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Best Pruning Tools
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
When choosing, one major thing that we consider is the quality of the product and its material component. All of us want a product that we can use for a long period of time, or at least get our money’s worth. Product quality includes the kind of material used for the product. It should not only be heavy duty but should also be safe to use. Product quality will also feature the quality of the blade. All claim that they have sharp blades. However, what sets the best quality from the poor one is on how long it stays sharp. All products are sharp the first time you use them.
They can cut straight and clean yes, however, when you use them after several weeks later, you will realize that they are not that sharp anymore. A poorly made plant tool accumulates rust on its blade when stored away for a long time. Most of the time, you will notice that the cutting edge is damaged or nicked. Another thing to consider about the quality of the blade is on how easy to sharpen it when needed. A good quality blade is made of solid rock and good quality steel. You can choose the blades that are made of high-tempered steel. The best blade is made of carbon steel, definitely a high-tempered one. Other blades available in the market today have chrome plating on it. This plating protects the blade from accumulating rusts. However, while it is very helpful, the moment you start sharpening the blades, you are also taking away that protective layer.
Style
There are three major types of shears. Every type is intended to function specifically. The most common and the most popular shear among its various types is the Bypass Pruner.
The Bypass Pruner functions like a pair of scissors. The blades pass each other and the material to be cut is placed in between the blades. Most often, Bypass Pruners have one curved blade. Most gardeners and hobbyists like this type of shear because it leaves a neat and clean cut to the branch. Bypass Pruner blades are sharpened only on one side. In order for it to be effective, it needs to be very sharp. Among the types of shears, the Bypass Pruner is the most versatile and multi-functional. It is what most buyers are looking for when picking their shears.
This type is much less different to the Bypass Pruner. One of its blades, the sharp one, move down and lowers against a flat surface, thus the term, anvil. This motion cuts the material. Many gardeners love Anvil Pruner because it really works well even if its blades are not that sharp anymore. It is very useful in cutting dense branches. Both of its blades are very sharp
Another type of shear is known as the ratchet pruner. This tool incorporates a special way that allows it to cut strong branches with a little amount of strength used. This is made possible because the handle is being squeezed inwards. The blade with the cutting edge is moved downwards and fastens in place.
The handle is then released and squeezed again allowing the blade to move together. This gives the user the mechanical advantage requiring him of exerting less force. This type of pruning tool requires numerous moves to get a single job done. This type is usually popular among gardeners and hobbyists with strength or muscular problems like arthritis.
Features
In addition to the product quality, another important criterion included in this buying guide is the product features. This will include the features that you can benefit from using the product.
Center Screw
Another important factor included in the product features is the center screw. It is responsible for fastening the clippers. It is also the bolt where the blades pivot on. While it may seem a small factor, it is one of the most important parts of a pruning tool. The center screw controls the distance between the blades. This requires to be tightened so the blades could be held firmly together. The center screw should be tightened just enough and not too tight. Doing so would restrict the closing movement of the tool. In addition, the cutting would entail more force than it normally should. This will result in fatigue on the part of the user. If you tightened the screw too loosely, the branch that you cut may get stuck in between the blades. This will produce an untidy cut that would not be good for your plant.
Strength Required by the Spring
In addition to the center screw, another important part included in the product features is the spring strength. In a pruning tool, the spring holds the pruners separately. This allows the user to not anymore pull the pruner back after making a cut. It is crucial that the spring is firmly fastened in place. Make sure that it is strong enough that it does not easily break when used. Springs come in two types, the wire springs, and the coiled metal springs. Both of these types are great. However, the quality of every spring can vary from one model to another. Ideally, you will want a strong spring but not very strong that would entail an extreme effort to get the blades closed.
Locking Mechanism
Product features may include the locking mechanism of the pruning tool. The locking mechanism is a device that locks the tool when it is not in use. This is very important because it protects the blades from being damaged while it is not used. It is also a safety feature that keeps the sharp blades closed to avoid accidental cuts. When checking for the closing mechanism of the tool, it is important that it is easy to manipulate. You should also check and make sure that the locking mechanism does not accidentally lock the shears while in use. A good locking mechanism should not be a nuisance during normal use. It should not also tangle with branches or twigs.
Fit
As unique individuals, our hand sizes vary. There are weak and strong hands. There are small and big hands. While it is always best to go out to the store and personally choose the best, not all of us have that luxury of time. After reading the list above, it is possible that none of the products enumerated fits your personal preference. It is important to make sure the pruning tools fit comfortably in your hands and fit your need for pruning properly. Certain pruning tools will fit certain people and their hands differently. It is important to make sure they are fit towards your needs. With the variety of these tools available today, we have used four major criteria in choosing the best. Each product has its own list of pros and cons so you can choose which one fits your needs.
Top 10 Picks
1. Zeemplify
It is the ideal choice if you are looking for a heavy duty and professionally made one.
Read moreProduct Quality
Its blades are made from top quality carbon steel using the Japanese SK-5 standards. It is coated with Titanium to protect the blades from accumulating rusts. This bypass shear is made from high-quality steel. Its handles are quoted with vinyl giving you a strong grip and lightweight feel.
Product Features
The tool features sharpness that is long-lasting and requires little to no sharpening. Because it has very sharp blades, you can use it effortlessly in cutting thick branches or stems. It has a solid spring that pulls the handles back aiding you in your effort and easing you of fatigue in your hands and shoulders.
Overall Components
This is lightweight and is ergonomically designed. Its smart design makes sure that it provides you comfort and less effort when gripping. It has a locking mechanism that ensures your safety and that of your loved ones.
Product Specifications
It has a product dimension of 10.7-inches x 3.8-inches x 1-inch. It has an overall weight of 9.6-ounces. It comes with a lifetime warranty.
2. Gardenite Heavy Duty
This is an ideal choice if you are looking for a heavy duty and powerful bypass clipper.
Read moreProduct Quality
This is made of forged aluminum that has undergone a forging process. Because it is forged, it has a higher tensile strength. Compared to cast, forged metals have superior quality. The blades of this bypass shear are SK-5 Japanese high-quality
carbon steel blade. This is the best blade that will give you your money’s worth.
Product Features
This features more tensile which is approximately 26 percent and 37 percent more fatigue strength than other brands. This means that it can serve you for a much longer period of time. It also means that it can endure more cutting force that other diecast made products. It is set with a wide narrow hand. This setting allows to tool to accommodate all size of hands.
Overall Components
It has an adjustable micrometric system. This allows you to adjust the blades manually depending on your pruning work. It also has a sap groove that keeps the sap away from the blades. This enables you to clean and maintain the tools easily.
Product Specifications
It has a product dimension of 10.6-inches x 3.6-inches x 0.8-inches. It has an overall weight of 9.6 ounces. It also comes with a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
3. Basilica Botanica
This is the perfect choice if you are looking for a solid and reliable tool that you can use in your pruning works.
Read moreProduct Quality
This is a product of top-quality engineering that is designed to last a lifetime. The powerful and sharp blades are made from high-quality carbon steel. This bypass shear is made from hardened aluminum.
Product Features
This features powerful blades that can cut from the most delicate flowers to the toughest branches and stem. It can cut through any stem or branch up to 1-inch thick. This tool is specially made for any type of garden work and for any type of person. It also features a solid and powerful locking mechanism and a return spring built to last for a long period of time.
Overall Components
It is designed ergonomically. Any user will love using this tool because it is very lightweight and easy to use. Because of its metal-to-metal construction, it is very durable and can resist shock and cannot be easily broken when accidentally dropped. It offers safety because of its locking mechanism. Most importantly, it offers a lifetime warranty.
Product Specifications
It has a product dimension of 10.8-inches x 3.6-inches x 1-inch. It has an overall weight of 9.6-ounce.
4. Felco F-6
It is the ideal choice if you are looking for a bypass pruner that fits smaller hands but still functions efficiently.
Read moreProduct Quality
It is made from top-quality solid metal alloy. The blades are very sharp and are made from hardened steel that can cut branches and stems that has a thickness of up to 0.8-inch. It has handles made of forged aluminum, which makes it very lightweight.
Product Features
This item is a finely crafted and specially designed for users with smaller hands. Like all other Falco products, it has a very sharp blade that requires little to no sharpening. It stays sharp even after rigorous use. It is very durable that can last a longer period of time.
Overall Components
This type of tool is perfect for small pruning work. You can use it if you are pruning young trees, grape vines, and shrubs. It has handles that are lightweight that allows you to work even for a long time without feeling strained or fatigued. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty and its parts are easily replaceable.
Product Specifications
This has a product dimension of 11-inches x 1.5-inches x 3.8-inches. It has an overall weight of 4.2-ounces.
5. CUTCO
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a pair of old an American brand that is very durable and reliable.
Read moreProduct Quality
This is made from 4116 stainless steel loaded with 4116 carbon. It has handles that are enclosed with textured vinyl that is also non-slip. It has very sharp blades that require less sharpening.
Product Features
This type of garden tool has been around for six decades. It features handles that help you to manipulate the tool easily enabling you to work for longer hours without feeling fatigued in your hand and shoulders.
Overall Components
It comes with a stable spring that allows its users to easily pull the handles back. The handles are textured in that it allows you to use it even if it is raining. Most importantly, the maker of this product offers not a lifetime warranty but forever product warranty. This is an assurance that the product is made of great components that function efficiently.
Product Specifications
It has a product dimension of 8.4-inches x 2.2-inches x 0.4-inches. It has an overall weight of 9.6-ounces.
6. Felco
It is the perfect pick if you want an anvil pruner with high-quality blades and lightweight handles.
Read moreProduct Quality
It is one of the most favorite brands. It is made of solid metal alloy. It has hardened high-quality steel blades. It has a handle that is made of forged aluminum. It also has a non-slip cover and a cushion made of rubber that protects the tool from shock when dropped.
Product Features
One of its most impressive features is the ability of its blade to stay sharp under regular use, even without sharpening and even if it was kept for a long time. It also features a cutting notch that can cut thin wires without damaging the edge of the blade. It has sap grooves that keep the blade clean from sap released by plants. This makes cleaning and maintaining it very easy.
Overall Components
It has an adjustable micrometric system. This allows the user to manually adjust the blades to accommodate the size and type of branch or stem it is cutting. It also comes with a shock absorber feature that protects the hand and the tool. All parts of this can be replaced. This means that you can just easily replace the broken parts.
Product Specifications
It has a product dimension of 11-inches x 1.5-inches x 3.8-inches. It has an overall weight of 8.8-ounces. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty so you are assured that you are buying and using a high-quality product that can last a lifetime.
7. Planted Perfect Shears
This is the ideal choice if you want a tool that is efficient and has an impressive design.
Read moreProduct Quality
It is made from high-quality hardened steel. It has a pair of blades that are made of carbon steel that resists rust. Its material components allow it to function well and last for a long period of time.
Product Features
This type of tool features an anti-grip cover. This makes it easy for the user to hold the tool and do what he intends to do. The cover allows you to use it easily especially when cutting thick branches. It is also hand-friendly, which does not cause blisters or muscle fatigue. It also features very sharp blades that need less sharpening. Moreover, it has a perfectly made latch that keeps the tool closed when not in use.
Overall Components
This shear comes with a spring-type closure system. It also has integrated sap grooves. These grooves allow the blades to function properly by making it clean and non-sticky. This tool is easy to maintain and clean. It is also designed ergonomically to provide ease of use to users. Its latch also provides safety because it keeps the blades closed when it is not being used.
Product Specifications
It has a product dimension of 7-inches x 2.9-inches x 0.7-inches. It has an overall weight of 10.4-ounces only with a shipping weight of 11-ounces.
8. Haus & Garten
This is the ideal choice if you are looking for an aesthetically made tool that can do all your pruning requirements.
Read moreProduct Quality
It is made from high-quality titanium. Its blades are made of the highest quality Japanese-grade stainless steel blades. It is coated with titanium that reduces the friction between the trimmer. This protective coating ensures a longer lasting tool that is protected from rust accumulation. Its handles are made of aluminum steel, giving it a lightweight feel and a durable quality.
Product Features
It has an impressive classic design. It has a pair of strong and sharp titanium blades that make tough jobs easier. It is specially designed to provide comfort to its users. It also has shock pads absorber that decreases muscle fatigue on the hand and shoulders. Moreover, it has sap grooves that keep the blades clean. These grooves serve as the passageway of the sap released from the trees or plants.
Overall Components
It comes with a bypass that allows you to easily clean the residue off the pruning shear. Its handles have shock-resistant coating designed so the tool can be used for rigorous cutting. It is a good tool for those suffering from arthritis. This pruning shear has a micrometric system that can be adjusted. This enables the user to manually adjust the cutting blades depending on the kind of task at hand.
Product Specifications
This tool has a product dimension of 10.9-inches x 3.4-inches x 0.8-inches. It has an overall weight of nine ounces. It comes with a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. Because of this, you are assured that you will get your money worth in buying this kind of product.
9. Beville Gardens
This is the best tool if you are looking for an effective and compact tool.
Read moreProduct Quality
This is made from high-quality forged steel. It is designed with a comfortable grip that is made from non-slip materials. It also has high-quality blades that are very strong, very sharp, and very durable.
Product Features
This item can neatly trim all kinds of branches and stems with ¾-inch thickness. It has cutting-edge tension spring designed for uniform rebound and to last for a long time. It is integrated with the manufacturer’s failure-proof closure system. Even on regular and heavy use, its latch does not break or accumulate rusts. The blades require less sharpening.
Overall Components
This is designed for hands of all sizes. You can use it if you are right-handed and even if you are left-handed. It has a non-slip and comfortable grip to ensure that you will not feel muscle fatigue even after hours of pruning activity. When you purchase this tool, you will also receive a free holster.
Product Specifications
The product has dimensions of 8.5-inches x 3-inches x 2-inches. It has an overall weight of 10.4-ounces. Moreover, it comes with a lifetime warranty. You can be sure that this product can last for a long time.
10. Gardenite
This is the ideal device if you are looking for a powerful, convenient, and heavy-duty item.
Read moreProduct Quality
It is made from top quality hardened steel carbon steel blades. The blades are extra strong and assure users of a quality tool that will last for a long time. Because of the material component of its blades, it does not require frequent sharpening. In addition, the blades are coated with the slipperiest substance on earth, Teflon. This allows the blades to resist sticky materials especially sap.
Product Features
This features an impressive breakthrough in mechanical engineering. It offers five times more power in terms of cutting compared to other competing brands. It has an installed ratchet that allows users to cut effortlessly. It also enables you to cut through thick branches easily without exerting much effort. This is called the wise cutting feature of the tool.
Overall Components
It is designed ergonomically. It is very easy to use and requires little to no effort from the user. The blades are coated with Teflon. This makes it very easy to clean. Since there is no residue left, you are assured that you can easily store it away and use it any time you like. The ratcheting mechanism magnifies the energy from your hand by approximately five times more. Most importantly, it comes with a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee from its makers.
Product Specifications
It has a product dimension of 10-inches x 3.4-inches x 1-inch. It has an overall weight of eight ounces.
Sources
- , 8 best pruning shears in 2019, Blog