Corona-RatchetCUT-pruner-featured-image Reviews

Corona RatchetCUT Anvil Pruner (RP 4224): Product Review

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GPR RECOMMENDATION

Ease of Use:
Quality:
Performance:
Final Thoughts

A wonderful ratcheting pruner for right-handers

Overall Score 4.6

Available on Amazon

Buy It

Corona has introduced another of its anvil pruners with ComfortGEL® handles – this one is called the RatchetCUT pruner. As you can probably guess, it’s a ratcheting pruner, meaning that is has a special mechanism that makes light work of tough cuts. As you squeeze the handles, they latch together so you can release and squeeze again, performing the cut in easy steps rather than trying to force the blade through the stem or branch in one cut. It’s particularly good for those with less strength in their hand or wrist, and for cutting thicker stems that regular shears cannot handle.

Corona RatchetCUT pruner ratcheting mechanism

The ratcheting mechanism makes all the difference in cutting through thick wood

How Did the RatchetCUT Perform?

I’ve tried other ratchet pruner models (see our comparison of Best Pruning Shears) and found that the Corona RatchetCUT Anvil Pruner is a worthy contender. It cut exactly what it said it would, slicing through 3/4 inch live and deadwood material without any difficulty.

Ratchet pruners are designed to cut woody material, not soft stems. So, not surprisingly, the RatchetCUT pruner didn’t cut soft non-woody stems (in the range of 1/16″ or less) very well. This is not a criticism, just an observation. It did fine cutting through woody stems of 1/16 inch or larger. For finer pruning tasks, like deadheading or snipping cut flowers, it’s better to use a standard bypass pruner.

Strong, Comfortable Handles

The handles are made from high strength cast aluminum that’s lightweight yet tough. The handles didn’t bend at all when force was applied, even when I was cutting 3/4 inch mesquite (which is incredibly hard wood).

One of the real benefits of the pruner is the silicon-like material used for the handle grips. Corona calls it the ComfortGEL® grip.

The ComfortGEL handles are easy to grip, even with wet or sweaty hands, and the cushy material reduces hand fatigue when making pruning cuts. I think the cushioned handles would probably be a good choice for someone with arthritis.

Corona RatchetCUT pruner ComfortGEL handles

The ComfortGEL handles are comfortable and non-slip

LOCKING MECHANISM DESIGNED FOR RIGHT HANDED FOLKS

When holding the pruner in my right hand, I could open the locking mechanism with my thumb. But a left-handed person wouldn’t be able to unlock the pruner without switching hands. When cutting with my left hand, I found that the locking tab stuck out enough beyond the handle frame that it caused a pinch point. There was no pinch point when using the pruner with my right hand. I would have liked to have seen a little more attention to detail in this area. A recessed lock, accessible from both sides would be preferable.

Corona RatchetCUT pruner pinching lock

Locking mechanism caused a pinch point for left handed operation

Coated Carbon Steel Blades

The blades of the Corona RatchetCUT Anvil Pruner are made from high carbon steel which makes them incredibly strong. Plus, the hardened steel holds an edge well.

The blades are coated with a non-stick coating to help reduce friction when slicing through deadwood. This coating also reduces sap build-up when cutting through material like pine branches.

Makes Clean Cuts

Some hand pruners will damage the bark, leaving a ragged cut. Not so with the RatchetCUT pruner – all cuts in woody material were exceptionally smooth and precise.

Corona RatchetCUT pruner clean cuts

Cuts were extremely clean

REPLACEMENT BLADES

There are no replacement blades for this pruner.

WARRANTY

Corona has a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

RECOMMENDATION

Personally, I think this is a great ratchet anvil pruner. I really like the ComfortGEL® grips, the very sharp carbon steel blade and the cutting power of the ratchet mechanism. It makes incredibly precise pruning cuts in live wood with no damage to the remaining bark.

The only quibble I have is the locking mechanism and its tendency to pinch when the pruner is held in the left hand. Wearing a pair of gloves will help reduce this. Outside of this, the pruner is well worth the money, particularly for a right-handed person.

WHERE TO BUY

The Corona RatchetCUT anvil pruner (RP 4224) can be purchased from Amazon Prime for $34.48. It’s also available directly from the Corona website for $35.53 + $9.50 (shipping) and you may be able to find it in your local garden center or hardware store.

The Corona RatchetCUT anvil pruner (RP 4224)
This ratcheting anvil pruner has a lot going for it, with non-slip ComfortGEL® grips, a very sharp carbon steel blade and the cutting power of a ratchet mechanism. It makes incredibly precise pruning cuts in live wood with no damage to the remaining bark.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Disclaimer – GPReview would like to thank Corona for giving us a free sample to review. There was no expectation that it would be a positive review and we received no compensation for writing it. All opinions expressed here are those of the author based on personal experience using the product.

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2 Comments on Corona RatchetCUT Anvil Pruner (RP 4224): Product Review

  1. Craig Agney

    The locking mechanism is not for right handlers only. Simply squeeze the handles of this ratchet pruner and the lock disengages.

    • Jack Hemingway

      Hi Craig,
      Yes you are correct. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, we appreciate it.
      Regards,
      Jack

Comments are closed.