At only $9.97, the Melnor Talon bypass pruner is a perfect example of “you get what you pay for.” It works but it has some quality issues (burrs form on the cutting blade), it cuts through only ¾-inch branches (rather than the claimed 1 inch), and it pinches your hands with each cut. If you have large hands and a limited budget, this pruner may work for you. If you have small hands, give it Continue Reading
The Corona FlexDIAL with ComfortGEL¨ grips bypass pruner (BP4214) has a unique adjustment system (the FlexDIAL) that adjusts handle width (and cutting capacity) for those with different size hands. It initially made clean cuts through material up to ¾ inches while in the highest width setting (it will only cut ¼ inch stems while in the "small hands" position). However, the cutting blade quickly burred and developed a flat spot making it unusable. Its unclear whether this is Continue Reading
At only 18 inches long, the Fiskars PowerGear2 is a smaller version of its larger brethren. It can get into tight pruning spaces, makes clean cuts, stays sharp even after cutting deadwood, and is comfortable to hold. However, I was underwhelmed by its inability to cut 1 ½ inch diameter material as claimed and it would benefit from a bumper between the handles to absorb shock. Continue Reading
You may have to adjust the blade tension before using this ergonomically designed bypass pruner. Be aware that you’ll need a Torx or star drive screwdriver or key wrench to do that. Once adjusted, the pruner makes beautiful cuts in ¾ material – but not the 1 inch that it claims – is comfortable to hold, has tough German steel blades, and an integrated bumper that dampens shock. Continue Reading
This is a quality pruner that doesn't skimp on materials and workmanship. It's sturdy, comfortable and makes clean cuts in woody stems and branches. The few very minor drawbacks are a handle locking mechanism that could get in the way of the two handles closing, the fact that it only cuts through ¾ inch wood (rather than the 1 inch diameter claimed) and that it’s intended for woody stems only. Continue Reading
Of all the BAHCO pruners I’ve tested to date, the P126-22-F is my least favorite. The handles are slippery, the locking mechanism is problematic and the sharp tip protruding from the end is a safety hazard. This is not the type of product I have come to expect from a top quality manufacturer like BAHCO. Continue Reading
With wider, contoured and fully rubberized handles, as well as an integrated spring and bumper, this pruner has some nice improvements over the typical bypass pruner. However, those with smaller hands may find the handles too large and it won't readily cut more than 1/2-inch material. Overall, the FATMAX Hybrid Forged Bypass pruner is a good performer with a ½ inch diameter cutting capacity. Continue Reading
With the Convertible Pruner + Lopper, Corona tried to create a 2-in-1 tool that could take the place of both a pruner and a lopper. Unfortunately, it tries to be all things to all people and ends up not being particularly good at any one of them. Corona gave it a good shot, but missed the mark on this one. Continue Reading
The BAHCO PX-L2 bypass pruner has quickly become one of my go-to pruning shears. The cutting blade is incredibly sharp, the ergonomic design causes less wrist and hand stress, and it easily cuts through ¾ inch branches and stems, even when pruning hard wood. Overall, this is a very high quality, professional grade bypass pruner. Continue Reading
The technology behind the pruner design is an honorable attempt at making something better. It just missed the mark. Instead of making pruning easier, it turned it into a struggle that required a lot of grip strength. Overall, the problems outweighed the positives. Continue Reading
This pruner has excellent fit and finish, fit comfortably in my hand, and made clean, precise cuts in wood up to 3/4 inch in diameter. However, it wouldn’t cut through stems and branches over that, despite Corona’s claimed cutting capacity of up to 1 inch. It’s built with high quality materials, the cutting blade holds a sharp edge and the overall performance is very good. Plus, the ergonomic rotating handle definitely reduces hand, wrist Continue Reading
Melnor’s Talon lopper has some nice features, like strong, curved aluminum handles, a very sharp cutting blade, and extendable handles for extra leverage. And it cuts cleanly through 2-inch branches. But the extendable handles slipped constantly, the bumpers fell out, a handle grip fell off and the blade developed burrs. If Melnor can clean up the quality control problems, this would be a very nice lopper. Continue Reading
The Fiskars Ratchet Drive lopper does an exemplary job at pruning branches and cutting up brush and deadwood that’s 1 ½“ in diameter or less. In the 2” diameter range cutting is more difficult and takes a lot of strength, especially through deadwood (which is what an anvil lopper is ideally suited to cut). The curved handles are a nice feature; you don’t have to open your arms as far to get the blades Continue Reading
If you’re looking for the crème de la crème of loppers, look no further than the Florian Maxi Lopper. It is extremely well crafted, strong, agile, and it can cut, and cut, and cut – all without requiring you to use a lot of force. Continue Reading
Shearing hedges by hand can be a tedious business, especially if your shears are not up to the task. Having the best tool can make all the difference! Continue Reading
