Are you interested in purchasing a pair of pruning shears, but don’t know what is best for your gardening needs?
Or are you a gardener that thinks all pruning shears are the same?
After hours of using pruning shears, getting insight from small and large garden experts, and spending countless hours of research I have created 12 Best Pruning Shears for Gardeners.
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This article will provide you with not only the best pruning shears but will also serve as the ultimate buying guide for your pruning shears.
And the list below is organized by fruit, vegetable, flower, and herb gardening needs.
Also, if you scroll to the bottom of the page you will find answers to 4 Frequently Asked Questions.
12 Best Pruning Shears
The below list will provide you with the Best Pruning Shears, regardless of the type of gardening you do or your skillset.
Regardless of the type of pruning shear you purchase, it should be noted that you should only use these types of shears from pruning diameters under 1/2 inch.
If you would like to prune diameters over 1/2 inch then I recommend purchasing loppers instead.
Best Fruit Pruning Shears (#1-3)
1. Gonicc Bypass Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Titanium steel blade
- Cutting Diameter: 3/4 diameter cutting ability
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Ergonomically designed
- Sap-Proof
The Gonicc Professional Bypass Pruning Shears is the perfect shear for anyone wanting to prune large-diameter fruit branches.
This pair of shears can cut a diameter up to 3/4 inches.
It is made with premium titanium steel and ultra-fine polishing technology. And it is designed to prevent sap from accumulating in the blades.
Best of all is that it is ergonomically designed with non-slip handles.
2. Alimu Anvil Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Sk-5 High Carbon Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 3/4 inch
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Safety Lock
- 12-month full refund
- replacement parts
Alimu is another company that makes unbelievable shears for pruning fruit plants.
This pruning shear comes with a sk-5 carbon steel blade that is waterproof and incredibly hardy.
You can expect to prune diameters up to 3/4 inch.
It is also ergonomically made with a head that is at 30 degrees to give you the most comfortable.
Best of all is that it has cushioning that is wear-resistant and prevents wrist vibration.
And this product comes with a 12-month refund and replacements parts.
3. Gonicc Anvil Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: sk5 high carbon steel and chromium-plating
- Cutting Diameter: 3/4 inches
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- money-back guarantee
- Made for small hands and weak wrists!
If you prefer using Anvil over bypass pruning shears then you have found the perfect pair with the Gonicc Anvil Pruning Shears.
The Gonicc Anvil Pruning Shears has a blade made with sk5 high carbon steel and has a chromium-plating technology. This means your blade will be sharper, longer.
It also makes cutting effortless with its signature pulley mechanism.
And it was made with a special ergonomic design that is perfect for small hands or certain women that do not have strong wrist strength.
Best of all is that this pair of pruning shears come with a 100% money-back guarantee and even replacement parts.
Best Vegetable Pruning Shears (#4-6)
4. Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blader Material: Hardened Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 5/8 inches
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- lifetime warranty
- low-friction hardened steel blade
- rust-proof
My favorite pair of pruning shears on this entire list is the Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears.
This pair of pruning shears are perfect for vegetable stems and light branches. It works up to 5/8 diameter.
What separates this pair of shears from competitors is its low-friction, fully hardened steel blade. It won’t dull, it won’t stick, and it won’t rust.
Best of all is that Fiskars offers a lifetime warranty on this product. You will never need another pair of pruning shears.
5. Mockins Anvil Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 1/2 inches
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Safety Lock
- Lifetime warranty
The Mockins Anvil Pruning Shears is the perfect pair for gardeners and first-time users.
It comes with a safety lock that is great for small hands. And it comes with an ergonomic rubber handles for comfort and ease of use.
You can expect to cut diameter of 5.8 inches with a very clean and sharp cut from high-quality steel.
Best of all is that this product comes with a lifetime warranty or a full refund.
6. Felco Classic Hand Pruner
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Hardened Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 1 inch
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Hardened bolt and nut that is adjustable
- Shock absorbent rubber cushion handle
- limited warranty and replacement parts
The Felco Classic Hand pruners come with a high-quality, hardened steel anvil blade that’s sap proof.
It also comes with a hardened bolt and nut that allows you to adjust the cutting and anvil blades.
What makes this the perfect pruning shear for vegetables is that it has a lightweight metal handles and rubber cushion that is shock absorbent.
And like most competitors, it comes with a limited warranty and replacement parts.
Best Flower Pruning Shears (#7-9)
7. Tabor Tools Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Chrome Plated Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 3/4 inches
- Weight: 6.9 ounces
- Carbon Stainless Steel Chrome Plated Blade
- Free replacement of parts
- shock-absorbing materials
Tabor Tools pruning shears are the perfect option for anyone who is interested in pruning flowers.
These pruning shears are made with modern design, shock-absorbing spring, and comfort grip handles. This will help increase your ability to work longer without fatigue.
Not only this, but the blade is razor-sharp and made of carbon stainless steel chrome plated and can cut up to 3/4 inch diameter.
Best of all is that Tabor Tools will replace your parts for free!
8. Gardenite Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 5/16 inches
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Sharp, stainless steel blade
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Chromed carbon steel spring
The Gardenite Pruning Shear is sharp. Real sharp!
This pair of pruning shears are perfect for pruning flowers.
The blade is made with super-grade stainless steel and can cut up to 5/16 inch diameter.
Also, it comes with chromed zinc allow handles with a comfortable rubber grip.
And it comes with chromed carbon steel spring that gently allows you to open and close the pruning shears.
And it offers a 100% guarantee or your money back.
9. Vivosun Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 1/4 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Excellent customer service department
- Perfect for small, tight areas
- Easy to operate
If you are like me then you need to prune some small and tight areas.
And there isn’t a better pair of pruning shears than vivosun’s pruning shears.
This pair of shears has a stainless steel precision sharpened blades.
And it has a secure, easy to operate the lock. And automatic springs push the blades open, reducing hand strain.
Best of all is vivosun has one of the best customer service departments on the market.
Best Herb Pruning Shears (#10-12)
10. Fiskars Micro Pruning Shears
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Hardened Steel Blade
- Cutting Diameter: 1/8 inches
- Weight: .5 ounces
- Recommend by the Arithis Ease of Use Commendation Association
- Comes as a 2-pack
- Lifetime warranty
The Fiskars Micro Pruning Shears is one of the most well-known shears for herbs and almost all plants.
This product comes in a 2 pack and has a full lifetime warranty.
The blade itself has a non-stick, micro-tip fully hardened, stainless steel blade that makes precise and clean cuts.
What sets this pair of pruning shears apart from competitors is that it was recently awarded by Arthritis Ease of Use Commendation for being the best pair for people who have Arthritis.
11. Vivohome Hand Pruner
Best Features:
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Cutting Diameter: 1/8 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Heavy-Duty spring
- Easiest pruning shear to use
- Wide use
The Vivohome hand pruner is another excellent option for anyone who wants sharp herb pruning.
This shear comes with a heavy-duty spring that allows ease of use opening and less fatigue than almost any competitor.
Also, it comes with stainless steel, a straight-edge blade that will last you a lifetime.
What I like most about this shear is that it is the easiest to use shear and is great to use for more than just herbs.
12. KeShi Pruner
Best Features:
- Blade Material: chrome-plated steel
- Cutting Diameter: 3/4 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
- 3cr13, chrome-plated stainless steel blades
- 3 pack of pruners
- shock-absorbant handles
If you want the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to shears then I recommend purchasing the KeShi Pruner.
This pruner is a 3 pack and perfect for herb pruning.
The blades on this pruner are chromed plated, 3cr13 stainless steel for high- quality strength that can cut up to 3/4 diameter.
Also, you can expect comfort when using these shears due to a slightly curved handle that can absorb an incredible amount of shock.
4 Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What are the different types of Pruning Shears?
3 Types of Pruning Shears
A) Bypass Pruning Shears
Bypass pruning shears are the most popular type of shears.
It is also the type of shears I recommend.
I recommend this type because it is easiest to use for ALL gardeners, is easy to find replacement parts, and is most reasonably priced.
The Bypass shears have a cut that is clean from two curved blades that move past each other like scissors. One blade is sharp and one is dull.
Bypass shears are perfect for tight areas, live spaces, and gardeners who do not have a strong wrist.
B) Anvil Pruning Shears
Anvil pruning shears is another great option for most gardeners around the world.
The anvil shears have one straight blade that cuts as it closes onto a flat edge, giving it a similar motion like a knife on a chopping board.
Anvil pruning shears typically are bulkier but have much more power. This is perfect for dead branches, larger branches, and someone who has a strong wrist.
C) Ratchet Pruning Shears
Ratchet Shears is the third type of shears but is also the least popular.
As you squeeze the ratchet shear, the shears latch so you can release and squeeze again performing the cuts in easy steps, rather than one motion.
This type of pruning shear is good with someone who has little wrist strength or thick, live stems that need to be cut.
#2. What should I consider when Buying Pruning Shears?
1. Pruning Shear Blade
The most important feature you should consider when purchasing is the blade itself.
High-Quality blades require less sharpening and have less of a chance to damage or kill live plants.
The best shears should be made of high-quality steel. This can be hardened steel, titanium, or carbon steel.
Also, these blades typically are non-stick to resist sap and sticking material.
And the best should allow you to adjust the tightness of the blades.
2. Ergonomic Design
I have run into very few novices or expert gardeners who spend only a few minutes pruning their plants.
Because of this, the best are made with an ergonomic design.
Ergonomic design shears reduce wrist strain, require less pressure to work, and are easier to use.
When purchasing a pair of ergonomically designed ones pay close attention to the handles and your grip, the opening width of the handles, the strength required to close the blade, and the weight and size.
3. Availability of Parts
This purchase consideration is easy.
Higher-quality ones should come with replacement parts or provide you with a way to purchase additional parts.
Average to low-quality ones will not provide replacement parts. Because of this, it is easier and cheaper to purchase another pair of average or low-quality shears.
4. Size and Weight
If you plan on using one of the best ones more than just a few free minutes then I recommend paying extra close attention to the following:
- The weight of the pruning shears. While heavier ones have more power, most gardeners will find the weight too burdensome to use consistently.
- How the pruning shears fit in your hands. No matter what I or anyone recommend, if you don’t like how they fit in your hands then don’t purchase them! You want to be comfortable!
5. Easy to Disassemble
If you want to purchase one of the best pruning shears and want it to last a lifetime then you want to make sure it is easy to disassemble.
Easy to disassemble ones will allow you to quickly and easily clean your pruning shears.
Cleaning them will extend its life and will allow you to prevent to spread of disease to plants.
6. Loading Mechanism
A loading mechanism is another common option that should be included in all of the best shears.
You will want to ensure that your shears are easy to open and close. And when you close your shears they stay in one position without opening.
While this will not affect the performance, it is critical for the safety of you.
7. Strong Spring
All of the best ones have a strong spring between the handles that push the blade when you relax.
This is incredibly important to make your work easy and reduce hand fatigue.
Pruning Shear springs come as coiled metal or wire. Both work very well, but you want one that is tightly attached to the blade. I have seen too many fall apart because of loose springs.
#3. Proper Pruning Shear Maintenance
Purchasing one of the best pruning shears on this list will make gardening care an easier and more pleasant experience.
If you want to minimize the amount of time and money you spend on purchasing over a lifetime then I recommend properly cleaning and maintaining them.
In order to extend the life of yours to the fullest you will want to:
- Sharpen your blade every other year. You can pay to have it sharpened or do it yourself with a file, sharpening stone, steel, or wool.
- Clean after every use. Wipe blades with a cotton face pad that is soaked with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
- Clean thoroughly after pruning a diseased plant. Wipe the blades two times with a cotton face pad that is soaked with at alcohol.
- Disassemble your shears once a season. Use a toothbrush and warm soap to remove dirt and grind. Then use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to wipe the blades
- Use warm water to remove dirt and grind from the handhelds after every use.
If you want a great tutorial video to follow when cleaning and maintaining your shears then I recommend watching this:
#4. What are the Best Pruning Shear Brands?
When buying pruning shears it is important to look for a well-known brand that will last a lifetime.
Felco, Fiskars, and Vivosun are great brands that are reputable, well-known, and have been in business for years.
Not only do you want a reputable company, but you want shears that are backed by a money-back or lifetime replacement warranty. This typically means you will only need one pair for your entire life.
Conclusion
By now you should have a great idea of what to look for in the best pruning shears, what the best ones are for your needs, and how to properly care and maintain your shears.
As a reminder, you will want to purchase shears that:
- Have high-quality steel or titanium blades
- Are ergonomically designed to increase the amount of time without fatigue and to prevent injury
- Is easy to disassemble and comes with replacement parts
You will also want to make sure that your shears are:
- powerful and high-quality steel for fruit plants
- powerful and ergonomically designed for time-intensive vegetable plants
- are lightweight and have sharp blades for herb plants
- are lightweight, easy to use, and ergonomically designed for flowers.
And finally you will want to make sure:
- You clean your pruning shears regularly
- You sharpen them every other year
- And remove dirt from the handhelds regularly
What’s Next?
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