This folding saw has a unique undercut capability (basically, the blade “bends backward” at the handle) that makes it easier to use for those who are not comfortable with flipping a saw over to make the undercut. The push button design of the blade lock works extremely well for a right-handed person but it’s not easy for a lefty to use. It features a sharp POWER TOOTH® saw blade that makes good clean cuts and Continue Reading
This lightweight, extendable pruning tool easily and cleanly cuts through 1 ¼ inch branches with the bypass pruner head and 8 inches with the saw. It extends from 8 to 16 feet and locks securely in place at either extreme or anywhere in-between. The chain-drive and pulley system operates the pruner smoothly, without any tangling or twisting, and the rigidity of the pole means no bouncing when using the saw. This is a quality tool Continue Reading
If you have the strength to use a standard push mower (non self-propelled), you’ll have no problem using this reel mower. This is a high-quality mower that’s simple to assemble, easily adjustable, and folds for storage. It does a very good job of cutting most grass (it struggles a bit with overly tall or thick grass), although it doesn’t mulch the clippings and there’s no bag attachment. The added bonus is that you aren’t burning Continue Reading
This unique compound action bypass lopper makes clean cuts through 1.5 inch branches and then “grabs” the cut branch, letting you pull it out of a shrub or place it where you want it (rather than having to pick it up after it’s fallen to the ground). Sharp blades and comfortable handle grips make it easy to work with. Continue Reading
This is a lightweight, corrosion resistant trowel that has a secure, ergonomic grip, digs well through a variety of soil types, and is a good value for the money. This is a not a trowel that has to be cleaned, dried, and coddled, and at a price of around only $7 it would be an inexpensive model for beginners or young gardeners to use. Continue Reading
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
The technology behind the pruner design is an honorable attempt at making something better. It just missed the mark. Instead of making pruning easier, it turned it into a struggle that required a lot of grip strength. Overall, the problems outweighed the positives. Continue Reading
The Fiskars Ratchet Drive lopper does an exemplary job at pruning branches and cutting up brush and deadwood that’s 1 ½“ in diameter or less. In the 2” diameter range cutting is more difficult and takes a lot of strength, especially through deadwood (which is what an anvil lopper is ideally suited to cut). The curved handles are a nice feature; you don’t have to open your arms as far to get the blades Continue Reading
The Fiskars PowerGear II hedge shears is a low-end, mid-priced tool with several problems, including blade slippage and extra weight, that make it tiring to use. Continue Reading
The Fiskars Ratchet Action Anvil Pruner can make clean cuts through ½ or less and can easily cut through ¾ inch deadwood and mesquite, although cuts through larger diameter wood aren’t as clean. We had problems with the lock position (it pinches your hand) but appreciated the squeeze-to-open feature. Continue Reading
Think of the 13" Billhook as a “Leatherman” multi-tool, but used for the garden and landscape. As Fiskars puts it, “It’s a 6” hooked blade for trimming shoots and stems, dividing plants, edging borders, and more in your yard and garden”. It’s part hatchet, part machete, part hook-knife, part saw, part scraper, part weeder, and so much more. Continue Reading
How do you prune branches and limbs that are just out of reach that would either require a ladder or a full-fledged extendable pole pruner to get the job done? Or conversely, how would you reach into a shrub and prune it to ground level? You use a stick-style pruner. We tested the Pruning Stik from Fiskars in some of the toughest pruning conditions. It has a rotating and locking cutting head, is "ropeless," and Continue Reading
You’re in the midst of pruning a large, overgrown shrub with your loppers when you hit a 1-½ inch branch. Do you go back to the garage for your pruning saw? Or do you tackle the job with your loppers, squeezing with all your might to force the blades through the branch? I’ve broken […] Continue Reading
