5 Best Pole Saws (2023 Guide)

In This Review: BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw | Worx Corded Electric Pole Saw | Sun Joe Convertible Pole Chain Saw | DEWALT Pole Saw | MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw | Buyer’s Guide | How To Safely Use a Pole Saw | FAQs

Pole saws help homeowners with overgrown trees reach tall branches without a ladder. From quiet and energy-efficient electric pole saws to loud but powerful gas pole saws, there is a model for you, regardless of your needs. To help you make an informed decision, we at the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best pole saws on Amazon. You can also find more information about shopping for tools in our tools buying guide.

Top 5 Pole Saws

With varying designs, these pole saws suit different needs:

• Most User-Friendly: BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw
• Best Corded: Worx Corded Electric Pole Saw
• Most Versatile: Sun Joe Convertible Pole Chain Saw
• Best Battery-Powered: DEWALT Pole Saw
• Best Gas-Powered: MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw

Most User-Friendly: BLACK+DECKER Pole Saw

Pros and Cons

✔ Doesn’t have a cord to limit its reach
✔ Comes with a pre-assembled chain and bar
✔ Has a built-in safety lock switch

✘ Doesn’t have an automatic oiler
✘ Has a flimsy handle, according to some customers

What Customers Are Saying

Most users were happy with this electric pole saw, highlighting its light build and cordless operation. Several users also said that its cutting capacity was sufficient for their needs. However, multiple users thought that the pole saw’s handle and shaft were too weak and flimsy. One user also wished that there was a tension adjustment feature.

Best Corded: Worx Corded Electric Pole Saw

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a corded design for nonstop power
✔ Features a rotating handle to make angled cuts
✔ Has an automatic oiler for the chain

✘ Offers eight amps of power, which isn’t as powerful as gas models
✘ Uses a head that feels heavy on the pole

What Customers Are Saying

We noted that several satisfied customers said that this corded electric model felt surprisingly powerful. Given its power, they also liked that it was relatively quiet. Conversely, multiple users found the pole saw to be overly heavy despite its advertised 10-pound frame. A few users also had issues with the chain oil leaking.

Most Versatile: Sun Joe Convertible Pole Chain Saw

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a telescoping pole that provides up to 15 feet of overhead reach
✔ Converts into a handheld chainsaw for additional versatility
✔ Weighs only eight pounds

✘ Requires access to a nearby outlet for power
✘ Has some customer complaints about leaking oil

What Customers Are Saying

Customers we noted who were satisfied with this pole saw liked that it delivered powerful performance at a reasonable price. Many specifically mentioned using it to cut thick tree branches. On the other hand, some users thought that the pole saw was unbalanced, which made it difficult to maneuver. A few users also mentioned the awkward placement of the release button.

Best Battery-Powered: DEWALT Pole Saw

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a long reach of up to 15 feet
✔ Features an automatic oiling system for lubrication
✔ Has user reports about a long runtime

✘ Doesn’t come with the required battery nor charger
✘ Doesn’t offer as much power as corded and gas pruners

What Customers Are Saying

Happy users reported that this pole saw was easy to assemble, maintain, and utilize. However, some customers wished that this cordless electric pole saw produced more torque. Our team noted that some others had slight oil leakage during operation.

Best Gas-Powered: MAXTRA Gas Pole Saw

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a powerful two-stroke gas engine
✔ Has a long 10-inch blade
✔ Provides up to 16 feet of extended reach

✘ Can be expensive compared to electrical pole saws
✘ Emits fumes from its gas engine

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that the reviews for this gas-powered model were largely positive, with several customers praising its power, chain tensioning, and durability. However, some reviewers found the pole to be uncomfortably heavy to handle during operation.

Buying Guide for Pole Saws

To purchase the right pole saw, we think it’s important to understand how each model’s specifications impact its performance. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you search for the best pole saw for your landscaping needs.

Power Source

Pole saws are either gas- and electric-powered. Gas-powered pole saws are heavy-duty enough to cut through thick branches. While their gas fuel source makes them more mobile than corded models, they require additional maintenance.

Electric-powered pole saws are split into two types: corded and cordless. Corded pole saws can run for as long as they can access electricity. Although they’re reliable and lightweight, they’re limited to the length of their cord.

To give DIYers more flexibility, cordless pole saws run on batteries that can deliver around 100 cuts per charge. However, battery-powered pole saws are typically less powerful than their corded and gas-powered counterparts.

Height

Most pole saws are adjustable, allowing homeowners to tailor the tool to the height of their project. Some models adjust using extension rods that increase the length of the pole. Other models have a telescoping pole. Either way, these saws reach around 10 to 15 feet tall.

Bar

A pole saw’s bar length impacts how thick of a branch it can cut. Cutting bars range from six to 12 inches, with eight-inch bars being the most common. With an eight-inch bar, a pole saw can cut through seven-inch branches.

How To Safely Use a Pole Saw

A pole saw saves you time and effort when you’re pruning trees in your yard. However, pole saws—much like chainsaws—can be dangerous if you mishandle them. Below, we’ve outlined some safety tips to help you avoid injury.

Clear the Area

Any tree branches you cut will naturally fall onto the ground beneath them. Make sure your outdoor furniture or other possessions are out of the way.

Don’t Cut Overhead

Never cut tree limbs that are directly above your head. Using the extended pole saw, cut at an angle away from you.

Plant Your Feet

Firm footing on a level, stable surface is key to safely maneuvering your pole saw. Plant your feet about shoulder width apart to maintain your balance.

Use It Only as a Pruner

A pole saw is not a suitable replacement for a string trimmer. These powerful yard tools are designed for tree trimming, not foliage trimming.

Wear Protective Gear

Wear safety gear in case any falling debris hits you. At the very least, consider safety glasses, work gloves, and work boots. You can also add a mask and helmet.

Follow the Instructions

As with any household product or yard tool, read the owner’s manual. Note any model-specific safety and operation information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pole Saws

How far can a pole saw reach?

A pole saw’s reach is expressed as its overhead reach, which combines the pole’s reach and the user’s arm. Most pole saws have an overhead reach between 12 and 15 feet.

Is a pole saw worth it?

If you have a lot of large, tall trees in your yard, an extending pole saw may be worth the investment. That’s especially true if you consider the alternative, which is climbing up an unstable ladder to use a traditional hedge trimmer.

How thick of a branch can a pole saw cut?

Most pole saws can cut branches around seven inches in diameter but check your individual model’s manual for an exact thickness.

Is a gas pole saw better than an electric pole saw?

Gas pole saws are not necessarily better than electric pole saws. While gas-powered saws produce more power to cut thicker tree branches, electric-powered saws are quieter, lighter, easier to maintain, and better for the environment. Think about your personal preferences and yard care needs to choose the best design for you.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

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