Clean Up Your Tree Using the Best Pruning Shears in 2022
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Felco F-8 Classic Pruning Shears -
Felco F-6 Classic Pruning Shears -
Barnel 8-Inch Aluminum Straight Blade Garden Ratchet Hand Pruning Shears -
Bahco Ergo Bypass Pruning Shears -
Fiskars 7943 Softgrip Bypass Pruner -
Buyer's Guide
Pruning shears have been in use for centuries. They are the basic tool for cutting branches from trees, removing errant twigs from bushes or shrubbery, or trimming back shoots from grapes and berry bushes, among others. Because these are hand-operated tools, ergonomics is the most important aspect to making the top of this list followed by durability and ease of cutting. Price wasn't considered in these selections because the best pruners will give you the easiest cutting ability while being comfortable, regardless of how much they cost. Either way, there will most certainly be a pair of shears on this list that will serve your needs; read on to use our buying guide to pick the right one for you!
The Top Five Shears for Pruning
Felco F-8 Classic Pruning Shears - Best Pruning Shears Overall
Ergonomics make any pruner the easiest and best pruner available, and the Felco F-8 Classic Pruner with Comfortable Ergonomic Design is one of the best ergonomically designed pruners there is. Not only is it comfortable and easy to use, but it has Swiss hardened carbon steel blades that make any pruning chore a snap. They have a sap groove, that allows the sap to drain away and not clog up the blade mechanism, an integrated wire cutter and the blades are adjustable for precise cuts. They will easily cut 1-inch thick branches while keeping your hand comfortable the entire time. None are better, and this Felco proves it.
Felco F-6 Classic Pruning Shears - Runner Up
When you make the best pruner available, why rest on your laurels? The Felco F-6 Classic Pruner For Smaller Hands gives you everything that the top rated pruner gives you except that it will fit smaller hands better. In essence, these pruners are geared towards men with a smaller hand size and most women will feel comfortable with these in their grasp. This makes them incredibly ergonomic for those that use them, they have a cushioned grip, a sap groove and the handles optimize the cutting force. These are as good or better than the top rated pruners, and if they weren't designed for a specific hand size, they would be #1.
Barnel 8-Inch Aluminum Straight Blade Garden Ratchet Hand Pruning Shears - Honorable Mention
This is the most bang for the buck pruner on this list. The Barnel B888 8-Inch Aluminum Straight Blade Garden Ratchet Hand Pruner has a ratchet action that allows your hand to rest while keeping the cutting force directly on the item to be pruned. The ergonomic handle and cushioned inserts fit smaller hands well, the aluminum straight blade makes them light and comfortable to use, and they are relatively inexpensive for everything you get. They give you a 7/8-inch cutting width, and if there weren't any Felco pruners listed, these would be at the top of the heap.
Bahco Ergo Bypass Pruning Shears - Consider
The Bahco Ergo Bypass Pruner PX-M2 has an ergonomically designed slanted handle to keep your arm and wrist from tiring during all of your pruning tasks. Rated to cut up to 3/4-inch material, the grips are designed for medium sized hands, which means that it will fit a majority of the people that use them. Fiberglass reinforced plastic handles assure lightness and durability, and the upper handle has a soft grip for added comfort. These pruners might be characterized as a one-size-fits-most design, and although not inexpensive, they will be adequate for most pruning tasks.
Fiskars 7943 Softgrip Bypass Pruner - Best Pruning Shears
This is the least expensive pruner on the list, but if you want a decent pruner at the best price, the Fiskars 7943 Softgrip Bypass Pruner is the one for you. The soft grips mean comfort, the hardened blade means ease of cutting and the handles are made to fit small to medium sized hands. It's FiberComp construction-reinforced fiberglass composite material gives you durability and a light weight to reduce fatigue, and the 5/8-inch cutting width will tackle most pruning chores. For most suburbanites, you won't need a better pruner than this one.
Buyer's Guide
When it comes to maintaining your garden, pruning shears indeed help you with your plants' unruly clutter and dried-out branches. However, choosing a high-quality pruning shear is not as easy as it sounds. No need to worry! This comprehensive guide breaks down all the factors that you need to care about when it comes to picking a pair out.
Why Get A Pruning Shear?
A good pair of pruning shears come in handy when you want to maintain and trim the shrubs and bushes in your garden. Let's take a look at a bunch of reasons that make the best pruning shear worth a shot. Here we go!
Improve the lifespan of your plants
Though you know how important it is to prune your garden, some additional benefits of getting a pruning share. The tangled bushes can come in the way of plants' growth habits, and the neglected dead branches will ultimately kill your plants. But extensive pruning helps them to rejuvenate and prolong their life.
Promotes healthy fruit and veggie growth
Unkempt and loose hanging branches can come in the way of healthy fruit production. So, what is the point of having a garden which will only give you eyesores? It is a no-brainer that a well-pruned garden will ultimately ensure better growth of fruits and veggies production.
More access to sunlight and air
Just like humans need oxygen to survive, plants also need access to sunlight and air for healthy and denser growth. Pruning helps the sunlight penetrate right into the roots of plants and attain more access to air. With pruning shears, deciduous shrubs won't come in the way of photosynthesis.
Types of Pruning Shears
Pruning shears are the most commonly used item for deadheading, trimming, and cutting bushes in an attractive and orderly manner. Surprisingly, there is more than one type of pruning shear for slightly different use.
Bypass pruners
Bypass pruners are generally the most versatile and easy-to-use pruners to trim your plants. Bypass pruners work like a pair of scissors, and the two blades pass each other and cut down the material like twigs and neglected overgrown bushes. They are the perfect tool for a novice gardener and get into tight spots easily.
Anvil pruners
On the other hand, anvil pruners are heavy-duty pruning tools that are relatively difficult to use. They have one sharp blade and a blunt lower blade. To give you a clear idea, the functionality of an anvil blade is similar to a knife and cutting board. They are practically helpful for cutting thick bushes and foliage.
Ratchet pruning shears
The third distinctive type is for a gardener with poor hand mobility. The ratchet pruning shear works on the unique mechanism of release and squeeze and requires multiple actions to perform a single cut. These are the best pruning shears to use for an extended period and reduce the chance of susceptible injury while pruning.
The Most Important Features to Look For
You might still be wondering how to get your hands on the best pruning shear. Well, keep the following features in mind as they will surely aid in making the right purchase.
High-quality, sharp blades
One of the most important features to look for is a high-quality, sharp blade. Look for stainless steel sharp blades that will make a perfect cut in one precise motion. Or, you can also choose carbon steel blades coated with titanium for better corrosion resistance and durability.
Ergonomic design
Look for an anti-slip handle that will aid during prolonged use of pruning shear. An easy-to-use pruning shear will also save you from wrist strain, whereas heavy-duty pruning spears make your task 10 times more difficult. A pruning shear with an ergonomic design will give you a firm hand grip.
Safe to use
As we know that pruning blades are very sharp and made especially for thorny and thick bushes. A safety feature like a locking mechanism locks down the blade after use and can save you from any kind of accidental damage.
Easy to clean
Remember to get a pruning shear which you can clean easily after working with them. A lot of dirt and grime can affect the quality of your blades. Make sure that blades are appropriately coated and can be cleaned easily without disassembling them.
Price Range
Your budget is a crucial element while making any purchase. But we still have got your back. A standard pruning shear comes in the range of $40 to $50 and will get the job done for you. This pruning shear will work effectively on small branches and plants. Or, you can get a high-quality bypass pruner from any well-known brand in the range of $1000to $2500 to prune large trees and thick bushes. Trust me, these pruners are worth every penny and, with proper maintenance, will last for a lifetime.
People Also Ask
Q: How often should I sharpen my pruning blades?
A: As with any gardening tool, pruning blades should be sharpened every six to eight weeks. Use diamond files to sharpen your pruning shears as they are inexpensive and easy to use.
Q: Which season is best suited for pruning?
A: Dormant pruning should be done occasionally, whereas the best time to prune your trees is late winter or early spring. You can also do light to moderate pruning every 3 to 6 months to keep them well maintained. However, avoid pruning the plants during autumn when leaves are leafing out.
Q: Can you use oil for pruning shear?
A: Using oil is one of the most efficient and effective ways to prevent the pruning shears from rust and unnecessary damage. Not only that, but it also helps to lubricate the spring strength.
Q: Is hydrogen peroxide safe for pruning shears?
A: Both Lysol and hydrogen peroxide is safe for pruning shears. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a great disinfectant for tools and equipment. Place a bottle of Lysol or hydrogen peroxide with gardening tools to properly sterilize pruning shears.
