Top garden shears for clean cuts and easy pruning

Clean cuts are crucial to the health of the plant. The plants heal faster if the cuts are made clean and with sharp tools. If the cuts are jagged or if cuts are made with a tool that is dull, it can damage the plant and make it prone to disease. For instance, ragged cuts can make holes through which destructive bacteria or fungal spores may enter, resulting in rot or infection of the plant.

The garden shears have come far. For smaller jobs, traditional hand shears work well, and more modern electric pruners can tackle sturdier branches without difficulty. It’s crucial for gardeners, whether novices or professionals, to understand which tool is right for different jobs to make the most of their efforts.

Understanding Shear Types

Knowing the different kinds of shears like bypass vs anvil shears and how they function can provide gardeners a way for determining which tool is best for their particular situation.

1. Bypass Pruners

Bypass pruners function much like scissors, with two razor blades passing one another. They are great for pruning live or green stems, flowers, roses and shrubs. The clean, sharp cut promotes fast healing of plants.

• Nice clean cuts to reduce plant damage.
• Great for soft and green twigs.

2. Anvil Pruners

Anvil pruners have a single sharp blade that cuts against a flat surface, much in the same way a knife cuts against a board. They are suitable for heavy material like dead wood or dry parts of a branch.

Anvil pruners are particularly effective on dead wood, thick branches or any other material that demands some force to cut.

• More cutting strength for heavier materials.
• Frequently cheaper than bypass pruners.

3. Ratchet Shears

Ratchet shears have a gear mechanism that reduces the effort to cut tough branches. They are ideal for gardeners with reduced strength or who may suffer from hand fatigue.

• Not as hard on the hands and wrists.
• Perfect for hardwood with very little effort.

4. Loppers and Hedge Shears

Loppers and hedge shears are larger implements meant for trimming thicker branches or shaping hedges. They offer more leverage than hand pruners and are good for bigger cuts.

For limbs over 1 inch in diameter or when people need to shape and trim shrubs, select loppers or hedge shears. Great for bigger garden jobs where one needs more power.

• More power for cutting through garden shears for thick branches.
• Can tackle bigger jobs, like hedges.

5. Electric and Cordless Pruners

Electric and cordless pruners have become increasingly popular because they're easy. It runs off of a rechargeable battery which means they are perfect for cutting through dense wood without any hassle.

Electric pruners can deliver substantial cutting power, but can be slightly heavier than manual pruners and generally cost more. It is all a matter of balance, the available power and the weight and cost of the tool.

• Cuts the thicker branches quite happily.
• There is no need to resort to force.
• Perfect for large gardens or for those requiring frequent cutting.

Key Features to Consider

These are the key elements to be aware of when choosing garden shears:

Blade Material and Sharpness

Blade material also impacts sharpness and durability. Carbon steel is tough and takes a sharp edge, but it can also rust if not diligent about maintenance. Stainless steel does not rust. However, it may not hold an edge like a carbon steel blade. Titanium coated blades are made of a premium stainless steel making cutting smooth and easy capturing a perfect edge on every cut and ensuring an enduring sharpness.

Non-stick coatings ward off sap and resin, keeping the blades cleaner and making cuts much easier. Some shears even have sap grooves to sweep away viscous fluid so they don't bind and get stuck and improve cutting efficiency.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The handle needs to be comfortable for long use. Search for rubber, foam, or ergonomic garden scissors handles that offer a firm and non-slip grip. Most shears are ambidextrous, designed for use by right or left handed people.

Weight and balance of the shears are crucial so that fatigue does not occur during use. Weighing out the tools lowers hand fatigue and staying balanced on weight makes them easier to maneuver and hold.

Durability and Maintenance

Replaceable parts like springs, bolts, and blades make it easy to keep shears in good working condition. The blades must be sharpened often if users want to maintain their effectiveness. Seek out shears that are relatively simple to sharpen, and see if replacement parts are sold.

Resistance to rust is important for shears that will be used in humid or wet environments. If storing them while worn, protect them with a lock or sheath. This will also prevent them from rusting and becoming damaged. Make sure to clean and dry the scissors after use for longer durability.

Cutting Capacity

Both shears have a maximum cutting capacity, often described in the diameter of the branch that they can cut through. Ensure the shears people select are capable of cutting the diameter of branches that growers have to prune. Bypass pruners are usually best for smaller branches, while loppers might be necessary for thicker ones.

Various plants call for various tools. Roses and other soft flowers require a sharp, clean cut, while hardwood and thicker branches require heavier tools as well as more durable ones. Select shears based on the particular requirements of the plants the pruners will work on.

Top Garden Shears

Growcycle provides a range of gardening shears, from basic pruners to high-tech equipment, ideal for a wide variety of gardening work. Under their “Pruners, Loppers & Shears” section, they have tools for most of the gardening requirements. 

1. Bond Professional Bypass Pruner

The Bond Professional Bypass Pruner is an excellent pick for general pruning. It has sharp, drop forged steel blades that are ideal for live plants, flowers and roses. The pruner is lightweight and has comfortable aluminum handles and is very easy on the hands after long holds. It also features a safety lock for safe storage.

• Cutting Capacity: 1'' diameter, ideal for most garden pruning work.
• Comfort-grip handles, steel blades that can withstand use and a safety lock.

2. Bond Deluxe Ratchet Pruner

The Bond Deluxe Ratchet Pruner is ideal for those who require a little extra assistance with difficult branches. It's equipped with a three-stage ratchet system that allows for an easier cut by reducing each cut motion into three simple steps. It alleviates stress on the hands, ideal for gardeners with less grip or who suffer from arthritis.

• Cutting Capacity: Up to 1¼ diameter small to medium-sized branches.
• High quality ergonomic design, ratchet mechanism and hard metal blades.

3. Corona 1″ Professional Bypass Pruner

Built for professional gardeners, the Corona 1″ Professional Bypass Pruner features a precision-ground high-carbon steel blade, fully heat-treated and Teflon®-coated blade. It features lightweight, forged aluminum handles and sharp, hardened steel blades that make clean cuts on woody plants and small branches. The precision-ground blades permit cutting without crushing the plants.

• Cutting Capacity: Up to 1" diameter, great for cutting through small woody branches.
• Forged aluminum handles, razor sharp blades, and ergonomic garden scissors for comfort.

4. Fiskars® Multi-Purpose Garden Shears (9″)

The Fiskars® Multi-Purpose Garden Shears are an ideal tool for all kinds of cutting duties. Use them for light pruning or cutting through landscape fabric, or open plastic bags as well. The rotating blades are made from stainless steel and are sharp, while the tool itself features a jam-resistant mechanism for easy use.

• Dimensions: 9″ L × 3.25″ W × 7.5″ H, easy to handle and store.
• Rotating blades, jam-resistant mechanism, and comfortable handles.

5. Centurion 8″ Forged Bypass Pruner

For those on a budget, the Centurion 8″ Forged Bypass Pruner offers great value. Constructed with forged steel, it is sharp and robust, cutting cleanly through green wood and small branches. The cushioned grips ensure that it can be used for extended periods.

• Cutting Capacity: Up to 1" diameter, perfect for general pruning.
• Forged steel blades, cushioned grips, lightweight design.

How Shears Were Tested

To discover the best garden shears for arthritic hands, each tool is carefully tested in real gardening conditions. A variety of terrain and plant types were utilized, including tender flower stems, tough shrub branches and dry hardwood. It was to see how each pair of shears would handle a range of tasks that a home gardener or professional might encounter.

Beginners and folks who had been gardening for years used the shears to test them out, by cutting a variety of grasses, annuals and perennials. This also gave an indication of how easy or difficult it was for individual people to use the shears. Gardening testers with hands of different sizes small and large and even those with arthritis were added to see how comfortable and easy to hold each tool was.

Four main criteria were evaluated for each shear:

• Cut Quality: Testers evaluated how clean and smooth each cut was. Good shears should cut through stems and small branches without crushing or tearing the plant.
• Comfort: Comfort was evaluated based on how the shears felt during extended use. Testers evaluated the handle design, the weight of the tool and how much pressure it put on their hands and wrists.
• Durability: The shears were tested for durability by putting them to heavy use over the course of a few days. Testers inspected them for scratches and whether the edges had dulled, bent or broken.
• Maintenance: Finally, testers considered how effortless it was to clean, sharpen and oil the shears. The less maintenance a tool requires, the longer it will last and the higher its score.

Shear Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance of garden shears is necessary for their durability and performance. The shears should stay sharp and provide smooth action as well as healthy plants through regular cleaning, sharpening and maintenance. Here are a few easy ways to maintain garden shears:

1. Cleaning the Shears

Cleaning garden shears after every use is crucial, especially between two different plant specimens, to get rid of dirt, sap, and tree and plant residue. This keeps the blades sharp and prevents them from rusting.

• After use, clean the blades by wiping them down with a damp cloth. If there is sticky sap, use rubbing alcohol or soapy water to get it off. Make sure to store the blades super dry after washing, to prevent rust.
• Give the shears a thorough cleaning every few months, particularly after using them on plants (like roses) that deposit sticky sap on them.

2. Sharpening the Blades

Over time, garden shears will lose their sharpness, which will make them more difficult to cut through plants. One way you can do this is by sharpening your blades periodically, which will help them make clean cuts and perform at their best.

• Sharpen blades with a whetstone, file or sharpening tool. Place the blade at a 20-degree angle and slide the sharpener along the edge. Do the same on the other side evenly.
• Sharpen the shears as soon as they begin to cut roughly, or when they seem dull.

3. Lubricating the Blades

Oiling the shears allows them to open and close efficiently and prevents them from landing with rust on them. It also prevents the blades from degrading.

• After you have cleaned and sharpened them (if need be) a dab of oil, preferably machine or vegetable oil, on the blades and moving parts does wonders. Wipe off any extra oil.
• Oil the shears after using them, at the very least once every couple of months.

4. Tightening Loose Parts

Over time, some of the parts in the shears loosen and performance can vary. Make sure to check, and tighten, any loose screws or bolts.

• Make it a point to tighten your screws, nuts, and bolts on a regular basis. Loose parts should be tightened with a screw or wrench. Also, make sure the pivot point is correctly set for ease of movement.
• Stiffen loose pieces when gardeners detect that the parts are not gripping tightly.

5. Preventing Rust

Rust can damage shears, especially if they are left wet or stored an improper way. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Keep the shears in a dry area, not exposed to dampness. Store them in a tool shed or garage and never outside.
• If you have rust, get rid of it using a wire brush or sandpaper. Next, wash and lubricate the cutters to keep the rust away for good.

6. Proper Storage

Storage of the shears is also an important consideration as to prolong their life. Keeping them the wrong way can damage them or make them dull.

• Keep shears in a cool, dry place such as a shed or garage. Hang them or store them in a protective cover to avoid damage.
• Shears should always be kept, blades either away from people or locked.

7. Using the Shears Properly

The performance and service life of the shears are influenced by the way they are used. Here are a few ways to do just that:

• Just make sure to use the shears for the right jobs. For example, use bypass pruners on live stems and anvil pruners on dead wood. Don’t use them on wire or on thick branches.
• If the shears don’t cut through easily, don’t muscle through. It might be time to either sharpen the blades or set them at the proper height.

FAQs

What are the best all-around pruning shears?

Bypass pruners are the best all-around pruning shears. They function like scissors, with two blades that slide past each other. They are perfect for cutting live plants, flowers, and green stems without damaging them.

What is the difference between garden shears and pruning shears?

The term garden shears can be used to describe many types of cutting tools used in the garden including hedge shears, grass shears, or loppers. They’re typically larger and are used to trim hedges, cut through thick branches or shape bushes.

Heavy duty pruning shears, also known as hand pruners or secateurs, are built stronger and smaller for tight, precise cuts on plant flowers, thin stems and hedging plants. They’re for fine work and light pruning.

How often should garden shears be sharpened?

It varies depending on usage. For average wear, they should sharpen every few months. When shears feel dull or begin to tear rather than cut a plant cleanly, it’s time to sharpen them.

The Bottom Line

The right tool for the job varies according to the type of plants and the size of the branches. Check Growcycle to explore a variety of garden shears for thick branches. No matter if someone is just starting out or has been at it for years, they can find the right tool to make gardening much more manageable.

Good shears can last for years with routine cleaning, sharpening, and storing. Caring for the shears helps them keep sharp and work better. Using the right garden shears in the right way can make any garden healthier and more visually appealing.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.