Pruning shears also known as hand shears or secateurs are specialized scissors used for cutting plants. They have thick blades sometimes up to 2cm and are strong enough to cut through branches of trees or shrubs. It is a gardening essential for any horticultural enthusiast and we have a great list to help you decide which pruning shears will be best for you.
COMPARISON CHART
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ARS HP-VS8XR Rotating Handle Hand Pruner
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Felco Pruning Shears
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Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears
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Hydrofarm HGPP400C Precision Curved Blade Pruners
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TABOR TOOLS K77A Straight Pruning Shears
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Happy Hydro – Trimming Scissors – 60mm Straight Tip Blades
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Corona FL 3460 Compound Action Bypass Lopper
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Sun Joe PJ3600C 3.6V 2000 mAh 0.6 Sec Rapid Cutting Cordless
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Mockins Professional Heavy Duty Garden BYPASS Pruning Shears
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Features
- Ergonomic non slip handles for ease of use
- Chrome plated blades for easy maintenance and keeps blades sharper for longer
- Rotating handle to prevent wrist stress
- Unique latch lock design enables one handed operation
This pruner has a rotating handle which reduces strain on the wrist. A unique latch lock design enables one handed operation. Blades are chrome plated to prevent rust and provide sap protection. Non slip and coated ergonomic handles for ease of use.
WHAT WE LIKE
The locking mechanism is ideal and works well for one handed use in either hand. The ergonomic rotating handle really takes the strain off the wrist when in use. Blades remain sharp even after repeated use. The pruners are of high quality and well made.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
This is a more expensive pruner option. Sometimes the rotating action of the pruner can be difficult to handle and takes a while to get in a comfortable position.
PROS
- Locking mechanism for one handed use
- Comfortable to use
- Blades remain sharp after repeated use
- High Quality and well made
CONS
- Expensive pruner
- Rotating action can be difficult to handle.
Features
- All pruner parts are replaceable including the hardened steel blades and forged aluminum handle
- Cushion shock absorption handle with a rotating feature makes cutting as comfortable as possible
- Large cutting capacity with clean precise cuts
- The Swiss made pruners are optimally made for medium sized hands at 7.7-inch length, 0.79-inch cutter diameter, and a 0.46 pound weight
These pruning shears are Swiss made with hardened steel blades and forged aluminium handles. The ergonomic design with a rotating handle makes these easy to use. This high performance pruner offers a large cutting capacity to handle your garden work in the blink of an eye. This model is made for a medium sized hand (F-6) but they have an entire range that can suit any pruning need you may have.
WHAT WE LIKE
These pruning shears are of the highest quality with the Swiss made precision. It is up to the task of smaller pruning work making clean cuts with ease. The fact that the pruner parts are replaceable gives added piece of mind that you can use this pruner for years to come. The added small wire cutter adds to its functionality. The ergonomic revolving handle means comfortable cutting is the norm with these plant cutters.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
After light use the pruning shears tend to start rusting which is not ideal if you want to use them for a long time, as the rust affects their performance. They are also on the more expensive side so if you have invested in them and they rust it will be disappointing.
PROS
- High quality, Swiss made pruners
- Makes clean cuts with ease
- Replaceable parts for extended use
- Small wire cutter feature an added plus
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable cutting
CONS
- Tends to rust easily
- More expensive pruning shear option
Features
- 3.88 x 10.75 x 1.12 inches dimensions with maximum 1 inch cutting capacity
- Angled cutting head for reaching awkward angles
- Adjustable blade tension function
- Ideal for cutting stems and light branches
These pruning shears have a maximum 1 inch cutting capacity. They are perfect for cutting stems and light branches. With adjustable blade tension depending on hand strength this makes it perfect for a range of users. Pruning awkward at awkward angles is a breeze with the angled cutting head which reduces wrist fatigues.
WHAT WE LIKE
This pruning shears makes clean and precise cuts with ease on smaller garden work applications. The blades are durable and easy to clean and maintain. The handle is well designed and overall comfortable to cut with. These are an affordable pruner choice that will handle most of your gardening needs with ease.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The adjustable tension feature seems to cause some problems either getting stuck or coming apart which is not ideal in a pruner. The handle pin comes out of the notch repeatedly making cutting difficult.
PROS
- Make clean and precise cuts
- Blades are durable with easy maintenance
- Ergonomic handle for easy cutting
- Affordable option
CONS
- Tension adjustment feature causes functional issues
- Handle pin comes out repeatedly
Features
- Stainless steel maintains sharpness
- Curved blade tips for added precision cutting
- Return spring enhances cutting speed and performance
- Ergonomic handle and comfort lock for easy handling
These pruning shears are made from stainless steel which maintains sharpness for longer. Including curved blade tips for precision cutting. They are user friendly for left or right handed gardeners. The return spring enhances the speed and performance.
WHAT WE LIKE
This lightweight and ergonomic pruning shear comes with a comfort lock to reduce stress on your hand for light garden work. The curved blades make it easy to access hard to reach areas. Blade is of good quality and comes clean easily. Perfect for trimming in the garden.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Inconsistent product delivery, some work well and others are of inferior quality that break easily. If you use the pruners for extended periods then your hand will struggle even with the ergonomic design.
PROS
- Lightweight and ergonomic pruning shear
- Curved blades for easy access
- Good quality easy to maintain blades
- Perfect for trimming
CONS
- Inconsistent product delivery of varying quality standards
- Hard on the hands with extended use
Features
- Long reach straight pruners ideal for small plants
- Stainless steel blades for easy maintenance
- Sturdy handles with an open close clip for safe storage
- Embedded spring for comfortable cutting
These straight pruning shears are ideal for hydroponics and indoor herb garden maintenance. Sturdy handles for increased comfort including an open close clip for safe and secure storage. This model includes a shock absorbing spring to ensure a comfortable cutting experience. The stainless steel blades make for easy maintenance and leave the pruners rust free.
WHAT WE LIKE
These pruning shears are lightweight, easy to use and affordable. They are up to the task of much more than advertised. They make cutting comfortable with the sturdy handles. The storage clip is also handy for safe handling when not in use. They are durable and maintain sharpness after extended use.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The spring action gets stuck and this is not ideal when cutting and wanting to maintain your rhythm. It seems to be the weakest part of the pruner and is prone to breakages along with getting stuck.
PROS
- Lightweight, easy to use and affordable
- Cuts through foliage with ease
- Storage clip is handy for safe storage
- Durable blades that maintain sharpness
CONS
- Spring actions gets stuck
- Spring is weak and prone to breakages
Features
- Lightweight at 0.2lbs makes them easy to use
- Stainless steel titanium blades are easy to clean and maintain
- Shorter blades for easy access
- Springless action and non slip grips make cutting comfortable
These trimming scissors are more suited to smaller trimming tasks such use by florists. They have sharp stainless titanium coated steel blades and are ultra light and compact. Shorter blades allow easier access to hard to reach areas. These trimming scissors reduce hand fatigue without the strenuous cutting with a spring. The non-slip grips enhance comfort and control while cutting.
WHAT WE LIKE
Clean and precise cuts for light gardening needs. The short blades allow for easy access to hard to reach areas which is ideal. They are designed for comfort with non-slip grips and springless cutting to go easy on your hands. Lightweight and easy to use they make maintaining smaller hydroponic and herb gardens quick work.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Claims to be able to be used by left or right handed users are not correct. Left handed gardeners will struggle with this product. The rivet connection is outdated and makes it difficult to use.
PROS
- Clean and precise cutting for light garden work
- Short blades for easy access
- Comfort design for comfortable cutting
- Lightweight and easy to use
CONS
- Not suitable for left handed users
- Poor rivet connection makes product difficult to use
Features
- Resharpenable, coated high-carbon steel blade with a 1-1/2-inch cutting capacity for multi seasonal use
- Ideal for wood and dry growth cutting
- Articulating four-bar compound linkage gives it adding cutting capacity
- 24 inch fibre handles and extra long foam grips for comfortable handling
If you are looking for a more heavy duty pruning application then this lopper is ideal. Works well for the removal of dry and woody growth. It comes with 24 inch fibre handles and extra long foam grips for comfortable handling. Resharpenable high-carbon steel blades 1.5 inch cutting capacity.
WHAT WE LIKE
The resharpenable blades are also replaceable so they can be used over all seasons. They work well for woody and dry growth which is not the case for all plant cutters. The longer handles allow for use over applications that shorter pruning shears are tasked to handle. The lopper comes with a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The blade quality is not ideal and tends to bend on harder applications or after repeated use. The handles, although claimed to be easy handling, tend to slip when in use.
PROS
- Resharpenable and replaceable blades for multi season use
- Work well for woody and dry growth
- Longer handles for ease of use
- Limited lifetime warranty
CONS
- Poor blade quality
- Handles slip when in use
Features
- A fast recharging pruner that recharges in 65 minutes
- The cordless aspect means that it is portable and convenient
- Handles a variety of applications from green to wood
- Safety switch to prevent accidental cuts
A rechargeable power pruner that enables easier and faster cutting action. A 3.6-Volt, 2000 mash cordless rechargeable power pruner that trims branches up to 0.5 inches thick. It is versatile and handles green wood and stems all the way to branches and twigs. It has a good battery life of 750 cuts and a fast recharge in approximately 65 minutes.
WHAT WE LIKE
The fact that this is a cordless power pruner makes it portable and convenient to use. Since it is battery powered it means you won’t strain your hands while doing your garden work. The fast recharge feature means it can be used quickly after a short recharge period. Ideal for people who have arthritis or carpal tunnel as it is easier on the hands and wrists.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
It sadly does not cut up to the diameter as advertised and jams if you attempt to cut anything slightly thicker. The blades stop working after light use and it is no longer operational. It is not the lightest tool and as a result may not be used by everyone easily.
PROS
- Convenient cordless power pruner
- Battery powered for portability
- Quick recharge feature
- Ideal for people with arthritis and carpal tunnel
CONS
- Does not cut up to diameter as advertised
- Not lightweight and difficult for some to handle
Features
- Easy to use ideal for plants, flowers and bushes
- Safety lock ensures safety when not in use
- Shock absorbing rubber to reduce strain when cutting
- Ergonomic designed handles make them comfortable to use
These lightweight professional pruners are ideal for smaller applications. The safety lock feature enables safe storage of the pruners. They contain lightweight high quality stainless steel blades for easy pruning and cleaning maintenance. This model is ideal for small hands and easy to use.
WHAT WE LIKE
The small size and lightweight trimmers make them easy to use. The lock mechanism is a nice safety feature that ensures the pruners are stored safely when not in use. The wrist strap is very convenient and enables you to keep track of the pruners without having to physically hold onto them. They are a very affordable option and great value for the price.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The coil spring in this pruner is not great; it pops out easily and leaves them useless after this happens. The blades are not particularly sharp and cannot handle even smaller tasks as advertised.
PROS
- Small size and lightweight
- Lock mechanism for safe storage
- Convenient wrist strap
- Affordable option
CONS
- Coil spring is weak and breaks easily
- Blades are not very sharp
Final Verdict
When it comes to finding the perfect pruning shears you need to find something that suits your needs. You may only need light pruning, then a smaller inexpensive option would probably suit you.
If you have a massive garden and need something that can handle heavy duty pruning then you may need to make a more substantial investment in a higher quality pruner to stand up to the task. We have reviewed a number of options that fit both these bills. Our top recommendation has to be the ARS HP-VS8XR Rotating Handle Hand Pruner.
This pruner is by far the superior option to handle a variety of cutting needs. While this is a more expensive option it is definitely an investment in your garden maintenance. The blades are chrome plated to prevent rust and sap build up as well as maintain blade sharpness.
A unique latch lock design enables one handed use in either hand adding to its appeal. The ergonomic non-slip rotating handles means you can cut with ease and without straining your wrist.
The rotating action can be a bit difficult to get used to but once you have it, you will tackle your pruning with ease. This is a high quality and well made pruner that maintains blade sharpness after repeated use. Overall this is an amazing pruner option that will have your garden looking well cut and healthy in no time.
