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
The Fiskars Ratchet Action Anvil Pruner can make clean cuts through ½ or less and can easily cut through ¾ inch deadwood and mesquite, although cuts through larger diameter wood aren’t as clean. We had problems with the lock position (it pinches your hand) but appreciated the squeeze-to-open feature. Continue Reading
The Corona ComfortGEL Anvil pruner makes beautifully clean cuts through both live and dead branches up to ¾ inch in diameter (although it’ll take some hand strength to get through wood that thick). It’s less effective with softer and thinner material. It has comfortable gel handles and a bumper to absorb shock. Overall, it’s a very good cutting tool for hard, thick stems, particularly at this price point and for gardeners with larger hands. Continue Reading
This is an excellent all-around pruning tool that cuts cleanly through up to ¾-inch branches. The smooth ratchet action and super-sharp cutting blade, as well as ultra light weight and strength, make this the only hand pruner you’ll ever need. Continue Reading
The HP-130DX lightweight pruning shears from ARS are a cut above other pruners on the market, including the ones you’re probably most familiar with. For everyday pruning and deadheading, these can’t be beat, although if you have large hands you’ll probably find that they’re too small. Continue Reading
I previously reviewed the Joseph Bentley long-handled bulb planter (which was terrific – read the review here) so I was looking forward to working with their new 7-inch, wood-handled secateurs. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed. Note: This review is based on my use of two new pairs of secateurs from Joseph Bentley. Both were the […] Continue Reading
UPDATED FOR 2019! On This Page ... Types of Pruning Shears Replacement Parts Ergonomic Design About Steel Pruner Blades Locking Mechanism Types of Springs Disassembling Pruners Size & Weight Our Top Recommended Pruning Shears Choosing Pruning Shears by Brand Helpful Videos Pruners (also called clippers, pruning shears, or secateurs) are used to trim and shape […] Continue Reading
Updated May 8, 2018 Before trying these ARS pruners, I’d been a fan of Felco pruners for a long time. But over time I’d become somewhat frustrated with Felco’s blade quality (it requires frequent – way too frequent – sharpening) and general “looseness” of the adjustment system (and before you ask, yes, I do […] Continue Reading
