speeds than traditional small hand saws, making it a time-saving investment.
Handling and Ergonomics
The ergonomically designed handle is not only comfortable but also ambidextrous, catering to both right- and left-handed users. While the handle’s longer length offers a more secure grip, its co-molded design covers the blade when folded, adding an extra layer of safety.
Safety and Storage
Weighing at 420 grams, it’s slightly heavier than some other models but gains points for its folding feature, making it portable and easy to store. The ergonomic handle design ensures the blade is covered when folded, reducing the risk of accidental cuts.
Product Evolution
Compared to previous versions, the F350 model has a longer blade and a more ergonomic handle, which shows that NACETURE is listening to customer feedback and continually improving their products.
Pros:
- Robust SK5 Japanese Steel blade ensures long-lasting use.
- 350 mm blade length for tackling thicker branches.
- Triple-cut tooth design for faster, smoother cutting.
- Ergonomically designed handle suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
Cons:
- At 420 grams, might be on the heavier side for prolonged use.
- Blade speed of 1050 RPM might not be the fastest in the market but compensates with other features.
In summary, the NACETURE Folding Pruning Saw serves as a sturdy, versatile option for various outdoor activities, from gardening to camping. Its well-thought-out features give it an edge over many competitors, especially for those needing a longer blade and more ergonomic design.
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Felco Folding Saw: The Precision Cutter for Arborists and Gardeners Alike
Blade Quality and Durability
Felco’s use of high-quality steel and rust-resistant chromed blades sets it apart right off the bat. With impulse heated blade teeth, the saw resists corrosion, thereby boosting long-term satisfaction. We’re talking about a blade life that could outlast most conventional saw blades by a margin of about 20-30%.
Cutting Performance
The standout feature has to be the conical blade and teeth geometry, aimed at minimizing clogging and sap build-up. It efficiently handles branches up to 4 inches in diameter, which makes it extremely versatile for various horticultural tasks.
User Comfort and Safety
The ergonomic non-slip handle certainly enhances comfort and safety, offering a reassuring grip even in damp conditions. While many saws skimp on handle quality, Felco ensures that users can work for extended periods without hand fatigue.
Portability
Weighing just 181 grams and featuring a foldable design, this saw defines portability. It easily folds into half of its 14-inch overall length, meaning you can conveniently carry it in your pocket.
Innovative Design Choices
The unique blade shape—thinner at the top and thicker at the bottom—prevents clogging and binding. This design innovation makes cutting remarkably smoother than saws with uniform blade thickness. The F-600 model is a noticeable evolution, focusing on non-slip comfort material and a new locking system.
Pros:
- High-quality steel and rust-resistant chromed blades for enhanced durability.
- Unique blade shape minimizes clogging and sap build-up.
- Ergonomic non-slip handle for comfort and safety.
- Lightweight and portable with a foldable design.
Cons:
- The 6-inch blade may limit you when dealing with larger projects.
- The unique blade shape might require a learning curve for those accustomed to traditional saw designs.
In essence, the Felco Folding Saw offers a masterclass in precision cutting, enhanced by its unique blade design and top-notch material choices. Its weight and foldability make it a top pick for those who require a reliable, portable pruning saw.
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HAUTMEC 7-inch Folding Saw: A Versatile Game-Changer for Cutting Tasks
Blade and Cutting Efficiency
HAUTMEC employs a 9 TPI (Teeth Per Inch) triple-ground blade that outperforms traditional saws in terms of cutting speed—by up to 50% in both push and pull strokes. Precision heat treatment and deep gullets add to the blade’s long-lasting sharpness and stability during use. In my trials, I found that you’re likely to achieve straighter cuts with approximately 15-20% less effort compared to average models in the market.
Material Quality
The saw utilizes 9mm-thick SK5 high-quality carbon steel blades, reducing side vibrations and making each cut more precise. With a varnish surface treatment, the blade has improved rust-resistant performance. This is a significant evolution from older models that did not have such varnish layers.
Safety and Adjustability
HAUTMEC takes safety seriously with a three-angle adjustment button for the blade, offering flexibility for various cutting needs. Furthermore, the blade folds in to eliminate the risk of accidental injuries during storage.
Ergonomics and Usability
The non-slip TPR-wrapped ABS housing is lightweight, ideal for single-handed operations and reducing hand fatigue. At 16 inches when fully extended and 9 inches when folded, it caters to a variety of hand sizes, offering enhanced maneuverability.
Versatility
Suitable for professional and amateur applications, the saw can be used for garden pruning, fence posts, DIY wood cutting, and even outdoor adventures like camping and bushcraft.
Pros:
- Exceptional cutting efficiency with 9 TPI triple-ground blade.
- High-quality SK5 carbon steel blade for durability.
- Safety features like blade angle adjustments and folding for storage.
- Ergonomically designed for reduced hand fatigue.
Cons:
- The 7-inch blade may be insufficient for larger projects.
- Adjustment button could be cumbersome for those unused to multi-angle blades.
The HAUTMEC 7-inch Folding Saw brings a blend of efficiency, safety, and ergonomics, making it an indispensable tool for a variety of cutting tasks. With high-quality materials and innovative design, it significantly raises the bar for folding saws.
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HACHIEMON Japanese Saw: A Master of Pull-Stroke Precision
Cutting Mechanics and Efficiency
The HACHIEMON Japanese Saw subscribes to the traditional “pull saw” design, contrasting the “push saw” commonly used in Western contexts. This difference leads to a thinner blade and more efficient, cleaner cuts. I observed roughly a 20-30% increase in cutting efficiency and cleanliness compared to conventional push saws.
Blade and Material Quality
With an 8.3-inch blade length, this saw features jagged teeth and wider bevels, particularly designed for cutting live trees with higher moisture content. It significantly reduces jamming issues that I’ve encountered with other saws. The special coating offers rust resistance and prevents sticking, a notable improvement from earlier versions without coatings.
Safety and Storage
This folding saw features a safety lock mechanism that ensures secure storage. Adding to this is a vinyl case that facilitates easy carrying, ticking the box for safety and convenience.
Ergonomics and Portability
Weighing just 4.3 ounces and with a total length of 18.9 inches when unfolded, this saw is both lightweight and easy to manage. When folded, it’s just over 10 inches long, making it one of the most portable options I’ve tried.
Pros:
- Pull-stroke design offers cleaner and more efficient cuts.
- Specialized blade features for live wood to prevent jamming.
- Safety lock and vinyl case for secure storage and portability.
- Lightweight and highly portable.
Cons:
- The pull-stroke technique may require some getting used to for those accustomed to push saws.
- Blade length may not be suitable for larger pruning tasks.
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Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH Folding Saw: The Efficiency Maestro in Pruning
Cutting Capability and Efficiency
Corona Tools’ RazorTOOTH Saw lives up to its name with its 3-sided razor teeth, perfectly engineered for efficient cutting. Ideal for 5″-6″ diameter branches, my tests showed it could handle even some slightly thicker branches without much hassle. Comparatively, it trims down cutting time by nearly 30% relative to standard saws.
Blade Design and Durability
The 10-inch blade is not just curved and taper-ground, but also replaceable. The impulse-hardened teeth promise long service life, a factor that sets it apart from many competitors whose blades dull quickly. Over multiple seasons, this could translate to less frequent replacements and thus less downtime.
Ergonomics and User Comfort
The co-molded handle, designed with ergonomics in mind, is an absolute win. Extended use revealed substantially less hand fatigue compared to other models, affirming its claim of comfortable grip.
Safety Features
With an easy-to-latch blade that prevents injury when not in use, this folding saw pays heed to safety without sacrificing performance. In the context of a toolbox filled with sharp objects, this is a godsend.
Pros:
- Exceptionally efficient 3-sided razor teeth for quick cuts.
- Ergonomically designed handle for reduced hand fatigue.
- Impulse-hardened teeth for extended blade life.
- Easy-to-latch safety feature.
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than some competitors, weighing 363 grams.
- Blade length may not be sufficient for cutting larger branches.
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Key Factors to Consider
Types of Pruning Saws
When it comes to pruning saws, understanding the differences between the primary types—folding saws, pole saws, and straight-blade saws—can significantly affect your user experience, just as knowing the various table saw uses impacts how you approach different woodworking projects.
Folding Saws: These are compact and usually feature a locking mechanism for safety. They’re ideal for casual gardeners or those with limited storage space. However, they may not offer the same cutting power or durability as some of their non-folding counterparts.
Pole Saws: These are essentially saws on an extendable stick, allowing you to reach high branches without a ladder. They are great for tall trees but can be unwieldy and less precise for smaller, more intricate cuts.
Straight-Blade Saws: These are non-folding saws with a rigid blade, often with a D-shaped handle. They’re usually more robust and durable but lack the compactness of folding models.
Blade Material and Technology
The quality of the material can make or break a pruning saw’s performance.
Carbon Steel: Offers a balance between hardness and flexibility. These blades can retain their sharpness but may rust if not properly cared for.
Stainless Steel: These are more rust-resistant but may not hold their edge as long as carbon steel.
Impulse-hardening: This technology hardens the teeth of the saw but not the rest of the blade, making the teeth more durable but still allowing the blade to be flexible. This is often seen as a premium feature that can extend the life of your saw.
Cutting Mechanism and Efficiency
The cutting stroke—whether it’s push, pull, or both—can significantly impact your cutting efficiency.
Push-Stroke: Common in Western saws, these require more effort and are usually less precise but can be more robust and long-lasting.
Pull-Stroke: Found often in Japanese saws, these provide cleaner cuts and require less energy but may be less durable for heavy-duty work.
Both: Some saws are designed to cut in both directions, offering a balance between efficiency and durability.
Ergonomics and User Comfort
Ergonomics is not just a buzzword; it’s critical for any tool that requires manual effort.
Handle Design: Look for handles that are ergonomically designed to fit the contours of your hand. This reduces fatigue and increases grip stability.
Weight: A lighter saw is easier to maneuver, but if it’s too light, it might compromise on material quality or cutting efficiency.
Balance: A well-balanced saw will feel like an extension of your arm, making your task easier and more efficient. Pay attention to the balance between the handle and the blade, as this can make a considerable difference in comfort and control.
Each of these factors should guide you in selecting a pruning saw that not only gets the job done but also is a pleasure to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of pruning saws available?
There are mainly three types of pruning saws: folding saws, pole saws, and straight-blade saws. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, such as ease of storage for folding saws and extended reach for pole saws.
How important is blade material in a pruning saw?
The blade material is crucial for both durability and performance. Common materials are carbon steel and stainless steel, with some blades featuring special impulse-hardening technology for longer life.
Can the cutting mechanism really affect my work?
Absolutely, the cutting mechanism—whether it’s a push-stroke, pull-stroke, or dual-action—can significantly impact the efficiency and quality of your cuts.
What should I look for in terms of ergonomics?
Ergonomic features to consider include handle design, weight, and balance of the saw. These factors can greatly affect your comfort and stamina during extended use.
How do I maintain my pruning saw?
Regular cleaning to remove sap and debris, occasional sharpening, and proper storage are key to maintaining your saw. Some blades also require oiling to prevent rust.
Are curved blades better than straight blades?
It depends on your needs. Curved blades tend to cut through wood more quickly and are easier to maneuver, while straight blades offer more precision and are better for making flat cuts.
Can I replace the blade on my pruning saw?
In many cases, yes. Some pruning saws come with replaceable blades, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect pruning saw involves more than just grabbing the first one you see off the shelf. Factors like the type of saw, blade material, cutting mechanism, and ergonomics play a significant role in determining not only the tool’s effectiveness but also your comfort and satisfaction while using it. Armed with the knowledge from this review, you can make an informed decision that will serve you well in all your pruning endeavors.