The Best Pruning Shears for 2022
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Best Pruning Shears
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These versatile tools offer a wide variety of gardening options when trimming tree branches, shrubs, and bushes. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best pruning shears currently available.
UPDATED: March 21, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Felco F-2 068780 pruning shears because they feature strong forged-aluminum alloy handles and a replaceable blade.
Types of Pruning Shears
When choosing what pair of shears, there are two main types to consider: Bypass and Anvil.
Bypass
Similar to a pair of scissors, the bypass shears slide one blade past another to make the cut. These typically work best on live plants with rigid outer walls that cut easily.
Example: Gonicc GPPS-1003
Anvil
When squeezing the handle, the sharp upper blade is forced through the branch until it hits the flat lower blade (called the anvil) completing the cut. These typically work best on dead or dry plants as the crushing action causes the wood fibers to separate. However, they also tend to work just fine on live plants just with some sap build-up on the anvil.
Example: Felco F-2 068780
The cutting action is typically spring-assisted to hold the jaws in the open position, making quick trimming easier. Some models also offer a ratcheting action that helps when cutting through thick or tough material.
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Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a specific model:
Materials
Depending on the method of manufacturing for a specific pair of shears, each handle and jaw may be forged from a single piece of metal. Similar to a knife with a full tang, this provides continuous support from the jaws to the handle. The jaws may also be forged in a way so that they form the cutting edge or a separate blade is attached to the jaws. This allows for a strong continuous jaw to handle construction while using a higher grade material such as titanium for the cutting edge. The other option is attaching a separate handle to the jaws, however, this can create a weak point where the two materials join.
The two most common materials used for blades are high-carbon steel and titanium-coated steel. High-carbon steel has the benefits of maintaining a sharp edge and being resistant to staining and rust. This should not be confused with simply “carbon steel” which is prone to discoloration. Titanium blades are lighter than steel blades and are generally stronger. The handles are often made from steel or aluminum for lightweight rust resistance.
Maximum Cutting Diameter
Each set of shears will have a recommended maximum cutting diameter. This is simply the largest branch that it can cut without risking damage to the shears. Note that this will vary based on the type of wood and whether it is green or dead.
The typical largest diameter that can be cut is around 3/4-inch but can go up to about one inch. Any larger and you will need to use a pair of loppers which offer much more leverage with the longer handles and bigger jaws.
Spring Loaded
Most shears include a spring that is mounted between the inner portion of the handles to keep the jaws open as the default position. The reason for this is that it makes it much quicker and easier to work with one hand. The spring always returns the blades to the open position when a cut is complete, making them ready for the next cut.
Wire-Cutting Notch
Some shears include a wire-cutting notch that allows you to quickly snip fence or gardening wire. This is a handy option as it is great when working in the garden to be able to cut any supporting wire out of the way without having to get another tool.
Sheath
Some models come with a sheath that can be attached to a belt. This helps to carry it around for periodic use while gardening. It also helps protect the blades from becoming dulled or damaged since they would otherwise just be placed on the ground.
Now, on to the individual products. Each pair included below has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection. I have included a range of types so you can find the one that will help solve your particular trimming needs.
So here is my list of The Best Pruning Shears for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Felco F-2 068780 Anvil Pruning Shears
The Felco F-2 068780 pruning shears feature forged-aluminum alloy handles for a strong and lightweight design.
Features plastic coating on handles for grip and comfort.
Includes rubber pads to cushion the impact when the blades come together.
Comes with a spring mechanism covered with a metal sheath to protect from corrosion.
Features a deep sap groove in the anvil to reduce the risk of sticking.
Includes a replaceable cutting blade with adjustable alignment.
Runner-up: Gonicc GPPS-1003 8" Professional Bypass Pruning Shears
The Gonicc GPPS-1003 features a titanium blade for strength and long-lasting durability.
Features lightweight aluminum handles.
Includes a comfortable and slip-resistant PVC hand grip.
Features a blade with ultra-fine polishing for better cuts.
Features a maximum 3/4" diameter recommended cutting size for tree branches.
Best Budget Option: Fiskars 91095935J Pruning Bypass Shears
The Fiskars pruning shears feature a cambered, beveled blade made of non-stick high carbon steel for smooth cuts.
Features an ambidextrous lock, sap groove, enclosed spring, and dual-layer comfort grips.
Easy-open lock protects the blade during transport and storage
Fully hardened, precision-ground steel blade stays sharp, even through heavy use.
Equipped with a low-friction coating that reduces the risk of blades gumming up with sap and debris and helps to resist rust.
Features a maximum cutting capacity of 5/8 inch diameter.
Best Sheath: Truly Garden Bypass Pruning Shears
The Truly Garden Bypass pruning shears are a heavy-duty garden tool ideal for cutting up to 3/4-inch thick branches and flowers.
Features a blade coated with titanium to protect from rust and an aluminum handle.
Designed and coated to have a comfortable grip that allows you to be in control.
Comes with a genuine leather sheath for safety.
Includes leather case to attach to a belt.
Best for Large Cuts: Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears
The Fiskars professional bypass pruning shears are an ideal choice for all kinds of pruning tasks.
Features adjustable blade tension that gives the user increased control over the desired cutting force and precision.
Replaceable stainless steel blade can cut branches up to 1 inch in diameter.
Features an integrated sap groove to keep the cutting action smooth and stick-free all-season long.
Includes an ambidextrous handle for comfortable left or right-handed use.
Best Value: Corona ClassicCUT Bypass Pruning Shears
The Corona ClassicCUT feature fully heat-treated, forged steel alloy construction.
Features a hook that is slant-ground with a narrow profile.
Allows for a closed position when not in use for safety.
Features a heat-treated steel and cutting blade for durability.
Allows for cutting without needing to constantly clean sap from the blade.
Best Aluminum Option: Doolini Nature Professional Bypass Pruning Shears
The Doolini Nature Professional shears are made from Japanese SK-5 carbon steel.
Features a titanium-coated blade for corrosion resistance and durability.
Includes an anti-slip comfort grip.
Features lightweight aluminum handles with a protective anodized finish.
Includes an easy-to-use safety locking mechanism.
Available in silver, metallic blue, or rose gold colors.
Cuts up to 0.8-inch branches.
Best Anvil Option: Gonicc GPPS-1001 Professional Pruning Shears
The Gonicc GPPS-1001 shears feature aluminum construction that offers a lightweight and rust-free design.
Features a PVC wrapped handle for comfort and grip.
Includes ergonomically designed non-slip handles.
Recommended for cutting up to 3/4" diameter branches.
Best Ratchet Action: The Gardener's Friend Anvil Pruning Shears
The Gardener's Friend shears feature a three-stage ratchet action for easier cutting.
Includes a soft rubber hand grip and lightweight aluminum construction.
Features a coated blade to help slide through the wood.
Includes a hardened carbon steel replaceable blade with a detachable oiled sponge for cleaning.
Includes an anvil channel coating to reduce blade dulling.
Best Titanium Blade: PrecisionPRO Bypass Pruning Shears
The PrecisionPRO Titanium features a lightweight aluminum body design.
Features a FitAdjust thumb lock for full or partially or fully open operation.
Includes shock-absorbing pads to reduce hand strain.
Features non-slip ergonomically contoured handles.
Includes a helpful wire-cutting notch.
Features an adjustment system for the blade tension.
Effective for cutting branches up to 0.8 inches.
I hope this list of the best pruning shears was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
