A high-quality pair of pruning shears are an essential tool for any gardener, whether you’re a professional landscaper or a casual enthusiast. Pruning shears help maintain the health and appearance of your plants, allowing you to trim away dead, damaged, or overgrown branches with precision and ease.
The Best Pruning Shears in 2024: Our Top 5
With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect pair of pruning shears for your needs. That’s why we’ve researched and tested numerous products to bring you our top picks for the best pruning shears for gardening in 2024. In this guide, we’ll discuss the key features and benefits of each product, as well as what to look for when choosing the right pruning shears for you.
Fiskars PowerGear 2 Steel Pruning Shears
What We Like
- PowerGear patented gear technology for increased leverage and cutting power
- Durable steel construction
- Contoured handles for a comfortable grip
- The easy-to-clean, corrosion-resistant coating on blades
What We Don’t Like
- May be difficult for those with smaller hands to use
- Not ideal for very thick branches
The Fiskars PowerGear 2 Steel Pruning Shears are a versatile and reliable option for both professional and amateur gardeners. These shears feature Fiskars’ patented PowerGear technology, which provides increased leverage and cutting power, making it easier to cut through branches with less effort. The durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance, while the corrosion-resistant coating on the blades allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
These pruning shears are designed with contoured handles, providing a comfortable grip for extended periods of use. The handles also feature a rolling mechanism that helps reduce hand fatigue, making them suitable for gardeners who suffer from arthritis or other hand issues.
One drawback of the Fiskars PowerGear 2 Steel Pruning Shears is that they may be difficult for those with smaller hands to use comfortably. Additionally, these shears may struggle with cutting very thick branches, so they may not be the best choice for gardeners with large trees or shrubs to prune.
Felco 2 Pruners Classic F2 Manual Pruning Shears
What We Like
- High-quality Swiss craftsmanship
- Strong and sharp hardened steel blades
- Ergonomic, non-slip handles for comfortable use
- Easily adjustable and replaceable parts
What We Don’t Like
- Higher price point compared to other options
- May be too large for users with smaller hands
The Felco 2 Pruners Classic F2 Manual Pruning Shears are renowned for their exceptional Swiss craftsmanship and top-notch performance. These pruning shears feature strong, sharp hardened steel blades that easily cut through branches with precision. The ergonomic, non-slip handles ensure a comfortable grip, making them suitable for extended use.
One of the standout features of the Felco 2 Pruners is their easily adjustable and replaceable parts, allowing you to maintain optimal performance and prolong the life of your shears. However, the high-quality materials and construction do come with a higher price point compared to some other options on the market.
While the Felco 2 Pruners are an excellent choice for many gardeners, those with smaller hands may find them difficult to use comfortably due to their size. Despite this, their durability and performance make them a popular choice among professionals and serious gardeners.
Gonicc Pruners Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
What We Like
- Titanium-coated SK-5 steel blades for extra durability and sharpness
- Ergonomically designed handles with non-slip rubber grips
- Sap groove to prevent sticking
- Affordable price for the quality
What We Don’t Like
- May not be as durable as some higher-priced options
- Maximum cutting capacity is smaller than other pruning shears
Gonicc Pruners Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears offer a reliable and affordable option for gardeners who want a high-quality tool without breaking the bank. These pruning shears feature titanium-coated SK-5 steel blades that are both sharp and durable, making them perfect for cutting through branches with ease. The ergonomically designed handles come with non-slip rubber grips, ensuring a comfortable and secure hold during use.
One unique feature of the Gonicc Pruners is the sap groove, which helps prevent the blades from sticking when cutting through sappy branches. This design detail makes pruning a more efficient and enjoyable task.
While the Gonicc Pruners offer excellent performance for their price, they may not be as durable as some higher-priced options on the market. Additionally, their maximum cutting capacity is smaller than other pruning shears, which may limit their effectiveness for those with larger plants to maintain.
ARS HP-VS8Z Heavy-Duty Pruning Shears
What We Like
- High carbon steel blades for exceptional sharpness and durability
- Ergonomic handles with a comfortable, non-slip grip
- Chrome-plated blades for rust and sap resistance
- Easy-to-use locking mechanism
What We Don’t Like
- May be more expensive than other options
- Some users may find the handles too large
The ARS HP-VS8Z Heavy Duty Pruning Shears are a top choice for gardeners who need a robust and reliable tool for heavy-duty pruning tasks. These shears feature high carbon steel blades that provide exceptional sharpness and durability, allowing you to cut through even the toughest branches with ease. The ergonomic handles are designed with a comfortable, non-slip grip, ensuring a secure hold during use.
In addition to their high-quality construction, the ARS HP-VS8Z Pruning Shears also come with chrome-plated blades that resist rust and sap, making maintenance a breeze. The easy-to-use locking mechanism adds an extra layer of safety and convenience.
While the ARS HP-VS8Z Heavy Duty Pruning Shears are an excellent option for many gardeners, they may come with a higher price tag than other models. Some users may also find the handles too large for their hands, making them less comfortable to use for extended periods.
Felco 6 Pruners Classic F6 Manual Pruning Shears
What We Like
- A compact design ideal for smaller hands
- Swiss-made quality and precision
- Hardened steel blades for clean and precise cuts
- Ergonomic, non-slip handles
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly more expensive than other options
- Not suitable for heavy-duty pruning tasks
The Felco 6 Pruners Classic F6 Manual Pruning Shears are specifically designed for gardeners with smaller hands who want a high-quality tool for their pruning tasks. These Swiss-made shears maintain the same exceptional quality and precision as other Felco models, with hardened steel blades that provide clean and precise cuts.
The Felco 6 Pruners feature ergonomic, non-slip handles that offer a comfortable grip, making them ideal for extended use. The compact design of these shears makes them perfect for users who find larger pruning shears challenging to handle.
While the Felco 6 Pruners offer excellent performance, they are slightly more expensive than some other options on the market. Additionally, these pruning shears may not be suitable for heavy-duty pruning tasks due to their smaller size. However, for those with smaller hands seeking a high-quality tool, the Felco 6 Pruners are a top choice.
Different Types of Pruning Shears
When choosing the best pruning shears for your gardening needs, it’s essential to understand the different types available. The two most common types of pruning shears are bypass and anvil.
- Bypass Pruners: Bypass pruners feature two curved blades that work like a pair of scissors, with one sharp blade passing by the other. These pruners are ideal for making clean, precise cuts on live branches, as they reduce the risk of crushing or damaging plant tissue. Most of our top picks, including the Fiskars PowerGear 2, Felco 2, Gonicc Pruners, and Felco 6, are bypass pruners.
- Anvil Pruners: Anvil pruners have a straight, sharp blade that cuts against a flat, wide anvil. These pruners work well for cutting dead or dry branches, as they provide more power to make the cut. However, they may crush live branches, making them less suitable for delicate pruning tasks.
Understanding the differences between bypass and anvil pruners can help you choose the right tool for your specific gardening needs and ensure your plants remain healthy and well-maintained.
What To Look For in Pruning Shears
When selecting the best pruning shears, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you choose a tool that meets your needs and provides long-lasting, reliable performance. Here are some key features to look for:
- Blade Material: High-quality steel blades, such as those found in our top picks, offer excellent sharpness and durability, ensuring clean cuts and long-lasting performance.
- Ergonomic Design: Comfortable, non-slip handles with an ergonomic design can help reduce hand fatigue and make it easier to use the shears for extended periods.
- Cutting Capacity: Consider the maximum cutting capacity of the pruning shears, as this will determine the size of branches they can handle. Ensure the shears you choose are suitable for the types of plants you have in your garden.
- Adjustability and Maintenance: Some pruning shears, like the Felco models, feature adjustable and replaceable parts, allowing you to maintain optimal performance and prolong the life of your shears.
- Price: While it’s crucial to invest in a high-quality tool, consider your budget when selecting the best pruning shears. There are excellent options available at various price points, so choose one that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect pair of pruning shears to keep your garden looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Honest Gardening, we tend to get a lot of questions. Most of them are from site visitors wanting to ensure that the selected products fit their unique needs. Below are some of the most often-asked questions when it comes to finding the best pruning shears.
How do I clean and maintain my pruning shears?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your pruning shears in optimal condition. After each use, wipe the blades with a cloth to remove any sap or debris. Periodically, you may need to clean the blades more thoroughly with warm soapy water and a brush.
Dry them thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Additionally, sharpen the blades as needed to maintain their cutting performance. For pruning shears with adjustable parts, such as the Felco models, check and adjust the tightness of the screws regularly.
Can I use pruning shears to cut through dead wood?
While bypass pruning shears, like most of our top picks, are designed for cutting live branches, they can still handle dead wood. However, anvil pruners are generally better suited for cutting dead or dry branches, as they provide more power to make the cut.
It’s important to choose the right type of pruning shears for the task at hand to ensure clean cuts and prevent damage to your plants or the tool.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my pruning shears?
ASigns that it may be time to replace your pruning shears include difficulty cutting through branches, blades that no longer align correctly, or excessive wear and damage to the tool’s components. Some pruning shears, like the Felco models, have replaceable parts, which can extend the life of the tool.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and sharpening, can also help prolong the life of your pruning shears.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pruning Shears
Choosing the best pruning shears for your gardening needs is crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your plants. Our top picks, including the Fiskars PowerGear 2 Steel Pruning Shears, Felco 2 Pruners Classic F2 Manual Pruning Shears, and Gonicc Pruners Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears, offer a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
By considering factors such as blade material, ergonomic design, and cutting capacity, you can find the perfect tool to help you keep your garden looking its best. Happy pruning!