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There’s no better tool than a pruning saw to tame the unruly branches in your garden. This tool is designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks, such as branches, stems, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of pruning saw models and their best features. We’ll also take the trouble out of choosing the right one for your garden by including a helpful buyer’s guide. Our reviews cover aspects like blade length, material, cutting capacity, and more.
So, what are you waiting for? Join us as we explore the pruning saws with the best performance and precision.
Our List of The Best Pruning Saws for UK Gardens
Here are the reviews, technical specifications, pros, and cons of the best pruning saws for UK gardens.
ARS PM-21 excels with its folding design, offering portability and efficiency for convenient pruning on the go.
Wilkinson Sword’s pruning saw stands out for overall excellence, combining precision and durability for versatile and effective pruning.
Fiskars 317mm ensures easy use with its user-friendly design, providing a comfortable and efficient pruning experience for your garden.
Bosch Keo is the top choice for cordless electric pruning, featuring convenience and power for effortless and precise cutting in your garden.
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp offers handiness with its small folding design, providing a compact and efficient solution for quick and easy pruning tasks.
Types of Pruning Saws
Common types of pruning saws include:
- Folding Pruning Saw: Folding pruning saws are compact and portable since you can fold them into the handle. They're best for precise, light pruning jobs.
- Bow Pruning Saw: Bow pruning saws have long, narrow, and curved blades. They're great at cutting thicker branches and limbs, as well as green and dry wood.
- Pole Pruning Saw: These saws are named after their extendable pole to reach higher branches with ease. They're best for pruning tall trees without a ladder.
- Reciprocating Pruning Saw: Reciprocating pruning saws are electric or battery-powered. Their blades are similar to a small chainsaw, allowing for heavy-duty pruning and large-scale tree maintenance.
- Japanese Pull Pruning Saw: These saws use a pulling motion for a clean and smooth cut. They're best fitted for fine pruning tasks and precision.
How to Use a Pruning Saw Safely
Pruning saws come with surprisingly sharp blades, so it’s important to know how to use them safely. Here are some tips to follow.
- Make sure you're wearing the appropriate safety gear. That includes gloves, safety glasses, and the necessary clothing.
- Check how stable your branch is before cutting; it might spring back once you cut it.
- Making a small notch on the underside of the branch before cutting it from the top will help you avoid tears in the bark.
- Maintain a firm grip on the saw handle and use smooth but controller strokes.
- Never cut above shoulder height.
Ranking Method
Using our comprehensive ranking method, we’ve listed some of the best pruning saws in the UK market. Categories like Best Overall, Best Durable, Best Handy, and more helped us narrow our choices.
Our reviews also include factors like performance, material, weight, pros, and cons. Read our guide to find the perfect pruning saws for your garden.
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The Best Pruning Saws in 2024
Dive into the top pruning saws of 2024, engineered for swift and effective cutting, making tree and branch maintenance a breeze for a well-groomed garden.
01
Best Folding
ARS PM-21 Pruning Saw
Reasons to Buy
- Light and comfortable to use
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Chrome-plated carbon steel blade
- Durable rubber grip handle
- Choice of cutting angles
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited maximum cut capacity
- Not suitable for hardwood
- Single blade length
When it comes to foldable options, the ARS PM-21 Pruning Saw takes the cake. It has outstanding features and reliable performance, making cutting efficient and effortless.
One of its standout features is its lightweight and comfortable build. Its sharp teeth are strategically placed to require less effort while delivering clean and precise cuts. That’s what they call the ARS TurboCut, setting the tool apart from its competitors.
While its overall length is 440 mm, the blade is an impressive 210 mm. Plus, it’s made from hardened chrome steel, which offers impeccable strength and corrosion resistance. It’s accompanied by a secure, black plastic grip handle.
Recognised for its performance by the BBC Gardeners, it’s safe to say the ARS PM-21 is a tool to count on.
Why Do We Recommend The ARS PM-21 Pruning Saw?
The ARS PM-21 pruning saw has a lightweight build, impressive blade, and total replaceability. What more could you want from a foldable pruning saw? It’s all things durable and comfortable.
Further details can be found on The ARS PM-21 Pruning Saw page.
| Weight | 180 g |
| Tool Length | 440 mm |
| Cutting Capacity | 70 mm |
| Type | Foldable pruning saw |
| Blade Length | 210 mm |
The ARS PM-21 pruning saw is suitable for gardeners who value durability above all. It easily cuts through medium-sized branches while offering ease of use and versatility.
02
Best Overall
Wilkinson Sword Pruning Saw
Reasons to Buy
- Comes with a 10-year guarantee
- Cuts through thick branches
- Holster for safe storage
- Comfortable non-slip grip handle
- Compact build
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited cut capacity
- Somewhat heavy
- A bit expensive
It’s no secret how the Wilkinson Sword Pruning Saw earned the Best Overall spot on our list. When it comes to a gardener’s needs, it checks all the boxes.
Durability? Check. Effectiveness? Check. Value for money, portability, and safety? Check, check, and check!
The first thing you’ll notice is its triple ground teeth, guaranteeing smooth cuts even for thick branches up to 250 mm. That’s what sets it apart from most pruning saws, making it a go-to choice for gardeners.
You’ll also love the non-slip TPR rubber handle and its secure grip during extended use. The tool comes complete with a holster on its belt for safe storage and easy transportation.
Why Do We Recommend The Wilkinson Sword Pruning Saw?
The Wilkinson Sword Pruning Saw is the best overall pick because it checks all the boxes: durability, effectiveness, safety, comfort, and more. It can give you great value for your money if you’re willing to splurge on your gardening tools.
Learn more about the product on The Wilkinson Sword Pruning Saw page.
| Weight | 289 g |
| Tool Length | 440 mm |
| Cutting Capacity | 40 mm |
| Type | Folding pruning saw |
| Blade Length | 250 mm |
The Wilkinson Sword pruning saw is suitable for those who don’t mind spending a bit more on their gardening tools. It can help you cut branches of various sizes while offering a comfortable grip and holster for safety.
03
Best Easy of Use
Fiskars 317mm Pruning Saw
Reasons to Buy
- Efficient tooth profile
- SoftGrip™ ergonomic curved handle
- Anti-friction coating on the blade
- Works on dry and fresh wood
- Easy to use
Reasons to Avoid
- Non-adjustable blade
- Heavier than most picks
Using the Fiskars 317mm Pruning Saw is as simple as it gets. It caters to the needs of gardeners who value efficiency, durability, and versatility. At 317 mm, the saw has an efficient tooth profile for fast and precise cuts.
Thanks to its fixed blade design, you can count on powerful and controlled actions. This pruning saw is versatile enough to work on both fresh and dry woods, especially when it comes to tasks that require push and pull cut directions.
Its SoftGrip ergonomic curved handle is definitely a standout feature, promising a secure grip even for extended use. The saw also features a low friction coating on its blade, allowing it to glide smoothly through all kinds of birds. This coating also prevents blade clogging due to debris or sap.
Why Do We Recommend The Fiskars 317mm Pruning Saw?
With the Fiskars 317mm Pruning Saw, there’s no learning curve. Its simple operation is as easy as it gets, thanks to the SoftGrip handle, efficient tooth profile, and ability to work in fresh and dry wood.
More details can be found on The Fiskars 317mm Pruning Saw page.
| Weight | 400 g |
| Tool Length | 490 mm |
| Cutting Capacity | 150 mm |
| Type | Fixed-blade pruning saw |
| Blade Length | 330 mm |
The Fiskars 317mm Pruning Saw is suitable for beginner gardeners looking for an easy-to-use tool. Even then, it’s powerful and well-designed, with cool features like low-friction coating and a SoftGrip handle.
04
Best Cordless Electric
Bosch Keo Cordless Garden Saw
Reasons to Buy
- Cordless convenience
- Can cut branches up to 80 mm
- Interchangeable blades
- Single-handed use
- 115 cuts per charge
Reasons to Avoid
- Not for heavy-duty tasks
- Does not include the battery and charger
- Expensive
If you’re seeking a cordless electric tool, look no further than the Bosch Keo cordless garden saw. It definitely deserves some recognition for its convenience, efficient cutting abilities, and innovation. Although it’s designed for simple pruning, it can also take on various heavy-duty tasks around the garden.
Running on an 18-volt battery, this powerful saw allows for better mobility to reach higher branches. Its Swiss precision allows you to cut branches up to 80 mm. Meanwhile, the A-grip feature enhances single-handed operation for better control and safer use.
What sets the Bosch Keo apart is its versatility. Its interchangeable blades can tackle a wide range of garden and DIY tasks. The powerful 18V battery ensures up to 115 cuts per charge for minimal downtime.
Why Do We Recommend The Bosch Keo Cordless Garden Saw?
We recommend the Bosch Keo Cordless Garden Saw for its versatility, convenience, and reliable performance. It’ll definitely impress gardeners who seek a cordless solution for pruning and cutting tasks.
Find more product details via The Bosch Keo Cordless Garden Saw page.
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Tool Length | 285 mm |
| Cutting Capacity | 80 mm |
| Type | Reciprocating dream |
| Blade Length | 150 mm |
The Bosch Keo Cordless Garden Saw is suitable for those who need a versatile garden tool capable of cutting branches up to 80 mm. It offers ease of use, single-handed operation, and compatibility with various Swiss blades.
05
Best Handy
Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Small Folding Pruning Saw
Reasons to Buy
- Sturdy build
- Cuts smoothly and cleanly
- Impressive safety features
- Ultra sharp precision ground teeth
- Ten-year guarantee
Reasons to Avoid
- Somewhat unwieldy
- No replacement blade
Don’t let the compact size of the Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Small Folding Pruning Saw fool you. This tool packs a punch when it comes to efficient cutting performance and portability.
Its 178 mm blade makes quick work of smaller branches and twigs in the garden. But it can also deal with thicker and tougher wood. The hollow ground carbon steel blade is designed to last, with its ultra-sharp seven PPI precision-ground teeth making clean and precise cuts every time.
Most of all, this saw is foldable. So you can store it away with ease. The blade locks securely in both open and closed positions.
Why Do We Recommend The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Small Folding Pruning Saw?
The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Small Folding Pruning Saw is the epitome of the must-have, handy gardening tool. It gets the job done as efficiently as possible, especially for gardeners on the go seeking something portable.
More information can be found in The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Small Folding Pruning Saw page.
| Weight | 118 g |
| Tool Length | 685 mm |
| Cutting Capacity | 90 mm |
| Type | Folding pruning saw |
| Blade Length | 178 mm |
The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Small Folding Pruning Saw is suitable for those who need a convenient tool to fit in their pocket or mini-toolkit. Despite its compact build, it delivers exceptional power and precise cuts.
Choosing the Right Pruning Saw For Your Garden
Consider these factors when picking a new pruning saw for your garden.
- Intended Use: Identify why you need a pruning saw. Are you looking for fine detailing or heavy-duty work? Different tasks like reaching high limbs require different pruning saw types.
- Blade: Pruning saws have various blade types for different needs. Serrated blades cut green wood, while Japanese pull saws offer clean cuts. Make sure the length of your pruning saw's blades aligns with your needs. Thick branches require longer blades; short blades offer more control for precision work, and so on.
- Weight: If you're going to use your pruning saw for longer tasks, make sure it's lightweight. The handle should also be comfortable and reduce wrist strain.
FAQs
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about pruning saws.
The ideal blade length depends on your intended use. In general, handheld pruning saws have blade lengths of 150-350 mm. Longer blades can help cut thicker branches, while shorter blades allow for precision work.
Yes, you can use your pruning saw to cut dry and dead wood. However, most pruning saws are only made to cut live wood. So, it may be better to use a chainsaw or hand saw.
You can use electric pruning saws for larger jobs. They’re powerful and easily cut through tough and thick branches.
