The Best Pruning Shears 2024: Unleashing the Gardener’s Excalibur

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Looking for the best pruning shears? Every gardener knows the secret to a thriving plant isn’t just water and sunlight—it’s the right tools. Just as scissors are essential for crafting, secateurs, or garden shears, are vital for plant care.

These aren’t just any shears; they’re a gardener’s magic wand. Dive in to discover how the right pair can transform your garden and keep your plants looking their best!

Best Overall
FELCO F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner

  • Type: Anvil blade
  • Material: Forged aluminium handles, hardened steel blade and riveted anvil blade
  • Cutting Capacity:0.98 inch (25 mm)
  • Weight: 0.53 lb (240 g)

Best Budget Pick
Corona BP 3180D Classic Bypass Pruner

  • Type: Bypass blade
  • Material: Forged steel blade and hook, non-slip cushioned grips
  • Cutting Capacity: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
  • Weight: 0.85 lb (385 g)

Best Electric
Sun Joe PJ3600C Cordless Rechargeable Power Pruner

  • Type: Anvil blade
  • Material: Forged steel blade and hook, aluminum alloy handle, acrylic hand piece
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.5 inch (12.7 mm)
  • Weight: 0.36 lb (163 g)
  • Battery Life: Up to 750 cuts per charge
  • Rapid Charge: Charge in approximately 65 minutes

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Felco F-2 Classic Pruning Shears

Best Overall, Best Anvil and Best Heavy-Duty
Felco f2 classic pruning shears
  • Type: Anvil blade
  • Material: Forged aluminium handles, hardened steel blade and riveted anvil blade
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.98 inch (25 mm)
  • Weight: 0.53 lb (240 g)

The Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner is our top pick of pruners for garden needs. Swiss brand Felco, a favorite among professionals and hobbyists, has delivered quality pruning tools for over 70 years.

The Felco F-2 Classic offers durability and versatility, easily cutting from delicate stems to thick branches. Its sharp forged steel blades ensure efficient cuts and can be easily sharpened or replaced.

These pruners have lightweight, sturdy handles made of forged aluminum with a non-slip coating for comfortable and strain-free gardening.

Another standout feature of the Felco F-2 is the anvil blade with a sap groove to prevent sticking and ensure smooth operation. Its rubber cushion shock absorbers soften the cut and minimize injury risks.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Felco brand is its commitment to longevity. The Felco F-2 is backed by a lifetime warranty, and all parts are replaceable, ensuring that your pruners remain in top shape for years to come. This is evident in the numerous positive reviews and praises from users who have had their Felco pruners for over a decade.

The Felco F-2 is available in both right-handed (F-2) and left-handed (F-9) models, catering to the needs of different people.

The maximum cutting capacity of this tool is 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter, and Felco even offers spare parts, servicing, and accessories to ensure your pruners are always ready for action.


Corona BP 3180D Bypass Pruning Shears

Best Budget Pruners
Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner with 1 Inch Cutting Capacity, 1", Red
  • Type: Bypass blade
  • Material: Forged steel blade and hook, non-slip cushioned grips
  • Cutting Capacity: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
  • Weight: 0.85 lb (385 g)

Searching for top-notch, budget-friendly pruning shears? Look no further than the Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner. Trusted since 1928, Corona’s BP 3180D model underscores their dedication to durable and top-performing garden tools.

The Corona BP 3180D boasts a resharpenable and replaceable forged steel alloy blade for lasting durability. Its sap groove design ensures the blade stays clean and non-sticky, streamlining your gardening tasks.

Prioritizing comfort, the Corona BP 3180D features a non-slip cushioned grip for fatigue-free use. Its shock-absorbing bumper shields your hand and wrist from impact.

The pruner’s aligned hook and body ensure clean, effortless cuts. With a 1-inch cutting capacity, it tackles diverse pruning tasks with ease.

Beyond their superb quality, Corona ensures these shears’ longevity with available spare parts and servicing.

Both right and left-handed models available, these pruners boast a stellar 4.7-star rating from 3,000+ Amazon reviews.

For cost-effective, reliable pruning shears, the Corona BP 3180D is your go-to choice.


Okatsune 301 Bypass Secateurs

Best Thinning Scissors
Okatsune 301 Bypass Secateurs
  • Type: Bypass blade
  • Material: Forged steel blade and handle, rubber bumper
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.79 inch (20 mm)
  • Weight: 0.66 lb (300 g)

The Okatsune 301 Bypass Secateurs, from renowned Japanese brand Okatsune, are a prime pick for garden thinning scissors, made with superior Izumo Yasugi steel.

With an efficient thinning blade, the Okatsune 301 Bypass Secateurs excel in pruning dense branches without stubs. Their robust design guarantees user-friendly operation and minimal upkeep.

These secateurs ensure comfortable gardening with their razor-sharp edge, promoting clean cuts and plant health. Plus, the ergonomic handle, complete with an index finger notch, enhances your grip.

Forged by skilled craftsmen in Japan, these secateurs promise quality and precision, with a cutting capacity of 1 inch. Both right-handed and left-handed models are available.

With a stellar 4.9-star rating on Amazon, users love its performance. Okatsune also provides repair services and spare parts for durability.


Bahco PXR-M2-L Pruning Shear

Best Professional Grade Pruning Shears
A pair of pruning shears on a white background.
  • Type: Bypass blade
  • Material: Forged steel blade and hook, elastomer-coated handles
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.79 inch (20 mm)
  • Weight: 0.64 lb (290 g)

For gardeners seeking professional-grade tools, the Bahco PXR-M2-L Ergonomic Rolling Handle Secateurs from Swedish brand Bahco are a standout choice.

These pruners are known for their bypass cutting head that ensures clean cuts on live branches. Their rotating handle boosts cutting power, reduces strain, and offers an ergonomic grip tailored to your hand.

With a cutting capacity of 0.8 inches, the Bahco PXR-M2-L suits most pruning tasks. Its Xylan-coated blade ensures smooth cuts, prevents rust, and resists sap sticking.

Made in Japan from high-carbon steel, aluminum, and elastomer, these secateurs come in both left and right-handed models.

Their top-notch quality is paired with repairability, as Bahco provides spare parts and servicing.

Users laud the Bahco PXR-M2-L for its sharpness, comfort, and durability, highlighting its enjoyable and reliable performance. In essence, these secateurs come highly recommended for top-tier garden work.


Related article: How to clean and sterilize pruning shears

Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Pruning Shears

Best For Users With Hand Strength Problems & Best Ratchet
Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Pruning Shears
  • Type: Anvil blade
  • Material: Forged steel blade and hook, aluminum alloy handle, acrylic hand piece, elastomer-coated rotating handle
  • Cutting Capacity: 1 inch (25.4 mm)
  • Weight: 0.49 lb (219 g)

For those with hand strength issues such as arthritis or carpal tunnel, the Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Pruning Shears come highly recommended for their user-friendly design.

The pruners’ ratchet mechanism allows for effortless cutting, ensuring comfort despite hand issues. Boasting a soft rubber grip and finger protection guard, these shears prioritize comfort and safety.

Crafted by The Gardener’s Friend, specialists in tools for hand issues, these lightweight shears combine carbon steel blades with sturdy aluminum handles.

These pruners have a 1-inch cutting capacity and are available exclusively in a right-handed version.

With a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from 2,000 reviews, these shears also offer a lifetime warranty and free blade replacement, emphasizing their reliability.

For those with hand challenges, these shears promise a more enjoyable, stress-free gardening experience.


Felco F6 Pruning Shears

Best For Comfort and Best For Small Hands
Felco F6 Pruning Shears
  • Type: Bypass blade
  • Material: Forged aluminium handles, hardened steel blade and screw-mounted anvil blade
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.79 inch (20 mm)
  • Weight: 0.46 lb (210 g)

If comfort is key for your pruning needs, consider the Felco 6 from the renowned Swiss brand Felco. Their compact design fits small to medium hands, and features like a rubber cushion and shock absorber minimize hand fatigue during extended use.

The Felco 6 offers effortless, clean cuts, made in Geneva with durable materials like forged aluminum and hardened steel.

With a 0.8-inch cutting capacity, the Felco 6 comes in both hand orientations and is lauded by pros and hobbyists for its reliability.

The Felco brand also offers easy access to spare parts, ensuring the shears’ longevity.

Users have reported positive experiences with the Felco 6, with comments such as, “I have small hands, and these are perfect for me. They are very comfortable and easy to use,” and “These are the best pruning shears I have ever owned. They are sharp, sturdy, and ergonomic.”

For comfort-focused pruning, the Felco 6 stands out with its ergonomic design and efficient cuts.


Sun Joe PJ3600C Electric Cordless Pruner

Best Electric Pruner
Sun Joe PJ3600C Electric Cordless Pruner
  • Type: Anvil blade
  • Material: Forged steel blade and hook, aluminum alloy handle, acrylic hand piece
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.5 inch (12.7 mm)
  • Weight: 0.36 lb (163 g)
  • Battery Life: Up to 750 cuts per charge
  • Rapid Charge: Charge in approximately 65 minutes

Need a user-friendly pruning solution? The Sun Joe PJ3600C Electric Cordless Pruner combines performance, convenience, and safety for easy garden maintenance.

With a 3.6-volt battery offering 750 cuts per charge, the pruner ensures uninterrupted work. Its sharp steel blade effortlessly cuts branches up to 0.6 inches.

Its lightweight, ergonomic design ensures comfort and suits both right and left-handed users. The PJ3600C prioritizes safety with features like a safety switch and a blade sheath guard.

With a durable plastic body and steel blade, the PJ3600C is trusted by users, evidenced by its 4.3-star rating on Amazon from over 1,188 reviews.

Some users noted challenges with thicker branches and jams, but most praised its convenience and efficiency.

Sun Joe offers a two-year warranty and dedicated customer service for the PJ3600C, ensuring reliable support.


Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears

Best Light Weight
fiskars bypass pruner
  • Type: Bypass blade
  • Material: Forged aluminium handles, hardened steel blade and screw-mounted anvil blade
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.625 inch (15.9 mm)
  • Weight: 0.5 lb (227 g)

Need an affordable, effective, and light weight pruning shear? The Fiskars Bypass Pruner stands out with its sharp, lightweight design, cutting up to 3/4 inch branches with ease.

Prioritizing comfort, the Fiskars Pruner has rubber-coated plastic handles suitable for all hand sizes, ensuring wrist-friendly use over long periods.

From the renowned Fiskars brand, this pruner features rust-resistant steel blades and cuts up to 5/8 inch, ideal for diverse garden tasks.


Fiskars Bypass Pruner

Best Light Weight
fiskars bypass pruner
  • Type: Bypass blade
  • Material: Forged aluminium handles, hardened steel blade and screw-mounted anvil blade
  • Cutting Capacity: 0.625 inch (15.9 mm)
  • Weight: 0.5 lb (227 g)

Need an affordable, effective, and light weight pruning shear? The Fiskars Bypass Pruner stands out with its sharp, lightweight design, cutting up to 3/4 inch branches with ease.

Prioritizing comfort, the Fiskars Pruner has rubber-coated plastic handles suitable for all hand sizes, ensuring wrist-friendly use over long periods.

From the renowned Fiskars brand, this pruner features rust-resistant steel blades and cuts up to 5/8 inch, ideal for diverse garden tasks.


Important Features To Consider For Pruning Shears

A man holding a pair of garden shears in a store.

When choosing the best pruning shears for your gardening needs, it’s essential to consider several factors that will ensure you make the right decision.

This section will cover the most important features you should be looking for in your ideal pruning shears.

Material

The material of the blade is crucial, as it determines the shear’s durability and cutting efficiency. High-quality carbon steel is the most common material used in pruning shear blades, as it offers a good balance between sharpness, durability, and rust resistance.

Type – Bypass Pruners or Anvil?

There are two main types of pruning shears: bypass pruners and anvil pruners.

Bypass pruners have a scissor-like movement, making clean cuts ideal for live wood. Anvil pruners have a single blade, which crushes the branch against a flat surface, making them suitable for damaged and dead branches.

Cutting Capacity

The cutting capacity of pruning shears refers to the maximum diameter of the branches they can cut. Make sure to choose a pair that can handle the size of the branches you’ll be working with.

Most pruning shears can handle branches up to 1 inch in diameter, while some heavy-duty models can cut branches up to 1.5 inches or more.

Overall Quality

The quality and durability of the pruning shears depend on the design, materials used, and the brand’s reputation. Look for shears with a well-built, sturdy design and solid construction to ensure they last for a long time.

Left/Right Handed

Some pruning shears are specifically designed for left-handed or right-handed users, while others are ambidextrous. Make sure to choose a pair that’s comfortable for your dominant hand, as this will help reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Repairability

High-quality pruning shears from brands like Felco are known for being easy to repair with replaceable parts. This can be an important consideration, as it ensures your shears can be maintained and kept in good working condition for years to come.

Budget

The price of pruning shears can vary widely, ranging from inexpensive models to high-end versions with premium features. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when making your decision.

Weight

The weight of the pruning shears affects comfort and ease of use. Choose a lightweight pair to minimize hand fatigue, especially if you have a lot of pruning work to do. However, don’t compromise on quality, as overly lightweight shears may not be durable enough for heavy-duty pruning.

Size

Pruning shears come in various sizes, so pick a pair that fits comfortably in your hand and is appropriate for the size of the branches you’ll be cutting.

Safety

Safety features, such as a locking mechanism, are essential to prevent accidental injuries. Look for shears with a reliable lock that’s easy to engage and disengage, ensuring your safety while using the tool.

Warranty

A warranty is an excellent indication of a brand’s confidence in its product. Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as this can provide peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Do you have any questions relating to this article? Email us at [email protected] or call us on +1 (310) 961-4908

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Author
Aaron is the founder of and Essential Home and Garden. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in home ownership, lawn care, and gardening, Aaron is a seasoned expert in areas like lawn care, DIY, HVAC, and pest control.

4 thoughts on “The Best Pruning Shears 2024: Unleashing the Gardener’s Excalibur”

  1. Avatar photo

    Great article!

    However, please note that according to recent “answers” on Amazon relative to the Felco Product Description, unfortunately they are now Made in China.
    Relying on their reputation, I recently purchased a Fiscars Lopper (Finland), used it for less than 10 minutes on a single planting, only to return it due to the steel blade actually chipping apart all along its edge! Needless to say, Made in China.

    • Aaron Green

      Thanks for the info Denis. However, the Felco website tells me these are still made in Switzerland.

  2. Avatar photo

    The Cutco Pruners are less expensive if you buy them from their website.

    • Aaron Green

      Hi Kathleen, yes true – Amazon is good when they have their sales on as well.

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