Cutting tree branches from your garden is a great way to alter the appearance of your home quickly, and can also provide some extra space for other projects, be it planting a small fruit or vegetable garden, or adding another structure to your home, such as a tool shed. Whatever the reason, being able to cut trees from your lawn is essential. What is more important, however, is how you go about cutting them.
You may be wondering why you would use a hand saw rather than merely using a power tool. Well, the answer is quite simple. Power tools can be quite hard to manage, and often require a wired connection to use. Hand saws provide more control and are often more versatile than power tools, which generally feature designs to fulfill particular purposes.
While chainsaws are efficient and can chop a tree down in seconds, they are extremely noisy, require a gas and oil mixture, and are overall quite pricey. This is why most folks prefer to use a handsaw instead. While they may seem somewhat archaic, there is a special kind of satisfaction to be had from chopping a tree down by hand. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best handsaws.
Pole Saws can be another good option. The typically will come with a rope chain to help get the branches to the ground. Pole Saws are for large jobs or big yards. For tree cutting needs in smaller yards a hand held saw will make your hard work pay off.
Hand Saws Comparison Chart
Types of Hand saws for cutting trees
Pruning Saw
A pruning saw is a type of hand saw that is designed specifically for cutting branches and limbs from trees. It has a curved blade that can fit into tight spaces and cut through thick branches quickly and easily. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great option for smaller trees or pruning tasks.
Crosscut Saw
A crosscut saw is a good choice for cutting down small to medium-sized trees. It has sharp, wide rakes that can cut through thick logs quickly and efficiently. It requires a bit of practice to use effectively, but it can be a great option for those who prefer a traditional saw.
Bow Saws
A bow saw is a compact and lightweight saw that can be used for a variety of cutting tasks, including cutting down small to medium-sized trees. It has a curved blade that is ideal for cutting through thick branches and limbs quickly and efficiently. It is also easy to use and does not require a lot of physical effort.
Hand Saw for Cutting Trees Reviews
Silky Professional Series BigBoy 2000
This hefty hand saw from Silky is one of the most robust hand saws available today. It has a whopping 14 ⅕ inch curved blade length, allowing you to chop down almost any tree you desire. It is one of the more premium hand saws on this list, and includes a unique folding mechanism, making it super easy to store.
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The BigBoy 2000 from Silky is genuinely one of a kind. It is the latest designs from Silky. It includes a new folding mechanism that has not been seen in a Silky hand saw before. It boasts a 14 ⅕ inch blade length, a blade width of 1.8mm, and 5.5 ultra-sharp teeth every inch. This hand saw is super lightweight, weighing in at only 1 pound.
The BigBoy 2000 is perfect for trimming, pruning and of course, cutting down trees. This hand saw provides a superior cutting capacity, longer strokes for fast cutting, and an extended reach. It is capable of handling small trunks, large limbs, and, if you need, construction projects, all with ease.
The BigBoy is lightweight and has a stronger and thicker aluminum handle, as well as a longer curved blade, making it perfect for those more hefty jobs. The BigBoy is a must-have in your tool kit if you need to cut more large trees than what average length hand saws can cut.
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Corona RS 7245 Razor Tooth Folding Saw
The Corona Razor Tooth Folding Saw is one of the most efficient hand saws on the market these days. As the name suggests, it has incredibly sharp rakers that can cut through most stubborn materials with ease.
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Its 7-inch blade is ideal for sawing through branches of up to 3 inches in diameter. This saw is designed ergonomically, with a co-molded grip that covers the blade when the saw is in its closed position.
The Corona RS 7245 also boasts a pistol grip that prevents your hands from slipping on the handle, helping avoid some severe injuries. The easy to latch curved blade also aids in this endeavor, and is made from High Carbon Japanese steel, featuring unmatched durability and hardness, making this one of the most long-lasting hand saws on this list.
The blades are available up to 6 rakes per inch, providing better opportunities to cut wood limbs.
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Flora Guard Hand Pruning Saws
The Flora Guard hand pruning saw features a blade that is made from premium High Carbon steel that provides incredibly sharp rakes for ultra-fast, aggressive sawing. The blade is also coated in a rust-resistant spray that prevents it from corroding when it comes into contact with any sort of paint fluid.
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This hand saw from Flora Guard has a secure locking mechanism that ensures that the blade stays firmly in place when it is being used and when it is stored. The handle is also ergonomically designed and is curved to provide a comfortable and secure grip, while still remaining soft to the touch.
The handle is also made from a non-slip material, meaning that the grip reduces arm and hand fatigue when used. This hefty folding saw from Flora Guard has been thoroughly tested and proven as suitable for garden pruning, fence post sawing, and various other DIY wood cutting projects. It is also great for camping trips and can be useful in a survival kit or as a hiking accessory.
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REXBETI Folding Saw
The REXBETI folding saw’s blade is made from durable SK-5 steel that allows for ultra-efficient cutting during camping, landscaping, survival bushcraft, and everyday lawn maintenance. The rugged, heavy-duty blade is a massive 11 inches long and lets you power through those sturdy, thick branches with ease.
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The blade is best suited for cutting through branches that are around 7 to 8 inches in diameter, making it one of the most potent blades on this list.
The REXBETI folding saw’s aggressive teeth are staggered at intervals of 7 teeth per inch, which offers a super sharp and ultra-smooth sawing experience. The grip of this saw was designed with comfort in mind and is longer than most handles found on foldable hand saws. It is also coated in a rubber polymer that provides the user with a firm grip regardless of the weather situation they may be in.
Many users have praised the REXBETI Folding Saw for its sharp and efficient cutting ability, as well as its ease of use and portability. Some have noted that the blade can be a bit difficult to replace or sharpen, but overall, the saw is considered to be a reliable and effective tool for a variety of outdoor and woodworking tasks.
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EverSaw Folding Hand Saw
The EverSaw folding hand saw is made from high performing, premium materials that are not available in most other hand saws. This folding hand saw from EverSaw is able to cut through wood, plastic, and bone of up to 4 inches in diameter, thanks to its rugged pull and cut design.
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This hand saw features a medium-tooth blade that is made from SK-5 carbon steel and is adjustable, making it perfect for a variety of projects.
The EverSaw folding hand saw comes equipped with a reliable gear-style locking mechanism, unlike other locking mechanisms that are found on most foldable hand saws. This means that the blade will not fold or snap open at random, giving you full control and improved safety.
The blade also fits completely into the handle, meaning that none of the teeth are exposed when the saw is in its folded configuration, again providing a boost in safety.
This EverSaw folding hand saw is perhaps the most versatile saw on this list and can be used for a wide variety of projects, including camping, backpacking, and as part of your hunting gear. It is also great for general yard maintenance, like branch cutting, tree cutting, pruning, and tree trimming.
Finally, this hand saw features triple-cut razor teeth that are hardened in order to stay sharp for longer. They also reduce friction to enable fast and smooth sawing, with a ribbed rubber handle made from thermoplastic to ensure that the blade never slips from your hands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Many people are perplexed by hand saws and how to properly use them, as well as which make and model they should buy. We have compiled a quick list of the most frequently asked questions, so you don’t need to ask them.
What type of hand saw is best for cutting trees?
All of the hand saws that we have mentioned on this list, in some way or another, are suited for cutting, pruning, or trimming trees. The exact type of saw you should buy depends entirely on how exactly you plan on cutting trees. If you plan on pruning your trees, you would be better off buying pruning saw; if you want to cut logs or trim branches, consider a bow saw, or if you need to cut up trunks, you should look at getting a crosscut saw.
What is the best hand saw for cutting logs?
When it comes to cutting logs by hand, a good hand saw can make all the difference. The best hand saw for cutting logs will depend on the type and size of logs you'll be cutting, as well as your personal preferences. Here are a few options to consider:
Crosscut Saw
A crosscut saw is designed to cut across the grain of wood, making it a good choice for cutting logs. It has sharp, wide teeth that can cut through thick logs quickly and efficiently. However, they can be challenging to use for beginners and require a bit of practice to get the hang of.
Two-Man Saw
As the name suggests, a two-man saw is designed to be used by two people working together. It has long, wide blades that can cut through large logs quickly and easily. It requires coordination and teamwork between the two users but can be a great option for heavy-duty log cutting.
Bow Saw
A bow saw is a compact and lightweight saw that can be used for a variety of cutting tasks, including cutting logs. It has a curved blade that is ideal for cutting thick logs quickly and efficiently. It is also easy to use and does not require a lot of physical effort.
Chainsaws
While not a traditional hand saw, a chainsaw can be a great option for cutting logs if you have access to one. It is a powerful tool that can cut through large logs quickly and easily, but it can be dangerous and requires proper safety precautions.
Ultimately, the best hand saw for cutting logs will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the size and type of logs you'll be cutting, as well as your level of experience and comfort with different types of saws.
What kind of saw do I need to cut tree limbs?
Reciprocating saws are some of the most commonly used electrical saws available today. They function by having the saw blade move in a back and forth motion very fast and are recommended to be used by more experienced cutters. While they are not specifically designed for cutting trees, there are pruning saw blades that you can purchase and attach to your reciprocating saw, making them one of the best options for cutting trees.
What kind of tool is used to cut trees?
The tool that is most commonly used to trim tree branches and prune trees is the pruning shears. Pruning shears, which are also sometimes called hand pruners, are, as you may have guessed, a type of garden scissors that are meant to be used on plants and trees. They are powerful enough to prune the thick branches of shrubs and trees and can cut tree limbs of up to 2 centimeters in diameter.
Best hand saw for cutting trees Conclusion
While all of the hand saws that we have featured on this list can perform most DIY lawn and yard maintenance projects relatively effectively, it is important to choose the saw that is best suited for your specific needs. Some saws, like the REXBETI folding saw, are better at cutting through those sturdy, thick tree branches, while others such as the EverSaw folding saw are better at pruning the branches of shrubs and trees.
You should also note that not all hand saws are created equal. As we said, some saws are more effective at cutting thicker materials than others, and vice versa. Attempting to use a hand saw with a thinner blade on a thick tree branch, or even tree trunk, will likely result in you damaging your saw and possibly injuring yourself quite severely.
It may be quite obvious to most folks, but it is still worth mentioning that there is no one handsaw that is perfect for everybody. Each handsaw is designed to perform differently, and thus the best hand saw for you may be the worst hand saw for someone else.
Like most things in life, it all comes down to personal preference and desire. Try and find what works best for you. Anyone who tells you that one hand saw beats all the rest has likely missed the point completely.