Any gardener will tell you that a good pair of pruning shears is impossible to do without. This tool makes trimming the overgrowth on your trees, bushes, shrubs, and flowers a much simpler process, but having unwieldy tools can strain your wrists.
This guide is designed to give you all of the buying tips you need to find the perfect set of pruning shears. I have even included a few reviews for some of the top pruning shears that are available for purchase this year. Let’s get started by exploring exactly what you desire in a good set of pruning shears.
| Image | Product Name | Price | Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Fiskars Traditional Bypass Pruning Shears | $ | A+ |  |
 |
HIG Extra Hardness Extra Sharp Garden Hand Pruning Shears | $$ | A | |
 |
Gonicc 8″ Professional SK-5 Steel Blade Sharp Anvil Pruning Shears | $ | B | |
 |
Gardenite Power Drive Ratchet Pruning Shears | $$$ | A | |
 |
Haus and Garten Titanium Pruning Shears | $$$$ | A+ | |
Our Pick for the Best Pruning Shears
Haus and Garten Titanium Pruning Shears
It has shock absorbing handles that will make it extremely durable and long-lasting. The sap groove makes clean up more convenient. The wire cutting notch is also useful to have.
Choosing the Right Pruning Shears
Before purchasing a pruning shear, you might want to consider these 5 factors to make sure you don't waste your money.
1. Types of Pruning Shears
When it comes to pruning shears, there are three main types available.
The first, which are bypass pruners, are the most commonly used variety. The blades are sharp and curved, so using this type will give you a very clean cut.
An anvil pruner is designed with a straight-edged blade, so instead of cutting the wood like a pair of scissors, this style is more like using a knife. This kind of chopping often crushes the limbs that you are cutting instead of producing a clean cut.
The final type of pruning sheer that we will look at is a ratchet pruner. This type has a mechanism that allows you to cut in sections. After a certain amount of pressure is used, the shears will lock in place and allow you to re-grip the tool and continue with your cut.
2. Ergonomic Handle Design
Having a comfortable handle on your pruning shears is very important, as it will be the main factor that decides how long your gardening experience will be each day. Carpal tunnel and arthritis are real concerns, so make sure that you have cushioned handles that are comfortable to use and easy on your hands.
Some models feature a rotating handle, which means that the handle moves with you after each cut. This can be a great way to reduce hand and wrist fatigue as you garden.
3. Blade Quality and Size
The best pruning shear blades will be crafted from hardened or high carbon steel. This durable steel will last for a long time without acquiring nicks in the blade or rust on the surface. Also, the size of the blade is important, as that will determine how large the limb you are cutting can be.
4. Locking Mechanism
Locking your pruning shears in a closed position is a great way to ensure that nobody gets injured, but it can also be a way to protect the blade itself. Find a mechanism that safely secures the blade and is easy to disengage when you need to use the shears.
5. Maintenance
Maintenance will be required with any set of pruning shears, so the main thing to consider here is how easy it is to disassemble the tool to clean sap and dirt from the unit. In addition, you will need to take the tool apart to sharpen the blade, so make sure that you can do so easily. You will also want to verify that the parts of the shears you select are readily available for purchase; just in case replacements are required.
A coarse diamond hand file is the best way to sharpen your blades. It is actually a rather simple process; just remember a few key points during the process. Always file away from your body in long, smooth strokes. Angle the blade the same angle as the bevel to ensure it is sharpened properly. Finally, make sure that all rust is removed from the blade, and then lubricate the blades to help prevent oxidation from occurring.
Best Pruning Shears – Reviews
Now that you know how to choose pruning shears, here are 5 of the best ones on the market:
1. Fiskars Traditional Bypass Pruning Shears
The first pick on our list is a very popular product on the market. Developed by Fiskars, this gardening tool is designed from hardened steel, which makes it extremely durable. As an added protection to the tool, the blade has been coated in an UltraBlade coating, which is designed to actually make the shears perform better than traditional stainless steel blades.
This coating is designed to keep the blade sharp for up to five times longer than a non-coated blade. In addition, having this extra sharp blade means that less pressure will be required to cut through thicker limbs, which means less overall fatigue will be experienced while you are gardening. It’s also resistant to corrosion, so you can be sure that your tool will be ready to use.
The Softouch dual layer comfort handle grips are designed to give you an additional layer of comfort, even if you are attempting to cut through a diameter of 5/8th of an inch, which is the maximum limb width that this tool can handle. In addition, this tool features an ambidextrous locking mechanism that is easy to use.
What we like:
- The blades rarely need sharpening.
- The locking mechanism can easily be operated with one hand.
- Replacement blades and springs are easy to find.
What we don't like:
- This tool works best on green branches, which may be an annoyance for some who are looking to trim dead branches from the trees.
- Hard to clean cut, especially when attempting to trim thicker branches.
2. HIG Extra Hardness Extra Sharp Garden Hand Pruning Shears
The HIG pruning shears is another gardening tool that is designed to be durable and resistant to rust. The blades are crafted from manganese steel, which is strong enough to cut through any branch, whether it is dead or alive. The curved blade and the design of the spring combine to make the tool easier to use without requiring a lot of effort.
The handles are crafted from a lightweight aluminum that is wrapped in a soft, comfort grip material. This ergonomic design makes it easy for both left and right-handed individuals to use the tool. In addition, the locking mechanism is convenient and easy to use when needed.
What we like:
- The blades are sharp right out of the box.
- The compact design makes it comfortable to hold and carry around the yard.
- The safety lock is extremely easy to use on this tool.
What we don't like:
- The spring does not seem to always expand fully, which limits what you can cut to an extent.
- The foam on the handle is a lower quality material that may be off-putting for some.
3. Gonicc 8″ Professional SK-5 Steel Blade Sharp Anvil Pruning Shears
Our next pick on this list is from Gonicc, a company that goes above and beyond to create durable, lasting gardening tools. The blades on this set of eight-inch professional pruning shears are crafted from high carbon 5K-S steel, which gives it a layer of protection against nicks and rust, but it is also coated with chromium plating technology to give the tool additional protection.
The handles feature an ergonomic design that is easy to use. It comes with a non-slip grip to increase your level of comfort while gardening. In addition, the locking mechanism on these pruning shears is located on the inside of the lower handle, which makes it easy to reach at any time.
What we like:
- The safety lock is extremely easy to use.
- The sap channel is extremely effective at keeping the blade clean and sap-free as you are cutting.
- These shears are lightweight and easy to use, even for individuals with small hands.
What we don't like:
- The quality of the spring seems a bit weak, but it seems to hold up to normal wear and tear.
4. Gardenite Power Drive Ratchet Pruning Shears
The next pick on our list is a pair of ratchet pruning shears manufactured by Gardenite. The tool is designed from an extremely durable material that is fitted with a ratcheting mechanism, so when you cut into a limb it will latch into place and allowing you to apply even more pressure.
Since the tool requires less pressure to cut limbs, the ergonomic handle design is great for reducing fatigue in your hands as well as wrist strain. In addition, there is a soft non-slip grip on the top handle for added comfort and a locking mechanism on the bottom handle.
The blades are cut from high-quality carbon steel that was treated with heat to add strength and durability. In addition, the blades are also coated with a Teflon coating that is designed to resist sap build-up and corrosion. It also helps to keep the blade from being nicked or damaged; as a result, the tool will rarely need to be sharpened.
What we like:
- You have access to a lot of cutting power with this tool, mainly due to the ratcheting mechanism.
- The blade of this tool is extremely sharp right out of the box, and it remains sharp for a long while.
What we don't like:
- The locking mechanism is rather tight, which makes it difficult to operate at times, but it is often remedied once the tool is used a few times.
- This tool is slightly difficult to use with small hands.
5. Haus and Garten Titanium Pruning Shears
Our final pick is a pair of pruning shears crafted by Haus and Garten that are designed out of high-quality stainless steel that has been coated with titanium to increase their durability. In addition, the coating makes the tool rust and corrosion resistant as well.
A micrometric adjustable system makes it easy to cut any limb without requiring much effort, as long as it is within a reasonable diameter. The anti-slip handles are designed to offer you comfort against wrist strain, but it is also a shock absorbing pad that will protect the tool from damage in the event that it is dropped.
This pair of pruning shears also comes with a wire cutting notch and a sap groove to help save you time in the garden.
What we like:
- These shears make extremely smooth cuts, which look more attractive in a garden.
- It is very easy to utilize the locking mechanism on this unit.
- The anti-slip grip on the handles provides a very comfortable surface that is easy on your hands.
What we don't like:
- This tool is only available for right-handed individuals, which may be an issue for those who are left-handed.
- It features a large design that may not accommodate smaller hands.
Our Pick for the Best Pruning Shears
Now that we have looked through the features that you need in a pair of pruning shears and examined five great options, it is time to decide which pick is truly the best. In my opinion, the Haus and Garten Titanium Pruning Shears are the best.
Haus and Garten Titanium Pruning Shears
It has shock absorbing handles that will make it extremely durable and long-lasting. The sap groove makes clean up more convenient. The wire cutting notch is also useful to have.
