Black & Decker Electric Pruning Saw With Branch Holder

I spent a weekend reclaiming some scraggly maples and lilacs along my fence line with the Black & Decker pruning saw, and came away pleasantly surprised by how controlled it feels compared to a standard recip saw. The star of the show is the branch-grabbing shoe: a simple idea that makes a big difference. It stabilizes the work, keeps the blade planted, and all but eliminates that annoying bouncing that lightweight branches usually cause.

What this tool is—and isn’t

This is a corded, 7-amp pruning saw designed for small to medium limbs and light-duty material cuts. In its default configuration, you run it with the branch grabber, which cups and holds branches so you can make clean, predictable cuts up to about 3.9 inches in diameter. Swap the shoe and it converts to a conventional reciprocating saw for general cutting of wood, plastic, PVC, and even some thin metal with the right blade.

It’s not a chainsaw replacement, and it’s not a pole saw. If your goal is to reach limbs 12–16 feet up, you’ll want a dedicated pole saw. This tool is for shoulder-height pruning, firewood tidying, and all those around-the-yard cuts where control and a neat finish matter more than raw speed.

Setup and included kit

Out of the box, the kit includes:
- The pruning saw body
- A wood-cutting blade
- The branch grabber shoe
- An all-purpose shoe for standard recip work

Swapping shoes doesn’t take long, though the first time through I referred to the manual to confirm orientation. The instructions are adequate, if a bit terse. Once you’ve done it, it’s a one-minute process.

At 6.4 lb and about 20 inches long, the saw feels compact for a corded unit. The corded design also means continuous runtime: no batteries to manage, just pick the right extension cord gauge (14 AWG for up to 50 feet is a good rule) and go.

Cutting performance on branches

With the branch grabber installed, the saw feels purpose-built for pruning. I tested on green maple and older, slightly drier lilac limbs in the 1–3.5 inch range.

• 1–2 inch green branches: Cuts were fast—typically 3–6 seconds—with very little vibration transmitted to my hands.
• 3–3.5 inch branches: Expect roughly 8–15 seconds depending on species and moisture. The saw didn’t bog down, but you need to let the blade do the work and keep steady pressure.

The grabber shines here. It cradles the branch so the blade teeth stay engaged, which prevents the blade from skittering and reduces tear-out on the underside. For clean results, I still used a quick undercut of about 1/4-inch before the final top cut; between that and the grabber, I consistently got smooth shoulders on the remaining limb.

You can cut material slightly larger than the grabber’s capacity by removing the grabber and using the standard shoe, then nibbling around the circumference. It works, but at that point you’re in traditional recip-saw territory and the clean, supported cut is harder to maintain.

Control and ergonomics

Balance matters with pruning tools, and this one is front-biased when the grabber is attached. It’s not unwieldy, but you feel the nose weight. Two-handed use is the way to go, especially when working at or above shoulder height. The grip and trigger are predictable, and the tool’s 6.4 lb weight is reasonable for ground-level and chest-height work; extended overhead cutting will tire most users quickly.

Vibration is notably lower with the grabber engaged because the branch can’t slap the blade. With the standard shoe, vibration rises to what I’d expect from a mid-duty recip saw. It’s still manageable, but gloves help.

Noise is much less than a chainsaw—no ear-muffs required for short sessions, though I still prefer hearing protection for longer work. And being able to start and stop instantly is a big safety and convenience win in a yard full of obstacles.

As a reciprocating saw

Remove the branch grabber, install the all-purpose shoe, and you’ve got a handy, light-duty recip saw. I used it to cut 1-1/2 inch schedule 40 PVC and a few stray nails in a rotted fence picket.

• PVC: Smooth, quick cuts with minimal burr. The included wood blade handled it, though a fine-tooth blade is cleaner.
• Thin metal: With a bi-metal blade, it will cut screws and light-gauge steel. Keep your expectations moderate—7 amps is fine for sporadic cuts but not a demolition workhorse.
• Wood: Framing lumber and pallet wood are no problem. Avoid forcing the cut; maintaining a steady stroke lets the motor keep pace without excessive heat.

In short, the conversion capability is genuinely useful. If you already own a heavy-duty recip saw, this won’t replace it. But as a secondary, more controllable cutter that excels at pruning, it earns its spot.

Build quality and maintenance

Fit and finish feel solid for a homeowner tool. The interchangeable shoes click in securely and stayed tight throughout my pruning session. Blade changes are straightforward, and the guard provides decent visibility of the cut line.

Maintenance is about keeping the blade sharp and clear of sap; a quick wipe with a resin remover or mineral spirits after green cuts keeps things moving fast. Because it’s corded, there’s no battery to baby and no oiling like a chainsaw—nice for infrequent users.

One practical note: plan your cord path. Use the cord-retention notch if available, or loop the extension cord around the handle to prevent accidental unplugging, and keep the cord over a shoulder when moving around shrubs.

What could be better

• Overhead fatigue: The front-heavy feel with the grabber attached makes above-shoulder work tiring. That’s not unique to this tool, but it’s worth calling out. If you’ll be working overhead for extended stretches, a lighter, dedicated pole saw is a better match.
• Instructions and labeling: The shoe swap is simple after your first go, but the manual could use larger diagrams and a clearer callout for the correct orientation of the grabber.
• Limited max diameter: The 3.9-inch practical limit is fine for most yard work, but if your property has mature trees with frequent 4–6 inch limbs, you’ll outgrow this quickly.

Safety tips from use

• Make a shallow undercut before your final top cut to avoid bark tear-out.
• Let the saw do the work. If you feel the motor laboring, back off pressure and re-engage gently.
• Keep your stance out of the fall path of the branch—even small limbs can whip.
• For any metal, switch to a proper bi-metal blade; wood blades dull instantly on screws.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners who prune a few times a year and want clean, controlled cuts without stepping up to a chainsaw.
• DIYers who’ll appreciate a two-for-one: a capable pruning tool that doubles as a general-purpose recip saw for PVC, trim, and the occasional bracket or bolt.
• Anyone who prefers corded simplicity and consistent power over battery management.

If you need long reach, frequent 4–6 inch limb removal, or heavy demolition capability, this isn’t the right category of tool. Look at a pole saw and a higher-amp recip or a compact chainsaw instead.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker pruning saw for homeowners who prioritize control and clean cuts on small to mid-size branches and want the bonus of light-duty recip capability. The branch grabber isn’t a gimmick; it’s the reason cuts are cleaner, faster, and less fatiguing than with a standard recip saw on wobbly limbs. The corded 7-amp motor provides steady power, and the included shoes make it legitimately versatile around the yard and garage. Just be honest about your use case: it’s not meant for extended overhead work or bigger limbs. Within its lane, it’s a smart, reliable, and user-friendly choice.