No matter how many gas or electric pole saws I own, sometimes, I just prefer using my manual one. I guess I’m just old school that way. I find it very relaxing and it gives me the satisfaction of having done some manual work. And I don’t even have to use a ladder!
If you are like me and love the satisfaction of working with your hands, a manual pole saw might be great for you! They give you more control over the operation and are also great for pruning leaves in hard-to-reach branches.
In this article, I talk about the 8 best manual pole saws. I have also included a very helpful guide at the end.
Whether you need a manual pole saw for trimming hedges or pruning your palm leaf fronds, you are guaranteed to find something below!
Before we dive into in-depth reviews of all 8 pole saws on the list, here are my top three picks:
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#1 PRODUCT
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Best for Professional Use – Notch Manual Pole Saw
- Blade length: 15 inches
- Reach length: 18 feet
- Number of teeth: 13
- Weight: 7.98 lbs
The Notch manual pole saw set includes a 15 inch heavy duty double thick blade and three fiberglass poles that are 6 feet each. These interlocking poles allow for a maximum reach of 18 feet. This manual pole saw boasts as being made by arborists for arborists and is one of the best commercial manual pole saws out there.
The carbon steel saw blade has a fast pull-cutting tooth design and the teeth are impulse-hardened with a tri-edge design to hold the sharpness for longer. The blade is double thick for extra durability and has a hard chrome plating which resists rust and allows for a smoother cut. The blade has a cutting capacity of 8 inches.
The saw head also sports a hook which makes it easier to pull down dead limbs. The pole itself is durable and sturdy. The simple lock and twist design ensures quick and easy assembly. The blade even comes with a universal hole pattern which will fit most saw heads and handles, so you can mix and match. This tool cuts really fast and is perfect for both commercial as well as home use!
Pros
- Cuts fast.
- Great for commercial use.
- Durable.
- Heavy duty double thick blade.
- Saw head comes with a hook.
- Fast pull-cutting tooth design.
- Lock and twist design.
- Well built.
- Hard chrome plating.
- Universal hole pattern.
Cons
- A bit heavy to use at its longest length.
My Thoughts: This is one of my favorite manual pole saws because it is durable, well built, and fast. Since it is often used by professional arborists, it is built for heavy-duty work and allows you to work with it for long hours. If you want a manual pole saw for professional use, I definitely recommend this one!
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Best Rated – Corona TP 6870 Max RazorTooth Tree Pruner
- Blade length: 13 inches
- Reach length: 14 feet
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
The Corona TP 6870 comes with an exclusive PowerGlide rope pull system that gives you 3x the cutting power of any other manual pole saw! Each tooth saw blade is sharpened on three sides and impulse hardened, resulting in a saw blade that cuts very fast and lasts a long time.
The pruning head has a heavy-duty chain drive and is made using high strength zinc alloy. The blade itself is fully heat treated and chrome-plated to reduce friction and increase cutting efficiency. With this tool, you can get work done faster with reduced effort!
The telescoping pole can be adjusted from 7 feet to 14 feet and comes with a twist-lock adjustment, allowing you to adjust the pole length quickly and safely. The 28 inch foam grip handle makes the device easy to hold and use. This manual pole saw can easily cut through branches that are 1.25 inches thick!
Pros
- 3-side sharpened and impulse hardened teeth.
- Very sharp blade.
- Fast cutting power.
- PowerGlide rope pull system.
- Heat-treated and chrome-plated blade.
- Twist-lock adjustment.
- 28 inch foam grip handle.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Reach is not as long as other manual pole saws.
- The spring is too weak.
- Plastic lock-clutch tends to become loose sometimes.
My Thoughts: This manual pole saw has a pretty impressive and durable blade and offers twice the cutting power of any other device. It would be a great tool for homeowners who want to keep their trees in good shape. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so what more could you ask for?
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Best Multi-Function – HUNKENR Tree Pruner Manual Pole Saw
- Reach length: 18 feet
- Number of teeth: 6
- Weight: 6.04 lbs
If you are looking for a manual pole saw for varying uses, the HUNKENR tree pruner is a great choice. Made of 65Mn high speed steel, this manual pole saw’s blade is strong while also having certain flexibility and plasticity- great for working on high branches. The saw blade is designed in a three-sided arc which makes it easy to clean small branches and vines as well.
It can be extended up to 18 feet, making it great for professional use. Weighing just a little over 6 lbs, it is not that heavy, either. The handle is sturdy and made using an aluminum alloy which won’t bend or rust. It is attached with a soft PVC rubber sleeve, making it easy for you to hold. You can use this saw for hours without enduring fatigue.
This pole saw has a spiral length control knob which makes it easy to operate. The plastic safety saw cover ensures safe storage of the manual pole saw. My favorite feature is that this manual pole saw is detachable and can be used as a handheld saw as well. A great choice if you have differing needs.
Pros
- Detachable- can be used as a handheld saw.
- Strong blade.
- Fast cutting speed.
- Three-sided arc blade design really bites into the wood.
- Sturdy handle.
- Soft PVC rubber sleeve.
- Plastic safety saw cover.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Locking mechanism is a bit flimsy.
My Thoughts: No matter what kind of trees you want to cut, this manual pole saw will do it! Its long reach as well as lightweight nature means a longer runtime. The blade is very strong and allows for efficient cutting.
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Best Lightweight – Fiskars Telescoping Pruning Stik Tree Pruner
- Blade length: 15 inches
- Reach length: 12 feet
- Weight: 4.34 lbs
The Fiskars 9240 Telescoping Tree Pruner is one of the lightest manual pole saws out there. But don’t let its weight fool you into thinking that its performance will not be up to the mark! This device delivers an amazing performance combined with practicality. It comes with a lopper as well as a saw. Perfect to be used by anybody without worrying about muscle fatigue!
This manual pole saw’s reach can be adjusted from 7.9 feet to 12 feet. This means you can cut both high and low branches with ease. The rope free design means no more snags or tangles AND you get to maneuver the pole saw better by using both of your hands! It comes with a quick release thumb lock which makes it easy to adjust the cutting head angle.
The steel blade is fully hardened and precision-ground, so it will stay sharp even after heavy usage. It also has a low-friction coating with less gumming and added rust resistance. The blade will cut through 1.25 inches of branches like butter! It has a rotating head which can rotate up to 230 degrees, making it easy to reach hard-to-reach areas.
My favorite part is the power stroke chain drive gearing system for maximum cutting power. It also has an actuating ball at the end of the pole for extra reach.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Strong and sharp steel blade with low-friction coating.
- Rotating head.
- Power stroke chain drive gearing system.
- Quick release thumb lock.
- No rope design.
- Easy to grip handle.
- Can reach tricky areas and dense foliage.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Cannot cut thick branches.
My Thoughts: If you are not used to working with heavy tools for long periods of time, this one would be perfect for you since it’s pretty lightweight. I really liked the fact that this manual pole saw allows you to cut lower as well as taller branches easily.
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Best Manual Pole Saw With The Longest Reach – DocaPole Telescoping Tree Pruner
- Blade length: 13 inches
- Reach length: 36 feet
- Number of teeth: 6
- Weight: 4.99 lbs
If you have some really high trees that cannot be trimmed unless you are on a ladder or on top of a roof, this manual pole saw might be the one for you. It offers a maximum reach of an amazing 36 feet, so you can stay on the ground and trim away! The thumb lever clasps help you easily extend and retract the pole as well as help you maintain your pole reach no matter how high you go.
This is a dual-use saw, meaning it can be used as a pole saw or a handheld saw. Great for different types of cutting. It also has a secure fit locking screw at the base of the handle to secure the saw properly onto the pole. The razor sharp 13-inch blade is bi-directional with a 3X-sided taper ground tooth design. This allows for precise as well as fast cutting in a back and forth manner.
The blade also features a chrome-plated finish which resists corrosion and is capable of sawing through live wood that is 2-4 inches in diameter. The foam rubber handle makes for an excellent grip!
Pros
- Ultra-long reach.
- Dual-use saw.
- Sharp bi-directional blade.
- Secure fit locking screw.
- Foam rubber handle.
Cons
- A bit wobbly when extended to its full length.
My Thoughts: If you need a manual pole saw that can reach even the highest branches, this one is a great choice. It has a very sharp blade which allows for back and forth cutting and is also not too heavy. Great for pruning very tall trees without climbing on top of the roof.
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Best for Homeowners – Buyplus Manual Pole Saw
- Blade length: 12 inches
- Reach length: 12 feet
- Number of teeth: 6
- Weight: 3.39 lbs
Do you want to occasionally trim the trees in your backyard but don’t want to invest in a heavy-duty saw? The Buyplus would be a great fit for homeowners like you! It weighs just 3.4 lbs and is pretty affordable, too.
This is a 2-in-1 pruner, which means you can use it as a pole saw or a handheld saw for trimming hedges or low hanging branches. It can extend anywhere between 3-12 feet. The saw blade is made of premium carbon steel and boasts 3x sharpened teeth for faster and more accurate cutting. It is also durable and rust resistant and comes with a non-stick coat.
The manual pole saw has an extra reinforcement screw in the handle, a fix lock, a non-slip cover, and an anti-slip handle to ensure extra safety. It is lightweight, easy to hold, and easy to use.
Pros
- 2-in-1 pruner.
- Sharp and durable blade.
- Easy to grip and use.
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Safe to use.
Cons
- Complaints of it being flimsy at maximum length.
My Thoughts: This is a great little manual pole saw for homeowners who need one for occasional use. It offers a good reach and is pretty lightweight. The blade is very sharp and allows for fast cutting!
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Best for Palm Trees – Jameson LS-6PKG-4 Manual Pole Saw
- Blade length: 16 inches
- Reach length: 18 feet
- Number of teeth: 11
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
The Jameson LS-6PKG-4 tree trimming kit is a versatile 3-pole system that comes with a 6 foot base pole, a 6 foot extension pole, and another 6 foot extension pole with a permanently mounted saw head. The pole is made using a light-duty fiberglass and has aluminum ferrules with external left spring locking buttons. Using this, you can create any combination of poles. Perfect for handling all of your landscaping needs.
This manual pole saw offers a maximum reach of 18 feet, great for pruning your palm tree fronds. The tree pruner sports a 16 inch barracuda tri-cut saw which offers smooth side-cut action along with cleaner and faster cuts. The low profile head along with the very sharp blade allows you to cut even through dense foliage.
Pros
- Very sharp blade.
- Can reach up to 18 feet.
- Versatile 3-pole system.
- Light-duty fiberglass pole with aluminum ferrules.
- External left spring locking buttons.
- 16-inch barracuda tri-cut saw.
Cons:
- A bit flimsy at its maximum height.
- Slightly difficult to aim when using all 3 poles together.
My Thoughts: This is a great manual pole saw for cutting through palm tree fronds or dense foliage. It is very durable and gets the job done. With this saw, you no longer have to hire professionals- you can do it yourself!
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Best Affordable Manual Pole Saw – Hosko Manual Pole Saw
- Blade length: 12 inches
- Reach length: 10 feet
- Number of teeth: 6
- Weight: 4 lbs
The Hosko manual pole saw is one of the most affordable manual pole saws you can buy without compromising on quality. It is a 2-in-1 saw which means you can use it with the pole or as a handheld saw. It can reach anywhere between 3.5 to 10 feet. The pole has several detachable sections which you can use to adjust the length according to your needs. It is very lightweight, too. This would be a perfect tool for beginners!
I love the fact that the saw head has a hook at the top. This makes it very easy to pull down loose limbs or dead branches that are just hanging there! The blade is very sharp– it has a three-sided sharpened edge and a single-sided barb design. This helps you cut through anything like butter- even oak tree limbs.
The pole itself is made using stainless steel to prevent rusting. It will last you a long time and is very easy to use. Best manual pole saw for the money!
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Very affordable.
- 2-in-1 saw.
- Very sharp blade.
- Saw head comes with a hook.
- Adjustable sections in pole.
Cons
- Complaints of the blade wobbling sometimes.
- Not meant for heavy use.
My Thoughts: This is one of my favorite manual pole saws because it is super affordable and works great, too! I was surprised by how sharp the blade was. If you are a beginner, this tool would be great for you. You won’t have to break your back or your wallet.
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How To Choose The Best Manual Pole Saw For Your Needs
When it comes to pole saws, everyone has different needs, which is why it is important to choose the one that fits yours. Here are some things you need to consider before choosing the best manual pole saw for you!
Blade
The blade is, of course, the most important part of any manual pole saw because this is what is going to do the cutting. So your blade needs to be sharp, durable, and be able to cut fast.
You also need to make sure that the blade will be able to cut through the branches in your yard. So, measure the thickness of your branches, and choose a manual pole saw that can cut through them.
Another thing to look out for is whether the blade is coated with materials that prevent rust and/or minimize friction. This will help your tool last longer as well as offer smooth cutting.
Pole Reach
This is another important factor to consider. How tall are your branches? Can the manual pole saw you choose reach the tallest of them all?
Look for a telescoping manual pole saw that allows you to adjust its length based on your needs. But don’t forget to ensure that the pole’s maximum extendable length will reach your tallest branches!
Weight
You are going to be using the manual pole saw for a couple of hours at the least. So you need to make sure that you can hold and operate the saw, which is where the weight comes in.
Manual pole saws usually weigh between 4-6 pounds, although lighter ones do exist. If you are not able to handle this weight, look for lighter ones, but make sure you are not compromising on the quality.
Durability
Obviously, the longer your tool lasts, the better. Because we all want to get our money’s worth, right? When choosing a manual pole saw, make sure that it is well built and made using durable materials. For example: fiberglass poles, stainless steel blades. This will ensure that your tool lasts for years to come.
Versatility
Many manual pole saws in the market offer dual use. This means that they can be used as a pole saw or a handheld saw. This is especially useful if you have varying needs and want to cut branches high up above or low below. They also offer a great value for money because you are essentially getting two tools for the price of one!
Miscellaneous Features
Apart from the above mentioned features, certain others can make your tool very easy to use. Here are some of them:
- An anti-slip handle that is easy to grip.
- Safety features.
- Bypass pruner.
- Hook on the saw head to bring down dead branches easily.
- Rotating head that makes it easy to reach tricky areas or dense foliage.
I hope you enjoyed this informational guide! One last piece of advice before I go- don’t forget to check out the warranty for your tool. This is good advice for any tool you look for. And, as always, happy trimming!
