Our Top Picks
We spent hours searching for the best wire saws online. Here’s a quick overview of the one’s we’ve found.
If you’d like a more detailed review, feel free to scroll down over to our product review section and be sure to check out our buyers guide while you’re there. Enjoy!
A Quick Summary Of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Second Best  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Third Best  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
 |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Table of Contents
| Topic | Page |
| Quick Introduction to Wire Saws | 2 |
| Best Wire Saws Reviewed | 3 – 6 |
| Bonus Products | 7 |
| Wire Saw Buying Guide Uses and Limitations – Types of Wire Saw – Industrial – Masonry – Survival / Wood Wire Saw – Handle Material – Nylon – Polyester – Plastic – Teeth Pattern and TPI – Tips | 8 – 10 |
| FAQs | 10 |
| Conclusion | 11 |
Quick Introduction to Wire Saws
Chainsaws are multipurpose power tools that are popular with homeowners and/or professionals and are mainly used to prune or fell trees. Chainsaws have been around for more than a hundred years and have evolved numerous times throughout history. Modern day chainsaws are a far cry from their medical ancestors (Yes, chainsaws were first used for medical purposes.) and a quick search online will tell you just how many variants there are and the price ranges they come in. In this article, we’ll be going over a very specific variant of a chainsaw in the form of the wire saw.
Wire saws, also known as pocket chainsaws or manual chainsaws, consist of saw chains with bladed teeth that have handles attached on either end of it. Despite being labor intensive these can come in handy when camping or as part of an emergency kit. These saw chains work by wrapping it around the material you want to cut, such as a log, and pulling it back and forth. With enough effort and practice, wire saws can be as effective at cutting small to medium sized trees as an axe and can even cut dense logs or hardwoods with surprising speed and efficiency.
By the end of this article, we hope that you learn a thing or two about wire saws, how to effectively use one and which one is best for you.
The Best Wire Saws Reviewed
Best Wire Saw Overall:
Skyocean 36 inch Pocket Chainsaw
Specifications:
- Chain Length: 29 inches
- No. of Teeth: 16 teeth
- Cutting capacity: 10 inches
- Handle Material: Polyester paracord
- Handle Length: 7 inches
- Weight: .4 lbs
Features:
- Comes with nylon carrying case
- Bi-directional cutting motion
- Self cleaning teeth design
- Folds neatly for easy storage
- Chain is made with heat treated steel
Overview:
This pocket chainsaw from Skyocean comes at the top of our list and offers users with versatility while on camping trips.
This wire saw has a 29 inch cutting edge with 16 teeth capable of cutting logs up to 7 inches in diameter. Its cutting teeth cut in a bidirectional motion letting you prune branches and saw through trees within seconds. The chain is made with heat treated steel and the teeth are designed to be self cleaning and prevents chips or sap from building. This lessens the amount of maintenance you have to conduct and gives you more time to focus on getting the job done.
It features a 7 inch multipurpose paracord handle that unravels to about 23 feet of cord with a load capacity of 220 lbs. This is great for setting up tents, making make-shift bags or tourniquets in case of an emergency. It also comes with a nylon carrying pouch which you can clip to your belt or backpack.
Check out the Skyocean 36 inch Pocket Chainsaw here.
Sumpri Pocket Chainsaw
Specifications:
- Chain Length: 36 inches
- No. of Teeth: 16 teeth
- Cutting capacity: 10 inches
- Handle Material: Nylon
- Handle Length: 7 inches
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
Features:
- Bi-directional cutting motion
- Self-cleaning teeth
- Comes with magnesium fire starter
- Comes with Nylon case
- 30 day warranty
Overview:
The Sumpri wire saw is a great companion to bring on camping trips. This kit allows you to cut logs or branches easily and makes starting a campfire a breeze with its magnesium fire starter.
This wire saw comes with a cutting chain length of 36 inches made with heat treated steel. Because this wire saw cuts on the push and pull motions, it is capable of sawing through a 3 inch branch in 10 seconds. It’s lightweight, durable and folds into a compact roll for easier storage. The handles on the wire saw are made with durable nylon and are large enough to fit hands of all sizes.
This kit comes with a water resistant and shatterproof magnesium fire starter which comes with a manual. All you need to do is strike the two rods together directly into dry tinder, like cotton, and it will ignite. The kit also comes with a convenient nylon case which you can latch directly onto your belt or backpack, keeping your wire saw safe from the elements and within reach when you need it. Be it for camping, trekking or even for emergencies, the Sumpri wire saw kit is a versatile tool which you can rely on when the time comes.
Check out the Sumpri pocket chainsaw here.
Kutir 48 inch Wire Saw
Specifications:
- Chain Length: 48 inches
- No. of Teeth: 64 teeth
- Cutting capacity: 14-16 inches
- Handle Material: Rope
- Handle Length: 8 inches
- Weight: 1.61 lbs
Features:
- Comes with chainsaw sharpener
- Comes with throwing weight pouch
- Handles are bundled up ropes measuring 25 feet each
- Cutting chain has teeth on either side
- Chain has riveted brass handle inserts
- Bi-directional cutting motion
Overview:
This wire saw set from Kutir offers versatility and puts higher up branches in reach of users.
The Kutir wire saw set has a 48 inch cutting chain length which is designed with blades on either side. These blades are capable of sawing through branches as thick as 16 inches in diameter and make bidirectional cuts which increase efficiency and decrease the amount of effort needed.
The handles are made with wear resistant, bundled up rope measuring 25 feet each when unraveled. These handles open up the possibility of sawing off branches as high up as 40 feet and come with a throwing pouch which makes reaching that height much easier. The cutting chain also has brass riveted handle inserts which protect the rope from fraying during the process.
This kit even comes with a chainsaw sharpening tool, increasing its life span and gives the user less to worry about.
Check out the Kutir 48 inch Wire Saw here.
Budget Friendly Wire Saw:
Wealers 25.5 inch Pocket Chainsaw
Specifications:
- Chain Length: 25.5 inches
- No. of Teeth: 30 teeth
- Cutting capacity: 10 inches
- Handle Material: Rope
- Handle Length: 7 inches
- Weight: 5 ounces
Features:
- Made with heat treated steel
- Self cleaning teeth
- Bi-directional cutting
- Nylon carrying pouch
- Rust resistant metal coating
Overview:
This wire saw from Wealers gives users fast, efficient cutting action and a durable build without cutting a hole in your pocket.
The Wealers wire saw features a 25.5 inch long cutting chain that has 15 blades on either side. All the blades cut in a bi-directional motion and make cutting through logs or branches a breeze. The cutting chain is made with heat treated steel and is designed to be self cleaning, preventing the build up of wood chips and sap. The chain also has a rust resistant coating that extends its life by preventing corrosion.
The handles on this wire saw are made with wear resistant nylon and extend to fit hand sizes of any size.
Wealers also include a nylon carrying pouch that you can attach to your belt or backpack for safe storage when you need it.
Check out the Wealers 25.5 inch Pocket Chainsaw here.
Bonus Pocket Wire Saws
Here are a couple of wire saws that didn’t quite make our list but we included in case you were interested.
| Model | Features and Link |
 Nordic Pocket Saw | – 25.6 cutting wire – 33 bi-directional cutting teeth – Chain made with heat treated carbon steel – Weighs 4.65 ounces – Sharp cutting edge – Extra strong nylon handle – Extremely lightweight metal |
 Alomejor Wire Saw | – 20.4 cutting wire – 39 inch total length – Unique plastic handles – Aggressive cutting teeth – Easy to store – Flat blade – Made with durable iron – Weighs 5.6 ounces |
 SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw | – 24 inch cutting wire – 30 cutting teeth – Includes emergency whistle – Includes magnesium fire starter – Includes compass – Rust resistant metal coating – Cuts small branches upto 5 inches in diameter – Small size |
Best Wire Saw Buying Guide
Uses and Limitations
Wire saws have been used to fell trees, prune branches and cut logs to size. While it does require some skill, practice and physical strength to do this efficiently, wire saws can prove to be as effective as a wood axe when it comes to cutting through small to medium sized trees. So what can’t a wire saw do?
Wire saws do have their limitations. As we mentioned, they do require some significant physical strength to operate efficiently and the cutting chain does tend to get stuck in the wood quite often. Wire saws are also quite tedious to clean properly compared to a standard axe.
Wire saws offer a cheaper alternative to axes and to their larger cousin, the chainsaw. Wire saws can be effective at what they do with enough practice and once you get the flow of the motions, you’ll be sawing through trees in no time.
Different Types of Wire Saw
Industrial Wire Saw
These large machines operate similar to a bandsaw and are most commonly used to cut through large quantities of softer material such as foam and insulation. These are commonly found in warehouses and manufacturing plants that need to cut down these materials into smaller sizes that are easier to transport.
Masonry Wire Saw
Masonry wire saws, also called diamond wire saws, use an abrasive material to cut through dense yet brittle material such as bricks, marble slabs, limestone or granite without causing major cracks and breaks on their structure. Masonry wire saws are commonly used in the mining and quarrying industries. The wet cutting method is often used to reduce dust expulsion and lessen the heat caused by friction.
Survival Wire Saw
This variant is the most commonly used by people and also the most readily available. These use the same chain link design as a chainsaw blade and are even called manual chainsaws or pocket chainsaws. These are most commonly used by survivalists, campers, hikers and in emergency kits.
Handle Material
Wire saws can use a wide range of materials for their handle. Here are the most common types of handles you’ll come across in your search for the best wire saw.
Polyester
Polyester is similar to nylon but is cheaper to manufacture and has more resistance to heat. In wire saws, polyester is commonly used as a handle in the form of a paracord. A paracord handle allows you to unravel it for use in tent making, traps, make-shift bags, tourniquets and for other survival situations you might need rope for.
Plastic
This handle material is made with thermoplastics such as polypropylene. These handles are made to be durable, comfortable in the hand and corrosion resistant. Thermoplastics are also cheap to manufacture and are known to last a very long time.
Nylon
Nylon is a good material for a handle because it can be woven like cloth and can be durable when under stress. Nylon can be costly to manufacture but can be easily sourced. This combination of decent durability and inexpensiveness make this a popular choice for handles.
Teeth Pattern and TPI
Wire saws use a similar chain link design to that of a chainsaw because it offers flexibility while being durable, capable of withstanding large amounts of pulling and grinding. The main difference between wire saws and chainsaw chains is the teeth pattern. Chainsaws have more teeth per inch because of how fast the chain will be going. Meanwhile, wire saws do not require that many cutting teeth as it would become even harder for a person to operate. The amount of teeth on a wire saw depends on the length of the chain and the manufacturer but on average, a wire saw can have anywhere from 16 to 30+ teeth.
Some manufacturers design their blades to be self cleaning. This prevents the build up of sap and saw dust which extends the overall lifespan of the wire saw. Some manufacturers make their wire saws with a more unique, aggressive tooth pattern that helps in cutting speed but can dull faster.
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Safety and Maintenance Tips for Most Wire Saws
Wire saws can be quite tricky to master the first few times you pick one up, so here are a couple of tips to help you on your way.
- When cutting a tree or log, try making small cuts first before fully committing. This will give the wire saw more grip on the wood and will help it dig in better.
- When cutting a high up branch, never stand directly underneath it. Standing directly underneath a branch while you’re sawing away at it is always a hazard and a falling branch could potentially injure you. Instead, try sawing the branch at an angle and away from the area the branch will fall in.
- Most wire saws use the same sharpening tool as a chainsaw.
- If your wire saw starts to feel stiff when you use it, try using lubricant to free up the gears or even WD40 to get rid of any rust that might have built up.
- When sawing through a log on the ground, try to hold it down with one foot. This will make it easier for you to cut through the log.
- The most important part of sawing through wood is the rhythm at which you make the pulling and pushing motions. Try to go at a pace that you are most comfortable with. You should also use your weight to pull the wire saw through wood while making the motions at the same time.
FAQs
Q: Is a pocket chain saw worth it?
A: As far as tree felling techniques go, the wire saw does the job pretty well. You’re more likely to put in slightly less effort into cutting small to medium trees with a wire saw than an axe. The wire saw does have its limitations though and is not nearly the multipurpose tool an axe is but, we along with a lot of other people believe that a wire saw is a handy tool to bring with you.
Q: How long should a wire saw be?
A: A good quality 36 to 40+ inch wire saw should be good enough to cut most logs and branches you’ll come across. Longer wire saws are available but these can be harder to use and require some mastery. We recommend starting off with a shorter wire saw then gradually upgrading to longer options.
Q: Can a wire saw cut through PVC?
A: While a survival wire saw can cut through PVC, it wouldn’t be our first choice. There is a specialized type of wire saw with spiral blades that’s designed to be a multipurpose tool capable of cutting wood PVC, thin steel and soft metal. You can check out this tool here in the link below.
Q: What is a spiral wire saw?
A: One uncommon variant of wire saw is the spiral wire saw. Spiral wire saws are similar to the masonry wire saws we discussed earlier. These use a spiral cutting blade which can be used for cutting wood and some models allow you to cut through plastic pipe and soft metal pipes. These spiral blades often have ring handles which can fit two to three fingers. The handles can also be removed and the wire be made into different tools such as a bow saw. The unique spiral design of the blade gives it a smaller profile similar to snare wire. Spiral wire saws have been dubbed “commando wire” because military wire saws have been used for survival kits.
Conclusion:
And there we have it, our list of the best wire saws and the basics on how to use them. We hope that this article has taught you a thing or two and that you leave here with a better idea on which one is the best for you. Thank you dear reader and happy cutting!
