Photo: Fiskars
What We Like
- Reliable and efficient cutting power
- A heavy-duty 15-inch saw
- High 14-foot reach for high cutting
- A strong steel pruner for added versatility
- Low-flex fiberglass pole
- A lightweight 5.3-pound build
- The generous lifetime warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Assembly is not easy for beginners
- Blade attachment point could be stronger
Bottom Line
A strong build, high reach, and heavy-duty pruner and trimmer make this pole a reliable dual-function garden maintenance tool.
Introduction
Fiskars 393981-1001 is a manual pole saw that executes both pruning and trimming with high efficiency and reliability, effectively reducing the user’s load.
Its strong steel pruner cuts sizeable branches while the long saw reaches higher branches to deliver a complete trimming experience in your garden or yard. The tool is light, easy to use, and is not maintenance-intensive, thus ensuring a lifetime of reliable service.
Fiskars 393981-1001 Review
Photo: Fiskars
Performance: Dual-Function with Reliable Cutting Power
There are 2 main functions built into the Fiskars 393981-1001. You can cut small branches using the saw, or you can undertake some pruning using the heavy-duty pruner.
Both functions promote the tool’s versatility even though it is manually operated. The implements Power-Lever® technology to maximize leverage and multiple the tool’s cutting power by 2.
This power is transmitted to a high-performance 15-inch WoodZig® saw that is very strong and reliable in cutting branches of varying thicknesses. You will discover that the saw is very reliable in sharpness retention, which minimizes the need for regular maintenance.
For the pruning function, you get a hardened, precision-ground steel pruner, which is not only able to handle tough branches of 1-1/8 inches, but also comes with a low-friction coating for enhancing cutting smoothness,
Besides reducing friction, the coating also reduces gumming occurrences, which are common in freshly-cut fleshy branches, and it also gives the pruner rust-resistant properties.
Your saw’s trimming system extends between 7 and 14 feet. When fully extended, the saw can execute strong tree trimming on relatively high branches.
A secure double-locking system has been implemented on the pole to ensure that even when extended to its maximum length, the pole remains firmly in place.
Oiling the entire system is easy. Simply keep the tool’s pivot points constantly lubricated to ensure smooth operation and reduce tool wear. Ensure you check the blade attachment and tighten it if necessary, as it may occasionally get loose.
If you’re just getting started with manual pole saws and trimmers, you may find assembling this tool slightly intimidating, but you only have to do it once, and you should be good to go.
You can check out a comprehensive reviewer’s video on YouTube, which details the step-by-step process of assembling the unit while offering insights on its real-world performance.
Handling and Ease of Use: Reduced Flex for Enhanced Control
Because this tool is manually-operated, its design has been optimized to reduce the effort required to drive its main cutting and pruning functions.
To start with, it makes a decent attempt to keep the overall weight low, at only 5.35 pounds. One component that helps minimize the tool’s weight is the fiberglass pole. The material is not only lightweight but also strong and resistant to rapid wear.
The pole adopts an oval shape for superior flex reduction. When fully extended, flexing can degrade the saw’s performance significantly, but the 393981-1001 eliminates this challenge by enabling you to control the direction of the cut.
Also, the pole is designed to fit the natural shape of your hand ensuring that comfort is enhanced during tool operation.
When it comes to storage, the entire unit when fully assembled, is considerably long, so if you find that you have limited horizontal storage space, you can always store it in an upright position, which is more space-economical.
Price: A Good Deal for the Performance
The Fiskars 393981-1001’s pricing is just right for the performance and features the tool offers.
It’s important to mention that although the price of this pole saw is not far away from the territory of powered models, there are many benefits to derive from a manual tool.
For starters, there are fewer moving components in the pole saw, which contributes to its durability and reduced maintenance demands. Expect the steel pruner to last for long and perform consistently well.
Also, because this pole saw is lightweight, you can execute and complete light-duty pruning and trimming before the fatigue kicks in, especially given the tool’s low-flex design enhancements.
And, you can capitalize on the saw’s 15-inch length to cut wider-diameter branches or small-sized ones with fewer strokes. The high 14-foot reach will also boost tool productivity.
Fiskars also offers another pole saw, the 394631-1001, whose performance is also reliable. It is capable of a longer 16-foot vertical reach and implements a chain drive design that cuts with up to 3 times more power.
The 394631-1001 also features a flex-reducing oval-shaped pole and a double locking mechanism that secures the extended pole firmly to boost tool control. But its 15-inch blade is hooked to support the cutting of wider branches.
The price difference between the two pole saws is marginal, but the 394631-1001 is slightly heavier, and for manually-operated tools, a small increase in weight has a significant impact on usability. The 393981-1001 is a safer bet.
Verdict
A lightweight and strong manual pole saw that reaches high branches, and delivers reliable pruning for regular yard maintenance.
The dual-function Fiskars 393981-1001 both prunes and trims reliably well thanks to its long 15-inch saw, heavy-duty steel pruner, and high 14-foot reach. It accomplishes all that while maintaining a low weight and boosting tool control.
Specs
- Product Name: Fiskars 393981-1001
- Product Brand: Fiskars
- Product Dimensions: 93.5 x 8.0 x 2.0 inches
- Power Source: Manual (hand)
- Cutting Options: 2
- Saw Blade Length: 15 inches
- Maximum Extension: 14 feet
- Pole Material: Fiberglass
- Pruner Material: Precision-ground steel
- Pole Locking System: Yes
- Branch Size: 1-1/8 inches
- Product Weight: 5.35 pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime (full)
Key Features
- Power-Lever® technology delivers up to 2 times more cutting power
- A strong precision-ground steel pruner for heavy-duty cutting
- The 1-1/8-inch branch capacity supports cutting of size branches
- A decent 14-foot reach ensures the tool can cut high branches
- The sturdy 15-inch WoodZig® saw delivers precise cuts and retains sharpness for long
- The oval-shaped pole is optimized for flex reduction enhancing tool control
- The fiberglass pole reduces tool weight while retaining its strength
- A lightweight build enhancing comfortable handling and reduces operator fatigue
- The double-locking system secures the extended pole firmly in place