Cutting branches is manual work that requires a lot of energy, but it can be done much more easily if you have the right tool with you. That’s why, today, we will show you how to choose the best saw for cutting branches.
Here are the best saws for cutting branches you can buy in 2024:
- Best Battery-Powered Pole Saw (Pole Saw): Greenworks 20672
- Best Corded Electric Pole Saw (Pole Saw): Sun Joe SWJ800E
- Best Gas-Powered Pole Saw (Pole Saw): MAXTRA Powerful Gas Pole Chainsaw
- Best Corded Electric Chainsaw (Chainsaw): Oregon CS1500
- Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw (Chainsaw): DEWALT DCCS620P1
- Best Gas-Powered Chainsaw (Chainsaw): Poulan Pro PR4218
- Best Overall (Rip-Cut Saw): WilFiks 16" Pro Hand Saw
- Best For A Fast Clean Cut (Rip-Cut Saw): CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw CMHT20880
- Best For Seniors (Rip-Cut Saw): AIRAJ 16" Quick Cutting Hand Saw
- Best Overall (Folding Saw): Corona RazorTOOTH RS 7265D
- Best For Small-Sized Branches (Folding Saw): Home Planet Gear Folding Hand Saw
- Best For Medium-Sized Branches (Folding Saw): FLORA GUARD Folding Hand Saw
| 12 Best Saws For Cutting Branches | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Battery-Powered Pole Saw | Greenworks 20672
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Best Corded Electric Pole Saw | Sun Joe SWJ800E
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Best Gas-Powered Pole Saw | MAXTRA Powerful Gas Pole Chainsaw
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Best Corded Electric Chainsaw | Oregon CS1500
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Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw | DEWALT DCCS620P1
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Best Gas-Powered Chainsaw | Poulan Pro PR4218
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Best Overall | WilFiks 16" Pro Hand Saw
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Best For A Fast Clean Cut | CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw CMHT20880
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Best For Seniors | AIRAJ 16" Quick Cutting Hand Saw
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Best Overall | Corona RazorTOOTH RS 7265D
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Best For Small-Sized Branches | Home Planet Gear Folding Hand Saw
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Best For Medium-Sized Branches | FLORA GUARD Folding Hand Saw
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Best Battery-Powered Pole Saw (Pole Saw): Greenworks 20672
- Reliable - backed by a 2-year battery warranty and a 4-year tool
- Able to handle long-term cuttings tasks - Cushioned over-mold grips & 1.5-hour runtime
- Ensure your work progress - automatic oiler
- Able to cut higher branches, up to 11’ – extendable shaft
- Unable to handle ultra-thick, dense kinds of wood
The Greenworks 20672 is our top pick out of various battery-powered pole saws because it’s backed by a 2-year battery warranty and a 4-year tool.
Therein, the lithium-ion battery only takes 1 hour of charging to run continuously in 1.5 hours, up to 60 cuts on 4”x4” lumber. You can adjust the chain tensioning to work on different cutting textures as well as adjust the shaft for further reach. The max height of this shaft is 11 feet.
For enhanced convenience, it is designed to automatically apply oil to lubricate the chain and bar, ensuring your work progress. Cushioned over-mold grips are a great bonus to give your hands extra comfort during long-term cutting tasks.
| Greenworks 20672 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 40V GreenWorks motor. |
Bar/Chain Length | 8-Inch |
Branch Thickness (max) | 5" |
Charge Time | 60 minutes |
Runtime | 1.5 hours |
Highlight Features | Backed by a 2-year battery warranty and a 4-year tool Cushioned over-mold grips & 1.5-hour runtime An automatic oiler Extendable shaft |
If you're looking for the best battery-powered pole saw, the GreenWorks 20672 is worth a try.
Best Corded Electric Pole Saw (Pole Saw): Sun Joe SWJ800E
- Powerful - a 6.5-amp motor delivering 6000 RPM
- Able to cut overhanging limbs – extended shaft from 8.5’ to 15’
- Ultra-convenient - auto-lubrication oiler with an ultra-large tank capacity
- The power cord is short
- A bit heavy at the end
This corded pole saw is perfect for cutting thin logs or overhanging limbs.
It features a powerful 6.5-amp motor delivering 6000 RPM. The extendable shaft can reach further branches up to 15’ and the 8' ' cutting bar and chain can handle 7.5” thick wood logs.
Like the Greenworks 20672, this option is built with an auto-lubrication oiler with a capacity of 2.7 ounces, which means it ensures your cutting job progress while not require oil-refilling too frequently as others.
| Sun Joe SWJ800E Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 6.5-amp motor |
Extension Pole Length | 8.7 ft. |
Bar/Chain Length | 8-inch |
Branch Thickness (max) | 7.5-inches thick |
Highlight Features | A 6.5-amp motor delivering 6000 RPM The extended shaft from 8.5’ to 15’ Auto-lubrication oiler with an ultra-large tank capacity |
The Sun Joe SWJ800E is our pick as the best corded electric pole saw for 2020.
Best Gas-Powered Pole Saw (Pole Saw): MAXTRA Powerful Gas Pole Chainsaw
- Powerful and steady yet safe – an EPA certified 42.7cc 2-stroke engine
- Effortless and convenient - an easy pull-start, a shoulder strap, and a portable bag
- Several pieces are lightweight plastic
- The plastic screw and pin are a bit flimsy
Making this option stand out from the competition is the ultra-powerful and -steady 42.7cc 2-stroke engine. This allows you to cut through 8” branches like a breeze to hence save more energy, effort, and time than other similar counterparts.
For extra-effortless using experience, it is added with an easy pull start and a shoulder strap to reduce vibration.
It also includes a portable bag for simple storage when not in use. The biggest selling point is its engine passed the EPA certification.
| MAXTRA Powerful Gas Pole Chainsaw Specifications | |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 2.5 HP |
Extension Pole Length | from 8.2 to 11.4 ft |
Bar/Chain Length | 10" |
Branch Thickness (max) | 7-8 inch |
Highlight Features | A powerful EPA-certified 42.7cc 2-stroke engine An easy pull-start, a shoulder strap, and a portable bag |
The MAXTRA Powerful Gas Pole Chainsaw is all about safety, reliability, and powerful performance, making it the best gas-powered pole saw on our list.
Best Corded Electric Chainsaw (Chainsaw): Oregon CS1500
- Time- and effort-saving – come pre-assembled, instant pull-start, PowerSharp chain, and an 18” guide bar
- Increase the chainsaw’s runtime & eliminate chain friction - integrated Lubri-Tec oiling system
- Enhance safety - chain brake
- Heavy
With the Oregon CS1500, you can use it right out of the box. No installation required as it is pre-assembled. No wasted time and effort in starting it like most other counterparts, all thanks to the instant pull start.
And the best thing is it minimizes downtime for chain-sharpening. By featuring PowerSharp chain and an 18” guide bar, it allows you to sharpen the chain in only three seconds, even faster.
Besides, it is automatically oiled during the operation due to the integrated Lubri-Tec oiling system, which helps increase its runtime while reducing chain friction.
The added chain brake is a huge plus for safety enhancement while using it.
| Oregon CS1500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Motor | 15 amp motor |
Bar/Chain Length | 18” |
Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.85kg) |
Highlight Features | Come pre-assembled, instant pull-start, PowerSharp chain, and an 18” guide bar Integrated Lubri-Tec oiling system Chain brake |
If you’re a starter or looking for something that can help optimize your working time with the least effort and energy spent, Oregon CS1500 is the best corded electric chainsaw to think of.
Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw (Chainsaw): DEWALT DCCS620P1
- Easy to control with maximum comfort – lightweight and compact design
- Powerful, longer runtime, and maximize motor life - powerful, high-efficiency brushless motor
- Offer proper bar camping force - tool-free bar tightening and chain tensioning knob
- Convenient – the battery can power any of DEWALT 20V MAX tools
- No real felling dogs
- No guns (sightlines), on either side.
- The oil fill cap is wimpy
This option is our top pick for outdoor cutting applications and construction because of the powerful, high-efficiency brushless motor regardless of its modest and lightweight design.
It gives you the best of both worlds – improved user’s control with maximum comfort and upgraded runtime as well as engine’s lifespan.
For proper bar clamping force, it is constructed with tool-free bar tightening and chain tensioning knob.
But the real star is its battery can power any of DEWALT 20V MAX tools, which comes in handy for those who have been a big fan of this famous brand.
| DEWALT DCCS620P1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Voltage | 20V |
Bar/Chain Length | 12" |
Charge Time | 60 minutes |
Runtime | 3 hours |
Highlight Features | Lightweight and compact design Powerful, high-efficiency brushless motor Tool-free bar tightening and chain tensioning knob The battery can power any of DEWALT 20V MAX tools |
Built to be ultra-powerful, high-efficiency, and convenient – something that’s hard to reach this price, the DEWALT DCCS620P1is undoubtedly our best battery-powered chainsaw choice award winner.
Best Gas-Powered Chainsaw (Chainsaw): Poulan Pro PR4218
- Ideal for medium-duty cutting tasks - 42cc, 2-stroke engine with 18
- The chains don’t last long
- No chain cover
We like this gas-powered chainsaw because it is powerful enough for felling trees, cutting firewood, and medium-duty storm cleanup while giving superior comfort with minimum handle vibration.
You can easily start within just a few cords pulls by using the EPS (Effortless Pull Starting) function.
The biggest part is while giving a powerful performance, it delivers 20% lower fuel consumption and 70% less emission compared to other counterparts. A big thank you to its patented SuperClean Air Filter System and OxyPower technology.
Another notable feature is its built-in storage with snap lock cover, allowing for easier access to the chain tensioning tool.
| Poulan Pro PR4218 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Horsepower | 2.5 HP |
Bar/Chain Length | 18 in. |
Weight | 13.25 Pounds |
Highlight Features | A powerful 42cc, 2-stroke engine with 18" Bar EPS function Patented SuperClean Air Filter System and OxyPower technology Built-in storage with snap lock cover |
For those who are looking for the best gas-powered chainsaw at under $200, Poulan Pro PR4218 fits the bill.
Best Overall (Rip-Cut Saw): WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw
- Superior rigidity and control - a 9 TPI high-carbon steel blade
- Offer 50% faster cuts than the traditional saws - three cutting surfaces & deep gullets
- Longer-lasting & offer sharper, smoother cuts - induction-hardened teeth
- A bit hard to start
WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw is, by far, our favorite choice because of its superior rigidity and control, which results in longer-lasting performance. The key element is it features a 9 TPI high-carbon steel blade with three cutting surfaces.
This feature, in combination with deep gullets, offers 50% faster cuts than the traditional models.
The induction-hardened teeth, on the other hand, extends the tool’s lifespan up to 5x longer than the standard design while highlighting sharper cuts with an ultra-smooth surface.
No matter your hand size, it is sure to fit based on the unique handle design with anti-slip super grips.
| WilFiks 16” Pro Hand Saw Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 13.6 ounces |
Length | 16-inch |
Material | 9 TPI high carbon steel blade |
Highlight Features | A 9 TPI high-carbon steel blade Three cutting surfaces & deep gullets Induction-hardened teeth |
WilFiks maintains the top spot on our podium for rip-cut hand saws for this year with their 16” Pro-Line.
Best For A Fast Clean Cut (Rip-Cut Saw): CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw CMHT20880
- Afford fast, clean cut demands - exclusive tooth geometry
- Allow for quick alignment, good handling, and extra comfort during the use - bi-material handle with classic 90/45 angles
- Wobbles a little bit
- Wish there was another handle on the other side for sturdiness and safety
Highlighting exclusive tooth geometry, the CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw CMHT20880 is our top-line pick for fast, clean cuts.
In detail, these serrated teeth are hardened and triple ground for a mild cut on backstroke and power cutting downstroke, offering great geometry for grinding along with superior long-lasting sharpness.
The bi-material handle is another highlight feature as it features an ergonomic construction while delivering a miter with classic 90/45 angles for quick alignment, good handling, and decent comfort.
| CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw CMHT20880 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12.8 ounces |
Length | 15” |
Highlight Features | Exclusive tooth geometry Bi-material handle with classic 90/45 angles |
CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw CMHT20880 is a fantastic choice for a fast clean cut.
Best For Seniors (Rip-Cut Saw): AIRAJ 16" Quick Cutting Hand Saw
- Extra safety - a chip-flute design
- Easy alignment - an industrial-grade non-slip handle with classic 90/45 angles
- The screws could be better
Designed with the user’s safety in mind, the AIRAJ 16" Quick Cutting Hand Saw boasts a chip-flute design to avoid blocking wood chips on the saw slot. This practical add-on also helps prevent accidental injuries efficiently.
In addition to that, it is constructed with an industrial-grade non-slip handle and an ergonomic design with classic 90/45 angles for various applications.
It, in fact, can be used for PVC cutting, bamboo harvesting, and more. The durable, long-lasting 60 manganese steel blade with 3-sided teeth helps cutting like a breeze.
| AIRAJ 16" Quick Cutting Hand Saw Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 16 ounces |
Length | 16” |
Material | High-frequency quenching 60 manganese steel |
Highlight Features | A chip-flute design An industrial-grade non-slip handle with classic 90/45 angles |
For seniors, this ultra-safe yet functional rip-cut hand saw is worth trying.
Best Overall (Folding Saw): Corona RazorTOOTH RS 7265D
- Offer extra comfort - co-molded handle
- Superior longevity with faster and smoother cutting - impulse-hardened teeth, curved blade design with 6 teeth/inch
- Various applications - three-sided razor teeth
- Wish the folding mechanism was better to hide all the teeth
There’re plenty of good reasons to love this folding saw: curved blade design with 6 teeth/inch for faster and smoother cutting, impulse hardened teeth for superior longevity, and co-molded handle for extra comfort.
Besides, it features three-sided razor teeth for various applications – small to medium branches with up to 6” cutting diameter.
| Corona RazorTOOTH RS 7265D Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12.8 ounces |
Length | 10” |
Material | Stainless steel |
Highlight Features | Co-molded handle Impulse-hardened teeth, curved blade design with 6 teeth/inch Three-sided razor teeth |
For those who are in need of easy-to-use, high-quality, and comfortable folding hand saw that also offer faster and smoother cutting, try this.
Best For Small-Sized Branches (Folding Saw): Home Planet Gear Folding Hand Saw
- Sharply cut through branches up to 4” diameter - super-sharp, triple-cut razor teeth
- Easy to fold/unfold & not unexpectedly fold/snap while using – dependable gear lock
- Safe – no teeth exposed while folding
- A bit heavy
- Might require tightening before use
If you have many small branches that need cutting, this option is a great investment.
It is compact, easy to control, comfortable to hold, and sharp enough to cut through branches up to 4” diameter. The saw is also able to cut through other materials, like rubber, plastic, and more, thanks to the super-sharp, triple-cut razor teeth.
It’s also easy to fold/unfold the blade but during the use, it doesn’t snap or close unexpectedly, all thanks to the reliable gear lock. A big plus is no teeth exposed when it’s folded.
| Home Planet Gear Folding Hand Saw Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 10 Ounces |
Length | 8” |
Material | Carbon Steel |
Highlight Features | Super-sharp, triple-cut razor teeth Dependable gear lock No teeth exposed while folding |
Highlighting a heavy-duty, sharp blade with triple-cut razor teeth, this folding saw is best for small-sized branches up to 4” diameter.
Best For Medium-Sized Branches (Folding Saw): FLORA GUARD Folding Hand Saw
- Perfect for branches with 6” diameter - a 7.7” fully hardened stainless-steel blade with triple-cut razor teeth
- Comfortable grips - ergonomic handle
- The blade lock mechanism is a bit too tight
To optimize your working time as well as saving your energy, choosing a reasonable saw for medium-sized branches is important. For items that are no bigger than 6” diameter, we highly recommend the FLORA GUARD.
It features a 7.7” stainless-steel blade that’s fully hardened for top-notch strength and longevity.
Combined with triple-cut razor teeth, it creates fast and smooth cuts like a champ. The ergonomic handle also plays a huge role in your comfort and grips while working on it.
| FLORA GUARD Folding Hand Saw Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 9.9 ounces |
Length | 7.7 Inches |
Material | Fully hardened stainless-steel |
Highlight Features | A 7.7” fully hardened stainless-steel blade with triple-cut razor teeth Ergonomic handle |
Out of a bunch, the FLORA GUARD stands out for its unrivaled cutting performance on medium-sized branches.
How To Choose The Best Saw For Cutting Branches?
Types
There are several types of saw for you to choose from for cutting branches.
- Pruning saw: this type features a curved blade that’s 6-12 inches long. It’s suitable for cutting overgrown branches or remove dead ones to let the tree grow more. Pruning saws are hand saws as they don’t run on electricity or gas.
- Bow saw: this type of saw is great for cutting logs, pruning, and trimming. It features a saw blade stretched between the two sides of the bow, designed to cut on both the push and the pull. These saws cut faster than pruning saws but cannot get in tight spaces.
- Pole saw: this type is suitable for cutting hard-to-reach branches. It’s essentially a pruning saw attached to a pole. Pole saws can be manual or powered by electricity or gas. Sometimes, they come with extendable poles to help you reach farther, but they can be dangerous too.
- Crosscut saw: this type includes two-man and one-man saws, the latter is more common. This type of saw can even cut an entire tree.
- Rope chain saw: this type features a chain with teeth that can be used to cut tree branches. Rope chain saws are especially useful when you cut hard-to-reach branches.
- Chainsaw: chainsaws are powered with gas, featuring a cutting chain attached to a guide bar. They cut the fastest and can handle trees and large branches.
- Reciprocating saw: these saws can be wired or wireless, powered with electricity. They are light and easy to use, but can only trim tree branches.
Branch Size
When choosing a saw, you need to take into account the branch size you will cut. For small branches, you shouldn’t have any problems; but for larger branches like 4 inches or wider, choose a powerful saw.
Safety Features
Cutting tree branches, especially large ones, can be dangerous. Therefore, you need to pay attention and look for safety features when shopping for a new saw.
Which Brands Make The Best Saw For Cutting Branches?
Greenworks
Since 2017, this brand has specialized in battery-powered tools. No matter if you a regular consumer or a landscape professional, you will surely find great saws here.
Sun Joe
Founded in 2004, this brand has built its reputation for innovation, high quality, and designs of its products. Its products are also affordable, accessible to many people.
Oregon
With over 70 years of experience in the industry, this brand focuses on making it easier for you to cut wood. It offers a large product portfolio for you to choose from.
DEWALT
This brand was established in 1922 with the first product being the woodworking machine. Now, its products deliver both productivity and versatility for consumers.
Poulan
Founded in 1946, this brand is all about the chainsaw. If you decide to buy a good chainsaw that cuts fast, this is your go-to brand.
CRAFTSMAN
Over the past century, this brand has been trusted by home builders, homeowners, and even professionals.
Home Planet
Over the years, is a professional in home-care gears. With this brand, you will find compact, functional saws.
FLORA GUARD
If you want to buy a folding hand saw, you must go to this brand. It offers a wide range of products from small to large sizes for cutting trees and branches.
FAQs
What kind of saw is used to cut tree branches?
Reciprocating saw is one of the best tools to cut tree branches. But you can also use a bow saw, a pole saw, a chainsaw, or a rope chain saw.
What can I use to cut thick branches?
For thick branches, you can use a chainsaw or a crosscut saw that are suitable to handle large logs.
How do you cut high branches?
To cut high branches, you can choose one of the following tools: a pole saw, a pole pruner, a pruning saw (and a ladder), or rent a bucket lift.
How thick of a branch can a saw cut?
A saw can cut branches up to 9 inches thick.
How to sharpen a saw?
You need a saw set and 1-2 taper file.
Step 1: Remove rust from the sawblade and look at the teeth to see if they are of the same height. If they aren’t, you need to clamp the saw in a vise.
Then, use wood blocks to hold the saw rigid’s spine. Next, file the teeth until they have the same height.
Step 2: Adjust the saw set to conform with the number of teeth per inch. Then, from one of the saw’s ends, place the saw over the first tooth bent from the handles.
Now, squeeze the handles, and that tooth is set. Skip the next tooth, repeat this process for every other tooth. Once you’re done with one side, turn the saw around and repeat the process with the other teeth.
Step 3: Clamp the sawblade between 2 straight pieces of hardwood stock in a purpose-made sharpening vise or a wood vise.
The saw blade will be gripped close to the cutting edge while the gullets are less than ¼ inches from the jaws.
Conclusion
We hope that through this post, you have got the idea of how to pick the best saw for cutting branches.
Remember that all considerations come down to the type of saw, the branch size, and safety features. If you need further information or guides for other products, contact us.
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
