5 Best Manual Pole Saws In 2023

Best Manual Pole Saws 2022 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

After finishing up your mowing, the next task remaining for you to have a spectacularly looking lawn is trimming the unruly trees. The hanging branches of the trees create a bit of an eyesore that you have to cut.

So, you will need the manual pole saws. These tools are convenient for pruning overhead branches minus the hassle of dragging along a heavy gas engine or pole saw batteries.

Since they are lightweight and emit no noise. You can work for longer in harmony with neighbors.

Just like any other power tool, you need the best manual pole saws. The problem is that there are endless options from which to choose from.

Below, we will offer you a thorough review of these tools as well as an insightful buying guide.

5 Best Manual Pole Saws – Reviews

1. Jameson LS-6PKG-6 LS-Series Landscaper Pole Saw Kit

Jameson LS-6PKG-6 LS-Series Landscaper Pole Saw Kit

The Jameson LS-6PKG-6 pole saw is designed to perform landscaping trimming around your yard. This manual pole saw features pole ferrules for fitting a combination of pole lengths. With a total of three poles, DIY homeowners can work on a wide range of tree heights at ease.

The base pole, middle extension pole and the top pole with the saw each has individual lengths of 6 feet.

This brings the total length of the poles connected end to end to 18 feet. Such a reach is great for reaching all of the branches that need pruning in your backyard.

Just in case you have dense foliage on the trees you would be working on, then the low profile of the head is a great feature to have.

The head easily penetrates through the dense growth. The pole ferrules at the connecting points reduce weight but still impart sturdiness.

Also, Aluminum ferrules have spring-loaded locking button in the form of an external leaf. For a quick, clean way of cutting through branches, the Jameson LS-6PKG has a 16 inches long Barracuda Tri-Cut saw blade.

Pros
  • Innovative 3 parts design for flexibility of pole reach
  • Sturdy fiber glass poles
  • Sawing blade handles well small to medium diameter branches
  • Easy to maneuver low profile saw head
  • Lightweight to lessen fatigue burden
  • Easy to assemble
  • Great snapping pole locking leaf button
  • Useful branch hook for bringing down cut branches
  • Saw blade stays sharp for considerably long
Cons
  • Dissembling the poles is challenging for some
  • Discomforting handle
  • Quite costly
  • The head does not swivel

2. Fiskars 7.9-12 Foot ExtendableTree Pruning Stik Pruner

Fiskars 7.9-12 Foot ExtendableTree Pruning Stik Pruner

The Fiskars 92406935K is an ideal solution for cutting the unruly high branches in your backyard. In all this trouble, you don’t need a ladder since the extendable pole outstretches from 7.9 feet to 12 feet.

As such, you can make both high and low cuts on prickly shrubs close to the ground. Thus, you don’t suffer much fatigue as you don’t have to bend or kneel as you cut. Additionally, the design has no ropes for an essential hands-free pole saw operation.

The lack of ropes in this manual pole saw eliminates the occasional tangles and snags between the ropes and the branches or shrubs in your work area. Also included is a 15” long WoodZig saw blade. This blade length decently powers the tool through relatively thick branches.

While the term relatively thick is subjective, the pruning head comfortably handles branches of up to 1 ¼ inches thick. Moreover, the hardened steel blade is coated to reduce rusting tendencies.

Pros
  • Easily adjustable head angle
  • Resistant to rusting
  • Hardened blade handles tough branches
  • Rope-free design
  • Requires no bending for low cuts
  • Great telescoping pole
Cons
  • Fragile blade
  • Could do with an extra pole extension
  • Handles too thin branches

3. Silky New Professional Series 179-39 Telescopic Landscaping Pole Saw

Silky New Professional Series 179-39 Telescopic Landscaping Pole Saw

The Silky Hayauchi comes fitted with a telescoping pole that extends from 8 feet to 21 feet. In the process, it creates a maximum reach of about 26 feet depending on the user height.

Divided into 4 sections, the pole has 3 extension points. This working height is great but makes the pole difficult to maneuver.

At the top of the telescoping pole is a sawing blade made from Sk4 carbon steel. This blade is sturdy enough to cut through most tree branches you are likely to encounter. It has a thickness of 1.5 mm, with 5.5 teeth every inch for the 15 2/5 inches of the blade.

The telescoping pole is made from a combination of aluminum and rubber. Resultantly, the aluminum cuts down the operating weight to about 7.35 pounds with the blade cover. Pole saw handle is rubberized for user comfort, especially when the pole is at maximum reach.

To prolong the life span of the blade, ensure you clean the blade with a solvent to rid it off the tree residues. Applications range from trimming, pruning, gardening and forestry. Even though the blade works great, the pole bends and breaks often.

Pros
  • Blade teeth stay sharp for long
  • Excellent reach
  • Comfortable rubber handle
  • Innovative two sickle design
  • Rows of teeth perform relatively tough cutting jobs
  • Secure locking mechanisms
  • Easy to use spring-loaded buttons
  • Blade rows are adjustable
Cons
  • Pole bends easily
  • Difficult to maneuver at full length
  • The blade hook makes it hang on branches when cutting
  • Expensive

4. Fiskars 393981-1001 14′ Extend Tree Pruner

Fiskars 393981-1001 14' Extend Tree Pruner

If you are looking for a manual pole saw with a rope power lever design, the Fiskars 393981-1001 would be a great choice for starters. With its power lever design, the trimming system receives twice as much power.

This product is a 2-in-1 manual pole saw, capable of functioning both as a pruning shear and wood saw. With a powerful WoodZig saw blade, the tool handles a fair amount of variable tree branches. The saw handles larger branches than the trimming system.

Featuring a pole made from fiberglass, this pole saw combines strength and weight reduction. Its oval shape then reduces the flex generated when the pole is extended. Therefore, users have better control of the saw cutting directions when in operation.

Another great feature is the locking system of the sections of the pole as they telescope. The system combines an internal spring-loaded button and a flip lock for keeping the sections in place. Operating this saw requires some skill as the ropes get entangled often.

Pros
  • Responsive pull cord
  • Quick snipping shears
  • Pole retracts and extends in seconds
  • Secure double-locking system
  • Affordable
  • Precise cutting direction control
  • Lightweight fiberglass construction
  • Heavy duty, non-stick saw blade
Cons
  • Limited max reach
  • Pulley system can be difficult to figure out

5. Milliard 6-16 Foot Extendable Tree Pruner/Pole Saw with 3-Sided Blade

Milliard 6-16 Foot Extendable Tree Pruner/Pole Saw

The Milliard extendable pole saw extends from a length of 6 feet to 16 feet. This overall reach may be limited to an extent, but it’s still able to prune through a majority of the tree branches on your property.

The system consists of a saw and a system of sharp shears. These shears have an aperture 1.25 inches wide and uses applied physics to snip branches that fits into it. The closing system of the aperture is controlled by a compound pulley system that multiplies your efforts by a factor of 4.

Apart from the shears, the pole saw has a 14” long saw blade made from high carbon steel for prolonged use. Each of the teeth on the saw is shaped on 3 sides to optimize the cutting efficiency of every stroke of the saw.

Also, a nonstick finish in the 1.2 mm thick blade reduces friction, thus reducing snags.

The handle of the pole can be adjusted as well. Resultantly, you can leverage on the efforts required to pull on the pulley cords. A fiberglass construction eases maneuverability while guaranteeing pole strength.

However, it is only the lower section that’s fiber glass. The remaining 2 sections are made from aluminum.

Pros
  • Saw head easily cuts branches 1 ¼ inches thick
  • Robust carbon steel blade stays sharp
  • Efficient nonstick pruning shears
  • Comfortable, adjustable foam grip handle
  • Lightweight aluminum and fiberglass material
  • Great multiplication of applied effort
Cons
  • Malleable aluminum bends with ease
  • Foam handle comes apart with ease
  • Blade too coarse

Why Should You Have A Manual Pole Saw?

When thinking of buying power tools to work around your yard. A manual pole saw isn’t what comes to the minds of a lot of homeowners. But this tool is still worth considering, more so if you have trees growing in your backyard.

There are plenty of reasons why manual pole saws are ideal solutions for keeping the trees looking neat throughout the year. Here are the reasons for going:

Why Should You Have A Manual Pole Saw
  • Are Ideal For High Branches

Manual pole saws are often available in longer lengths than powered saws. They are preferable for small branches high up the tree. Moreover, because of their lightweight nature, they are easy to handle and maneuver. Plus, they won’t weigh down too much on you.

The long lengths, with some extending to 21 feet, mean that you don’t have to be necessarily tall to be able to use these tools.

  • Simple To Use

All these pole saws need is your strength to operate. There is no need for dragging long power cords or having to start a gas engine. These manual saws get you up and running in no time.

  • Suited For Dense Growth

Using chainsaws on dense growths is often not such a good idea. These tangles twigs tend to jam on chainsaws as they power through the dense growths. Take for example an apple tree with gnarled growth all over; you are better off trimming it with a manual pole saw.

  • No Risk Of Falling

When using a manual pole saw, you remain standing on the ground. There is no need to climb onto ladders that increases your risk of falling. We have a particular love-hate relationship with ladders because of how useful, yet dangerous they are.

What’s more, the long reach keeps you out of the path of ants, thorns, and any insects that may be lucking within the dense vegetation on the tree.

  • You Can Gauge The Work Progress

As you work from the ground, you have a good view of the tree you are making neat. You can then decide on which branches need to prune for a better-looking tree sculpture.

  • Saves You Money

First of all, the acquisition cost of a manual pole saw is much lower than that of a powered saw. While the latter does the job faster, they essentially achieve the same end results, but with a difference in costs.

The best manual pole saw also saves you the hassle of having to hire a professional arborist to deal with your overzealous tree branches.

  • Easy To Maintain

Apart from occasionally cleaning the blades and shears with a solvent to remove tree residues, there is not much that would be required of you. You wouldn’t also have to take it for special maintenance services.

Things To Consider When Buying The Best Manual Pole Saw

How To Choose The Best Manual Pole Saw

Like any other purchase you will be making, you need to create a criterion for buying a manual pole saw. These features determine to a great extent the success you will have when using the manual pole saw.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you choose the best manual pole saw.

1. Type Of Manual Pole Saw

Manual pole saws come in four types: Saw pruners, Bypass Pruner, Anvil Pruner, and compound pruners.

  • Bypass Pruner

These types of pruners use two blades that slide past one another. The advantage of owning a bypass pruner is that the resulting cut is clean provided the tree is softwood.

But if the tree is tough, then the two blades are most likely to separate when tightly pressed together. The branch then remains uncut but damaged, making them susceptible to diseases.

  • Anvil Pruner

In this type, the pruner consists of a single blade and an anvil that stays stationary. When in operation, the single blade slices onto the anvil, sandwiching the branch in between. The more you press on the handle or pull on the cord, the more the blade cuts through the branch.

While the blade and anvil will never separate, this type of pruner bruises soft stems. It has the opposite effect to that of a bypass pruner in exposing tree stems to infectious conditions.

  • Saw Pruner

These types are the best for trimming thick and tough branches. They only include the saw blade for pruning branches. Also, the blades come in a variety of thicknesses, lengths, number of teeth, and how these teeth are sharpened.

  • Compound Pole Saws

These types of pruners have the sawing blade and a pruner head, either a bypass or an anvil pruner head. With these options, you can conveniently switch from sawing on branches to pruning at an instance.

However, if you only need to use either the saw or pruner, then the other component tends to get in the way. Plus, some of the blades cannot handle dense tangles on branches. They either snap or bend.

Unless your pole saw only has a saw, then you will have to deal with ropes, straps, or chains to operate the cutting head.

When it comes to ropes for operating the pulley system, you are better off with chains enclosed within the pole, away from potential entanglement with branches.

Between ropes, chains, and straps, chains are an ideal choice as they tangle less with obstructions.

2. Length And Maximum Reach Of Pole

We believe one of the major reasons want to buy a manual pole saw is for you to reach at some height without having to climb or on a ladder. And let’s face it; you will not get the reach you desire if you don’t carefully consider the length of the pole you are getting.

This length has to be relative to your height as each user would need a differing height in comparison to the other person. Tall users do not need an excessively tall pole unlike short people.

Another thing, you have to be prepared for the drawbacks of having a long pole. At full extension, a tall high manual pole saw becomes hard to control as the saw and pruner head make the pole wobble a bit.

Plus, a tall pole is more likely to bend than a relatively short one. So, the balance between your height requirements and the drawbacks that come with it.

Take a stroll as you look at the height of the trees in your backyard as you try to contemplate on future working heights too. The collapsed height is also key, more so when trimming on near-surface branches.

Pole Saws and Pruners

3. How Much Does The Pole Saw Weigh

Your manual pole saw will use at an elevated angle. Thus, bear in mind that it needs to be as light as possible so that it doesn’t weigh too much to make you fatigued. In fact, a light manual power saw would allow you to work for longer, with less strain.

What’s more, for the sake of maneuverability, you need to avoid bulky or heavy tools. This is despite the fact that these are often the most robust in terms of longevity and tree branch handling capabilities.

Moreover, when sawing on a branch, you will need lots of strokes before it falls. A heavy machine will make this simple task a pretty tiresome one.

To cut on weight, manufacturers use aluminum and fiberglass materials to make the pole of their saw. Insist on these two materials as they guarantee you the lightest pruners.

4. Versatility Of The Pole Saw

A manual pole saw that qualifies to be the best needs to be used in more than a single way. This is where you need a compound manual saw to get the best value for your money.

Look for a pole saw that you can remove the saw blade when you don’t need it getting in the way of your pruning. And when you have to take down the larger branch, re-attach the blade.

Not all the products will provide you this feature of having attachments, so be sure to do your research well.

5. Blade Design

The blade of your manual pole saw should feature a high-carbon steel metal. It is preferably with a coating to prevent the accumulation of tree residue. Rust resistance should also be top-notch, just as the durability.

For convenience, a blade with a hook at the tip allows you to pull down cut branches or bring down plant ropes on trees. Alternatively, look for a blade with a scabbard at the rear end for keeping it on the branch being cut. It makes the process frustration-free.

As far as the cutting width is concerned, there shouldn’t be a limit for you. A longer blade and maximum cutting capacity are all key considerations to make. Obviously, a 20” thick branch is none that is within the scope of a manual pole saw, but it’s still good to be prepared.

In addition, keep an eye on the ease with which the blade can be removed. If it’s quick release with no tools required, the better for you.

6. Quality Of Construction

When quality lacks in your manual pole saw, you will be in for a long ride, even if it meets the previous criteria. You should never compromise on the quality of your purchase, even if you are strapped for cash.

You would rather compromise on the versatility but insist on good quality. Users and owners of manual pole saws are always willing to share their unbiased experiences, so be on the lookout for these. The reviews will give you a good hint on how high or low the quality of the product is.

Conclusion

We hope by now you have a clear idea on what you should be looking for in a manual saw. The choice you make should be hinged on the needs you want solved. We highly recommend any of the five products.

But if you are looking for the best manual pole saw. In our of opinion, the Silky 179-39 series telescoping pole saw is the top pick.

While it lacks a pruner head, the saw blade compensates for this deficiency. Unlike the other four products, it has the highest reach, at 21 feet. The extensions can also be collapsed to 8 feet. A high carbon SK4 steel is robust enough for tough branches, while its aluminum construction makes it lightweight.

The pole is also suitable for a range of applications ranging from pruning, trimming, forestry and arborist works. Moreover, the blade only requires occasional cleaning with a solvent to remove tree reside thus increase its lifespan.

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