What Are The Best Garden Shears?

Every gardener needs at least one quality pair of shears for their garden. Pruning shears make it possible to clean up your plants, remove dead blossoms, cut flowers, shape bushes, and so much more. We have compiled a review of five of the best products on the market.

We'll share some of the features and benefits of each option to help you select the pair of shears that will best meet your gardening needs. Take a few minutes to read through our reviews, so you'll be prepared to make your purchase.

Top 5: Garden Shears Review

Felco F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner

The Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner can help you accomplish a variety of tasks in your garden. This option is made with forged aluminum handles and steel blades. These materials will help ensure that the shears are able to perform exactly how you need them to and cut through thicker stems and branches.

You'll also find that these are a very comfortable pair to hold. The handle revolves and is well-padded to ensure your comfort and absorb shock. The handle design also helps decrease the chance that you'll be injured when using this product.

The blade includes a sap groove and the shears have a hardened nut and bolt to keep the cutting and anvil blades in the correct place. This product also includes a notch for wire cutting.

If needed, you can individually replace each part on this pair of scissors. This will save you from needing to purchase a brand-new pair if one parts gets damaged or stops performing well. The manufacturer also offers a limited lifetime warranty with your purchase.

Pros

  • The shears are durable and designed with forged aluminum handles and steel blades.
  • The handles are padded and will absorb shocks.
  • A limited lifetime warranty protects your purchase.

Cons

  • This is the most expensive product on our list.
The Gardener's Friend Pruners

If you need to do a lot of pruning work at a time or have hand pain from arthritis or carpal tunnel, you'll love the Gardener's Friend Pruners. This pair uses a ratchet mechanism to decrease the work your hands need to do. This design makes them simple to use while still ensuring proper performance.

You can use this pair of shears to prune a variety of items in your garden. They are great to use on flowers, shrubs, and even trees. Their design allows them to cut everything ranging from a small blossom to branches up to one-inch thick.

This option was created by a group of professional gardeners. They wanted to create a product that would allow seniors and other individuals with mobility problems or hand pain to enjoy working in their gardens.

Pros

  • They use a ratchet mechanism to reduce the work your hands needs to do when you are pruning.
  • This is a great option for people with arthritis or other hand/wrist pain.
  • You can use this product for pruning lots of different items in your garden.

Cons

  • The blades don't stay sharp for as long as some other options.
Gonicc Professional Bypass Pruning Shears

The Gonicc Professional Bypass Pruning Shears are sure to be one of your well-loved gardening tools. This option is built to perform and includes a titanium steel blade with ultra-fine polishing technology and Teflon coating. This design helps ensure that the shears remain sharp and can prevent them from getting rusty.

You can use this pair to cut through branches that are up to ¾-inch thick. They have a sap groove design to prevent tree sap from making the shears too sticky.

The handles have been ergonomically designed to keep your hands comfortable as you work. They have a non-slip grip to keep the shears positioned correctly in your hands. The overall lightweight feel and design of this product will also help prevent hand fatigue when you are pruning for longer periods of time.

Pros

  • The blades have been polished using ultra-fine polishing technology and have a Teflon coating to keep them from rusting.
  • There is a non-slip grip on the handles.
  • The shears are lightweight and easy to use.

Cons

  • The padded foam material on the handle may absorb water or mud if you get it wet.
ClassicPRO Titanium Pruning Shears

Another great option for you to consider are the ClassicPRO Titanium Pruning Shears. These are a pair of bypass pruning shears, making them a good option for pruning live growths.

The blade on this product is designed to be very sharp and durable. It is made using Japanese-grade stainless steel. A protective titanium coating is added to the blade to reduce friction and provide protection against rust.

The handles of the shears are covered using padded shock absorbing pads. The padded design will keep your hands more comfortable as you work on pruning in your garden. The shears are designed to be used by individuals with medium or large hands and are designed to protect you from hand fatigue.

Another unique feature of this product is the micrometric adjustable system. This system allows you to manually adjust the alignment of the cutting blade. This will ensure you are able to perform the precise cuts you want to see with the shears.

The manufacturer of this product offers a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase, contact the company, and they will work with you to make it right.

Pros

  • The blades are durable and sharp.
  • You can manually adjust the cutting blade's alignment.
  • Shock absorbing pads cover the handles.

Cons

  • If you have smaller hands, these may not be the best option for you.
Fiskars Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snips

When precision is key, consider the Fiskars Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snips. This option features shorter, precision blades that will help you cut of small stem and growths in tighter spaces. These shears feature hardened, precious-ground stainless-steel blades that are designed to stay sharp even after many uses.

You'll find that this product is comfortable to hold and easy to use. The shears have an easy-action spring which will open the blades back up each time you make a cut. This will reduce fatigue and make it easier for you to complete the pruning that needs to be done.

The shears have been awarded the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use Commendation. This makes them a great option if you have arthritis or suffer from hand or wrist pain. The handle is also padded and includes softgrip touchpoints to keep your hands comfortable as you work.

A cover for the blade is included with your purchase to prevent accidental injuries when you are not using the shears.

Pros

  • You can use these to make more intricate or precise cuts in tighter spaces.
  • The blades open back up after each cut.
  • The shears have stainless-steel blades that will stay sharp even after repeated use.

Cons

  • These will not be a good option if you need to cut through thicker stems or branches.

Buying Guide

Finding a trusted pair of pruning shears to use in your garden is not always an easy task. There are different models and options to choose from, so you will want to think about the specific tasks you'll be using your shears for. Read through the next few paragraphs to help you select the right pair to meet your needs.

First, you should decide whether you want a pair of bypass shears, a pair of anvil shears, or a ratchet shear. With bypass shears, the blades operate like a pair of scissors. These shears are best suited for making close and precise cuts on live branches. They are not so good for cutting dry branches since the branches often get stuck between the blades.

A pair of anvil shears use a chopping action to cut through different materials. These are a good product to use when you are looking to cut through dry or dead branches. You don't want to use a pair of anvil shears on live branches because they may crush softer stems.

Ratchet shears work like a pair of anvil pruners. However, they have been designed to be easier to use for people with weak hands. This may also be a good option if you are planning to do a lot of work in your garden as they'll be more comfortable to use and easier on your hand and wrist.

Before making a purchase, you will also want to look for a pair of shears that is well padded and comfortable. Cushioning on the handles can reduce shock and keep your hands from getting too tired out or sore as you work.

Next, be sure to look for shears that are made using durable and quality materials. You want to make sure the blades are strong enough to handle the tasks you need them for. You also want to make sure that you won't need to replace your shears after a short period of time because they didn't hold up well enough.

Best Garden Shears

We think you'll be impressed by the performance of the Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner. This is a quality product backed by a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. The shears are built for dependable performance.

Felco F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner

They have steel blades and forged aluminum handles to help you cut through thicker branches or stems. They are also designed to be comfortable to hold with the cushioned handles and shock absorber.

The hardened nut and bolt work together to keep the blades in the optimal position for precise pruning and there is a sap groove in the anvil blade. You'll likely also find the wire cutting notch to be useful.

The manufacturer designed this product so that each individual part could be replaced without requiring you to purchase a whole new pair of shears.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are garden shears?

Garden shears are typically used to cut stems and branches up to a diameter of about ¾ inch. You should never use your shears cut large branches because you will ruin the blades. There are two basic types of garden shears: bypass pruners and anvil pruners.

  • Bypass Pruners

Bypass shears are preferred by many gardeners. Their pair of curved blades move past each other just like in scissors and hence the name ‘bypass’. The sharp blade moves by the thicker unsharpened blade, thus allowing you to get a clean cut.

  • Anvil Pruners

These shears cut in a way similar to a knife on a chopping board. There is a straight blade that closes into an anvil, which is a flat edge. Anvil shears are slightly heavier than bypass shears, and getting them into tight areas can be tricky. There is a third type of garden shears, ratchet pruners, but it is more of an anvil pruner, rather than a class on its own.

  • Ratchet Pruners.

These shears utilize a better mechanism to make the work of cutting tough branches easier. The ratchet shears latch after squeezing them hence allowing to release and squeeze again. The cut is performed in easier steps instead of one go. Its features make it suitable for individuals without strong wrist and also in cutting thicker stems.

What are garden shears used for?

You'll use a pair of pruning shears for a variety of tasks in your garden. Shears can help you clean up your plants and remove dead blooms or unwanted leaves. They can also be used to cut flowers from your garden or trim your bushes to improve their shape.

How should you take care of pruning shears?

Taking proper care of your shears is important. You want to keep them clean and prevent them from rusting. If your shears are not well-cared for, they may even spread bacteria and infect your plants.

To clean your shears, start with using soap, warm water, and a stiff brush to scrub off any sticky residue or dirt. If you notice any rust on the shears, you can buff it off using steel wool. After your shears have been cleaned and buffed (if needed), fill a small bucket or bowl with a mixture of water and one teaspoon of bleach. Place the blades in the bucket to soak for three minutes. This will help kill any bacteria left on the shears. Let them dry well, and then spray them with a lubricant oil to prevent rust.

Can I just use scissors instead of garden shears?

Scissors may work for cutting through some softer stems, but they aren't designed to complete all the tasks you'll want a pair of garden shears for. Garden shears will be necessary for pruning or cutting thicker stems, and you'll find that they are much easier to use when working in your garden.

How and when should you use shears in the garden?

Knowing when to use garden shears will depend on the task at hand and the type shears to be used. To get into tight spots, you will need bypass pruners which allow clean and closer cuts than anvil shears. The latter tend to crush branches and stems.

Bypass shears are better when used on tender and soft branches or flowers without causing any damage to the tissues. Anvil pruners, on the other hand, are suitable for dried out or dead branches.

To use the shears, hold them in your hand as you try them out to see if they are comfortable to use. You can also find ergonomic shears and those for smaller hands. Some manufacturers also make ambidextrous or left-handed garden shears.

You should also ensure the shears you choose can easily be dismantled to facilitate cleaning. The pair of garden shears selected should also have a catch or lock to make sure the blades are safe when closed and not in use, more so when there are young children around.

How do you sharpen garden shears?

Sharp garden shears will make your work easier than a pair of dull, rusty shears. Sharpening your shears can be done at home with a coarse or medium diamond hand file. The following steps will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Protecting yourself

  • Always put on protective gloves. You need to have your hands protected from the gardening shears while sharpening and cleaning them. A pair of thick leather gloves can go a long way in protecting you.
  • Wear safety goggles. Protecting your eyes should be a priority while sharpening your garden shears. Safety glasses prevent any shard of metal or rust from getting into your eyes while sharpening the shears.
  • Seek medical treatment in case of an injury. Handling some of the gardening tools can quickly get messy, especially the sharp cutting tools. You should seek medical attention immediately if you accidentally injure yourself while sharpening or cleaning pruning shears.

Step 2: Cleaning Shears

  • Scrub the blade of the shears with warm and soapy water. You should always wash your pruning shears before attempting to sharpen them. Add two teaspoons of dish soap into a sink or container full of warm water. Use a stiff brush to scrub each blade using the soapy water.
  • Rinse the blade thoroughly with cold and clean water after scrubbing all the debris. The clean water will ensure the blades are entirely free from soap.
  • Dry the blades using thick, dry clothing such as a towel. Use the towel to wipe the top and bottom blades dry. Caution should be taken when drying to avoid accidents.
  • Buff off any rust after you have washed and dried your garden shears. Examine the shears for rust and remove any before you start sharpening the blades. You can buff off the rust using a piece medium coarse steel wool. Rinse the blades once again and dry them using a towel.

Step 3: Sharpening the Blades

  • Secure the shears in a bench vise to make the sharpening process easy and safer. Open your garden shears wide and ensure the beveled edge of the cutting blade faces you.
  • Position the file. The file should be positioned against the cutting blade. It should also be at the same angle as the bevel throughout the sharpening process. Sharpen the blades using a medium or coarse diamond hand file.
  • Use a smooth single stroke to draw the file along the blade contour from the base to the tip. It should be done in the direction facing away from you. Moderate pressure should be applied to the file.
  • File the blades in single, smooth strokes until there is a sharp edge. The edge should be formed in about 10 to 20 strokes. You may need several minutes to get done.
  • File off the burrs on the backside of each blade after you have finished filing it. You will have to turn over the shears and remove the burrs with a few strokes on the backside. 

Step 4: Finish with some linseed oil.

It is crucial to wipe linseed oil over the blades after you are done with sharpening to prevent any rust on your garden shears. This can be achieved by dipping a soft towel in some linseed oil and wipe the towel gently over the blades. You can now store your shears the next use.

Final Consideration

The Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner is sure to live up to your expectations. Place your order today, and get to work with your new shears in your garden.

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