It has been harder and harder to tighten the wing nut on my second hand pruning saw enough to keep the blade in position, for some time. Each time I try to remove a limb the screw wiggles loose and the blade folds backwards.
Time to replace it, but, none have turned up at the thrift stores.
I checked on-line to see what a replacement would cost me. They run from $10-$30.
A locally owned hardware store in my area has annual sales where everything in the store is a percentage off. Since I didn’t have a urgent need I put “pruning saw” on my wish list for the next time they have a sale.
I put up with the inconvenience of the blade collapsing backwards as I work because most of my pruning jobs are very small. That means I only need to be reposition the blade and tightened it once, maybe twice to get the job done.
Today I decided to remove some lower limbs on this fir tree to open up more planting space. 
I got so exasperated with the saw that I was ready to jump in the car and go buy another one on the spot. Then my FRUGAL self took over and I realized a pair of pliers would tighten the wing nut better than my fingers, sure it might never be foldable again but I need a saw NOW the folding feature, though nice, isn’t important right now.
I am still in the market for a replacement saw but until I can get one at a good price this one is working perfectly.
Readers, please tell us all about the FRUGAL FIXES you have made.
Excellent job on the pruning saw, I have the same issue and am going to try your fix.
I was hoping my experience could be helpful for someone else. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Some time ago, my hobo brother in law told me to make do with what we have. Well, I have a little house with a quarter acre lot. There’s 8 years of pine straw and the rest looks like a jungle. I have a pair of scissors from dollar tree and I sit on the ground and cut out a 3X3 section each day. My small hatchet is great for cutting down small trees. I am so grateful for paying attention to someone who once explained the technique to me. I certainly never expected to use it. Some of this stuff looks like it spreads from a major root system. I have a lot of chopping and digging to do with my basic tools. Feels like chopping salad in the yard. I am amazed at what those little scissors have managed.
Good for you Lilly.
Hi Frugal Spinster,
Love your blog. I’m writing an article on ‘money tips from the super-frugal’ on tight turnaround for AARP’s print magazine (the largest circulation publication in the US). We’re looking to speak to single people age 50+ (widowed, divorced, unmarried) who have advice on living on a super low budget or at least without spending very much. HOPING you might know someone (or two) who might fit the bill. 🙂 Anyone? I’m at davidhochman at mac dotcom.
Many thanks.
David
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David Hochman
http://www.davidhochman.com