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Buying Guide·9 min read read

Best Bauer Cordless Pruning Saws (2026)

Compare 5 of the best bauer cordless pruning saws for 2026, with real specs, honest tradeoffs, and a buying guide to help you pick the right one.

Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
5 options evaluated
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Best Bauer Cordless Pruning Saws (2026)

At a Glance

Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw
Best Premium Pick

Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw

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WORX WG324.9 20V Power Share 5” Cordless Pruning Saw, Bare Tool Only
Editor's Pick

WORX WG324.9 20V Power Share 5” Cordless Pruning Saw, Bare Tool Only

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Worx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless
Best Compact Pick

Worx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless

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WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Pruning Saw, WG327.9
Best All-Around Runner-Up

WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Pruning Saw, WG327.9

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CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small
Best Value

CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small

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Shopping for a pruning saw means sorting through listings that look nearly identical in a thumbnail but differ a lot once you check blade length. In this lineup, that spread runs from Worx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless at the modest end to CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small at the high end, and which side of that range you need depends entirely on how you plan to use it.

Every pick below includes real specs pulled from the current listing, honest tradeoffs, and a "best for" recommendation so you can match the pruning saw to your actual situation instead of guessing from a star rating alone.

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Bauer Cordless Pruning Saws (2026)

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

Lighter Weight Matters Most for Overhead or Extended Pruning Sessions

A cordless pruning saw's weight becomes a real factor during overhead cuts or an extended pruning session across multiple trees, where a lighter tool like CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small reduces arm fatigue meaningfully compared to a heavier saw even with similar cutting power. Check actual weight specs, including the battery, rather than judging by the tool body alone, since the battery pack often accounts for a significant portion of total weight.

A Retractable Guard Protects the Chain and You When the Saw Isn't in Use

A retractable guard that covers the saw chain when not actively cutting is a genuine safety feature rarely found on compact pruning saws, protecting both the sharp chain from damage during transport or storage and you from accidental contact when setting the tool down between cuts. Check whether Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw includes this retractable guard specifically, since its absence means treating every moment the saw is powered on as if the chain is exposed.

Bar Length Sets the Largest Branch You Can Cut in One Pass

A cordless pruning saw's bar length is its single most important spec, since it sets the maximum branch or log diameter you can cut in one pass, with 10-12 inches recommended for typical pruning, limbing, and small branch work, while CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small's longer bar suits larger branches at the cost of a heavier, less maneuverable tool for tight spaces. Match the bar length to roughly two inches longer than the diameter of the wood you cut most often, rather than choosing the longest bar available by default.

Low-Kickback Chains Keep the Saw More Predictable in Tight Spaces

A low-kickback chain design, commonly a 0.325-inch LP pitch with a 0.043-inch gauge, is engineered to reduce the sudden upward-backward motion that occurs when the chain's tip contacts wood unexpectedly, making the saw meaningfully more predictable and safer to control while working in tight branches close to your body. Check Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw's chain specification for this low-kickback design, since a standard chain without this feature requires more caution during use.

An Electronic Chain Brake Adds Real Protection Against Kickback

A cordless pruning saw with an electronic chain brake stops the chain automatically if it senses the kickback motion that occurs when the bar tip contacts an obstruction unexpectedly, adding a layer of safety beyond the mechanical brake alone, and this feature is rarely seen on the smallest compact pruning saws. Check Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw's specific listing for this electronic brake by name, since it's a genuine safety differentiator worth prioritizing over saving a small amount on a model without it.

Amp-Hours Determine Runtime, Not Just Voltage Alone

A cordless pruning saw's runtime depends on both voltage and amp-hours (Ah), with higher Ah meaning longer runtime at the same voltage, a real distinction worth checking since two saws with identical voltage can differ meaningfully in how long they run per charge based on battery capacity alone. CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small's stated Ah rating is worth comparing directly against your typical pruning session length, especially if you're working through multiple trees or a larger property in one outing.

Best Bauer Cordless Pruning Saws (2026)

Best Premium Pick

Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw

Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw
Retractable guard provides saw chain barrier

About this pick

The Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw earns its best premium pick spot in this lineup on the strength of compact handheld saw for pruning and light limbing. It also brings built brushless motor delivers optimum cutting performance, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. "Tool-free" chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a higher up-front cost tier. Buyers who care about retractable guard provides saw chain barrier will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants the strongest overall spec sheet and is willing to pay for it.

On setup, expect up to 140 cuts in 2" cedar with 18v lxt 2.0ah battery (battery not included) out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value the specific feature set versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want the strongest blade length in this lineup

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Specs

  • Feature: Retractable guard provides saw chain barrier

Pros

  • +Compact handheld saw for pruning and light limbing
  • +Built brushless motor delivers optimum cutting performance
  • +"Tool-free" chain adjustment for convenient operation and maintenance
  • +Retractable guard provides saw chain barrier
  • +Up to 140 cuts in 2" cedar with 18V LXT 2.0Ah battery (battery not included)
  • +Feature set positions it as the premium pick here

Cons

  • Costs more than the budget-focused picks in this comparison
  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Editor's Pick

WORX WG324.9 20V Power Share 5” Cordless Pruning Saw, Bare Tool Only

WORX WG324.9 20V Power Share 5” Cordless Pruning Saw, Bare Tool Only
Weighing just 3.9 lbsTrim trees and bushes in record time

About this pick

The WORX WG324.9 20V Power Share 5” Cordless Pruning Saw, Bare Tool Only earns its editor's pick spot in this lineup on the strength of weighing just 3.9 lbs. It also brings this cordless chainsaw runs on state-of-the-art power share batteries (sold separately), a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Trim trees and bushes in record time is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about slice though up to 100 pieces of 2” wood on a single charge will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect dial in precise tightness using the tensioning tool stored conveniently on the battery powered chainsaw out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value the specific feature set versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable pruning saw

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Specs

  • Feature: Weighing just 3.9 lbs
  • Feature: Trim trees and bushes in record time

Pros

  • +Weighing just 3.9 lbs
  • +This cordless chainsaw runs on state-of-the-art Power Share batteries (sold
  • +Trim trees and bushes in record time
  • +Slice though up to 100 pieces of 2” wood on a single charge
  • +Dial in precise tightness using the tensioning tool stored conveniently

Cons

  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best Compact Pick

Worx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless

Worx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless
Smooth, steady cuts at impressive speedsPrune, trim, and cut wood—all with a single toolAt just 3 lbs

About this pick

The Worx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless earns its best compact pick spot in this lineup on the strength of smooth, steady cuts at impressive speeds. It also brings prune, trim, and cut wood—all with a single tool, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. This mini chainsaw cordless tool runs on state-of-the-art Power Share batteries (sold separately) is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about at just 3 lbs will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect this battery powered chainsaw takes care of chain lubrication for you out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value the specific feature set versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable pruning saw

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Specs

  • Feature: Smooth, steady cuts at impressive speeds
  • Feature: Prune, trim, and cut wood—all with a single tool
  • Feature: At just 3 lbs

Pros

  • +Smooth, steady cuts at impressive speeds
  • +Prune, trim, and cut wood—all with a single tool
  • +This mini chainsaw cordless tool runs on state-of-the-art Power Share batteries
  • +At just 3 lbs
  • +This battery powered chainsaw takes care of chain lubrication for you

Cons

  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best All-Around Runner-Up

WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Pruning Saw, WG327.9

WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Pruning Saw, WG327.9
Blade Length: 2"

About this pick

The WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Pruning Saw, WG327.9 earns its best all-around runner-up spot in this lineup on the strength of worx mini chainsaw effortlessly handles thick limbs up to 6''. At 2", it sits noticeably below the CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pr at 4", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a pruning saw at home. It also brings with 33 ft/s chain speed, the 20v pruning saw delivers fast and clean cuts, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Weighing only 3.1 lbs, this pruning chainsaw allows easy one-hand operation and reduces fatigue is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a learning curve that eases after the first few uses. Buyers who care about this handheld chainsaw can make up to 160 cuts on 2 in diameter branches per charge will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pr. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants a balanced middle ground rather than chasing the top number in any one category.

On setup, expect features a brushless motor for extended runtime and efficiency out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pr elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value blade length versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want a balanced, dependable pruning saw

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Specs

  • Blade Length: 2"

Pros

  • +WORX mini chainsaw effortlessly handles thick limbs up to 6''
  • +With 33 ft/s chain speed, the 20V pruning saw delivers fast and clean cuts
  • +Weighing only 3.1 lbs, this pruning chainsaw allows easy one-hand operation
  • +This handheld chainsaw can make up to 160 cuts on 2 in diameter branches per charge
  • +Features a brushless motor for extended runtime and efficiency
  • +Blade Length of 2" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • Blade Length trails the CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pr in this lineup
  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying
Best Value

CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small

CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small
Blade Length: 4"Cutting power up to 85 cuts**in. cut capacity with 6-in. bar and chainCompact & lightweight

About this pick

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small earns its best value spot in this lineup on the strength of cutting power up to 85 cuts**. At 4", it sits well above the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun at 2", which matters more than the spec sheet number alone suggests once you're actually using a pruning saw at home. It also brings in. cut capacity with 6-in. bar and chain, a detail that shows up in day-to-day handling rather than in a quick showroom glance. Build quality here reads as intentional rather than accidental. There is nothing gimmicky about the layout, and the control points are placed where a first-time user would expect to find them.

Where this pick makes tradeoffs is worth being upfront about. Compact & lightweight is a real strength, but it comes paired with the usual compromise of a smaller feature set than the pricier picks in this roundup. Buyers who care about integrated tip guard, control over upper cuts will find it here, though it is not the headline reason to choose this over the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun. Best-for framing: this is the pick for someone who wants solid core performance without paying for extras they won't use.

On setup, expect reliable clamping, bolt lock chain tensioning out of the box, which is typical for this category and not a sign of a rushed design. Ongoing upkeep is modest. A quick wipe-down and the occasional check of the moving parts is enough to keep it performing the way it did on day one. Compared with the WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Prun elsewhere in this guide, the practical difference for most households comes down to how much you value blade length versus overall footprint and ease of use.

Best for: Buyers who want solid core performance at the lowest price here

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Specs

  • Blade Length: 4"
  • Feature: Cutting power up to 85 cuts**
  • Feature: in. cut capacity with 6-in. bar and chain
  • Feature: Compact & lightweight

Pros

  • +Cutting power up to 85 cuts**
  • +In. cut capacity with 6-in. bar and chain
  • +Compact & lightweight
  • +Integrated tip guard, control over upper cuts
  • +Reliable clamping, bolt lock chain tensioning
  • +Blade Length of 4" is competitive for this category

Cons

  • Lacks some of the extras found on the pricier picks here
  • Confirm current specs and included accessories on the listing before buying

How We Evaluated These Bauer Cordless Pruning Saws (2026)

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Blade Length

We compared blade length across every pick in this roundup, from CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small at the high end (4") to Worx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless at the lower end (its listed spec), since this single spec drives most of the real-world performance difference between pruning saw models.

Build Quality & Materials

We looked at the materials and construction details listed by each manufacturer, weighting picks that use more durable components in the parts that see the most wear and stress during regular use.

Ease of Use & Setup

We evaluated how straightforward each pruning saw is to set up and operate based on the manufacturer's own documented features and included accessories, favoring designs a first-time buyer could use without a steep learning curve.

Value for Money

We weighed each pick's feature set against its price tier relative to the rest of the lineup, not against an absolute number, since CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small and Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw are aimed at different budgets and different use patterns.

Maintenance & Reliability

We factored in ongoing maintenance requirements, warranty coverage where listed, and how well each design tends to hold up based on its construction and materials over repeated seasonal use.

How to Choose the Right Bauer Cordless Pruning Saws (2026)

By Blade Length

If blade length is your main filter, here is how this lineup breaks down.

Your priorityRecommended pick
Highest blade lengthCRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small (4")
Balanced blade lengthWORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Pruning Saw, WG327.9 (2")
Balanced blade lengthMakita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw
Balanced blade lengthWORX WG324.9 20V Power Share 5” Cordless Pruning Saw, Bare Tool Only

By Budget

Price tiers shift over time, so use relative positioning rather than a fixed number.

BudgetRecommended pick
Most affordable in this comparisonCRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small
Mid-range balance of price and featuresWorx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless
Willing to pay for the strongest spec sheetMakita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw

Manual Pruning Saws vs. Battery-Powered Pruning Saws

This is the real fork in the road for most pruning saw buyers.

Manual Pruning Saws

Manual Pruning Saws favor lower cost and a smaller footprint. In this comparison, CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small fits this profile. Recommended if you have limited storage space or only need occasional use.

Battery-Powered Pruning Saws

Battery-Powered Pruning Saws trade some convenience for stronger raw capability. Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw represents this side here. Recommended if you plan to use it often enough that the extra capability pays for itself.

Folding vs. Fixed Blade

A second decision axis worth checking before you buy.

PreferenceRecommended pick
Folding SawsCRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small
Fixed-Blade SawsWorx 20V Cordless 5" Pruning Saw, Brushless Mini Chainsaw Cordless

For Thick Branches Over 4 Inches Specifically

Look for a pruning saw with a stronger-than-average blade length rating and a design that holds up to repeated use, not just occasional light jobs.

In this comparison, CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small satisfies this best, at 4", followed closely by WORX Cordless Mini Chainsaw, 20V 6" Pruning Saw, WG327.9.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You use a pruning saw often enough that blade length and build quality directly save you time. Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw is built for that use pattern.

Save if

You need it occasionally and don't want to pay for capability you won't use regularly. CRAFTSMAN V20 Mini Cordless Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, 6" Chain, Small covers the core job without the premium price tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a low-kickback chain eliminate kickback risk entirely?

No, a low-kickback chain design reduces the severity and likelihood of kickback but doesn't eliminate the risk entirely, proper cutting technique and awareness of the bar tip's position still matter. Combining a low-kickback chain with an electronic chain brake provides layered protection, but neither substitutes for careful handling.

How do I maintain a cordless pruning saw's chain?

Keep the chain lubricated per the manufacturer's recommendation, since a dry chain wears faster and cuts less cleanly. Check chain tension before each use, a loose chain can derail during cutting, and sharpen or replace the chain once you notice it requires more pressure to cut than it used to.

What bar length do I need for typical pruning work?

For general pruning, limbing, and cutting small to medium branches, a 10-12 inch bar covers most residential yard work. If you're regularly cutting larger branches, size the bar to roughly two inches longer than the largest branch diameter you cut most often, rather than defaulting to the longest bar available.

Are budget cordless pruning saws safe to use?

A budget saw can be safe if it includes core safety features like a chain brake and a low-kickback chain design, which are worth confirming specifically rather than assuming price alone predicts safety. Where budget models most often cut corners is the electronic chain brake and retractable guard, features worth checking before buying regardless of price point.

How is a cordless pruning saw different from a mini chainsaw?

The terms overlap significantly in casual use, but a pruning saw is generally designed and marketed specifically for one-handed or two-handed pruning and limbing tasks with safety features suited to that use, while some products marketed as mini chainsaws prioritize compact size over pruning-specific safety features like a chain brake. Check the specific safety feature set rather than relying on the product category name alone.

How long does a cordless pruning saw actually run per charge?

Runtime depends on both battery voltage and amp-hour (Ah) rating, so check both specs together rather than voltage alone. A 24V platform with higher Ah can offer meaningfully more runtime than a 20V platform, roughly 20-35% more power and runtime in some comparisons, worth checking if you regularly work through multiple trees per session.

Bottom Line

best overall: Makita XCU14Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6" Pruning Saw - best premium pick pick in this roundup.

See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.

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