Best Pruning Shears Reviewed & Tested
If you’re thinking of planting a garden or already have one, pruning shears should be an indispensable part of your collection of essential tools. They’ll come in handy every once a while for snipping, cutting, and pruning various overgrown limbs, stems, and branches that are threatening to take over all the space in your garden. They are better than outdoor scissors and knives because they pack adequate heft for precisely and quickly cutting through the toughest twigs and branches with little effort.
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Unfortunately, choosing the most suitable pruning shears in a market bursting at the seams with thousands of models of various sizes and shapes can prove to be an uphill task, especially for greenhorns. To help you make a prudent and informed decision, we’ve put together brief reviews of ten of the best models the market has to offer.
10 Best Pruning Shears
1. Felco F-2 Classic Manual Shears
It, therefore, gives you the peace of mind and confidence to efficiently and quickly shear the toughest objects without the slightest worry.
If you want an option that cuts in a clean, efficient, and precise fashion, your search starts and ends with the Felco F-2.
The robust and rugged blades feature a wire cutting notch that enables you to confidently cut small wires without damaging the cutting edge. The machine has a hardened bolt and nut to guarantee a precise adjustment of both the cutting and anvil blades, allowing for precise and clean cuts.
For convenience, the shears come with long handles to provide sufficient leverage for effortlessly and quickly cutting the toughest branches, limbs, and twigs. For your comfort, the hands are forged from lightweight aluminium and have a shock absorber and rubber cushion to minimize hand fatigue and strain. And since the handle has a non-slip texture, the likelihood of the pruning shear slipping off your hand are remote, even when you're working in the rain or cutting through wet branches.
For homeowners searching for a high-quality, reliable, convenient, efficient, and ergonomically designed pruning shear for use around the garden, this option comes highly recommended. It has a sharp cutting edge, a snap groove, a wire cutting notch, and several other auxiliary features that make it a top choice.
Exceptional construction quality
Comes with a lifetime warranty
Lightweight and easy to use
A cinch to use
Costly
2. The Gardener's Friend
Still, it's remarkably long-lasting and will maintain its structural integrity for the next several years even with heavy, everyday use. To these features add an ambidextrous design, a multi-stage ratcheting system, and affordability and it's easy to see why it's an all-time favorite of senior members of the society.
The mechanism transforms little effort on the handles to incredibly cutting power on the blades, enabling the user to quickly cut objects such as flower blossoms up to 1-inch in thickness.
Irrespective of your age group, you’ll love the simplicity, safety, and hassle-free manner that the pruning shears work. The ergonomic design of the handles, for instance, makes cutting comfortable, easy and quick. There is minimal chance of slippage and the pruning shears are lightweight and compact, easily taking up a fraction of the space in your pockets.
The Gardener's Friend shears comes highly recommended for the homeowners with eyes trained on a cost-effective yet high-performance and easy-to-use pruning shears. They’re sharp, durable, but a little pricey.
Easy-to-use ratchet action
Ambidextrous design
Pocket-friendly price tag
Heavy-duty, long-lasting titanium construction
Very sharp blades
Ergonomically designed handle
Costly
3. Power Drive Ratchet Anvil Shears
As mentioned earlier, they are a high-quality model made from first-rate materials that can gracefully and easily stand up to hardy use in all manner of environments. The blades, for instance, are forged from industrial-grade hardened carbon steel and are further heat-treated so they can retain their sharp cutting edge for several years on end. Because they are ultra-strong, it'll be several years before they require re-sharpening, irrespective of the thickness of the branches, limbs, or twigs you cut with them. To the heavy-duty construction add a useful coating of non-stick Teflon that prevents sap and other sticky materials from sticking on the blades as you do your cutting.
The ratcheting action makes them a cinch to use. In addition to minimizing pressure you apply to cut a branch, it also minimizes wrist pain and hands strain and exhaustion. The implication is that the days of developing blisters all over your hands after a few hours in the garden are effectively behind you.
For homeowners looking for the perfect pruning shears for light- to heavy-duty cutting projects, we can’t recommend this option enough. It’s rugged, lightweight and compact, has a time- and effort-saving ratchet mechanism and Teflon coated blades for smooth performance.
Ergonomic, easy-to-use handle
Inexpensive
Non-stick finish
Generous lifetime warranty
Not perfect for large hands
No anti-slip loop
4. ARS HP-VS8Z
There only a few options you can dependably count on to provide you with several years of smooth and trouble-free service. One of those is the ARS HP-VS8Z. It's a pro-grade choice made from high-quality materials, and it pulls no punches to ensure you have nothing but the best experience while cutting down branches of various sizes and shapes in your garden.
However expansive your garden or yard is, you won’t have to worry about them rusting or sap accumulating on the blades considering that it comes with a heavy-duty chrome plating for maximum protection. Coupled with the offset features that help maintain the blade's natural hand strength while reducing carpal tunnel effects, you can confidently use the pruning sharpening for hours on end, or to your heart's content. And it's remarkably portable with a weight of just 8 ounces and dimensions of 8 inches by 2 inches by 1 inch.
You don’t have to scour through the vastness of the Internet in search of a top-notch, sharp, and easy-to-use pruning shears because it’s staring you right in the face. The model has blades that are ultra-strong, rust-resist and, in general, very cost-effective.
Long-lasting sharpness and durability
Has a locking mechanism
Works quietly and efficiently
Replaceable blades
Difficulty using the lock
5. Felco F-6
The first feature to clue you in on the heavy-duty construction is the fact that it's crafted from industry-best materials, hardened steel to be specific. Hardened steel, as the name suggests, is ultra-strong and rugged, properties that it efficiently extends to the pruning shears. Boasting a cutting capacity of 0.8 inches, the product is a perfect choice for pruning a wide range of flowers, plants, and shrubbery in the garden, including but not limited to grape vines, shrubs, and small trees.
Because of its compact stature, it’s perfect for accessing hard-to-reach spots around the garden. Despite its small and compact profile, the pruning shears are sturdy and powerful, built to provide the user with effortless and stress-free use. There’s also a useful sap grove for preventing unnecessary sap accumulation the longer you work.
Patently, the Felco F-6 boasts volcanic performance in spite of its diminutive profile. Plus, it offers the user the best bang for their buck. You’ll never look back.
Boasts exceptional cutting prowess
Effortless and quick cutting of thick stems and branches
Lifetime warranty
Ideal for heavy-duty trimming
Expensive
6. PrecisionPRO Titanium
Despite coming 6th on our list of ten of the best options, the pruning shears boasts a level of performance that easily overshadows that of its closest rivals.
The ingenious inclined blades make quick and short work of the thickest and toughest branches, twigs, and limbs in your garden. And in light of its lightweight and compact design, it's a lot easier to control and maneuvre, even in tight and hard-to-reach spots. Adjusting the alignment and play of the blade is a cinch with the incorporation of a useful micrometric adjustment system. The result is a product that cuts optimally and precisely and with minimal effort.
To the above features add an ergonomically designed handle that is anti-slip and has shock absorbing pads to minimize the likelihood of straining or injuring your wrist while working. The handle is also lightweight, thanks to its all-drop-forged aluminium construction. And to cap it all off, they have a sap groove that conveniently prevents the accumulation of sap on the blade and a wire-cutting notch.
In all, the PrecisionPRO are packed to the brim with all the essential features a homeowner needs to prune various plants and flowers in the garden. Also, they're pocket-friendly, easy to use, sharp, and long-lasting.
Pro-grade performance
Rust- and tarnish-resist titanium-coated blades
A cinch to use
Cuts clean and precisely
Poor customer service
7. Corona ClassicCUT
Despite the nondescript appearance, it comes with exceptional blades made from forged steel alloy and fully heat-treated to make cutting various objects and materials around the garden a quick and effortless endeavour. The top-rate performance means they are an ideal choice for not only homeowners but also professional gardeners out there. It gives you the confidence and self-assurance to tackle the toughest and most challenging pruning tasks. And in light of its lightweight and compact design, maneuvring it into tight and hard-to-reach spots will be a breeze. It'll also spare your hands the exhaustion and strain cheap, off-brand models put users through.
They are also one of a handful on the market that will enable you to make clean, accurate, and close cuts. Because of the hand matching of the blade and hook, and the fact that the hook is slant-ground with a narrow profile, you won't require as much effort or expertise to make the most precise cuts. And you get a wire cutting notch for snapping small wires around the garden.
Overall, the Corona ClassicCUT has all the features you need in pruning shears. It’s without a doubt a solid choice for the value-conscious in search of superb performance at a budget-friendly price.
Budget-friendly
Exceptionally durable construction
Perfect alignment of blades
Superb sharpness
Prone to rust
8. Fiskars All Steel Shears
Cutting stems and light branches have never been quicker and easier as it is with this option in safely and securely in the palm of your hands. The top-notch construction of the blade from first-rate fully hardened, precision-ground steel means it can withstand heavy-duty, everyday use for several years on end. It’s also capable of retaining its sharp cutting edge for the long haul, irrespective of the number of stems and light branches you cut with it.
Another instrumental feature is the easy-open lock for protecting the blade during transportation and while in storage. Also, with a maximum capacity of 5/8 inch diameter, they feature comfortable and easy-to-use non-slip grips. The likelihood of suffering hand exhaustion or strain is therefore kept at a bare minimum. And, you get a generous lifetime warranty to cover you against deficiencies in material and craftsmanship.
Clearly, this option is the whole package. It gives you the power and confidence to quickly and easily restore the beauty of your garden.
Works effortlessly and efficiently
High-quality construction
Easy and comfortable to use
Lightweight and compact design
Nothing significant
9. TABOR TOOLS S821
The pruning shears will strike you with its beauty, durability, and ergonomic design the second you lay your eyes on it. It’s a versatile choice that works efficiently and quickly on a wide range of garden plants including but not limited to shrubs, grapes, plants, and flowers. Because of its lightweight and compact profile, the model is perfect for small to medium sized hands and greatly minimizes hand fatigue.
The long-lasting sharpness means you’ll need minimal effort to make quick, clean, and precise cuts up to 3/4-inches in thickness. To further take the frustration and effort from pruning, the TABOR TOOLS S821 features a durable spring that dampens most shocks and vibrations thereby making for a smooth and easy cutting experience.
To the above features add the comfortable grip handles mentioned earlier. The soft grip on the handles enhances comfort that in turn allows you to achieve optimal performance. And the machine incorporates a useful open/close clip that enables you to store or transport the pruning shears safely and easily. You also get to enjoy a long lifetime warranty with every purchase.
Remarkably efficient and high-quality
Sleek, attractive design
Durable construction for powerful performance
Rust-resistant
Few issues with the lock
10. ACE - Rotating Bypass Titanium Coated
If the fact that the shears come with a heavy-duty SK5 blade does not sway your purchasing decision, maybe the fact that they also feature long-lasting titanium coating will do the trick. The coating means the blade will be able to retain its sharp cutting edge for several years and ensure rust- and corrosion-resistance. The result is pruning shears boasting three times the efficiency and durability of standard blades. The included sap groove on the other hand guarantees that no sap or other.
And using the locking mechanism, adjusting the width of the shears to accommodate your hands should be a breeze. The finger guard, on the other hand, protects your hands and fingers from the sharp pricks of thorny twigs and branches.
The bottom line is that the shears are a pro-grade choice that should be excellent for light- to heavy-duty pruning projects around the house. The quality is exceptional and the price is manageable.
Exceptional quality
Perfect for most pruning tasks
Cost-effective and lightweight
Rotating handles makes for easy use
Handles not ideal for small hands
Criteria for Choosing the Best Pruning Shears
Construction Quality
To ensure superb edge retention and guarantee a lifetime of use, manufacturers resort to using various high-quality, high-end materials to make pruning shears. The most commonly used are hardened steel, hardened carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, and forged steel alloy, among several others. These materials come with their fair share of pros and cons but they are capable of retaining their cutting edge for much longer and withstand adverse pruning situations compared to cheaper and weaker materials.
Also, check that the handle is made from equally high-quality material so they don’t break easily. To prevent rust and corrosion, go for a model that is coated with a rust- or corrosion-resistant material.
Ease of Use
It’s prudent that the pruning shears you go for are easy to use. Check to ascertain that they are of the right size for your hands. The design should allow for one-handed operation, which makes cutting down large stems and limbs easy if you have to open it extra wide. Secondly, the pruning shears should be lightweight enough so as to not cause hand fatigue or strain with prolonged use. Keep in mind though that if your model is too lightweight, it may not be ideal for heavy-duty pruning. Third, the model needs to have a locking mechanism so it’s easy and safe to store and transport it from one place to another.
Lastly, and this is especially true for individuals with weak wrists or arthritis, ensure your model has a heavy-duty spring to help you push the handles together and relax the grip after you’ve made the cut. It substantially reduces the workload and minimizes the likelihood of hand fatigue and strain.
Ease of Accessing Replacement Parts
Some options allow the user to replace some crucial parts as they age, such as the blades. Note, however, that not all models allow for replacement of such parts. It’s highly recommended though to go for such a model as it guarantees optimal performance season to season without having to replace the entire model in case something goes wrong. Before going for such a design, check to see if the brand offers such parts within your locality or if they are readily available on online platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sharpen the blades of my pruning shears when they go dull?
A: For most options, you have total discretion to sharpen them in case they lose their cutting edge, especially in the case of those with irreplaceable blades. If you’re up to the task, it’s recommended you use a hand file or a knife sharpener and if you’re not, it’s prudent to call for professional assistance.
Q: Do they have any safety features?
A: Some options come with a locking mechanism for keeping the blades shut in between uses, thereby eliminating accidental cuts. The feature also makes them easy to store and transport from place to place.
Conclusion
Pruning shears take the time and effort away from cutting, snipping, or pruning the plants in your garden when they start overgrowing. The market offers hundreds if not thousands of them in various sizes and shapes, which may make it difficult to choose one that best suits you. We hope this article has armed you with the most pertinent and useful knowledge to help you make the right decision.