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To keep your garden prim and proper, owning a pruning shear is an absolute must. If you are new to gardening, you might be out there looking for the first pruner. Remember that these devices are all manually operated, and thus comfort is highly important. Apart from that, there are other factors that will determine if a product is cut out for you or not.
But when in the market, you will be flooded with thousands of options that will surely leave you confused. Then how do you know what to buy?
Hi, I am Stacy Smith! I have compiled this guide of the best pruning shears you should check out. I’ve also added some factors you must consider before buying and answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding shears.
So, without further delay, let's dive right in!
Top 5 Pruning Shears Reviews
1. Fiskars 79436997J 79436997 Softgrip Bypass Pruner
As one of my first recommendations, I have the Fiskars 79436997J 79436997 Softgrip Bypass Pruner for you. This item reeks of style, grip, and comfort. And for the price it is available, it cannot get any better.
Product Highlights
The first thing to catch my attention was the product quality. The blade is the most crucial part of a pruning shear as it determines how well the item will perform. It is made of hardened steel, and you can rest assured that it will run for a long time. And because of the material, it does not lose its sharpness anytime soon.
Moreover, the diameter is ⅝ inches, and that makes it suitable for medium to tough tasks. Be it cutting strong vegetable barks or working on light branches, this device is ideal for all. What demarcates it from regular pruning shears is that the low-friction blade delivers incredible results and does not stick or corrode.
Plus, the grip that it provides is remarkable. The cam mechanism and the modified gear provide added grip. So, you do not have to apply much pressure when you are trying to cut through the branches.
What's There To Like About It?
I spend a considerable amount of time in my garden, taking care of it. So, comfort is essential to me, and I do not like overexerting myself. I love that this device has contoured handles that considerably reduce hand fatigue.
Secondly, as a customer, I feel that along with the product, good service is crucial. And this brand has got your back. You get a lifetime warranty on it!
What's There Not To Like About It?
On receiving the item, I was a little disappointed with the packaging. The box in which it arrived was tapered around the corners, and I was worried if it got damaged during transit. However, after using the item, I had no more complaints.
Pros and Cons of Fiskars 79436997J 79436997 Softgrip Bypass Pruner
Pros
Cons
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Steel blade plant shears ideal for a variety of pruning tasks like cutting flower stems, maintaining your herb garden, and more to encourage overall plant health and appearance
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; Self-cleaning sap groove keeps blades from sticking and non-slip grip handle and easy-open lock allows for more control of clippers
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning shears and tools are built to last
2. Felco Pruning Shears (F 4) - High Performance
If you are on the lookout for a premium pruning clipper, you are at the right place. The Felco Pruning Shears (F4) - High Performance takes pride in its high-quality build and performance. After testing, I can assure you that this is one model that you can entirely rely on.
Product Highlights
Who does not like a bit of versatility when using a product? This one enables you to experiment as much as you wish, and one can easily change all the components in it. You can upgrade whenever you feel the need. This also brings down your maintenance cost as you can simply replace a part instead of buying a piece of new equipment in case there's a problem.
For me, comfort is the key, and this item aces in that aspect. The revolving handle adds to the flexibility of the device, and you do not have to twist your hands when using it.
In addition to that, the entire unit is designed ergonomically. This means that there is added ease in using it. The cushioned shock absorbers help soften the impact of cutting to maximize comfort and reduce the risk of injury.
What's There To Like About It?
In my garden, I love calling myself a perfectionist. So, it comes as no surprise why I like this product so much. Its blade is such that it offers precise cuts each time. Honestly, from a hardened steel blade with a screw-mounted anvil, I expect nothing less.
And I also appreciate that their service is quite excellent and prompt. I had some queries and reached out to them. They were pretty fast with their response and resolved my question effectively.
What's There Not To Like About It?
After a few months of using the product, I noticed that some portions had started rusting. Since these blades are made of steel, you have to ensure that it does not collect moisture. If it does, there's a chance of corrosion.
Pros and Cons of Felco Pruning Shears (F 4) - High Performance
Pros
Cons
- Lifetime Warranty Forged Aluminium Handles
- Carbon Steel Blades for Maximum Edge Retention
- Rubberized Phalate to Free Durable Grips and Rubber Bumper
3. VIVOSUN 4336460076 6.5 Inch Gardening Hand Pruner Pruning Shear
Next up, I have the VIVOSUN 4336460076 6.5 Inch Gardening Hand, Pruner Pruning Shear, for you. This is one of the most premium hydroponic pruning shears and has received a lot of love and appreciation from the users for its performance.
Product Highlights
Blades are the most crucial part of a pruning shear, and the manufacturer of this item has paid special attention to it.
Its complete stainless steel construction makes it durable and robust. You can cut through the hardest tree stems without flinching. Be it pruning your roses or trimming your bonsai, this item will come out as a clear winner.
Plus, maintenance of this product is a child's play. It pays special attention to your safety and includes a micro tip snip feature that keeps the blades protected when not in use. So, you do not need to worry about accidentally hurting yourself as the blades won't be exposed.
Moreover, the precision that you will enjoy with this item is simply remarkable. You can cut even the minor parts of your plants without damaging a neighboring stem or other vital parts.
What's There To Like About It?
I’m thoroughly impressed with the friendly customer service team of this brand. I had some questions regarding how to use it, and they were pretty helpful and guided me well. The fact that they shared a few handy tips with me was another plus.
Additionally, what makes this one of my favorite garden tools is that it reduces hand strain considerably. The spring technology automatically pushes the blades open without me having to apply any extra pressure. I can use this for hours without feeling any fatigue.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I absolutely have no complaints regarding the performance of the item. However, the only minor issue I faced was the long delivery time. In fact, I had to reach out to the customer care to inquire about my order. So, if you need it urgently, choosing this brand might not work in your favor.
Pros and Cons of VIVOSUN 4336460076 6.5 Inch Gardening Hand Pruner Pruning Shear
Pros
Cons
- Reduce Hand Strain: These micro tip snips are made to reduces hand fatigue which makes them great for those with arthritis, carpal tunnel, hand or wrist issues; Comfortable “grip” handles will make it easy to work for long-time use without making you feel hand pain
- Ultra Sharp Blades: These quality snips come with stainless steel precision-sharpened blades and are ready to tackle all of your deadheading, trimming, and shaping jobs for your roses, annuals, vegetable, bonsai and small-flower gardens
- Secure, Easy to Lock: These micro tip snips feature a safe and secure sideways locking mechanism that keeps your blades protected and closed when not in use; The design of these pruning snips are perfect to use whether you are right or left handed with ease
4. Gonicc 8" Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears (GPPS-1003)
Do you have a backyard vineyard and like keeping it trimmed at all times? The Gonicc 8" Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears (GPPS-1003) can be your best friend in such scenarios. The blade can smoothly cut through any type of stem.
Product Highlights
Are you planning to prune a wide branch? Do not worry as this item can handle it efficiently. Its great titanium blades can cut through branches even as wide as 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
And there’s no doubt that this item is exceptionally easy to use! If you are worried that your hands might ache after a long day of gardening, rest assured that they won't. It is very lightweight, and the handles are cushioned with PVC foam. This not only adds comfort but also provides a better grip when working.
Furthermore, even if you end up damaging the product, you can get it exchanged. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty on this, and any minor or major problem is covered under that. So, once purchased, it will take care of all your pruning needs!
What's There To Like About It?
As I have mentioned before, I am a gardening enthusiast, and I love everything related to it, especially the tools. And this item had me at ‘hello’! The premium titanium steel construction is pretty attractive and makes for a great addition to my tool shed.
Moreover, I can spend hours working with it without feeling tired. It weighs only 6.4 ounces and is designed ergonomically to provide a better grip. And the non-slip handle adds to the ease of using it.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Despite the results it delivered, I would have to say that maintenance can get tedious. You need to make sure that the blades are never moist after use. Also, ensure that you always keep it clean. Unless you do that, it might start corroding.
Pros and Cons of Gonicc 8" Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears (GPPS-1003)
Pros
Cons
- Drop-forged construction delivers exceptional durability and sturdiness for long-term heavy garden use.
- Premium SK-5 steel blade with titanium coating and ultra-fine polishing ensures sharpness, rust resistance, and smooth cutting.
- Ergonomic non-slip aluminum handles wrapped with PVC offer lightweight strength, comfort, and reduced hand fatigue.
5. Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner
There's no way I would have wrapped up the list without having mentioned the Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner. If you enjoy the incredible combination of strength and sharpness, this is the one you should go for.
Product Highlights
This blade will work season after season because of its quality. The durability that it puts on the table is impressive, and with little maintenance, it can last you for a long time. So, even though it might seem like a significant investment in the beginning, with time, you will realize that it is worth it.
Plus, if you are a professional gardener, you will surely love this tool. This pruning shear is not just strong but provides exceptional precision in the cuts. And the build is such that the sharpness of the blades generally lasts longer than the regular ones available on the market.
Additionally, when the blades go bad or break, you do not need to throw away the entire tool. You can simply get the old blade replaced with a new one. This way, the longevity of the shear gets enhanced further.
What's There To Like About It?
Some of my plants require special attention. When I am trimming a bonsai which I decorate as a centerpiece, it is essential that I give it a professional trim. And this item helps me do it effectively. None of the adjacent parts get damaged when I use it.
Also, because of the bent blade, I get greater access to most unreachable areas.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only issue that I encountered with this item is that the customer support service is not that great. It was taking a while to get delivered, and only after reaching out to them a few times did they respond to my query.
Pros and Cons of Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner
Pros
Cons
- Clean, Precision Bypass Cutting up to 1” Diameter – Sharp, forged steel bypass blade delivers smooth, scissor-like cuts through live branches, stems, and green wood up to 1 inch thick, helping reduce plant damage and promote faster, healthier regrowth.
- Heavy-Duty Forged Steel Construction – Built from high-quality forged steel for superior strength and long-lasting durability, making these professional pruning shears ideal for daily use in gardening, landscaping, orchards, and vineyard maintenance.
- Ergonomic Non-Slip Comfort Handles – Contoured red handles are designed to reduce hand fatigue and provide a secure, comfortable grip, giving you better control and cutting power during extended trimming, pruning, and shaping tasks.
Buyers Guide
Now that I have given you a detailed round-up of the top 5 products, were you able to decide which one to get? I know it is easier said than done. To make a good choice, learning just about the products is not enough.
There are a few other things that you need to take into consideration. And in this section, I will throw light on some of those factors. So, let's take a look.
1. Quality Of Blade
Most of the pruning blades that I have used come equipped with steel blades. But a closer inspection showed me that it has two kinds: stainless steel and carbon steel blades.
If you go for a carbon steel blade, you will indeed have a great time pruning. These blades are highly robust and can cut through the hardest of branches. With a bit of care, these beauties can last you for years. But make sure that you clean them well after use and oil them regularly to prevent rust formation.
And the best thing is that they are easy to sharpen, and the sharpness lasts for a long time.
On the other hand, stainless steel blades are more common and relatively more affordable too. These items are mostly coated with a non-stick material. This coating is helpful in preventing sap formation on the blades. However, with time, these steel blades have a tendency to develop dings and nicks.
2. Cutting Process
My two favorite cutting mechanisms of pruning shears are ratchet and spring back. I have tested many products over time, and these two types have come out as clear winners.
Springback pruners come with a heavy spring that immediately opens the jaws of the shear the moment you put pressure on the handles. These are best suited for light to medium tasks that you perform on greenwood.
Ratchet pruner, on the other hand, comes with an anvil-shaped blade. The technology involved helps put added pressure that enables you to handle thicker and more dense wood. This option is particularly beneficial when you are collecting deadwood to put in a compost pile.
3. Types Of Blade
Once you visit the stores, you would be surprised to see all the different types of blades that are available. You should select one that best suits your requirement.
Most of my fellow gardener friends tell me that bypass pruning shears are their go-to option. For this, you do not have to think too much; it is more like your comfort meal! These blades work more like a scissor and deliver precise, clean cuts. And maintenance is effortless when it comes to these pruning shears.
If you, however, go for anvil-style pruning shears, you will be able to cut through the hardest of materials. Be it dense tree barks or dead tree trunks, you can chop them into small pieces within a few minutes. But remember that it is not suitable for green stems as the damage can be intense.
Moreover, you can go for a straight blade pruning shear if you have climbers or creepers, as it will help to reach difficult spots. And lastly, you can opt for a pruning snip if you like engaging in delicate pruning work. These items are very sharp and narrow and help you maintain perfect precision in your work. When I trim my bonsai plants, I prefer using one of these.
4. Grip
Comfort is the key when it comes to gardening accessories. And it is an absolute must for me to get a pruning shear that is easy to use. If you go for a soft grip option, you can find plenty of soft surfaces that are easy to use with a simple pressure of the hand. The soft texture and the grip prevent it from sliding out of your hands.
On the contrary, if you prefer more durable and strong grips, you can even go for handles with a rigid grip. These options are made of metal and mostly paired with hard plastic or resin. Even if it falls out of your hands, do not worry; it won't break easily. But if you plan to use it for a long stretch, it might feel a little uncomfortable.
The other option that you can go for is a rubberized grip. These handles are dipped into liquid PVC or silicone and are comfortable to some extent. However, if you use it for a long time, your hands might become sweaty, and it might fall out of the grip. I would suggest that you wear gloves to prevent accidental slips.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a homeowner who likes gardening, sharpening your blades every six months should be good. However, if you are a professional gardener, you should sharpen it every 6-10 weeks. And in case your blades get chipped or bent, get it replaced without any delay.
Maintenance! That's the mantra you should follow to maintain a long life for any equipment. And a pruning shear is no different. If you clean it properly every time you use it, it will run for a considerably long period.
After every gardening session, I make sure that I wipe it with a damp cloth to remove any dirt that collects on it. After that, I use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess moisture. I suggest that you do the same and make sure that you store it in a relatively dry environment.
Moreover, when you sharpen the blades, try to disassemble all the parts and clean each of them separately. Finally, do not forget to apply lubricating oil to prevent rust formation.
My Final Recommendations
All that said, I have now reached the end of this comprehensive guide. I hope that you had as much fun reading it as much as I had testing the products and compiling all the information.
I bet that with better knowledge now, you will be able to make a wise choice when selecting among the best pruning shears.
But before I sign off, I would like to let you in on my favorites. The Fiskars 79436997J 79436997 Softgrip Bypass Pruner manages to remain my all-time favorite. And if you are looking for an option that is easy to use, the Felco Pruning Shears (F 4) - High Performance is the safest bet.
And with that, it’s a wrap. Until next time, fare thee well!