The Best Pruning Shears

Gonnic 8″ Pruning Shears

These pruning shears from Gonnic are an excellent choice for all-around pruning to make gardening tasks less taxing. They’re designed with a curved, titanium-coated steel blade for easy chopping of stems and branches up to 3/4″ wide.

Along with their strength, these shears have features built-in that make them more user-friendly than the average garden tool. They have well-padded, comfortable grips to prevent sore hands, and they even have a sap groove that keeps your shears clean while you’re cutting sticky branches.

Pros:

• The blades are rust-resistant
• The size and curved shape allows this pair to work well for tiny leaves and large branches alike
• The handles are made of aluminum and PVC instead of steel, allowing the shears to be lighter than the average pair

Cons:

• These have a slightly higher price compared to other pruning shears sold today, but we think the added features make them worth the extra cost

Gonnic Steel Blade Shears

These strong shears from Gonnic are made of durable high carbon steel from top to bottom, making the blade sharper than most and allowing you to cut through stems and branches up to 3/4″ thick.

This gardening tool works with the pulley method, meaning the need for strength doesn’t fall solely on you when it comes time to chop. The shears will do a large chunk of the work for you, so you can squeeze the handles and let the device do the rest.

Pros:

• Even though these are made of steel, they’re surprisingly lightweight
• The handles are covered in a non-slip grippy material
• The blades are rust-resistant for long-lasting use

Cons:

• These have a large size at 8″ long, so they may feel a bit big to some

Zoutog Pruning Gift Set

Gardening-related items are some of our favorite go-to gifts for those who love plants, nature, and all things outdoors. This set of pruning shears and digging gloves from Zoutog makes for a present that is as useful as it is thoughtful.

This set includes two pairs of garden shears. One is made with a straight blade and the other has a curve to it. It also comes with a unique pair of digging gloves so your loved one can avoid getting dirt under their nails as they spend time tending to their garden.

Pros:

• Both pairs of shears are made of durable carbon steel for easy chopping
• The straight-blade pair is designed for snipping small plants and the curved-blade works best on thick stems and branches
• Both pairs open automatically after every clip, saving hand strength for the actual cutting process

Cons:

• These shears aren’t as heavy-duty as other pairs available today, so they perform best during smaller tasks

The Gardener’s Friend Pruners

Gardening is a lifelong hobby, so we want to support our hand-strength with tools that make it easier to keep doing what we love as we get older. Luckily, The Gardener’s Friend has designed these handy pruners to do most of the work for you.

The first quality that stands out with these shears is their handle. It’s designed with a loop, so it’s easy to keep on your hand without holding on tight all the time. Second, the closing mechanism works like a ratchet, providing strength and speed as you chop, even if your hand isn’t feeling quite up to the task.

Pros:

• These can cut branches as thick as an inch
• Extra-sharp blades
• They can be used for small snips as well as large chops
• Their aluminum build is lightweight and rust-proof

Cons:

• These have a higher price point than other gardening shears, but we consider them an investment for those who need a little more assistance

Vivosun Gardening Hand Pruner

Sometimes, simplicity is all we need. These straight-blade pruning shears from Vivosun are a bit smaller than most at 6.5-inches long, and they sport an easy-to-use spring-loaded handle with a comfortable grip for added convenience.

These shears come in blue and orange, so you can pick the color you prefer. They may not have as many features as other pairs sold today, but they’re modestly-priced and super effective.

Pros:

• These garden shears are made of durable and rust-proof stainless steel
• The blades are sharp enough to cut most stems as well as some small branches
• Their safety lock is easy to engage

Cons:

• These can’t cut through as much as larger shears, but they’re perfect for trimming small plants

Frequently Asked Questions

How are pruning shears different from scissors?

The products on the list above are specifically designed for gardening purposes. They’re stronger than the average scissors, they resist rust formation, and they have unique features that make pruning and trimming easier.

Should I use straight-blade pruners or curved-blade pruners?

Straight-blade pruners work well for small cuts while their curved cousins can chop through thicker stems and branches.