When it comes to buying gardening tools, it’s important to focus on features that fit your specific gardening needs. After over three months, we’ve found that the Felco – F-2 Classic Pruner is the best overall choice due to its durability, ergonomic handles, and ease of repair. The Corona – ClassicCut Bypass shears are a great budget option that can also be repaired and sharpened. For those with smaller hands, the Felco – F-6 is the best choice due to its shorter size and ergonomic design. Finally, the Fiskars – Micro-Tip Pruning snips are a great choice for reaching tricky corners without damaging main stems.
Top Choice
- Best overall: FELCO F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner, F 2
- Best Budget: Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner
- Most Thin: Fiskars Gardening Tools: Micro-Tip Pruning Shears
Buying Guides
Thickness
The maximum branch thickness that pruners can cut through is often indicated on product packaging or online, except for thinning pruners that are meant for smaller branches or stems. However, during our testing, we discovered that these size limits were not always entirely accurate, as they also relied on the strength of the user’s hands.
Left or right
Do you need a pruning tool that is suitable for left-handed people? While most pruners are designed for right-handed individuals, there are brands that offer left-handed options. In our testing, we found that all of the pruners we reviewed were suitable for right-handed individuals, but could potentially be used by left-handed individuals. However, keep in mind that the blade orientation may not provide optimal visibility for left-handed users.
Budget
Pruning shear costs vary depending on the type, manufacturer, and quality. They can be bought for less than $10 or more than $60. Budget-friendly pruners can still do the job, but we’ve found that pricier pruners frequently have stronger warranties, are made of sturdy materials, and are simpler to fix. In general, you get what you pay for, and a more expensive instrument is frequently more durable.
Conclusion
After reviewing different garden pruning shears, we found the Felco F-2 Classic Pruner to be the best overall choice due to its durability, ergonomic handles, and easy repairability. The Corona ClassicCut Bypass shears are a great budget pick that can be easily sharpened and repaired. The Felco F-6 is best for those with smaller hands, while the Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips are great for reaching tricky corners.
