Gardening may seem like it’s all sunshine and rainbows, but that’s not quite true!
If you are a plant mom like me, you would know the time and effort it takes to maintain a lush, green lawn. While your friends may just admire and express their envy over the picturesque view, I know what went into that freshly cut hedge.
Out of all the gardening tools, a pair of garden shears is my go-to pick. It is handy and allows me to be creative with my plants. Who could tell this tiny tool is what keeps acres of my yard looking neat and tidy?
Hello there! I’m Stacy Smith, and I’m going to share some of the best garden shears with you. For your convenience, I have ranked my top 5 picks and mentioned the pros and cons for each.
So, without further ado, lettuce get started!Top 5 Garden Shears
1. VIVOSUN Gardening Hand Pruner
A good quality pair of shears is every gardener’s best friend, and this one by VIVOSUN is mine. Made of stainless steel with a spring-loaded handle, it is super sharp and snips precisely. Watch your fingers, though. You wouldn’t want to lose that green thumb!
Product Highlights
Although I’m the happiest when I’m gardening, there are days when all that cutting and trimming leaves me with sore fingers. But thanks to the ergonomic grip and lightweight design of these pruning shears, hand fatigue is a thing of the past.
I have been using this pair for over a year now, and the stainless steel blades are still as snappy as ever. The tapering end also makes it easy for me to reach difficult areas and achieve precision. Trimming the bushes, shaping potted plants, fruit picking - this tool has got you covered!
And my garden is not the only place where I use these pruning shears. Since it is small and weighs less than 3 ounces, I carry it in my pocket almost all the time. Who knows when I’ll need to open a tight jar or detangle my dog’s hair?
In a nutshell, these gardening shears are beginner-friendly yet efficient enough for professional use.
What’s There To Like About It?
My gardening escapades usually end up with hands full of blisters. Although that never stopped me, I had to look for a solution. These shears have become my holy grail tool now. It is so comfortable that I can confidently recommend it for those who suffer from hand and wrist pain.
Additionally, it may not be a big deal for you, but I like the shocking orange color of these shears. It makes it easy for me to spot it among other tools.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
A mere inconvenience that I found was the locking mechanism. It must have been added to ensure safe use, but I found it locking itself from time to time. Nothing that a little improvisation cannot solve, though! I simply removed the plastic lock, and it works fine.
Pros and Cons of VIVOSUN Gardening Hand Pruner
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
2. Gonicc FBA_GPPS-1003
I wanted something to tackle thicker stems, and these gardening shears from Gonicc were my best bet. Measuring 11.57 x 5.75 x 1.89 inches and weighing about 6 ounces, this rugged pair delivers reliable performance.
Product Highlights
These shears boast premium titanium steel blades that ensure sharpness without untidy, tearing cuts. Its ultra-fine polish technology adds to its snappiness and prevents sap from sticking on the blade. After all, nothing’s worse than losing a handy tool to rust!
I appreciate the comfy PVC covering on the handle, as it prevents hand fatigue after a long day in the yard. Even with the softcover, I was able to retain my grip on these. That’s great, considering how sharp these are, so if you happen to be clumsy, this is a no-go!
Moreover, these shears are not just about the beefy looks. They are built to last, and by any chance, if they don’t, the prompt customer service will not disappoint. All of these factors add up to justify the slightly high price range.
While the VIVOSUN pruner is my pick for smaller areas, I always reach out for the Gonicc shears for heavy-duty cutting.
What’s There To Like About It?
First, I like how different this pair is from my first pick. With the ability to chop through branches of ¾” diameter, these shears can tackle all of my plants with ease. I specifically pull these out whenever I need to work on my rose garden.
Also, I am guilty of exploiting these high-quality shears by cutting brambles thicker than I should have. Yet this pair has not given up on me!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
There isn’t any flaw I could pinpoint, but depending on personal preference, these shears may be uncomfortable if you have small hands.
Also, as I had mentioned before, the blades are super sharp and cut through anything. I would not recommend this product to amateurs. Even professionals must be careful when working with children nearby.Pros and Cons of Gonicc FBA_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.
3. Mr. Pen QT-Flower Cutter
This pair of garden clippers from Mr. Pen provides excellent value for money with its varied features. Measuring about 8 inches, these robust yet compact shears take the credit for my thriving bonsai!
Product Highlights
Although cheaper in price, this pair is similar to the Gonicc shears in terms of design and functionality. Well-built and handy, it is equipped with precision-sharpened blades and an ergonomic handle.
Much like its predecessor in the list, these garden scissors can cut twigs of up to ¾” in diameter. Due to this factor, it works well for trimming, shaping, deadheading, and more. Other than shaping my bonsai, I have used these shears in many of my flower arrangement projects.
Another impressive feature is the small clearance between the jaws. This, along with its super-sharp blades, helps in achieving a neat cut every time. It securely locks the blade when not in use, minimizing the risk of accidental injuries.
Easy to use and easy on the budget, there is no reason to not mention this product as one of the best garden shears.
What’s There To Like About It?
Other than the versatility and budget-friendly price, I appreciate how Mr. Pen stands by its products. Initially, I had received a defective product, so I reached out to the brand, and their customer service did not disappoint. They immediately sent me a new, working pair, and I’m using it till date.
Personally, I prefer the size and lock placement of these shears over others. It fits my hand perfectly, and the lock does not come in the way while using it.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Although the sponge-like cover on the handle ensures comfort, it does not last long. A few months later, I noticed some flakes and signs of wear. However, at this price point, I can’t expect to have the cake and eat it too!
Pros and Cons of Mr. Pen QT-Flower Cutter
Pros
Cons
- 8-Inch Gardening Shears With Ergonomically Designed Non-Slip Handles, Strong, Lightweight, And Comfortable
- Quality Pruning Shears Come With Precision-Sharpened Blades Ideal For Cutting Stems And Light Branches
- Safe And Secure Sideways Locking Mechanism That Keeps Your Blades Protected And Closed When Not In Use
4. The Gardener’s Friend 3130-3, 205mm Ratchet Pruner
Staying true to its name, these pruning shears are the solution for all of your gardening tasks. Measuring 7.95 x 0.55 x 3.15 inches and weighing less than 8 ounces, these unique shears allow professional gardening with ease.
Product Highlights
These pruners might look peculiar at first, but the ratchet mechanism actually helps ease the stress on your hand while ensuring quick and easy cutting. Recommended for those who have arthritis, say goodbye to painful wrists with these shears.
Moving on, the small size of these pruning shears enables me to trim areas that are difficult to reach while the sharp blades slice through effectively. In a few snips, I was able to chop off thicker branches as well.
Depending on the amount of force you use, these pruners need some time to loosen up. So, I would suggest that you check the instructions before using it. I didn’t find this troublesome because the product broke in soon enough. Now, I get smooth results with a fraction of the effort.
Easy to clean and handle, these pruning shears make the perfect gift for elderly gardening enthusiasts.
What’s There To Like About It?
Being one of the most unique products on the list, I was instantly drawn to its design. Little did I know that professional gardeners developed the product, and it shows.
For first-time users, it may take a while to get used to these ratchet pruners, but once you do, you won’t be going back. Also, I like how they include a detachable oiling sponge for cleaning the blades after each use.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The fact that these pruners take a while to break in did not faze me, but I understand some users may find it difficult to use at first. Hence, I would not recommend this pair to beginners.
Moreover, the oiling pad on the handle tends to fall off frequently. I prefer storing it away to prevent losing it while I’m using the shears.
Pros and Cons of The Gardener’s Friend 3130-3, 205mm Ratchet Pruner
Pros
Cons
- Strength-Boosting Shears: boost your cutting power with ratchet garden shears for pruning, trimming, and harvesting plants. Your TGF anvil pruners help you achieve cleaner cuts with less strain
- New and Improved: your favorite assistive clippers are now better than ever. Improved cutting, neoprene insert in the Anvil holds branches and stems in place while you cut. More solid construction, enhanced saftey latch helps prevent accidents
- For Stems, Stalks, and Small Branches: whip out your garden snips and clean up flower beds and garden rows. Cut tree branches up to 1 in. thick, depending on the wood and your individual strength
5. Gardenite GT-3142
Here’s another ratchet pruner that delivers sharp results with minimum effort. Measuring 9.9 x 3.4 x 0.7 inches and weighing 8 ounces, these shears are slightly on the heavier side, making them more suitable for thicker branches.
Product Highlights
Equipped with hardened carbon steel blades and non-stick Teflon, these shears increase cutting efficiency and resist sap and other residues. This implies that this durable tool is not just easy to use but also easy to clean and maintain.
Gardening is all fun and games till you end up with aching wrists, but that won’t be an issue with these pruners. Its ratchet mechanism increases your hand’s power by five times, making it suitable for arthritis patients. The ergonomic handle further helps in making its usage easier and enjoyable.
That’s not all; I can confidently say that this pair of pruning shears justifies the relatively higher price given its quality and functionality. However, if it does not work for you, you can dial up the customer service, and they’ll offer a full refund without any hassle.
What’s There To Like About It?
Since these shears are heavier than others on the list, I tend to use them for specifically thicker branches that take longer to chop. So, I would highly recommend these for slightly challenging pruning projects.
In addition to that, the hardened carbon steel blades have been heat-treated, so these are tough! I’ve had these shears for quite a while and sharpened them a lot, yet they remain as good as new.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only inconvenience that I faced with this pruner would be its occasional slippage and inconsistent ratcheting. I end up squeezing it twice or thrice to get a neat cut. However, this only happens when I try to put it through thick branches.
Also, I hate to admit it, but my son is able to do a better job with these shears than me. You can guess why!
Pros and Cons of Gardenite GT-3142
Pros
Cons
- ★★★★★ EFFORTLESS CUTTING - The ratchet in the pruner is a clever extra mechanism to make light work of tough cuts. As you squeeze ratcheting pruning shears, they latch so you can release and squeeze again, performing the cut in easy steps rather than one go. As you cut through a branch, the ratcheting mechanism clicks and moves to the next setting, providing ever-increasing pressure as you cut.
- ★★★★★ 5 TIMES THE POWER - The ratcheting mechanism's settings multiply your hand's power by up to 5 times, so that you don't have to do the work - the pruning shears do it for you. With
- ★★★★★ HIGH QUALITY HARDENED STEEL BLADES - Heat treated and hardened carbon steel blades are ultra strong, will last longer and are less likely to nick or need frequent sharpening. Coated with non-stick Teflon that resists sap and other sticky materials.
Buyers Guide
So, those were the five best garden shears that I have been using religiously to maintain my yard. However, while finding the best one, I managed to learn a thing or two that you must know before buying one for yourself.
Read on to find out…
1. Quality Of The Blade
Needless to say, the primary purpose of garden shears is to make sharp, precise cuts. Hence, you must pay attention to the kind of material the blade is made of. While titanium and PTFE coating prevent sticky residue and rust, frequent sharpening can remove the protective layer, leaving the blade bare and brittle.
Overall, gardening shears equipped with stainless steel or carbon steel are the best in the market. Even better if the blade is heat-treated.
2. Weight And Size
No matter how much you enjoy gardening, there is no denying that it is a time-consuming and monotonous task. The end result is almost always a sore body part or blistered hands. But these can be prevented if you use a lightweight tool.
Although some heavy shears are indisputable when it comes to challenging and heavy-duty cutting, I recommend opting for aluminum and fiberglass.
3. Design
Other than the sharpness of the blade, the design of the garden shear plays a considerable role in getting a smooth cut. I have noticed that most shears cease to cut consistently when the blades are not correctly screwed together. Thus, the center nut binding the blades should neither be too loose nor too tight.
Moreover, the design of the handles should be comfortable enough for long hours of use. Although the soft padding on the handles usually wears off after a few uses, it always helps prevent blisters.
I have also come across shears specifically made for left-handers and users with small hands. So, if you plan to get a pair of shears for a loved one, make sure you know their dominant hand.
4. Types Of Garden Shears
There are various kinds of garden shears out there. The perfect pair for you depends on the type of gardening task you indulge in. I’ve listed some of the most common types of shears so that you can get a basic idea of what each one does.
A. Basic Pruning Shears
Also known as hand shears, these tools are best suited for cutting small branches, brambles, twigs, and stems. Beginners must refrain from using these shears on anything thicker if you want them to last.
B. Anvil Pruners
Another popular pick, I enjoy using these on thicker branches. The sharp, snappy sound it produces is like music to my ears! Despite being used for relatively difficult cutting, anvil pruners are surprisingly lightweight and compact.
C. Bypass Shears
One of my favorites and the most commonly used, these shears are beginner-friendly and deliver neat cutting. They work reasonably well on most types of growth.
D. Ratchet Pruners
Another option for tough branches, these pruners are suitable for those who suffer from wrist or hand pain. The mechanism of ratchet pruners increases your force manifold, resulting in faster and sharper cutting.
E. Thinning Shears
These petite shears are made to reach narrow areas on delicate plants and trees. Since the blades resemble that of a scissor, they offer top-notch precision. I suggest using them on bonsai trees, flowers, and small shrubs.
F. Needle-Nose Pruners
Other than having a strange name, these multi-functional pruners are easy to use and budget-friendly. With ergonomically designed handles and precise blades, you can never go wrong with this type of shears, even if you’re a beginner.
5. Availability Of Replacement Parts
Maintenance does not end with cleaning your tools but also renovating them. Sure, high-quality shears will last long, but how long? While the blades may last, the handles may break. Or a nut will come loose. Hence, it is best to opt for shears that have replacement parts readily available on the market.
6. Safety Lock
Working with blades is always dangerous. That’s why I highly recommend investing in shears that are equipped with a safety lock. Especially if you have kids around your working area, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although there are tons of sharpening tools available, a simple flat file should work perfectly. You can easily find an affordable one in any hardware store.
I would suggest oiling the blades after each use. You can either smother some linseed oil and wipe it off after a while or swipe an oily cloth over your tools. Just make sure you don’t use petroleum-based oil, and you’re good to go.
Wipe the blades with a cloth or cotton ball dipped in turpentine. Wash off with soapy water and finish it off with a coating of linseed oil.
Mix water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio, and submerge the shear blades or any other tools in the mixture. Let it sit overnight. Then you can use sandpaper, steel wool, or a brush to scrape off the rust. Rinse off with soapy water and let it dry. Finish it off with a coat of linseed oil. Also, always ensure you store your tools in a dry and dark place.
My Final Recommendations
That’s all I have for you today!
I hope my recommendations and tips were helpful in choosing the best garden shears for you. But before I take my leave, I’d like to mention some of my top picks.
It is no surprise that the VIVOSUN Gardening Hand Pruner is my favorite for it is versatile and comfortable. The heavy-duty Gonicc FBA_GPPS-1003 is a close second, but I love alternating between the two, depending on my task.
Also, the Gardener’s Friend 3130-3, 205mm Ratchet Pruner is one of my most unique possessions, and it only gets better with each use. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a ratchet design.
Let me know which product was your favorite in the comments section below.
Until next time. Happy gardening!