Secateurs can be the best way to maintain a variety of plants within your garden and keep them looking beautiful. However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
In this article we break down everything from blade sharpness to durability to help you find the Secateurs that best meet your specific needs.
1. Gonicc 8″ Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears (Top Pick)
The Gonicc pruning shears are a pleasure to use. The weight and feel are very nice, and they fit comfortably in the hand, requiring very little pressure to cut.
As a bypass pruner, the cuts are very close and clean. As you might expect; these are very precise pruning scissors. They can get into small spaces and cut accurately, making them great for thick bushes or maneuvering around thorns.
One thing some people may not like is that they tend to open a bit too wide. This may make them awkward to handle at times. Other than that, they are great hand pruners and will last you a long time.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Very precise
What We Don’t Like:
- They open a bit too wide
2. Hoselink Heavy-Duty Secateurs
Hoselink are well known for their high-quality and reliable gardening equipment.
These secateurs feature an ergonomic handle with a comfy non-stick cushion grip, meaning less pressure and strain on your hands, even with extended use. They are constructed from Japanese steel, and are suitable for everything from trimming branches to pruning rose stems.
What’s more, they’re also available in Pink!
What We Like:
- Lightweight yet heavy duty
- Ergonomic handle
- Comfortable grip
What We Don’t Like:
- Less suitable for thick branches
3. Bosch Cordless Powered Secateurs
The Bosch Powered Secateurs make pruning a breeze. They are similar to air-powered pruners in that, once you begin to cut something that is about 5mm or more, the power kicks in and finishes the cut for you. These pruning clippers are good for arthritic hands, or elderly people who have trouble gripping.
The cutting action is very clean and the bypass blades give you a nice, precise cut. If you are using them for long periods, some people may find the handle a bit heavy after a while. The handle is also on the large side, so for women with small hands, they may not be comfortable.
Other than that, they will be a great help to anyone who needs assistance with their pruning.
What We Like:
- Precise
- Easy to use
- Great for arthritis or elderly
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulky handles
- May be too heavy for some
4. Gardena Classic Bypass Hand Pruner
The Gardena hand pruners are a great quality, precision-engineered tool. They are made in Germany and it shows in the craftsmanship and clean action of the blades. There are no visible springs on these pruners, which is a nice feature, and the blades are non-stick, so they are very easy to clean.
They are comfortable, small pruning scissors and fit nicely in the hand. The blades could be a bit more durable; if you are cutting hard, dead branches, they may become dull quicker than you might expect. But they are some of the sharpest blades you’ll find on a pair of secateurs, so they are great for rose pruning and similar tasks.
What We Like:
- Very sharp
- Comfortable
- No visible spring
What We Don’t Like:
- Blades could be more durable
5. Felco 2 Classic Pruning Shears
The Felco shears are very well-made and some may think they are handling a surgical instrument rather than a gardening tool. The cutting action is very smooth and they have a nice heft to them.
They fit comfortably in the hand and cutting feels safe and easy thanks to the cushion shock absorber. These are anvil pruning shears so they are very durable. The cutting is not as precise as bypass shears, but they are pretty close.
These are reliable, easy to use, and durable pruning shears. It is easy to see why they are one of the most popular pruners on the market.
What We Like:
- Reliable
- Durable
- Comfortable to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey
6. ARS HP-VS8Z Signature Heavy Duty Pruner
The ARS pruners are very sharp for heavy-duty shears. They are made in Japan and, perhaps like sushi knives, they excel in sharpness. The blades are very durable too, even after a lot of use, they won’t become dull easily. The blades are also chrome plated, so they are extremely resistant to rust.
These pruners have a one-handed unlock feature, which is very convenient. You can open them or lock them by squeezing the handles, leaving your other hand free to hold branches or help keep your balance.
The ARS pruners are solid, professional garden shears that are good for people with a lot of yard work to do.
What We Like:
- Very sharp
- One-handed locking
- Durable
What We Don’t Like:
- Pricey
Garden Secateurs Buyer’s Guide
Bypass Pruners vs Anvil Pruners?
Bypass secateurs have two blades, like a pair of scissors. They generally cut better than anvil pruners and are very precise so you can use them for most pruning jobs around the yard.
Anvil secateurs have a flat metal plate where the bottom blade would normally be. Only the top blade is sharpened. They generally don’t cut as precisely as bypass pruners and may need more force to finish the job, but the cutters are more durable. Use these for tougher jobs.
Ergonomics
You should be able to do all of your pruning without putting too much strain on your hands. Choose garden pruning shears that have a comfortable grip and provide good leverage to make cutting easy.
Safety features
Quality secateurs are very sharp and can easily cut off a finger or puncture a limb. Look for garden pruning tools that have a good, easy to use locking system. This will help you avoid any accidents.
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Quality
Cheap shears may be tempting, but the blades dull quickly and you often have to fight them. For people with smaller or weaker hands, it can be difficult to cut through thicker branches.
On the other hand, good quality pruning shears with ratcheting action make your task easier. The blades stay sharp and the scissor action is smooth and satisfying.
With quality forging, the shears can be lighter while remaining strong, so you don’t tire out from wielding heavy pruners.