Author Jack Hemingway

Jack is a licensed Arborist and owned a tree care company for many years. When he's not up in a tree you'll find him hiking and clearing trails in the Coronado National Forest.

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Reviews January 30, 2018 Jack Hemingway

Yard Force Electric Pressure Washer (YF1800LR): Product Review

This is one of the best non-commercial pressure washers I’ve tested to date. From its easy to understand and follow instructions to the ergonomic design, from the self-contained reels that hold the power cord and high pressure hose to the great cleaning performance, and from the power to weight ratio to the small details like the nozzle cleaning needle and the included turbo nozzle, every part of this power washer works flawlessly. As the company’s Continue Reading →

Videos January 7, 2018 Jack Hemingway

How to Sharpen Pruner Blades

A video tutorial showing how to sharpen pruner blades to prolong the life of your pruner and make clean pruning cuts. We cover tools, techniques and tips. Do it right with these easy-to-follow instructions. Continue Reading →

Reviews December 8, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Corona RatchetCUT Anvil Pruner (RP 4224): Product Review

This ratcheting anvil pruner has a lot going for it, with non-slip ComfortGEL® grips, a very sharp carbon steel blade and the cutting power of a ratchet mechanism. It makes incredibly precise pruning cuts in live wood with no damage to the remaining bark. The only quibble I have is the locking mechanism and its tendency to pinch when the pruner is held in the left hand. Outside of this, the pruner is well worth Continue Reading →

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Reviews October 13, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Corona Adjustable Grip Bypass Pruner: Product Review

The Corona Adjustable Grip bypass pruner is an innovative product that adjusts to fit different hand sizes and fits both small and large hands very well. It has excellent fit and finishes, a reliable locking mechanism, soft comfortable grips, and an easy-to-maneuver angled cutting head, although the bumpers don’t cushion as well as they should when making larger cuts. It cuts cleanly up to ¾ inches (not the 7/8 inches claimed on the packaging). For Continue Reading →

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Reviews September 29, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Redback 40V Lithium Ion Cordless Pole Chainsaw (106070): Product Review

This is a decent pole chainsaw that cuts aggressively but can stop unexpectedly. I had stopping problems with the first saw I tested but Redback Customer Service quickly sent me a replacement that didn’t have the same issues. It’s well balanced, easy to use with the included shoulder strap and will run for about 25 minutes when fully charged. The instruction manual needs a major revamp and the bar and chain oiler cap has the Continue Reading →

Reviews July 28, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Redback 40V 12” Li-Ion Cordless Chainsaw (106068): Product Review

The Redback 40V 4.0 Li-Ion Chainsaw (106068) has all the necessary power to cut through anything from small brush to 10.5” logs, making it comparable to a consumer-grade, gasoline-powered chainsaw. It’s lightweight, easy to use, has a plethora of built-in safety features and is sturdy enough to tackle just about anything. I recommend it without any reservations – it’s simply the best cordless chainsaw I’ve tested to date. Continue Reading →

Reviews July 7, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Melnor Talon Bypass Pruner (83270): Product Review

At only $9.97, the Melnor Talon bypass pruner is a perfect example of “you get what you pay for.” It works but it has some quality issues (burrs form on the cutting blade), it cuts through only ¾-inch branches (rather than the claimed 1 inch), and it pinches your hands with each cut. If you have large hands and a limited budget, this pruner may work for you. If you have small hands, give it Continue Reading →

Reviews June 16, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Corona FlexDIAL with ComfortGEL Grips Bypass Pruner (BP 4214): Product Review

The Corona FlexDIAL with ComfortGEL¨ grips bypass pruner (BP4214) has a unique adjustment system (the FlexDIAL) that adjusts handle width (and cutting capacity) for those with different size hands. It initially made clean cuts through material up to ¾ inches while in the highest width setting (it will only cut ¼ inch stems while in the "small hands" position). However, the cutting blade quickly burred and developed a flat spot making it unusable. Its unclear whether this is Continue Reading →

Reviews June 2, 2017 Jack Hemingway

A.M. Leonard GardenGlide Transportation Tote: Product Review

The A.M. Leonard GardenGlide is a nifty and unique item with almost limitless uses for transporting garden items. I was impressed with the loads it could handle, the ease at which it slid across a wide range of surfaces, and the abuse it withstood when pushing it to extremes. The one improvement I’d recommend is to make the handle sturdier – it was uncomfortable pulling heavy loads with a bent handle. Bottom line, I liked Continue Reading →

Reviews May 26, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Lopper (L5518): Product Review

At only 18 inches long, the Fiskars PowerGear2 is a smaller version of its larger brethren. It can get into tight pruning spaces, makes clean cuts, stays sharp even after cutting deadwood, and is comfortable to hold. However, I was underwhelmed by its inability to cut 1 ½ inch diameter material as claimed and it would benefit from a bumper between the handles to absorb shock. Continue Reading →

Reviews May 23, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Troy-Bilt Comfort Plus Bypass Pruner (RR 4000): Product Review

You may have to adjust the blade tension before using this ergonomically designed bypass pruner. Be aware that you’ll need a Torx or star drive screwdriver or key wrench to do that. Once adjusted, the pruner makes beautiful cuts in ¾ material – but not the 1 inch that it claims – is comfortable to hold, has tough German steel blades, and an integrated bumper that dampens shock. Continue Reading →

Reviews April 28, 2017 Jack Hemingway

A.M. Leonard ART17 Double Cut Pruner: Product Review

This is a quality pruner that doesn't skimp on materials and workmanship. It's sturdy, comfortable and makes clean cuts in woody stems and branches. The few very minor drawbacks are a handle locking mechanism that could get in the way of the two handles closing, the fact that it only cuts through ¾ inch wood (rather than the 1 inch diameter claimed) and that it’s intended for woody stems only. Continue Reading →

Reviews April 20, 2017 Jack Hemingway

BAHCO P126-22-F Bypass Pruner: Product Review

Of all the BAHCO pruners I’ve tested to date, the P126-22-F is my least favorite. The handles are slippery, the locking mechanism is problematic and the sharp tip protruding from the end is a safety hazard. This is not the type of product I have come to expect from a top quality manufacturer like BAHCO. Continue Reading →

Reviews April 17, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Stanley FATMAX Hybrid Forged Bypass Pruner BDS6054: Product Review

With wider, contoured and fully rubberized handles, as well as an integrated spring and bumper, this pruner has some nice improvements over the typical bypass pruner. However, those with smaller hands may find the handles too large and it won't readily cut more than 1/2-inch material. Overall, the FATMAX Hybrid Forged Bypass pruner is a good performer with a ½ inch diameter cutting capacity. Continue Reading →

Reviews April 7, 2017 Jack Hemingway

Corona Convertible Pruner + Lopper (BP 7450): Product Review

With the Convertible Pruner + Lopper, Corona tried to create a 2-in-1 tool that could take the place of both a pruner and a lopper. Unfortunately, it tries to be all things to all people and ends up not being particularly good at any one of them. Corona gave it a good shot, but missed the mark on this one. Continue Reading →

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