When it comes to essential items for any good gardener, a good pair of pruning shears or secateurs is on that list. Whether you’re growing fruits or flowers, regular pruning is vital for plant health.
Especially as we move into the colder months, plants like the Black Cherry Tree prefer being pruned in the winter time. Follow our tool buyer’s guide to the best pruning shears on market and learn how to use and care for them effectively.
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What are Pruning Shears?
Pruning shears or secateurs are used for everyday trimming of branches and stems. Regular pruning will help stimulate plant growth, prevent the spread of pests and diseases whilst allowing you to maintain plant shape and size.
Most garden plants require thorough pruning at some point in the year. A solid set of secateurs should be able to easily cut through branches as thick as ¾-inches.
The sharp blades and spring mechanism allow you to trim and prune effortlessly. When it comes to cutting larger branches, you can use the ‘rule of thumb’, anything that is thicker than your average thumb will likely blunt your shears.
For bigger pruning activities consider using a regular hand saw or investing in an electric pruning saw. Wondering whether you can just use scissors for pruning? The answer is, not really, no.
General use scissors won’t provide a clean cut, which is essential to prune properly. Plus, it may exert excessive pressure on your hands.
What are the Best Pruning Shears?
Which pruning shears you choose will depend on your preference and needs. Different blade types will offer different types of cuts. Plus, many brands offer advanced handles and lock-safety mechanisms.
Investing in the right kind of shears, and looking after them correctly, will guarantee many years of use. This is why shears made from solid materials are highly recommended.
You will want to avoid plastic as they simply don’t last as long. More importantly, you’ll want to ensure the shear blades are made from a solid, sharp steel.
When it comes to maintenance, powder coated steel blades offer the easiest clean as opposed to its counterparts.
When it comes to blade materials, you’ll want to consider:
- Stainless Steel. This is the most common shear variety available as it’s great for everyday cutting.
- Carbon Steel. Carbon steel is far stronger than stainless steel, however, it has been known to rust.
- Titanium Coated. This is perhaps the way to go, as it’s one of the strongest blade materials which isn’t prone to rust.
The manufactured shape and blade mechanism are equally as important as the blade materials. You will find the two most common types are bypass or anvil.
Anvil vs Bypass Pruners
Besides the blade shape, the type of cut is the most defining difference between anvil and bypass pruners. Bypass shears are the most common on the market.
Bypass pruning shears function like scissors, where the two sharp blades slice through material. With shears, you’ll find that the bottom blade also functions to keep the branch or stem in place as you cut.
Bypass shears are best for:
- Making easy, clean cuts on plants, shrubs and other everyday plants.
- Getting into tighter spots to prune.
Anvil pruning shears work slightly differently. Anvil shears will have a sharp upper blade and a blunt lower blade, which gives them a lot more power. Unfortunately, the cut won’t be as clean.
Anvil shears are best for:
- Cutting thicker branches that require more power.
- Cutting through dead branches and foliage.
Best Hand Pruners on the 2024 Market
Thinking of investing in a good pair of secateurs or just wanting to upgrade from an old, blunt pair? Here’s a look at our 7 top picks when it comes to best pruning shears in 2024:
1. Gonnic 8” Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
Source: Amazon
These are a premium choice when it comes shears. With premium titanium steel, you can enjoy easy, effortless cutting of branches as big as ¾ inches.
Top Features
- Carefully designed ergonomic, non-slip handle great for users, even those with smaller hands.
- It’s lightweight and durable.
- It has a sap groove which makes for easy cleaning and care.
- Each pair undergoes strict quality control, so you’re guaranteed a perfect partner for your garden work.
2. Fiskar’s Steel Bypass Pruning Shears
Source: Amazon
These simple yet effective shears offer great value. An ideal option for everyday use, these bypass shears are ideal for cutting stems and smaller branches.
Equipped with an easy-open lock, you can make sure your blade stays sharp when not in use. Plus, this handy little pair of shears comes with a lifetime warranty.
Top Features
- Precision-ground steel blades which can stay sharp even through heavy use.
- A low friction blade coating which prevents the build-up of sap and debris.
- Self-cleaning sap groove.
- Comfort-focused non-slip handles.
3. Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner
Source: Amazon
One of Amazon’s highest rated hand pruners, the Felco F-2 is a great option for gardeners wanting some general use secateurs. These are of the anvil blade variety, with a hardened bolt and nut allowing the anvil blades to adjust.
It’s ideal pruner for lighter cutting and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. With high-quality hardened steel blades and lightweight metal handles, you’ll enjoy years of happy cutting.
Top Features
- Strong blade with wire cutting notch.
- Sap groove.
- Forged aluminum steel, revolving handles.
- Ergonomic cushioned-shock absorber.
4. Vremi Garden Pruning Shears
Source: Amazon
These 9-inch long garden shears are a handy tool to keep your plants happy. With classic bypass design, it’s ideal for indoor and outdoor pruning.
With precision ground blades, and intuitive safety lock design, you can enjoy clean, clear cuts. Plus, it has a specialized heavy duty, rust proof coating.
Top Features
- Ergonomic comfort grip handles.
- Razor sharp blades.
- Precise clipper action control.
- Lightweight design.
5. Vivosun 6.5 Inch Gardening Hand Pruner
Source: Amazon
This handy-sized pair of garden shears come with super-sharp, micro tip snips and spring-action to ease hand fatigue. It’s a great option for roses, annuals and vegetables.
It has a super safe sideways locking mechanism to keep your blades protected when not in use.
Top Features
- Premium stainless steel, precision sharpened blades.
- Narrow tip to make for easy cutting in narrow areas.
- Comfort grip, great for those with carpal tunnel or arthritis.
6. ToolZyz Pruning Shears Hand Pruner
Source: Amazon
Another premium choice offered by Amazon is the TOOLZYZ Pruning shears, built by designers and craftsmen for ideal multi-function use.
Boasting a cutting size of up to 1-inch, these powerful pruning shears come with chrome plating and corrosion resistant SK-5 steel blades. It’s ideal for hedges and outdoor garden use.
Top Features
- Ergonomic design catering to both right and left handed people.
- Durable, rubber anti-slip handle.
- Lightweight for ease of use.
7. Vannect Bypass Pruning Shears
Source: Amazon
One of the best secateurs that offers high quality performance. With a 30-degree handle angle and labor-saving spring, it’s an ideal option for those with weaker grips.
It has a multi-functional, ergonomic design that offers lightweight use.
Top Features
- Durable SK-5 Steel blades.
- Anti-Rust and Corrosion resistant steel.
- One-hand locking mechanism.
- Lifetime warranty.
How Do I Choose Pruning Shears?
With so many great options on market, it’s hard to know exactly which will be just right. While features like a life-time warranty are great, you’ll want to ensure durability vs cost and that all comes down to materials and manufacturing.
Here are 4 Key factors you should consider before buying:
1. Type
- Which type of shears you want will depend on what you need them for.
- Bypass pruning shears are great for general use.
- Anvil pruning shears are better for gardens with larger plants and foliage.
- Some gardeners choose to have one of each, so they’re got the right tool for any task.
2. Design
- Consider whether the shears come with an ergonomic design or specialized hand grips.
- Do your shears offer a specialized design or mechanism that make them easy to use without too much effort?
3. Size & Weight
- Heavy-duty pruning shears will have a lot more weight to them, which can begin to strain the hand.
- For everyday use, it is recommended to find a lightweight option that allows you to make multiple cuts without fatigue.
4. Easy Clean
- Some pruning shears will come with a clever sap groove which avoids sap getting stuck in the shear mechanism or on the blades.
- Secateurs with a non-stick coating are also far easier to clean.
How to Clean & Take Care of Pruning Shears?
Once you’ve chosen and purchased your pruning shears, it’s important to take care of them properly to maintain blade sharpness and improve tool longevity.
It is recommended to clean your pruning shears after every use to avoid any sap or debris build up. More so, when working with diseased plants or pest-ridden plants, sanitizing your shears can help prevent spread.
Residual sap can be easily removed with a fine grade steel wool so as not to affect the finish of your sheers. Ensure you dry your shears properly after cleaning.
It is also recommended to spray your pruning shears regularly with a biodegradable lubricant. When storing your secateurs, be sure that they are kept somewhere dry and indoors, like a shed or garage. Moisture may cause your shears to rust.
For more tools essential to gardening, here's our list of best lawn care tools for gardeners.
Wrapping Up Best Pruning Shears Guide
So, there you have it. Everything you need to know when looking for the best pruning shears in 2024. Always be sure to check both the handle and blade materials, to ensure they are solid and won’t give way in time.
Be sure to care for your pruning shears properly after purchase to make sure you really get value for money and can enjoy many years of easy, effortless pruning.
I worked in a garden centre over 30 years ago, and always carried a pair of Felco #2 shears on my belt. They’re some of the best constructed shears I’ve seen and stand up to the wear and usage in a nursery setting.
The best part, is the parts are easily replaced in a few minute with simple tools you’ll have at home. I’m on my 3rd cutting blade after using them while working. Now I’m out of the garden business but my pair is still used weekly around home.