Spent $400 on a cheap pole pruner and it snapped on the third job

I figured I'd save some cash and went with a no-name fiberglass pole pruner from a big box store. Lasted maybe 2 weeks before the head twisted off while I was trimming a big oak limb. Ended up spending $250 on a proper Silky pole saw after that, and it's way smoother. Should've just done that from the start. Anyone else learn this lesson the hard way with budget gear?

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3 Comments

wendy_lee483mo ago

Did you check if the pole was actually rated for tree trimming or something else?

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anthony7633mo ago

Wendy's onto something here. Did you check the manufacturer's spec sheet or just buy whatever was cheapest at the hardware store?

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felixlane3mo ago

Did you see that article from a utility company about how fiberglass poles meant for electrical work can snap under the stress of cutting limbs? I remember reading that the aluminum ones with a rubber grip are usually safer for this kind of job because they handle the weight better. It's more about what the pole is built to do than just looking like it'll work.

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