The Silky 270-33 Zubat PROFESSIONAL Series Hand Saw is the best pruning saw based on the value it provides.
It looks bad.
A branch of your tree is diseased and you need to cut it out or your tree could die.
If it’s a branch that is less than an inch thick, a bypass pruner will do the job. If it’s between 1 to 2 inches thick, you’ll need a bypass lopper. But anything more than 2 inches thick needs a good pruning saw.
But which pruning saw should you choose?
This guide will give you all the information to make the best decision and pick the best pruning saw that is right for you.
What is a pruning saw?
A pruning saw is a cutting tool that will help you prune branches and shrubs that are 2 to 4 inches thick. It has a handle and a saw blade attached to it.
The pruning saw makes it easy to reach into nooks and corners of trees and plants that would not be possible with bigger tools such as a chainsaw. This makes it easy to prune branches without damaging the tree.
Pruning requires that you make precision cuts on the branch so that the tree can heal fast after the cut. And the pruning saw is the best tool for such precision cuts.
What are the different types of pruning saws?
Pruning saws come in a variety of sizes and shapes. And the one you choose depends on your needs.
Fixed-blade pruning saw
A fixed-blade pruning saw has a fixed-blade attached to a handle. The blade needs to be kept in a scabbard for protection.
The blade can be a straight blade that works best for pruning green wood and plants. The straight blade makes it easy to make clean and precise cuts.
The blade can also be a curved blade that is useful to cut dry wood. It makes powerful, fast cuts but needs a bit more effort than a straight blade.
Folding-blade pruning saw
A folding-blade pruning saw is convenient and safe to carry around as the blade folds into the handle.
However, the blades can be shorter in length which means they are useful for small jobs. And if you’re going to cut several branches or shrubs, then a fixed-blade pruning saw is a better choice.
In this guide, we will look at choosing the best fixed-blade pruning saw because we want a tool that cuts many branches as fast as possible. However, if you want to consider a more portable tool then you can have a look at our guide to choosing the best folding saw.
Do you need a pruning saw?
Every garden is going to need a set of pruning tools because trees, plants, and shrubs will need pruning sooner or later. Either to cut dead branches, or to improve growth, or enhance the shape of the plants.
These tools include pruners, loppers, and pruning saws because you need different cutting tools based on the thickness of the branches.
A pruning saw is a must as part of your gardening tools to cut branches that are 2 to 4 inches thick.
It’s compact and portable which makes it convenient to use and store when not in use. It’s also an inexpensive tool that is easy to maintain so there’s no reason not to own one.
How to choose a pruning saw
A pruning saw is a simple piece of equipment when compared to complicated tools like a chainsaw. However, there are a few things you need to consider when choosing a good pruning saw.
Length
The length of the blade determines the number of strokes you’ll need to cut a branch. The longer the blade, the fewer strokes you’ll need to cut. Also, the longer the blade, the thicker the branch you’ll be able to cut.
Before choosing a pruning saw, have a look at the type of branches you’ll be cutting. And pick a pruning saw with a blade that is at least twice the size of the branches you’re going to cut.
That should not be a problem because most fixed-blade pruning saws are in the 10 to 15 inches range.
Having a longer blade will make the pruning saw less portable and the blade can break if you’re not careful while cutting. So do keep that in mind before making a choice.
Handle
Most pruning saws come with a curved handle that makes it easy to hold while cutting branches.
People have big or small hands so choose the pruning saw with a handle that is most comfortable for you while cutting for long periods of time.
The handle will be made of composite material or rubber. Rubber ones work well to give you a good grip as you cut.
You’ll be wearing safety gloves when using the pruning saw so it should make holding the saw easier.
Teeth
The teeth on the blade of the pruning saw determine the efficiency of cutting the wood.
The more teeth per inch of the blade, the faster will the cuts be. Some blades have aggressive teeth for faster cuts. However, the more teeth on the blade, the more effort is needed to start the cut.
Some blades have teeth that cut during the pull motion while others cut during both the pull and push motion. The former will need more strokes to cut but the latter also might need more force.
Blade Quality
One of the important factors you should consider when choosing a pruning saw is the quality of the blade.
This will determine how long the blade lasts and in our opinion, it’s always best to select a blade with the highest quality even if you need to spend a few more bucks.
Because it will last you for years and give you a better cutting quality than some cheaper ones.
Another thing to consider when it comes to blades is how easy is it to get a replacement. Blades can break for whatever reason and it should be possible to get a replacement.
However, there are prunings saws where the blade costs almost the same as a new saw and you don’t need to bother about a blade replacement in that case.
Some blades can be re-sharpened while others cannot so that’s another factor you should keep in mind while choosing a pruning saw.
And finally, do check the joint between the blade and the handle. Often there are screws that are used and you should make sure they are well-fitted and durable. You don’t want them coming off when you’re busy cutting a branch.
Scabbard
When not in use, the pruning saw blade should be covered with a protective scabbard. This protects the blade from damage as well as prevents injury when you reach for the pruning saw in your bag of gardening tools.
I recommend to always have a scabbard protect your pruning saw blade. Some pruning saws come with a scabbard included in the price. But if not, you’ll need to buy one because it’s worth the price for the safety it offers.
Price
Choosing a good pruning saw comes down to the price you’re willing to pay. A high-quality pruning saw will cost you more than an average-quality one.
I recommend that you buy the best quality pruning saw because it will give you the best cutting performance and will last you for years with less maintenance.
If you have a limited budget you can get some decent quality pruning saws that get the cutting job done. Just be aware that they won’t give the same performance and durability.
Precautions when using a pruning saw
There are a few precautions you need to take when using a pruning saw.
- Use protective gear including gloves and eye protection.
- Before starting the cut, make sure there are no nails or screws in the wood.
- Make sure the blade is sharp before starting the cut. If there is any rust, clean it using steel wool or sandpaper. Apply oil or WD-40 on the blade.
- When you start, make a groove in the wood. So once you start cutting, the blade does not shift.
- When cutting, let the blade do the work. Don’t apply a lot of pressure on the saw.
- After the cutting is done, put the blade in the protective scabbard. Keep it in a safe place away from children.
How to use a pruning saw
Using a pruning saw is pretty easy because it’s a simple piece of equipment.
Cutting a branch with a pruning saw
To cut a branch using the pruning saw, you’ll need to use the three-cut method to avoid damaging the tree.
- First, make a cut underneath the branch about a foot from the base of the branch. Stop when the pruning saw cuts 1/3rd into the branch.
- Second make a cut at the top of the branch about 1 or two inches further from the first cut. This cut makes the branch fall off without ripping the bark and damaging the tree.
- Third make the final cut through the branch where you want to prune the branch.
Tips to remember while cutting
- Make sure the blade is clean and sharp before starting the cut.
- Keep the blade on the wood at the position you want to cut. Hold the wood with the other hand safely away from the blade.
- Make a small groove in the wood with the blade.
- Place the blade in the groove and move the blade to and fro to start cutting. Keep the blade at an angle and cut from the top.
- Don’t apply much pressure and let the blade do the cutting with the help of gravity.
- If the blade gets stuck, do not use force. Take the blade out and continue with the cut.
- Once the wood is cut, clean the blade with a damp cloth to remove any pieces of wood.
- Oil the blade before putting it in the scabbard and store it in a safe place.
Maintaining your pruning saw
The better you maintain your pruning saw, the longer it’s life is going to be.
- Before using the pruning saw, make sure the blade is sharp and does not contain rust or resin on it.
- If it does contain rust or resin use some WD-40 or a good citrus cleaner to remove all that out.
- Once you’re done with the cutting, clean the debris from the blade using a damp cloth.
- Put some oil on the blade and clean any extra oil using the cloth.
- If you find that there is some sawdust in the hinge between the blade and the handle, you may need to take the blade out. Then clean it up, oil the blade and put it back into the handle.
- If the blade dulls, check if it’s possible to get it sharpened. If not, you need to replace the blade or get a new saw.
Reviews
Silky 270-33 Zubat PROFESSIONAL Series Hand Saw
The Silky 270-33 Zubat is a pruning saw with a 13-inch curved blade that is used for pruning branches and shrubs.
It has 6.4 TPI (teeth per inch) and weighs 1.1 pounds with the scabbard which makes it lightweight to carry around.
The blade is a high-quality, high-performance one that will have you cutting branches in no time. It has a full tang which makes it very stable when cutting.
The Silky comes with a durable polypropylene scabbard and a detachable belt holder which makes it safe and easy to carry around.
The handle is non-slip and comfortable so you can cut a lot of branches without fatigue. The metal screws that secure the blade in the handle are high-quality and won’t fall out.
The limited lifetime warranty is a good thing to have in case something needs replacement. Silky is a reputable Japanese brand that is known to make high-quality hand tools for the past 100 years.
The Silky tools are a bit expensive considering the price. But you know you’re getting a really high-quality pruning saw that will last you a long time.
Pros
Cons
Last update on 2024-04-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Corona RS 7395 is a pruning saw that comes with a 14-inch curved blade. This makes it a pretty long blade that can cut through some large branches.
The blade is high-quality and is replaceable if needed. It is a pull stroke blade which means it cuts on the pull.
The teeth are impulse-hardened which makes them sharp and durable. So it can cut for several years without losing its sharpness.
The pruning saw weighs about 1 pound which makes it lightweight and easy to carry around.
It comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the pruning saw which is pretty good.
This pruning saw does not come with a scabbard and you’ll have to buy one which means you need to pay for it.
The one thing I did not like is that the screws attaching the handle to the saw tend to come off. So you need to make sure they are tight before you use the saw.
Corona has been founded in the 1920s and has been making high-quality cutting tools since then which makes it a reliable brand.
Pros
Cons
Last update on 2024-04-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Samurai Ichiban GC-330-LH is a pruning saw with a 13-inch curved blade that is excellent to cut branches and shrubs.
The blade is made with a cutting-edge shock hardening process that makes it very durable and high-quality for cutting through branches like butter.
The saw weighs just 11.2 ounces which makes it very lightweight and easy to carry. It comes with a protective scabbard that has a nylon belt loop to carry it around.
It has a comfortable grip that makes it easy to cut branches for some time without getting fatigued.
The Samurai Ichiban is a little bit expensive compared to the other prunings saws on our list but you do pay for quality.
One drawback of this saw is that the blade is a little thin so you need to be careful while cutting.
Pros
Cons
Last update on 2024-04-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Tabor tools saw is a 10-inch pruning saw that is useful to cut branches up to 4 inches thick.
The blade has precision-ground 3-angled razor sharp teeth that will cut through branches on the pull stroke. It is coated with a material that keeps it sharp for a long period of time and protects the blade from corrosion.
The blade is 10 inches which is shorter than the others on our list. This makes it easy to cut in hard to reach places around branches and shrubs.
Make sure to use the blade with the pull stroke otherwise you risk breaking the blade. Even if you do break the blade, it is easy to get a replacement.
The grip is non-slip and ergonomic so that you feel comfortable as you cut the branches.
This pruning saw comes with a protective scabbard for the blade. The scabbard has a belt loop that can attach to your belt and you can carry it around. The belt loop is secure and will not fall off as you carry the pruning saw around while walking, traveling, or working.
The Tabor pruning saw weighs just 11.2 ounces which makes it pretty lightweight and portable to carry around.
The blade is not the best quality when compared to something like the Silky brand. It can be flimsy and break if you’re not careful when cutting with it.
Pros
Cons
Last update on 2024-04-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Tarvol Heavy Duty is a pruning saw with a 14-inch curved blade that makes it 14-inch cut through dry and green wood. It can cut branches that are up to 8 inches thick.
It comes with an ergonomic pistol style handle that makes it easy to grip and work for a long time without fatigue.
It comes with a 100% lifetime money back guarantee which is pretty good.
The Tarvol pruning saw measures about 1.5 pounds which is pretty heavy compared to the other saws in our list.
It comes with a scabbard for blade protection which is nice. But it’s not the best quality plastic and you may have difficulty inserting/removing the saw from it.
The blade is thin and will flex when you try to cut branche that are hard. This increases the chances of breaking the blade if you’re not careful with it.
This pruning saw is quite inexpensive when compared to the others. It’s not the best pruning saw you can get but if you’re on a budget and want something that works OK you can consider this saw.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
I hope I could help you choose the right pruning saw based on your needs and budget. With your pruning saw you should be able to cut those dead and diseased branches in no time.
The best pruning saw that has the highest quality and durability is the Silky 270-33 Zubat PROFESSIONAL Series Hand Saw. You can’t go wrong buying it when you’re looking for something that cuts with minimal effort and will last for years to come.
If you’re a little short on the budget and would be fine with a tool that works well but is of decent quality then check out the Tarvol Heavy Duty 10” Pruning Saw. It will help you cut those branches without burning a hole in your pocket.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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