The best secateurs
Whether you’re an avid gardener or just getting started, having the right gardening tools can make the whole process easier. An essential tool that can improve the health of your plants is the pruner. Sometimes called pruners or shears, pruners are used to cut off dead or unnecessary branches or to prune leaves or flowers.
What to consider before buying a pruner
Types
There are three main types of pruners, each with their advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing one, ask yourself what you plan to do with the tool and what would work best for your garden. Common types are:
- Bypass: These are very popular among the gardening community. They have two curved blades that slide in contact with each other to cut through tender leaves and branches. Most models have a sharp blade and a blunt blade, which allows for a clean cut.
- Anvil: Anvil shears have a straight blade that cuts when it contacts the flat edge. They are more powerful than bypass pruners and are ideal for cutting large stems, branches and dead twigs. These shears can reliably make 1/2 inch cuts, which means they won’t accidentally graze the main plant.
- Ratchet: Similar to anvil shears, they are designed with an internal mechanism that makes pruning easier, especially for gardeners with limited hand or wrist strength.
Handles
In terms of handling, aesthetics and comfort, the handle plays a major role. Often considered the most decorative part of the tool, the handle comes in several colors including:
- Black
- Pink
- Orange
- Green
- Brown
- White
The color does not affect the shears’ effectiveness, but it can make them easier to find if you leave them in the garden. It can also give them a more personal touch, especially if you color coordinate other gardening tools such as gardening gloves.
Another important thing to consider is the feel of the handle when using the scissors. Some handles are textured for a more secure grip. Many have an ergonomic design that reduces hand and wrist fatigue when using them. Some handles are thick, making them ideal for people with large hands. Others are thinner, perfect for those with small hands.
If the grips start to wear out or break, there are replacement grips available. However, not all shears come with this option, so keep that in mind.
Material
Secateurs are usually made of durable materials that can withstand the elements. This is true for the blades and the handle.
- Blades: High-quality blades are usually made of stainless steel, which is durable but can easily dull with heavy use. Another popular option is carbon steel, which is more durable but can corrode if not properly dried and cleaned. Some blades are chrome plated, which last a long time, resist corrosion and do not require so frequent sharpening.
- To manage: Handles are usually made of rubber or polyvinyl chloride. Both materials are durable and provide good grip during use.
Design features
Secateurs have several additional design features, including:
- Locking mechanism: This mechanism holds the blades together when not in use, preventing potential accidents. How it works depends on the model, but most shears have a lock on one side that you can slide into place before storing.
- Internal spring: The spring allows the blades to automatically return to the open position after each cut. This makes it easy to prune multiple branches or leaves back to back. It also makes it more convenient for gardeners who want to use the shears with one hand.
lester
When buying a pruner, consider the total weight. If you are going to use the tool for hours, chances are your hands and wrist will get tired. The heavier the shears, the faster this can happen. Choose shears based on your strength to avoid potential problems.
9 best pruners to buy
Fiskars gardening tools: bypass pruner
These reliable pruners are made of steel, which makes them resistant to rust and corrosion. The blades have a non-stick coating that prevents sap and other debris from sticking to them. This tool can glide easily through small to medium sized branches up to 5/8 inch thick. The shears also have an easy-open lock that makes them easy to store safely.
Sold by Amazon and Home deposit
Nevlers 8 Inch Heavy Duty Professional Pruning Shears for Gardening
Available in green and black, these sturdy pruners have stainless steel blades that can cut through just about anything. The handles are ergonomic and made of rubber, which allows a comfortable grip.
Sold by Amazon
Wevove 3 Pack Stainless Steel Blades for Garden Pruning Shears
With three pairs of pruners, one with a straight blade, one with a curved blade and the other with a serrated blade, this set is versatile. The blades are made of durable stainless steel and feature a safety lock that helps prevent injury. The shears also feature an easy-open spring mechanism that reduces the risk of wrist and hand fatigue or strain. The set also comes with gardening gloves.
Sold by Amazon
Playoutdoors Secateurs
With an easy-to-use safety lock and internal spring mechanism, these bypass shears are easy to use. The blades are made of high carbon steel alloy, which is durable and corrosion resistant. The shears come with a spare spring.
Sold by Amazon
Gonicc 8 Inch Professional Sharp Bypass Pruner
Lightweight and comfortable to hold, these bypass shears have ergonomic non-slip handles and high carbon steel blades. They can cut up to 3/4 inch diameter. They are also very effective on soft shoots and stems.
Sold by Amazon
6.5 Inch Hydro Crunch Gardening Hand Pruner
With straight stainless steel blades, these pruners are ideal for container gardening and hydroponic gardens. The handles are comfortable and easy to use, even for those with limited hand strength. They come with built-in safety locks.
Sold by Home deposit
Fiskars secateurs made of stainless steel with titanium coating
Designed for shears and precision cuts, these shears have straight titanium coated blades. They can easily slide around rods and rods. The spring mechanism also makes them easy to open. Since they are small, they are best suited for small projects.
Sold by Home deposit
EZ Kut heavy duty pruner
These ratchet pruners are made from durable metal. They have a hardened carbon steel blade that can cut branches up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The handles are thicker, making them ideal for larger hands.
Sold by Amazon
Will’s Sword Professional Sharp Secateurs
With strong, corrosion-resistant steel blades, these large bypass shears are made to last. They come with a safety lock and have an ergonomic design that makes them comfortable to use. They are available in orange and green.
Sold by Amazon
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Angela Watson written for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their buying decisions, saving them time and money.
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