Best Telescopic Saw – Choice and Reviews

Are you looking for the best telescopic saw? Here you will find reviews of the most interesting models and a useful guide to choose it.

The telescopic hacksaw becomes an indispensable tool, especially when you have to prune branches at a certain height. In these cases, under normal conditions, you would use a ladder to reach them, with all the risks associated with possible imbalances and falls. Thanks to the pruning saw with telescopic pole, on the other hand, you can work comfortably and safely from below, thus remaining on the ground. The handle, in fact, is very long and often allows you to reach up to 7 meters in height.

Features of the telescopic saw

The extendable hacksaw is nothing more than a hand tool belonging to the family of pruners or telescopic pruners. It means that the main advantage lies in the presence of a rod, which you can lengthen from a minimum to a maximum. On the top of the stick you will find a real saw, therefore a trapezoid-shaped blade, in this case often curved and not straight.

The blade is flexible and light, but also quite powerful, since it allows you to apply the necessary pressure (from the handle of the handle) to cut branches and twigs without difficulty. Generally the blade body has a length of around 45-50 centimeters, and on the tip there is a handy hook, which you can use to remove the creepers or to cut the twigs.

There are other details that I want to point out now, but which we will delve into later, after the reviews. Meanwhile, the blade has a series of teeth capable of cutting the branch following all the possible directions of the veins. Secondly, there is also a cutter designed to prevent peeling of the branch during cutting operations. Finally, as I have already mentioned, the stick can be extended by means of a convenient system with a lever for opening and locking the pole.

Why choose a telescopic saw?

There are several reasons why I recommend that you opt for a telescopic saw, especially if you are a gardening enthusiast or a professional. First of all, you can forget the fears related to the risk of falling from stairs, scaffolding or any other elevated structure. The hacksaw with telescopic rod, in fact, allows you to reach heights from 3 to 7 meters, remaining on the ground but still maintaining excellent control over the saw.

The cutting force is excellent, even if you are not in direct contact with the blade handle, as in the best products the pressure exerted on the saw reaches very high levels. It is clear that at least at the beginning you will have to get used to it a bit, but I assure you that getting used to it is a matter of a moment. Moreover, with such a tool you can prune the branches either by sawing them from above, or by intervening from below, depending on how best you are.

If present, the hook point can be used for a thousand different purposes, for example to hook the branch that has just been cut, if it is stuck between the other shrubs. Or you can use it to get rid of annoying vines, or for twigs. Secondly, although with limitations, with these telescopic saws you can reach some of the most complex areas of the tree. Being thin, in fact, you can insert them without problems between the “tangles” of branches.

Disadvantages of extendable saws

Remember that although they are tools designed for professionals, they still have limitations. To give you a concrete example, the saw alone cannot cut branches with excessive diameters. The flexible blade would in fact end up bending too much, or it would take an infinite amount of time to succeed in the enterprise.

In those cases it is better use a motorized telescopic saw, which you can learn more by reading my guide.

Best telescopic saws

1. Stocker Hayauchi Extendable Saw 244-630 CM

It has a high cost but the quality, as always happens, has to be paid for. This pruning saw with telescopic shaft, in fact, has a blade that cuts the branches like a hot knife in butter. It also has remarkable technical characteristics, so much so that it is the tool that gardening professionals often use. In fact, it has a record length (about 6.2 meters) and a weight slightly higher than the average, around 3 kilograms.

The double blade is able to cut even branches with an important diameter, at very high heights, as mentioned, without ever putting the safety of the user at risk. At the two ends of the saw you will also find 2 edges, which allow you to avoid slipping of the branch from the range of action of the blade. Of course in the package you will find the case included, so you can cover the saw when not in use.

It is important to underline the presence of an oval and not round shaft, which gives the possibility to apply greater force to the cut, while maintaining perfect stability. Secondly, the pole can be extended from a minimum of 2.4 meters up to a maximum of 6.3 meters, thus proving to be particularly versatile. The blade, on the other hand, has a length of 43 centimeters, also a remarkable detail.

The finishing of the saw is exceptional, allowing a quick and effortless cut, while the oval handle significantly reduces vibrations during pruning. The Stocker is a guarantee of absolute quality, and the only defects are the following: a little heavy weight, and an expensive price.

2. Silverline 245077 Extendable Saw 1.5-2.5 mt

I go “from the stars to the rags”, introducing you to the cheapest extendable hacksaw on the market. In spite of an incredible price, however, this tool has many winning qualities, as long as you understand that it is an amateur and not a professional tool. It starts from the rather short extension radius, from a minimum of 1.5 meters to a maximum of 2.5 meters. If you don’t have to saw too high, it’s still ideal.

The blade is triple, but it still has the habit of bending when you try to cut large or very hard branches, due to the low thickness (1.1 mm). This is why it is not good for demanding pruning, as it tends to bend if it encounters too much resistance. Not bad, because for cutting the twigs it is really deadly, especially considering that we are dealing with a super cheap product.

The pole has an oval section and is entirely made of aluminum, and since it is short, the weight is very light (almost 1 kilogram). The maneuverability of the tool obviously benefits, also due to the reduced maximum height. Above average the length of the blade (47 centimeters), and the handle has a sponge-lined handle, therefore very comfortable to grasp.

Finally, the teeth are very strong, but the blade does not have an exceptional durability, since it is made of simple aluminum. At this price, however, I assure you that you will not find better.

3. FISKARS 1023634 UPX86 With Shears and Hacksaw

You know when it is said that perfection does not exist? True, but there are certain cases that come very close. Like this extendable hacksaw, in my opinion among the best telescopic pruning poles ever, for value for money. Know that with this product you will take home a real pruner with scissors, and with a saw included, which you can assemble when you need it.

The technical values ​​are on average, considering that the extension radius of the pole starts from a minimum of 2.4 meters and reaches a maximum of about 4 meters. The weight is contained (around 2 kilograms), the saw blade has a length of 45 cm, while the scissors has a maximum cutting diameter of 32 mm. Furthermore, the assembly of the saw is very simple: it is interlocking and therefore without screws, but it is still very stable.

The blade is also of excellent quality, with an amazing cutting capacity, especially since this tool costs half as much as the professional ones. The robustness is not in question and is guaranteed by the fame of Fiskars, and the presence of the double function (scissor or saw) makes this telescopic saw really versatile. When you need to cut branches with a diameter greater than 32 mm, just mount the saw.

It should be noted that, if you decide to use the scissors, the traction cord is internal to the stick and not external. It means that it will not run the risk of getting caught in the branches. Truly an almost flawless instrument.

4. FALKET FST1 Saw On Telescopic Rod 1,5 mt

More than a saw, if you pass me the term, I would define this FALKET product as a “saw”, due to the maximum extension of the pole at 1.5 meters (minimum 0.70 meters). Is it a flaw? Absolutely not, because not everyone needs to prune branches to a very high height. If that’s the case for you, and if you can limit yourself to 1.5 meters plus the extension of your arms, then this tool is for you.

First of all, it has a very competitive cost, since it does not reach 50 euros, and secondly it has a really performing blade (length 35 cm). True, it tends to flex a bit when it encounters a lot of resistance, but it can also cut thicker than average branches, thanks to the double teeth. The pole length adjustments are 3, while the weight is very light, around 0.73 kilos.

Of course, due to its characteristics, I do not recommend using it for cutting branches with a diameter greater than 15 centimeters, which is still a good value. Furthermore, even if it bends a little, it still flexes much less than other products in the same price range. Finally, the pole is sturdy and the blade penetrates the wood very easily.

Before going ahead, know that the blade is foldable: it means that you can close the saw, so you will not need to protect it with the special cases.

How to choose an extendable saw

There are a few things I recommend you keep in mind before choosing your next pruning saw with an extendable shaft. Unfortunately, some cheap models can break or be uncomfortable in use. If you want a quality tool, however, there are some useful indicators to recognize a telescopic saw that is really worth it.

1. Extendable handle

When it comes to telescopic rods, it is important to first consider two factors: the height they can reach at their maximum extension, and the shape of the pole. Let’s go in order.

• Height of the pole: generally, depending on the model, a pole with a saw can reach a maximum of 7 meters. However, there are products that do not exceed 5 meters, 3.5 meters or 2 meters, and which can be more comfortable if you do not need to reach very high heights.

• Shape of the handle: the shape is usually not round but rectangular and blunt, with a rib that increases strength, decreasing the flexibility of the rod. It is important, especially when you lengthen it a lot, as it can transmit more force to the blade.

Of course, there are also other factors that I consider fundamental, for the purpose of choosing an excellent telescopic saw. I am talking to you, for example, about the weight and strength of the handle, which should be taken care of in the finishes and immediately give you a feeling of safety and solidity.

All this without compromising the weight, since it is important that the shaft is sturdy but at the same time light. This feature is guaranteed by the use of a material such as die-cast aluminum.

As for the extension and shortening system of the telescopic section of the rod, we usually find a locking lever. Just open it to be able to extend the metal rod to the desired height, and then close it to lock the pole in place.

And even if they are rare, in some telescopic saw models you will also find a series of adapters to be placed on the tip of the stick. These make the shaft universal, so you can also use it with other brands of saws and pruners.

2. Handle and ergonomics

In order to use the saw at great heights, you have to aim for a stick that gives you the possibility to work comfortably from the ground and completely master of the situation. In addition to the rectangular structure of the profile, it is essential that the shaft has a comfortable grip and with an ergonomic and non-slip coating, to combat sweat from the hands and calluses.

Then consider that the best telescopic saws have a handle with a cushioning system. This extra is comfortable for a very specific reason: the stick is able to absorb the vibrations produced during the cutting phase, thus protecting the tendons, joints and muscles of the hands and wrists.

3. Characteristics of the blade

It goes without saying that the quality of the blade is essential to obtain high level pruning. However, know that the telescopic saw was created for rough cutting work, because it cannot guarantee you a particular precision. As for the saw, below I elaborate on the values ​​you should take into consideration.

• Dimensions: usually the supplied saw has a length of not less than 30 cm, but it can also reach 47 cm.

• Tooth design: I suggest you also pay attention to the tooth design, which to be honest is often identical in the various models. However, there are exceptions such as the TurboCut toothing, which facilitates the cutting of branches with a larger diameter, and in all directions with respect to the wood grain.

• Tip with hook: the harpoon can become a precious ally, when you have to eliminate the vines or grab the branches that you have cut, but which have remained entangled.

• Cutting trimmer: some models have a curved tip with trimmer or cutter, which prevents the barking of the branch you just sawed.

• Materials: as far as materials are concerned, the best blades are those made of steel with a high percentage of carbon. The hard chrome coating, on the other hand, simplifies the penetration of the blade and therefore the cut.

• Form: as I have already mentioned, the saw mounted on the shaft has a trapezoid shape and is curved, therefore not straight.

• Plastic sheath: The telescopic saw is almost always sold with a plastic sheath for the protection of the blade, included in the package.

Telescopic saw or pruner with saw?

On sale you can find “all inclusive” pruner models, which therefore include the lopper on top together with the saw. Depending on the products, you may find different systems.

In most of the pruners of this type, the saw must be mounted on the side of the tip, by simply inserting the screws. Or you can detach the branch cutter and mount the saw body directly. In others, however, you can use both tools at the same time.