Gardening is a relaxing and fulfilling hobby that requires patience, skill, and the right tools. One of the essential tools for a gardener is a pair of pruning shears. Pruning shears are used to prune or trim shrubs, bushes, trees, and other plants.
They come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. Choosing the right pair of pruning shears can make gardening easier and more enjoyable.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to choose the best pruning shears for your gardening needs.
The Different Types of Shears
Pruning shears come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. There are three main types of pruning shears: bypass pruning shears, anvil pruning shears, and ratchet pruning shears.
Bypass Pruning Shears
Bypass pruning shears are the most common type of pruning shears. They have two sharp blades that cross each other to make a clean cut. They are ideal for making precise cuts on live, green branches and stems. The blades bypass each other, which allows them to make a clean, straight cut.
Anvil Pruning Shears
Anvil pruning shears have one straight blade that cuts against a flat surface, called an anvil. Anvil pruning shears are best for cutting dry, dead, or woody branches. They can also be used for cutting through tough materials, such as wire or nails.
Ratchet Pruning Shears
Ratchet pruning shears have a mechanism that allows the blades to make multiple cuts with each squeeze. They are ideal for people with hand and wrist problems, as they require less strength to cut through tough branches. Ratchet pruning shears are also great for people who need to make many cuts in a short amount of time.
Choosing the Right Size and Weight
The size and weight of pruning shears are important factors to consider when choosing a pair. Pruning shears that are too small or too large will be difficult to use and can cause fatigue and strain. The weight of the shears should be evenly distributed, and the handles should fit comfortably in your hands.
The Importance of Blade Quality and Sharpness
The blade quality and sharpness of pruning shears are crucial for making clean cuts. Dull blades will crush branches instead of cutting them, which can damage the plant. High-quality blades should be made of high-carbon steel or stainless steel, and they should be sharpened regularly.
Price and Warranty
The price of pruning shears can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. It is important to choose a pair that fits your budget and meets your needs. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protection against defects and damage.
Durability
Durability is very important when it comes to garden shears, as they are one of the working horses in the garden. Sure, they may not be one of the most expensive things you buy for your garden, but over time, the need to replace cheaply manufactured models increases every few years.
Those prone to oxidation will not provide the durable use you need and expect. The harder the materials are, the more effective they will be used intensively season after season.
Ergonomic Design
As you can see, scissor handles come in a variety of sizes and contours. While some are curved and bulky, others are straighter and thinner. Find a style that you consider easier to use for the size of your hands (considering special versions for left-handed users or users with arthritis problems, if applicable).
Keep in mind that some scissors can stretch quite wide, so you want to make sure you can hold a firm grip without stretching your hand. Many types of garden shears have coated handles that reduce pressure on the hands and wrists, which in turn reduces all the pain and fatigue caused by a long day of pruning. They must also have shock-absorbing properties that help absorb shocks caused by harder cuts on thicker stems.
Read More: FELCO F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner
Safety
Most loppers are equipped with a safety lock to prevent accidents. This safety lock holds the blades together when the scissors are not in use. This is a particularly important feature for spring-loaded scissors that run the risk of the blades opening unexpectedly.
You should check again if you click the mechanism in place to reduce the risk of the jaws opening. With scissors, it is possible to unlock this mechanism on its own, but always make sure you operate it safely.
Read More: How Prune Fruit Trees
Manual Alignment
Although most pruners are right-handed, you can now find some models designed for left-handed users. Although they are increasingly popular, they are not yet offered by all brands, so you need to check them beforehand.
Blades
About many scissors are that they are designed to replace the blades instead of throwing away the entire tool when they start using them. This not only reduces waste but also saves you money by not regularly replacing your existing torque (which you’ve already broken and used to) with a new pair with a new one as the sharpness of the blades deteriorates.
Additional Features
Awesome, some scissors now serve more than one use as they integrate functions like a wire cutter into your designs. Simply place the cable in the notch and apply pressure and close the blades to cut the cable, all without the need for a separate tool when you only need it occasionally.
Other scissors have a juice slot that extracts juice from the blades. This prevents juice from sticking to the blades and reduces the need for intense cleaning at the end of pruning.
Pruning Shears Costs
For retail sale at different prices. That’s why I recommend you set a budget before you navigate the market to help you focus your search. While it is important to consider costs in your decision, you should also ensure that they are suitable for their intended use. Those who look surprisingly cheap may not offer the same quality as a couple a little more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right pair of pruning shears is essential for a successful and enjoyable gardening experience. The right pruning shears will make the task of pruning easier and more efficient.
Read More: Beginner’s Guide To Trimming And Pruning
Choose The Best Pruning Shears from this List
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 |
Mueller Soft Grip Garden Pruning ShearsBest Choice
|
PriceRead our Review |
 |
Felco Pruning Shears (F 7)Best Offer
|
PriceRead Our Review |
 |
Gonicc 8″ Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears (GPPS-1002)Amazon Choice
|
Price |
Read More: Gonicc 8 Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
