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10 Best Pruning Shears – Comparison & Reviews

Last Updated: 03.10.24

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Pruning Shear + Reviews

 

The best pruning shears are not easy to find because you will be surprised by how many products are available on the market. Many times people have the unpleasant surprise to find that the model that they have bought does not rise to their expectations, and that is why our team has analyzed the most sought-after products on the market, has looked over their features, and has arrived at the conclusion that the Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears are a great choice. They come with a lifetime warranty and they are suited for heavy use due to their steel construction and due to the fact that the blades are really sharp. Also, they have an ambidextrous design and are ergonomic no matter what hand you use them with. If these pruning shears are not available in your area, the Felco F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner is also a great option.

 

 

Comparison table

 

The Good
The Bad
Verdict
Price

 

 

10 Best Pruning Shears (Updated Reviews) in 2024

 

 

If you are looking for the best pruning shear and you don’t have a large amount of time to do your research, our team has made it easy for you. We have analyzed the quality, the usefulness, and other features that the most popular products on the market offer and have made a list of pruning shears reviews that will make your choice a lot easier.

 

 

1. Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears

 

If you are looking for a high-quality product at a good price, the Fiskars shears are a great choice because they rise up to the expectations of even the pickiest customer. The number one thing that shows the quality of this product is the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty.

It can cut anything that has a maximum diameter of five-eighths of an inch. The shears are great because they can be used with either of your hands and are not prone to rusting because the blades are covered in order to be protected with a low-friction coating. They are suited for heavy use because they are made of steel and the blades are very sharp.

You can use these shears on stems and branches that are not too thick and you will definitely be very happy with the results. Furthermore, you will be very happy with its ergonomic design that makes the product very easy to use.

 

Pros

The first thing worth mentioning is the fact that this pruning shear is designed to be used by both right-handed and left-handed people, as the handles will offer comfort to both types of users.

The blades are fully hardened in order for them to stay sharp for a longer period of time without deteriorating when you cut a rougher branch.

It is made of steel, which is a durable material that will prevent the shear from bending and breaking.

The blades are coated with a low-friction layer that prevents them from rusting.

The price-quality ratio is outstanding and you get a lot of benefits for a relatively low price.

 

Cons

If you compare these pruning shears with other competitors, you will see that they are a little bit heavier, which might make them uncomfortable after prolonged use in one working session even if they have a highly ergonomic design.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. Felco F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner

 

The Falco F2 is considered as one of the iconic pruning shears and most of the newest similar products are often compared in relation to this one. The blades are made of steel and the handles of aluminum so that the manufacturers provide the highest levels in terms of quality.

The handles have a design that allows your hand to fit well and get a good grip which makes them really easy to use. They come with well-known Swiss quality which will make your gardening experience seem more precious and you will feel like a pro while using this product. 

We all know what happens to our wrists after a day of pruning and these shears will ensure that the discomfort is reduced to the minimum by its design. The interesting thing about the F2 is that Felco hasn’t changed the design in 50 years, which means that they keep the original quality that has outlasted many other brands.

 

Pros

Felco puts great focus on ergonomics and the F2 makes no exception as the handles are well fitted in the hands and are cushioned in order to make the use more comfortable. The cushions also absorb shocks.

You will be able to get a good grip because the handles are covered with a non-slippery coating, which will allow you to maneuver the sheers easily.

They provide a very clean cut which will help the plant heal faster and will also reduce the risk of developing diseases.

The handles are made of aluminum, which makes the shears really lightweight and also makes them durable. This, together with the steel that makes the blades is why the product comes with a lifetime warranty.

 

Cons

Some people might find these pruning shears a little bit expensive which can be an inconvenience especially for casual gardeners who don’t use their tools very often. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Fiskars Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snip

 

The Fiskars Softouch is a great option for people who want to use shears for green and soft stems because they are not designed to provide sharp cuts on wood branches and harder stems. The blades are designed to provide very clean cuts and not to cause damage to the plants.

If you are growing miniature plants, these pruning shears work very well if you decide to trim them because they minimize damage. They come with an ergonomic design which is perfect even for people with small hands who don’t find it very pleasant to use big and heavy pruners.

They are great for when you use repetitive moves because they minimize wrist pain and the blades are made of steel in order to provide precise cuts. The handles have a soft grip and are not slippery, which makes these pruning shears very comfortable and easy to use.

 

Pros

The number one pro that this product has is that it is so comfortable to use that it got the Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Commendation award and is recommended for people who have arthritis or other wrist problems.

Due to their size and to the design of the mechanism, these pruning shears can be used by people with small hands without leaving them with hand and wrist pain at the end of the day.

You can get a strong grip due to the soft coating applied on the handles which also allows you to have a more precise control because it is non-slippery.

They are very durable because the blades are made of stainless steel which is not prone to corrosion and rust and is also lightweight.

 

Cons

The blades are not coated and are made of steel, which means that it might be a little hard to sharpen them. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. VIVOSUN 6.5 Inch Gardening Hand Pruner

 

This hand pruner is great for people who want to take care of their bonsai trees, roses, and other green plants, but it is not designed for wood branches or harder stems. It is relatively small and you will be able to use it very easily. 

Its design is most likely to offer comfortable use first of all because it has a spring that will make the blades open without you putting any effort into the process. Therefore, you will be able to use it for many plants without experiencing fatigue.

Also, the handles have a design that follows the shape of the user’s hand and are covered with a soft grip to make your experience more comfortable. It comes with a safety lock that will keep the blades protected when you are not using the tool. The bright color will allow you to easily spot the shears if you leave them lying around in your garden.

 

Pros

These pruning shears are ergonomic and their design is ideal for people who have wrist and hand problems; they will allow you to use them for a prolonged period of time without getting tired.

The blades are very durable because they are made of stainless steel, which means that they will not rust and will not deteriorate any time soon.

The pruners are lightweight and come at an affordable price if you consider their quality which beats a lot of the competitors.

It is designed to have a narrow tip which will allow you to access areas that you would not be able to access otherwise so you will be able to make very precise cuts.

 

Cons

Even though the manufacturers advertise that this product is very sharp, to be honest, it could be a little bit better and you can find a lot of products that are a lot sharper than this one.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. Gonicc 8″ Professional SK-5 Steel Sharp Pruning Shears

 

The Gonicc Pruning Shears are an exceptional addition to your gardening tools and it is not just due to their high-quality looks, but because of the outstanding quality of the blades. They are made of SK-5 carbon steel. This is a really hard material which is made of 0.80 percent carbon and 0.90 percent manganese. 

This combination makes it very resistant to abrasion and also gives the blades the ability to remain very sharp for a longer period of time. These pruning shears are designed for heavy use and are designed to use a pulley mechanism that, combined with a spring, allows you to make sharp cuts and also make the shears very easy to use.

If you are looking for a pair of pruning shears, these ones will help you achieve a higher level of professionalism even if you are just an amateur gardener.

 

Pros

These pruning shears are very durable and this is mostly due to the material that makes the blades that have outstanding properties like the fact that they remain sharp for a long time.

They are protected from abrasion, which is the main reason why other pruning shears deteriorate.

Even if they seem big, the handles will allow you to use them very easily with just one hand even if you are a woman or have small hands.

It can cut branches that have a diameter as large as 3 fourths of an inch which is relatively big compared to other similar products, even if it is not the biggest.

 

Cons

The safety lock might get stuck so it is important to use it exactly like you are instructed to and make sure that the shears do not suffer from any heavy shocks. Other than that, all the features that this product comes with are outstanding.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner

 

This pruner from Corona is the ideal choice for people who need a precise and sharp pruner and who also want to invest in a high-quality product. The great thing about it is that the blade is resharpenable and you can also replace it, which is a great feature because most of the time people need a new pruner because the blade deteriorates.

Due to the sap groove, the blade will not get sticky and you will be able to use it easily. Furthermore, the blade is relatively thin in order to allow you to make precise and clean cuts and will also provide a wide range of cutting angles. 

It has a safety lock that will also help you protect the blade when you are not using the pruning shears and, to protect it even more, the manufacturers advise you to lubricate it after every use, of course, after you clean it. Made of hardened steel, these pruning shears are long-lasting and you will be able to use them for a really long time.

 

Pros

The great thing about this pruning shear is the fact that it can cut branches that have a diameter up to 1 inch, which is great compared to other classical products that have a maximum cutting capacity of 3 fourths of an inch.

The blade is produced in such a way that you will be able to sharpen the blade many times until it deteriorates, which is a great feature, especially if you compare it with similar products that are not so durable when it comes to sharpening.

You will be able to make very close cuts due to the shape and the thickness of the blades, which is very healthy for the plants due to the precision of the cut.

 

Cons

Even though it has very precise cuts, people with small hands might find this product difficult to use because it is a little bit large. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. FELCO 7.25″ Smaller Hand Pruner

 

This pruner is great news for people who have small hands and are really fond of the classic Felco and it is not for no reason if you consider that Felco is one of the highest-rated brands on the market in terms of pruning shears. The product is made in Switzerland and comes with the Swiss quality that never disappoints.

They are designed for people who prune with their right hand and it is perfect for people with large and small hands as well because it is very easy to use either way. It is great that Felco uses renewable energy to produce pruning shears, so you could say that the product is somehow environmentally friendly.

The manufacturers provide very detailed instructions on how to clean and oil the product in order to be able to enjoy it for a long time. Even though it is a little bit pricier than its competitors, it is worth the investment because it is very long-lasting.

 

Pros

It is lightweight, and therefore, it is very easy to handle and you will be able to maneuver it even if you have wrist or hand problems.

The shape of the cutting head will allow you to make close and clean cuts, which is very useful in the garden.

The handles are made of aluminum which is sturdy and they help with fine cuts and make this pruner perfect for heavy-duty use.

It is ergonomic and the handles are cushioned with a material that will prevent slipping any potential accidents.

The best thing about it is that it does not contain phthalate, a substance that is known to cause health issues.

 

Cons

To be honest, other than the fact that it is designed for right-hand use which makes it hard to use for left-handed people, we couldn’t find any flaw in this product because all its features are of the highest quality.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Gardenite Ultra Snip 6.7 Inch Pruning Shear

 

People who are searching for pruning shears that will help them make clean cuts and also have a comfortable grip will be very pleased with this product. The blades are made of stainless steel and are hardened in order to not deteriorate due to abrasion. Stainless steel is also not prone to rusting and the blades are very sharp.

You can be sure that your plants will heal fast because the cuts are very precise. Along with the blade, the handles are also very strong, are made of chromed zinc, and are covered with rubber which will allow you to use the pruners in a comfortable manner.

The spring that allows the blades to easily open is made of carbon steel which is a plus because it is very strong but it is also a minus because it can rust. However, it will take a long time to deteriorate and you will not need to worry about that any time soon.

 

Pros

People who have issues with their wrists or problems such as carpal tunnel will be able to comfortably use this product due to the design of the handles.

The pruning shears are very durable and come with a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that you are investing your money in a high-quality product.

If you compare the blades with other similar products, you will be able to notice the huge difference in terms of sharpness because these blades have outstanding qualities.

They have a good quality-price ratio and even if their quality is at a high level, you will not empty your pockets if you decide to buy these pruners.

 

Cons

If you plan to use them to cut large shrubs you will have an unpleasant surprise because these pruning shears are designed to cut stems or shrubs only as wide as 5/16 of an inch in diameter.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Vremi Garden Pruning Shears Heavy Duty

 

These pruning shears for Vremi are perfect for casual gardeners because they come with some features that are comparable to the ones that professional pruners have but do not quite meet the category. The blades are 3 inches long and the handles measure 7 inches and come with non-slippery handles.

The blades are made of stainless steel which means that they are not prone to corrosion and rust, but they are sturdy at the same time. They are designed to be used for indoor and outdoor plants such as flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

The safety lock is different from what other products have but is very efficient in keeping the blades locked, which will prevent unwanted accidents. Also, it is lightweight and you will be able to handle it easily without much effort. It is a perfect product if you are fond of gardening and you will really enjoy using it.

 

Pros

These pruners are very easy to use and due to the fact that they are lightweight, you will be able to maneuver them relatively easily.

The fact that the blades are made of stainless steel is a plus because this means that they are long-lasting and you will be able to use them for a long time.

The blades are very sharp and will allow you to protect the plants by making clean cuts.

They can be used by people with small hands and with health issues such as arthritis and carpal tunnel problems.

 

Cons

If you try to use these pruning shears on hardwood branches you will have the unpleasant surprise that the spring might fall from its place and you will not be able to use them anymore. However, if you use them on what the manufacturers designed them for, you will be able to reduce this disadvantage.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Dramm 18026 Stainless Steel Compact Shear

 

This is a great pair of pruning shears that are designed to be used for trimming soft plants and also for cutting flowers. The product is very easy to use and, because of its color, it is also very easy to spot if you happen to leave it around in your garden. However, if you don’t like berry, you can order it in 5 other colors: blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.

Made of stainless steel, the blades are durable and sharp, they are not prone to corrosion and rust will stay away from them, allowing you to use them for a very long time. It has an ergonomic design that allows you to get a strong grip and you will be able to easily use them without getting hand pain.

It is great for bonsai trees and you will be able to use it also for household chores as a scissor. 

 

Pros

The blade is very durable and sharp which is great especially since pruning shears usually have to be replaced because the blade deteriorates, so, in this case, you will not need to do that.

The product has a spring mechanism that will allow the blades to open in order to reduce the effort you put into it and allow you to do your gardening job for a longer period of time during the day.

It is perfect for people with small hands so women who love gardening will be able to use it very easily.

 

Cons

Even though the blades are made of stainless steel, the handles are not that sturdy and, in time, it is possible that they will deteriorate quicker than the blades. However, you will be able to enjoy them as they are for a long time because they are not so fragile and will not break in your hand.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If you haven’t used pruning shears before, you should know that not all of them are the same and, if you do not pay attention to their features, you might end up with a product that is uncomfortable to use and doesn’t cut well. 

You will probably see a lot of names on the market, such as Fiskars pruning shears, Felco pruning shears, Corona pruning shears, and a lot more, and you will see that they have a lot of features that can be confusing. Here we will tell you what the most important ones are in order for you to be able to choose a product that is useful and provides high quality.

Pruning shears should be comfortable

When you are using hand pruning shears, it is very important for them to have an ergonomic design especially for people who are using them for a longer period of time during the day and for those who are using shears to cut tree branches. Tree pruning shears can make your wrist hurt, so manufacturers try to make them as comfortable as possible.

For pruning shears to be comfortable, they should be lightweight. There are a lot of affordable pruning shears that have handles made of aluminum which are not heavy and are also very durable. Handles should be cushioned and non-slippery in order for you to get a good grip.

The best products are designed in order to be used by both right-handed and left-handed people which makes them versatile. Some pruning shears also have a spring that will make the use more comfortable because they will open easier and you will not need to use them like regular scissors. 

 

Pruning shears should be durable

If you have read every pruning shears review in our list, you have probably noticed that we specify the material that the blades and the handles are made of. This is essential information in order for you to determine how durable the pruning shears are. 

The blades are usually made of stainless steel or carbon steel and the cheap pruning shears are made of metals that deteriorate easily. If we compare carbon steel to stainless steel, the former one will not rust and is not prone to corrosion while carbon steel is harder and a little bit stronger, but it can rust.

In order for carbon steel blades not to deteriorate, some manufacturers cover them with a titanium coating that makes them really durable. Some carbon steel blades are covered with a Teflon coating that is non-sticky in order to clean them easily.

Pruning shears should be safe to use

Even if you are using small pruning shears, safety is essential. This is why most of the products have a locking mechanism to prevent accidents when you are not using them, but also to prevent the blades from deteriorating. Good positioning of the locking mechanism is just near the blades which will not allow them to lock in an improper manner.

 

Pruning shears should provide a clean cut

A clean cut is very important for the health of the plants because it will allow them to heal faster. The faster the plant heals, the less prone to diseases it is. Therefore, if you want to protect your plants, you should choose a product that has really sharp blades and provide a precise cut. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

 

Q: How to sharpen pruning shears?

Pruning shears have to be sharpened periodically in order for you to be able to use them at their best. A cheap pruning shear will deteriorate quickly and you will not be able to resharpen it very effectively. The first thing you need to do before sharpening it is to put protective gloves on and also your googles.

The blades should be cleaned with water and soap. After you rinse the blades thoroughly, you should dry them until there is no water residue left. Remove rust if there is any and put the pruning shears in a bench vise in order for it to stay still.

Follow the blade’s contour with a file until you see that the blade becomes sharper. After you clean it you should oil it in order for rust not to attack it if it is not made of a material that is not prone to corrosion, such as stainless steel.

Q: How to clean pruning shears?

If you buy an affordable pruning shear and you want it to have a long life, you need to take care of it properly. Most people clean it after they use it and this is recommended by most manufacturers so cleaning pruning shears often should become a habit. Even if the blades are made of a metal that rusts, you should wash them with soap and water.

If they are made of stainless steel, it will not be a problem if you leave them wet for short periods. After you have removed all the dirt, you should rinse them thoroughly and remove all the excess water. 

Some people like to sterilize their pruning shears with isopropyl alcohol or bleach, a practice that will prevent spreading diseases from one plant to another. After it dries, you should oil the blades in order to protect them from deterioration.

 

Q: Why are pruning shears curved?

Not all garden pruning shears are curved, but there is a very simple reason why most are shaped like this. The ones that are curved are called bypass pruners. The reason why bypass pruners are curved is to protect the stem of the plant. This is particularly important because the straight ones can crush stems and that is not a healthy procedure.

Plants are less prone to disease if they have clean and sharp cuts because this way they will heal faster. So curved blades keep the harm made to the plant to the minimum. However, it is very important what you use them on. Straight pruners are recommended to be used on very soft stems and they will not cause damage as they are very thin. 

Before you decide to buy a pruning shear, you should decide on what you are planning to use it for and only then decide if you need a curved or a straight one.

 

 

 

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