Pruning shears are the primary handheld cutting tools for maintaining shrubs, roses, and small trees. These tools are designed for making clean, precise cuts on branches and stems typically up to three-quarters of an inch thick. Selecting the correct pair of pruners is important for efficient work and directly impacts the health of the plant being trimmed. A quality tool minimizes tissue damage, allowing the plant to heal faster and reducing the risk of disease. The best pruning shear depends entirely on the specific material being cut and the user’s physical needs.
Understanding the Primary Pruner Mechanisms
The fundamental difference between pruning shears lies in their cutting mechanism, which determines the type of plant material they are best suited to handle.
Bypass Shears
The most common design is the bypass shear, which operates like a pair of scissors. It uses two curved blades that slide past each other to make a clean, slicing cut through the plant tissue. This scissor-like action is recommended for pruning live, green wood because it causes minimal damage, promoting faster healing for the plant.
Anvil Shears
Anvil shears feature a single sharp blade that closes down onto a flat metal plate, or “anvil.” This mechanism functions more like a knife on a cutting board, generating a powerful, crushing force. Anvil pruners are the preferred choice for cutting dead, woody, or tough material. They are not suitable for precise cuts on living plants, as the crushing action can split or bruise delicate tissue.
Ratchet Shears
A third option is the ratchet shear, which is a variation of the anvil design incorporating a geared mechanism. Ratchet pruners cut in stages, clicking through the material with successive squeezes of the handle. This incremental action greatly multiplies the applied force, allowing users with less hand strength to easily cut branches up to an inch or more in diameter. This mechanism is particularly effective on thicker, drier branches that would strain a standard pair of shears.
Essential Features for Comfort and Durability
The quality of the tool is determined by its construction materials and ergonomic design. The handle fit is important for user comfort and injury prevention, as an improperly sized tool can cause hand cramping or repetitive strain. Ergonomic handles, which may be offset or feature a swivel grip, help maintain a neutral wrist position to reduce strain during extended pruning sessions.
Blade Materials
The blade material is a significant indicator of performance and maintenance requirements. High-carbon steel is known for its ability to take and hold a very sharp edge, making it the choice for a clean, precise cut. However, carbon steel is highly susceptible to rust and requires regular cleaning and oiling to prevent corrosion.
Stainless steel offers a much higher resistance to rust and corrosion, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners in humid or wet environments. While stainless steel blades may not hold an edge as long as carbon steel, they are more forgiving. Some high-quality blades also feature non-stick coatings, such as Teflon, which reduces the friction of the cut and prevents sticky plant sap from building up on the blade surface.
Springs and Locks
Other components, like the spring and locking mechanism, affect the overall user experience. A coil spring offers smooth, consistent action and is generally more durable than a simple wire spring. The locking mechanism should be easy to engage and disengage with the thumb of the hand holding the pruner.
Maximizing Longevity Through Maintenance and Proper Use
Hand pruners are generally designed to cut material no thicker than three-quarters of an inch to one inch in diameter. Attempting to cut branches beyond this capacity puts excessive lateral stress on the blades and pivot bolt, potentially twisting the tool or creating nicks in the cutting edge.
Regular cleaning is necessary to remove plant sap and debris after each use, which prevents the cutting action from becoming sticky and helps deter rust. A simple wipe-down with a rag and household cleaner or alcohol is sufficient to remove residue. Tools used to cut diseased wood should be disinfected thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution before moving to a healthy plant.
Maintaining the blade’s sharpness is directly related to the tool’s performance. A dull blade tears and crushes tissue rather than slicing cleanly, leaving the plant vulnerable to infection. Sharpening should be done by carefully following the original factory bevel angle of the blade with a sharpening stone or diamond file.
After cleaning and sharpening, the metal components, particularly the pivot area, should be lubricated with a light coat of oil to ensure smooth operation and protect against rust. Proper storage in a dry location, away from direct moisture, will ensure the pruners remain in optimal condition.