Best hand saw for cutting down trees

A hand saw can be useful for pruning and cutting manageable branches or supported logs. A bow saw needs enough clearance for both its frame and the cutting stroke.

Choosing a saw does not make felling a standing tree safe. Tree size, lean and nearby structures matter; large or hazardous trees are a job for a qualified tree professional.

This guide compares three bow saw models and the features to consider when selecting a hand saw for tree work.

Go through the buying guide that comes after the reviews if you’re unsure about how to compare our cherry-picked models.

The reviews first:

Best hand saw for cutting down trees – product reviews

Below are three bow saw models to compare.

1. Bahco 10-30-23 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw

The Bahco 10-30-23 is a 30-inch bow saw fitted with a type 23 raker-tooth blade for fresh, green wood. This is the green-wood version, rather than the 10-30-51 model supplied for dry wood.

Its tensioning mechanism helps hold the blade straight during a cut. The long blade needs room for a full stroke, so check the available space around the branch or supported log before choosing this size.

Pros

• Green-wood blade suited to freshly cut branches.
• Knuckle guard and adjustable tension.

Cons

• The 30-inch frame is less compact than a 21-inch bow saw.

2. Truper 30255 AJT-21 21-Inch Bow Saw

The Truper 30255, also identified as AJT-21, is a 21-inch bow saw with a steel handle and tubular steel frame. Its shorter frame is worth considering when the 30-inch Bahco would be awkward to carry or position.

A cam lever adjusts blade tension. When replacing the blade, match it to the AJT-21 frame and choose a tooth pattern appropriate for the wood you are cutting.

Pros

• More compact frame than the 30-inch Bahco.
• Cam-lever tension adjustment.

Cons

• The shorter blade provides less stroke length than a 30-inch model.

For a separate lawn-care maintenance question, see our guide to whether new lawn mower blades need sharpening.

3. Fiskars  Bow Saw, 7029 21-Inch

If you want a really affordable hand saw, then the Fiskars Bow Saw has you covered.

It may look cheap, yes but it’s not a one-hit-wonder and you’ll get more life than you’d think out of the tool.

So, why is the cool pricing and will it truly work?

Well, your guess is good as mine now that it goes toe to toe with the other models we have covered here in practically everything.

Consider this:

A tough precision-ground steel blade that stays sharp even when tackling larger trunks, safety tension lever to give you more control and comfort when cutting, and a lightweight tubular steel frame (for longevity and carrying).

It even doesn’t stop there….

For instance, the blade is coated with a rust inhibitor to keep rust at bay.

The 21-inch model still needs room for a back-and-forth cutting stroke. Check that its frame clears the branch or supported log; a longer blade does not eliminate the need to reverse the stroke.

Pros

• Cuts more efficiently.
• Incredible pricing.
• One of the easiest to use.

Cons

• The blade is somewhat thin.

Hand saw for cutting down tree Buying Guide

Match the blade type, frame size and handle to the pruning or wood-cutting job you need to do.

Here are the most critical things that you should be on the lookout for when making your choice.

·         Overall construction

Usually, the quality of the blade and the teeth determine how well it saws so the blade must be strong enough and the teeth of perfect size to support faster cutting.

A longer blade allows a longer stroke, but the frame must fit around the work and have room to move.

Still- and I’m sure you know this -, a razor sharp blade is necessary for a quicker job.

·         Thoughtful design features

I’ve no doubt that you’ve come across hand saws that seem to have been very well thought out.

Of course, you need both maximum comfort and safety when on the job so any feature that contributes to these two is worth taking note of.

Top of these considerations is an ergonomic design and non-slip, cozy material on the handle.

A blade cover is useful for transport and storage. These bow saws are not folding pruning saws, so allow space for the complete frame.

·         Other considerations

1. Check the weight– a lightweight saw is going to make life easier for you when working for an extended time.
2. Durability– if extreme durability matters to you, check for features such as corrosion resistance and other reinforcements all around the tool.

Conclusion

For green wood, the Bahco 10-30-23 combines a 30-inch blade with an ergonomic handle. The Truper AJT-21 is the shorter, 21-inch option if a more compact frame suits the task.

Select a saw for the actual cutting job, rather than assuming a larger saw makes tree removal safe. Follow the tool instructions, wear suitable protective equipment and get qualified help with large or hazardous trees.

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