The pruning tool incorporates the functions of a pruning shear and a pruning saw into a single handheld tool. The pruning tool includes a conventional pruning shear and a folding saw blade that pivotally deploys from a stowed position within the handle to an extended operational position.

The present invention relates to an extendable folding saw that is lightweight and compact when retracted yet rigid when extended. In one embodiment, the extendable folding saw can have a folding saw and a removably attached extension. The folding saw can have a grip and a pivotally attached saw. The extension can comprise several members that are compactable to a length not much greater than the length of the longest individual member. The members of the extension can have a generally I shaped profile. The extension rod can be attached to the folding saw in a snap-fitting manner for use. A retracted folding saw can be snapped side-by-side to a retracted to extension rod for storage.

A tool capable of functioning in a first configuration as one type of cutter or pruner and in a second configuration as another type of cutter or pruner has functions to increase the comfort and efficiency of the cutting process. In some embodiments, a pruning saw assembly may be employed with the cutter mechanism for versatility.

A pole saw includes a long handle with end adapter, a blade-carrying component pivoted to the end adapter for movement between an extended use position and a handle-adjacent storage position, and a saw blade fixed to the blade-carrying component. The end adapter and holding component are cast aluminum for strength and light weight, and are pivoted together about an offset axis so that the blade and blade-carrying component are positioned adjacent the handle in a partially protected position when collapsed for storage. A folding lock mechanism includes an anchor that engages a saw-holding bolt on the blade-carrying component, and a wing nut that can be tightened to secure the sheath on the blade.

A branch cutting saw is provided which can easily and reliably cut thin and thick branches, branches in places difficult to reach with shears, branches in dense areas, and the like. The branch cutting saw is for cutting a branch by hooking a hook section 22 onto the branch and advancing and retreating a saw blade section 11 while urging the branch toward the saw blade section 11. The hook section 22 is pivotally supported at a leading end of a sheath body 20 and is under spring bias to have a hook section steady-state position Fs in a longitudinal region Rf of the sheath body 20, and is configured to be rotationally displaced from the hook section steady-state position Fs when a load equivalent to or greater than the spring bias is applied against the spring bias. The saw blade section 11 of a saw body 10 is under spring bias to have a saw blade section steady-state position Ns at a position where a tip end of the saw blade section is retreated from the hook section 22, and is configured such that the saw blade section 11 is advanced from the saw blade section steady-state position Ns when the grip section of the saw body is manipulated against the spring bias.

A ferrule system includes: a first ferrule comprising a proximal end for engaging a first implement and a threaded portion opposite the proximal end; and a second ferrule comprising a distal portion for engaging a second implement, a proximal portion opposite the distal portion and comprising teeth, a threaded portion intermediate the distal portion and proximal portion and configured to engage the threaded portion of the first ferrule. Teeth are mounted on the first ferrule and are biased to automatically engage the teeth of the proximal portion of the second ferrule as the threaded portion of the first ferrule engages the threaded portion of the second ferrule such that only tightening rotation of the second ferrule relative to the first ferrule is permitted when the teeth mounted on the first ferrule are automatically engaged with the teeth of the proximal portion of the second ferrule.