5 Best Hand Saw For Cutting Trees [2022 Guide]

Looking for the Best Hand Saw For Cutting Trees? Here are all the best ones on the market, pros, cons and how to use them properly!

It’s surprising how quickly that foliage can grow out of hand in your backyard. You may have noticed that the trees along the border of your outdoor space were starting to sprout new branches, but suddenly they’ve pretty much taken over your yard.

So it’s time to cut them down before they can cause a nuisance on your property. But we know that chainsaws aren’t for everyone. In fact, unless you have experience using a chainsaw, these can actually be very dangerous pieces of equipment.

This is where a hand saw can come in handy. These are smaller pieces of equipment that will be very useful for cutting down small trees or branches in your backyard.

Hand saws typically feature smaller, safer blades than an unwieldy chainsaw, so should give you more peace of mind. However, with so many different models on the market, it can be difficult to choose between all of them.

There’s no need to worry – we’ve done all the hard work for you so that you don’t have to. We’ve researched and reviewed hundreds of products to find the best hand saw for cutting trees that the market has to offer.

So you can rest assured that the hand saws we’ve reviewed in more detail below will be perfect for your needs.

Protect your hands with heavy-duty pruning gloves to avoid cuts and grazes when pruning/cutting trees and shrubs.

DISCLOSURE

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Our Best Hand Saw For Cutting Trees Reviews

1. Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH Folding Hand Saw

The Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH Folding Hand Saw easily earns our spot of top pick.

That’s because it comes with a range of great features that will make short work of the trees in your backyard. This particular hand saw is available in 3 different blade lengths so that you can choose the best product for your needs. Choose between 10 inches, 8 inches, or 7 inches.

This particular 10-inch blade is suitable for use with most small to medium trees that are between 5 to 6 inches in diameter. So it will be more than a match for the smaller trees that you need to tackle.

This particular blade features up to 6 teeth per inch along its curved blade. So this will allow you to do the quick and efficient cutting.

A useful feature of this hand saw is that it features a folding design. This makes it easy to latch the blade when it’s not in use. This blade is also replaceable in the event that it was to become damaged or dull over time.

What’s really great about this hand saw is that it has been designed to last you for many years to come. Its teeth have been impulse-hardened so that it will last you for many years to come.

Pros

• Multiple sizes – choose between 3 different blade sizes
• Small to medium branches – ideal for cutting branches or trunks that measure between 5 to 6 inches in diameter
• 6 teeth per inch – smoothly and efficiently cuts through lumber

Cons

• Exposed blade – a portion of the blade is still exposed when folded due to its length

2. Rexbeti Folding Hand Saw

The Rexbeti Folding Hand Saw gives you everything you need for efficient cutting.

This particular model features a long 11-inch blade, which will be suitable for use with branches up to 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Perfect if you want to power through those pesky branches in your backyard.

What’s really great about this hand saw is that it’s available in 2 different sizes.

Choose between 11 inches or 8 inches depending on the size of the trees, designed to cut wood. Both lengths of the blade come with aggressive staggered teeth to help you make short work of the branches in your garden.

Another handy feature of this hand saw is that it comes with a longer, comfortable handle. This rubber coated polymer handle will be much more comfortable to grip for longer periods of time. So you’ll get the firm grip you need no matter the weather conditions.

You won’t have to worry about this hand saw letting you down when you need it most. You are well protected from the chain-driven, cutting teeth, and kickback is less of an issue.

It has been constructed using highly durable SK-5 steel. This gives you efficient cutting and it will be suitable for heavy duty use.

Pros

• 2 sizes – choose between an 8 inch blade or an 11 inch blade
• Small to medium branches – ideal for cutting smaller branches measuring between 6 to 7 inches in diameter
• Aggressive staggered teeth – gives you more efficient cutting

Cons

• Sharp blade – best to wear gloves for your safety when using the hand saw

3. BLACK+DECKER Electric Hand Saw

Looking for an electric alternative to a manual hand saw? Then the BLACK+DECKER Electric Hand Saw is just the thing you need in your backyard.

This particular hand saw will be able to make short work of your branches, tree pruning, and smaller trees thanks to its high powered design. It features a high powered 4,600 strokes per minute which will be more than a match for the work you need to complete.

This particular hand saw is wonderfully versatile. Because of its powerful electric hand saw, it can be used for a variety of applications, including both indoor and outdoor use. The blade can power through wood, plastic, composites, and non-ferrous metal.

A useful feature of this electric hand saw is its lightweight, compact nature. This will make it the perfect alternative to a clunky, unwieldy chainsaw. Perfect if you want a power tool that will take the strain out of the work in your backyard.

What’s really useful about this hand saw is that it won’t be complicated to change the blade should you need to. You can do this without needing to use any tools, which will be a lifesaver in terms of maintenance. 

Pros

• High power – makes the cutting and trimming experience much easier
• Versatile – can be used for both outdoor and indoor use
• Lightweight – super easy to handle while cutting away at trees and branches

Cons

• Pricey – more expensive than the manual hand saws we’ve reviewed

4. Home Planet Gear Folding Hand Saw

The Home Planet Gear Folding Hand Saw is the versatile addition that your toolbox needs. What’s really great about this hand saw for cutting trees is that it comes with 3 different blades for you to choose from.

This will easily allow you to choose the best blade for the application you need it for. These 3 blades have been designed for use with wood, plastic, and metal.

It’s really easy to use this hand saw for cutting down medium sized trees in your backyard. Simply select the appropriate blade, attach it to the handle, then use it as needed. It’s worth noting that each blade features a different number of teeth per inch.

So for cutting away at tree branches or trunks, you will need to opt for the pruning blade that features 5 teeth per inch.

A handy feature of this hand saw is that you can easily lock the blade at 2 different angles. This will make it easier to cut away at those stubborn branches that are more awkward to reach.

You won’t have to worry about this hand saw letting you down when you need it most. This particular hand saw features an ergonomic slip resistant grip to make it easier to use. This also makes the handle more comfortable to grip when you use it.

Pros

• Durable – constructed using a carbon steel blade for longevity
• Sharp blade – features triple cut razor teeth for efficient cutting
• Versatile – can be used for a variety of applications

Cons

• Heavy – some customers found this hand saw to be on the heavier side

5. Mossy Oak Folding Hand Saw

The Mossy Oak Folding Hand Saw has been designed to last you for many years to come. This particular hand saw has been constructed using SK-5 carbon steel for added longevity. All parts of this hand saw have been made using high-quality materials to be as durable as possible.

This particular hand saw measures an impressive 8 inches in length. This makes it the perfect fit for branches or smaller tree trunks measuring 4 inches in diameter.

Another great feature of this hand saw is the super sharp blade. This features triple cut razor teeth, which are ideal for pull cut sawing. These teeth have also been hardened to ensure that they stay sharp. This will also reduce friction for more efficient cutting.

What’s really great about this hand saw is that it features an improved safety lock. The gear lock helps to keep the blade locked in place and won’t snap open or closed unexpectedly.

Pros

• 3 blades – hand saw comes with 3 types of blade to choose for the best application
• Ergonomic handle – ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and use
• Sharp and versatile – can cut through a variety of materials

Cons

• Lock release – this is positioned where your thumb naturally falls

Buyer’s Guide

Searching for the best hand saw for cutting trees can feel like an overwhelming task if you’re not entirely sure what to look for in a hand saw.

If you’re new to gardening and the tools you need for maintaining the smaller trees in your backyard, it can be tricky knowing what features you should prioritize. How important is the length of the blade? What kind of teeth should you look for on the blade?

We’re here to help you on your gardening journey. We’ve put together this helpful buyer’s guide to aid you in finding the right-hand saw for your needs.

As long as you consider the below factors in mind when you choose your hand saw, you can rest assured that it will be perfect for cutting down those overgrown branches in your backyard.

Take a look at everything you need to know about hand saw for cutting trees below, or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions.

Electric Vs Manual

One of the key factors that you will need to consider when choosing the best hand saw for cutting trees is whether you want an electric or manual version. Both types of hand saws will have benefits and drawbacks that will contribute to how effective they will be for cutting down the trees in your backyard.

Manual hand saws will be much cheaper than their electric counterparts. These types of saw will also be preferred by those who don’t feel comfortable using bulkier electric machinery such as chainsaws.

However, using manual hand saws will require more physical work than using an electric hand saw. They can also only handle smaller trees or branches in your backyard.

Electric hand saws are highly efficient pieces of equipment that will take a lot of the backbreaking work out of the equation. However, these models are much more expensive than their manual counterparts.

They could also be off-putting for those who feel intimidated by power tools such as chainsaws. You will also need to bear in mind that these still hand saws, so are only suited for smaller trees and branches.

Branch Diameter

Perhaps the most crucial thing you will need to consider when choosing the best hand saw for trees is the diameter of the trunks and branches that you need to cut.

This is because a hand saw will only be suitable for use with smaller to medium-sized branches and trunks, depending on the size and sturdiness of the blade.

The best way to find out which size branches are suitable for use with your preferred hand saw is to look at the product specifications. The manufacturer will state the maximum diameter the blade will be suitable for in inches.

If you were to try and exceed this, the blade is more likely to snap. 

So in order to cut efficiently through that pesky foliage, you will need to choose the appropriate sized blade. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the blade, the larger the diameter branch it will be able to tackle.

Sharp Teeth

You won’t want to choose a hand saw that features blunt teeth which can hardly get into the wood as you saw away.

So you should look for a hand saw that features sharp teeth. These will efficiently cut away at any branches they encounter. Some saws will feature different styles of teeth, which will all culminate in different effectiveness.

Does your chosen hand saw come with razor teeth? How many teeth are there per inch along the blade?

Have these teeth been triple cut for added efficiency? These different features can make for a highly effective blade that will make short work of the smaller trees in your backyard.

Safety features are one of the key factors when deciding on a hand saw.

Given that hand saws are clearly quite sharp, it could be wise to search for a model with a locking mechanism and/or a safety sheath if you have young children or a propensity to be clumsy.

Durable

It will be important to opt for a hand saw that features a highly durable blade. The better quality the blade, the longer the saw will last you. The vast majority of cheaper hand saws will use less durable materials to keep the costs down. This will leave you with a flimsy saw that won’t be up to the task.

Take a look at the type of material used to create your chosen hand saw. What material has been used to construct the sharp blade? The best material to opt for will be carbon steel, as this has been designed for heavy-duty use and will be hard-wearing.

You may also wish to think about what materials have been used to craft the handle.

The majority of hand saws have replacement blades, and with good care, these blades may survive for many years. However, if it’s not handled properly, you could need to replaceable blade out with a newer one.

Ergonomic

When you’re using a hand saw to cut away at your trees, you will need to opt for as comfortable a hand saw as possible. So you will be surprised by how much of a difference an ergonomic model will make.

This will feature more comfortable handle materials so that you can get the firm grip you need without having to worry about the saw slipping from your hands.

The more comfortable your hand saw is to use, the easier it will be to hold for longer periods of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Hand Saw For Cutting Trees?

The best hand saws for cutting trees are:

• Corona Tools 10-Inch RazorTOOTH Folding Hand Saw
• Rexbeti Folding Hand Saw
• BLACK+DECKER Electric Hand Saw
• Home Planet Gear Folding Hand Saw
• Mossy Oak Folding Hand Saw

Types Of Hand Saw That Best For Cutting Trees

1. Pruning Saw

Depending on the length and quality of the blade, a pruning saw is the best tool for cutting or trimming branches.

Pruning trees is when you remove certain branches from a tree. The objective of cutting tree branches is to prune out undesirable branches, strengthen the tree’s framework, and guide new, healthy development.

It can cut through material up to 8 inches thick. Pruning saws typically have a straight or curved blade with a blade length of 6 to 12 inches.

Straight blades are great for sap and green wood when sawing you want to keep the blade straight, meaning you need a good blade quality be in curved blades or straight ones.

These saws remain close to the branches as they go towards the ground and are simple to use. The low blade length makes it possible to perform fine jobs, such as neatly cutting branches.

Pruning saws are sturdy, have a sharp blade, and have a comfortable grip.

2. Pole Saws

Pole saws are similar to pruning saws but feature additional tubular steel that allows for easier access to high or large branches. Pole saws can often be either electric, battery-powered, or manual.

The saw is mounted on a long telescoping pole that you may use to expand the saw’s reach into awkward-to-reach places. While some pole saws have standard, set lengths, others have variable lengths.

Keep in mind that you should operate the pole saw similarly to how you would a pruning saw. However, because pole saws are so long, you must take the appropriate safety precautions before using this hand saw.

Take all safety precautions like having tools like a blade guard, knuckle guard, protective gloves, a non slip grip, or a knuckle protector.

Once you’ve done that, you may manipulate the branch with ease and chop the tree branches without any difficulty.

3. Rope Chain Saw

A chain saw having ropes at both ends is called a rope chain saw. It is powered by you because it has no horsepower. You pull the rope after wrapping the chain around the branch.

This will allow the branch to be entirely severed as the chain simply saws through it. It will effortlessly reach difficult-to-reach branches and cut thick branches. Therefore, the rope chain saw can cut through branches of any thickness with its sharp blades.

4. Bow Saws

Although a bow saw is frequently quick and effective, it is not advised for use in confined locations since it may not be practical, especially if you are planning on cutting tree trunks.

A bow saw is ideal for trimming, pruning, and cutting trees, however, cutting trees with one needs pulling and pushing.

A curved metal frame with a straight blade with sharp teeth is used to create tension in the device. This low-maintenance gardening equipment is corded or cordless operated, easy to use, simple in design, inexpensive, sharpest, robust, and portable.

Most bow saws come with a tension lever for blade change efficiency as well as for a better grip. A sharp bow saw plus a powerful arm can chop up medium-sized fallen branches.

Consider purchasing a bow saw if trimming trees and huge shrubs make up the majority of your job. One of them is much more versatile since it cuts on both the push and pull stroke and the handle gives you a variety of grip locations.

What Is The Best Tool To Cut Tree Trunks?

Hand saws are the best tool to use for cutting away at smaller branches up to a certain diameter.

If you want to tackle larger tree trunks, it will be best to invest in a quality chainsaw. This is because hand saws have been designed for tackling smaller trees, whereas chainsaws with their sturdy blade have been designed for cutting logs or larger trees that need to be cut down.

To cut trees, you don’t always need a chainsaw’s brute force, especially if the tree is in a tight spot near your home. Make sure any chainsaws you consider purchasing are simple to operate and manage before making a purchase.

Can You Use A Hand Saw To Cut A Tree?

You can use a hand saw to cut a tree, however, this will also depend on the size of the tree in question.

If the tree is on the smaller side, it will be perfectly possible to cut it using a hand saw. Those who don’t have a lot of experience with the bulkier chainsaws which are often used to cut down trees may prefer to use a hand saw instead for smaller trees.

An example of a hand saw that can cut a tree is the flora guard folding hand saw that is made of high carbon steel with triple cut blades.