The 10 Best Pruning Shears of 2023

Photo: Haus & Garten

The pruning shear is one of the most practical gardening tools out there. It allows you to easily cut small branches with great accuracy.

This cutting tool is usually equipped with a spring system that keeps the jaws always open. When you press on the handle, it closes the upper jaw on the sharp anvil to cut the branch.

Furthermore, the pruning shear is extremely easy to use, and you do not need any advanced experience or skill to use it.

If you are fresh on the market for such a gardening tool, then our pruning shear review below contains some quality models.

10 Best Pruning Shears – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Fiskars All Steel (Affordable & High-Quality)	Affordable and value for money Made from hardened steel. Durable and long-lasting The blades are easy to sharpen Easy to use by absolute beginners
	2. Felco F-2 Classic (Versatile & Heavy-duty)	Can be used as a heavy-duty hand pruner Versatile. It has a wire-cutting notch Durable and comfortable metal handles Limited lifetime warranty by the manufacturer
	3. Gardenite GT-3142 (Excellent Price to Performance)	Great performance for the price Up to 5X more cutting power than a traditional hand pruner Easy to use locking mechanism
	4. Haus & Garten HG-TE (Lightweight & Maneuverable)	Lightweight at 4.5 ounces. Maneuverable The blade is durable with a titanium coating Equipped with a shock absorption pad
	5. Corona 3180D (Non-Stick Blade)	The blade has been designed in a way that it is non-stick Ergonomic handle Superior cutting capacity of 1-inch diameter
	6. Gonicc Professional GPPS-1003 (Extremely Comfortable Handle)	Comfortable handle with a thick foam layer The blades are easy to sharpen and made from titanium steel for durability Good maneuverability
	7. The Gardener’s Friend (Durable & Long-lasting)	Made from hardened carbon steel for durability Ratchet system makes it easy to cut tough branches Oiler on the handle for easy lubrication
	8. Haus & Garten HG-TC (Professional & High-quality)	Blade made from Japanese steel with titanium coating Heavy-duty cutting performance The large cutting diameter of 1 inch
	9. Vivosun Hand Pruner (Most Affordable & Lightweight)	Extremely affordable Very lightweight at 3.2 ounces. Highly maneuverable Easy to trim thin and soft branches
	10. Crenova Professional Hand Pruner (High-quality Spring Mechanism)	Heavy-duty spring mechanism The handle has a rubber coating for comfort The compact length of 8.3 inches

1. Fiskars All Steel – Affordable and High-Quality

Photo: Fiskars

• Cutting diameter: 5/8 inches
• Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Length: 10.8 inches
• Blade material: Hardened Steel

This Fiskars pruning shear is an excellent model to consider for those with a small budget. Indeed, this model is one of the best pruning shears when it comes to price.

Despite being low cost, it still does not sacrifice quality as it is made from a hardened steel metal that is durable and long-lasting. It also has an excellent high-quality build construction.

The blades of this pruning shear are made in such a way that it will not wear out quickly. You can also quickly and easily sharpen it with basic sharpening tools like a file and a sharpening stone.

And, this unit has the perfect size of 10.8 inches. At this size, it is maneuverable in any type of hand, whether you have small or large hands.

However, there are a few caveats with this model.

For one, it has a cutting diameter of 5/8 inches only. This is not the best we have seen but still more than adequate for trimming branches that are usually very small.

Also, the safety lock mechanism sometimes gets loose, so you will need to tighten it from time to time.

Pros:

• Affordable. Value for money
• Hardened steel build construction. Durable and long-lasting
• Blades are durable and easy to sharpen
• Easy to use by anyone

Cons:

• Small cutting diameter is only 5/8 inches
• The locking mechanism may easily get loose

2. Felco F-2 Classic – Versatile and Heavy-duty

Photo: Felco

• Cutting diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Length: 8.5 inches
• Blade material: Hardened Steel

The Felco F-2 Classic is a heavy-duty pruning shear that can be used to cut a wide range of branches not bigger than 1 inch in diameter. It also has a wire-cutting notch that makes it versatile. You can easily use it to cut metal fencing.

This model features a compact length of 8.5 inches. You will have no difficulty storing it in your pocket, and it will fit perfectly in the hand of a small person. The handle, as well as the whole shear is made from a hardened steel metal. So, it is very durable and long-lasting.

All parts of this pruning shear are easily accessible, and in case you need to perform maintenance or lubrication, you will have no difficulty disassembling it.

The only caveats we note with this model are its price. Indeed, this pruning shear is more expensive than the rest. However, keep in mind that you always get what you pay for. Also, the spare parts for this hand pruner are expensive to replace.

However, due to its heavy-duty build construction and versatility, this model remains one of the best hand pruners in this review.

Pros:

• Superior build construction from hardened steel
• Versatile. Includes a wire-cutting notch
• Comfortable and durable metal handles
• Comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer

Cons:

• The price. It is expensive
• Parts are expensive to replace

3. Gardenite GT-3142 – Excellent Price to Performance

Photo: Gardenite

• Weight: 8 ounces
• Length: 9.9 inches
• Blade material: Hardened Steel

The Gardenite GT-3142 is an affordable pruning shear that does not sacrifice quality. Indeed, this model has an excellent build quality from hardened steel. But above all, this is a performing hand pruner that can trim tough branches with ease.

Since this model uses a ratchet system, it amplifies the force at the blade area. This makes it easier for people like seniors will have weak hands to cut branches. In fact, the manufacturer claims that this hand pruner has 5X the power of a conventional pruning shear.

Moreover, the locking system is one of the easiest we have seen. Simply slide a button, and you immediately lock or unlock it. This will make it easier and safer to store in your pocket.

Clearly, there are many good things going on with this top-rated pruning shear. The only caveats we can note with this product are the lack of rubber coating on the handle.

It may get uncomfortable if used for an extended period because your hands come in direct contact with metal. Furthermore, the ratchet system is not heavy-duty and can break easily with daily use.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing. Value for money
• Good build construction. Made from hardened steel
• Uses a ratchet system. Up to 5X more powerful than a traditional pruner
• Easy to use locking mechanism

Cons:

• Lack of rubber coating on the handle for comfort
• The ratchet system is not heavy-duty

4. Haus & Garten HG-TE – Lightweight and Maneuverable

Photo: Haus & Garten

• Cutting diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 4.5 ounces
• Length: 10.7 inches
• Blade material: Japanese Stainless Steel

The Haus & Garten HG-TE is a hand pruner that is built to last. Indeed, this model is made from Japanese steel that is not only lightweight but also highly durable. But best, due to its low weight of 4.5 ounces, it is highly maneuverable.

If you must prune a lot of branches in your garden, then this model will not cause hand fatigue. Furthermore, it has a respectable cutting diameter of 1 inch, so it can prune almost any type of small branches out there.

In addition, there is a shock-absorbing pad and this model that makes it more comfortable to cut with. Also, the blade is quite durable as it is coated with a titanium finish. It will not dent or break easily.

The handle is large and ergonomic. You will have no problem holding this hand pruner regardless of your hand’s size.

All in all, this model is one of the best pruning shears on the market when it comes to weight and maneuverability.

The only problem we find with it is the price, which could have been a bit more competitive. And, this model does not come with an instructions manual which is a big downside for beginners.

Pros:

• Lightweight at 4.5 ounces. Highly maneuverable
• Good build construction blades that are titanium coated
• Equipped with a shock absorption pad
• Large and ergonomic handle

Cons:

• No instructions provided
• The price. It is more expensive than others

5. Corona 3180D – Non-Stick Blade

Photo: Corona

• Cutting diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Length: 8.5 inches
• Blade material: Forged Steel

The Corona 3180D is a unique bypass pruning shear. The blades of this unit have been specially treated and grooved in such a way that it will not stick. This is especially important when trimming branches that are known to produce gooey sap.

Moreover, this model has a heavy-duty build construction and made from forged steel. It can cut any type of twig, whether it is soft or tough, with great ease. Best, this model can cut large branches of up to 1 inch in diameter.

The handles are comfortable and coated with a soft rubbery material that makes it a pleasure to hold for an extended period. Also, one of the best things about this model is that you can purchase it in different diameter sizes to suit your needs.

The only issues are the blade is not very heavy-duty. But even with those small disadvantages, this model remains one of the best bypass pruning shears that you can buy.

Pros:

• The blade is grooved and non-stick
• Superior cutting capacity of 1 inch
• Ergonomic and comfortable handle

Cons:

• The blade is not very heavy-duty

6. Gonicc Professional GPPS-1003 – Extremely Comfortable Handle

Photo: Gonicc

• Cutting diameter: 3/4 inches
• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Length: 11.1 inches
• Blade material: Titanium Steel

When it comes to comfort, the Gonicc Professional GPPS-1003 is literally unbeatable. Indeed, this model has a thick layer of foam on its handle. That makes it incredibly easy and comfortable to hold even for an extended period.

This unit can cut branches with a diameter of up to 3/4 inches, which is not bad. Not the best we have seen, but it should be enough for most pruning purposes as most tree species in the garden have much smaller branch diameter than this.

Also, what we really like about this model are the blades. They are made from titanium steel with ultra-fine polishing technology. What this means is that not only are they heavy-duty and very durable, but you will have no problem sharpening them.

And due to its weight of 6.4 ounces, this model is lightweight and highly maneuverable. The only issue we have with it is that the nut that holds the blades together easily comes loose and may fall. You will need to frequently tighten it.

Pros:

• Thick foam on the handle for comfort
• Blades are made from titanium steel with ultra-fine polishing technology
• Fairly lightweight at 6.4 ounces. Good overall maneuverability

Cons:

• The not easily gets loose

7. The Gardener’s Friend – Durable and Long-lasting

Photo: The Gardener’s Friend

• Cutting diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Length: 8 inches
• Blade material: Hardened Carbon Steel

If you are looking for a highly durable and long-lasting model, then look no further. This unit is made from hardened carbon steel, which is very durable and long-lasting.

Also, the Gardener’s Friend is by far one of the easiest models to use by absolute beginners. This ease-of-use is mostly explained by the fact that it looks almost exactly like a pair of scissors. It is highly maneuverable and comfortable to hold.

Moreover, this model is equipped with a ratchet system that amplifies the force you apply on the handle. This is a feature that many seniors with weak hands will appreciate. It will be able to cut through tough branches not exceeding 1 inch with great ease.

The handle is quite large and ergonomic. It has been designed in a way to accommodate any type of hands, whether it is big or small. And for better ease of use, the handle contains a blade oiler for lubrication. Very neat!

At the end of the day, the only thing we don’t like about this top-rated pruning shear is its high price and that it is difficult to lock and unlock.

Pros:

• Made from hardened carbon steel. Durable and long-lasting
• Easy to use by absolute beginners
• Blade oiler on the handle
• Equipped with a ratchet system. Amplifies the force at the blade

Cons:

• It is a little expensive
• The locking mechanism is difficult to use

8. Haus & Garten HG-TC – Professional and High-quality

Photo: Haus & Garten

• Cutting diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Length: 10.5 inches
• Blade material: Japanese Steel

If you take pruning seriously, then the Haus & Garten HG-TC is an excellent choice. This is a professional grade hand pruner.

It has a high-quality blade made from Japanese steel with a titanium coating. Since this is a bypass pruner, it can easily be used as a heavy-duty pruning shear for daily use.

It has a cutting diameter of 1 inch, which is very respectable for a pruner that measures only 10.5 inches in length.

Furthermore, the length of 10.5 inches is ideal for those with small to medium-size hands.

The handle has a soft and anti-slip coating that makes it comfortable to hold. It is quite ergonomic, so it will not cause hand fatigue when held for an extended period. Those features easily make this model one of the best hand pruners out there.

In addition, general maintenance is very easy to perform on it. All vital components are easily accessible and can be removed and replaced if necessary.

The only caveats we can note with this pruner is that the locking mechanism can sometimes jam. Also, the spring mechanism requires frequent lubrication, or else it may be a bit difficult to press.

Pros:

• High-quality blade made from Japanese steel with titanium coating
• It can be used as a heavy-duty hand pruner
• The large cutting diameter of 1 inch
• Non-slip ergonomic handle that easily fits small to medium-size hands

Cons:

• The locking mechanism can sometimes jam
• Spring mechanism requires frequent lubrication

9. Vivosun Hand Pruner – Most Affordable and Lightweight Solution

Photo: Vivosun

• Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Length: 9.1 inches
• Blade material: Stainless Steel

If you really have a very small budget or trying to test how a pruning shear works, then the Vivosun Hand Pruner is right up your alley.

It is by far the best garden pruning shear when it comes to price and weight. Indeed, with its 3.2 ounces, this shear is also the most lightweight in this review.

Due to its low weight, it is highly maneuverable, and you can use it to cut small branches fast. The handle is ergonomic for a pruning shear in this price range. And with its sharp precision, you will be able to cut branches accurately.

You also have the possibility to purchase this model in a different color. You have the option between orange and blue.

However, a small caveat is that the blade is made from stainless steel, which is not the hardest metal out there.

But it can easily be sharpened and used to cut thin twigs easily. Also, you cannot use this pruning shear to cut thick and tough branches because it simply lacks the force or builds construction for it.

But for casual use, especially for trimming thin branches, this model is an excellent choice for anyone on a short budget.

Pros:

• The most affordable solution in this review
• Weighs only 3.2 ounces. Extremely lightweight
• The handle is ergonomic and comfortable to hold
• Long and thin blades make it easy to trim thin branches

Cons:

• Not for heavy-duty use
• It cannot be used to cut tough branches

10. Crenova Professional Hand Pruner – High-quality Spring Mechanism

Photo: Crenova

• Cutting diameter: 3/4 inches
• Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Length: 8.3 inches
• Blade material: Steel

This a Crenova hand pruner is a professional model with an excellent build construction. But what we like the most about this model is its superior spring mechanism. It has been built for heavy-duty usage as it can cope with a lot of pressure and will not rust over time.

Moreover, the build construction of this model is very good and made of steel. The handles have a comfortable rubber material that is anti-slip. You can use this pruning shear for an extended period and not feel discomfort.

Also, you have a locking mechanism that is very easy to activate. This will make it safer to store in your pocket when not in use.

We like the fact that it measures only 8.3 inches. At this size, it is perfect for both a person of average and small hands.

The only thing we didn’t like about this pruning shear is that the black coating on the blade can easily cheap over time. It doesn’t affect its performance, but it’s just nice to know.

Pros:

• Durable and heavy-duty spring mechanism
• Comfortable handle with a soft coating
• Excellent length of 8.3 inches. Fits well in an average size hand

Cons:

• The coating on the blade can easily chip off

How to Buy the Best Pruning Shear

Photo: Fiskars

1. Types of Pruning Shears

There are several types of pruning shears on the market. Here are a few of the most common ones that you will encounter.

Bypass: The bypass pruning shear is one of the most powerful types of hand pruners on the market.

It has 2 blades that use a spring-loaded mechanism to always keep the blades open.

Due to its shape, the bypass model is the best pruning shear you can buy for cutting small branches not bigger than 1 inch in diameter.

Anvil: The anvil pruning shear is very popular. It usually has sharp and long straight blades that resemble scissors.Because of its long blades, this type of pruning shear is usually best for cutting dead branches.

One of the main advantages of the anvil pruning shear is its ability to cut small branches fast. It is highly maneuverable.

If you have a lot of branches to cut, then this is the best type of pruning shear for the money.

Ratchet: As its name suggests, the ratchet pruning shear uses a ratchet system that amplifies the cutting power multiple times.The ratchet pruning shear looks very similar to the anvil model, but unlike the anvil, it can be used to make sectional cuts.And due to its high cutting power, this type of shear is best for heavy-duty cutting of tough branches and twigs.

2. Blade

Since the blade of the pruning shear does all the work and comes into direct contact with the branches, it needs to be made from a durable and heavy-duty material.

As far as possible, go with a pruning shear that has a blade made from at least hardened steel.

This material is very durable and will not dent easily. If you want absolute durability, then a blade made from carbon steel is the toughest.Furthermore, you will have no problem sharpening a blade made from both steel and carbon steel.

In addition, the coating is important because it adds an extra layer of durability to the blade. Some of the best blades for pruning shears have a titanium coat.

However, keep in mind that a blade made from steel will add considerably to the weight of the pruning shear.

If you want a lightweight and yet durable pruning shear, then it is perhaps best to go with a model made from Japanese steel.

Japanese steel is not as tough as carbon steel but more lightweight and easier to sharpen.

3. Availability of Replacement Parts

Since the pruning shear suffers from regular wear and tear, some of its parts will break down over time and require replacement.

To get the best user experience in the long term, go with a model that has spare parts readily available.

You should also ensure that the parts are easy to change using basic tools like a plier or screwdriver.

4. Locking mechanism

When not in use, you must have a way to lock your pruning shear, as this can be a very dangerous tool. Especially if it comes in the hand of children.

Therefore, your favorite pruning shear must be equipped with a locking mechanism that is easy to lock and unlock.

5. Spring

In order to make the act of cutting small branches easier, this tool is usually equipped with a spring-loaded mechanism.

This spring constantly keeps the blades apart from one another. Whenever you press on the handle, it compresses the spring, and it is this force that is transmitted to the blade for cutting.

To get a quality product, ensure that the spring is durable, made from quality metal, and does not corrode. You should also be able to easily access the spring for lubrication.

6. Size

The size of the pruning shear is another important aspect to consider.

You don’t want a pruning shear that is too big for your hands. In most cases and for most people, a shear with a length of around 10 inches is more than enough.

Anything bigger than that, and you will have difficulty holding it and cutting, especially if you have small hands.

7. Comfortable

Comfort is important in your pruning shear, especially if you plan to use it for an extended period.

Ensure that your chosen model comes with an ergonomic handle with a soft rubber finish. This will make it more comfortable to hold.

Additionally, to get a comfortable experience, the spring-loaded mechanism must not be too stiff.

If you don’t like pressing too hard on your pruning shear, then it is best to go with a ratchet pruning shear.

The ratchet system amplifies the cutting force making it easier to cut tough branches.

How to Sharpen and Clean the Pruning Shear

Photo: Felco

A sharp pruning shear is very important if you want to have the best experience when cutting branches. Here is how to sharpen and clean your pruning shear:

1. File

Filing is a basic sharpening method normally used to sharpen woodworking tools.

Start by using a coarse file and push it in the same direction as the blade. Once you get a bright metal color, you can switch to the sharpening stone to get that extra sharp edge.

Note that you should sharpen both the fixed anvil (bottom blade) and the top blade for the best result.

2. Sharpening Stone

The sharpening stone is what will make the blade very sharp. Use the stone to gently rub in the same direction of the blade edge. You should immediately start seeing results.

You can check the sharpness of your pruning shear by touching the blade with your fingers.

3. Steel Wool

Now that your blades are sharp, you should give it a general cleanup.

In order to do this, you will need to use steel wool. Pass the steel wool in a circular motion on the blade to remove any metal or rust residue. Then, abundantly rinse with water.

4. Lubricate

Lastly, you should lubricate the pruning shear. Lubrication will make the moving parts work more efficiently and prevent wear and tear.

A cost-effective solution is to use vegetable oil. Spread a few drops of vegetable oil on the blade and bolts then spread it a few times with your fingers.

You now have a sharp pruning shear that is ready to cut any branch.

Conclusion

As we have seen, the pruning shear is extremely easy to use. And if you are a gardener, then you absolutely must have one. You do not need any experience to use it.

With this tool, you will be able to cut small branches with great accuracy and effortlessly. Moreover, most models are very affordable and built to last.

This is not a gardening tool that you will have to replace every year.