The best pruning shears in the UK 2023

Pruning shears are an indispensable tool for all gardening enthusiasts. This accessory makes the maintenance of the garden and green spaces less exhausting and much more comfortable. Your presence on this page is not by chance. If you are looking for an item that will help you "chew up" your work, we invite you to browse this guide to the best pruning shears of 2021.

Fiskars 91095935J 1
8/10

Best value for money

Fiskars 91095935J

The best pruning shears in 2021

Robust, handy and particularly sharp, this Fiskars pruning shears 91095935J will delight gardeners and landscapers, whether they are professionals or amateurs.

30,43 £ on Amazon

If we had to recommend only one pruning shear, it would be this Fiskars 91095935J. Indeed, this bypass gardening shear really has it all. It will give you a very good pruning experience on 25 mm branches. You won't need to force anything, as its blades, made with hardened steel and treated with a low-friction coating, will cut through branches, twigs and twigs like paper.

Entirely made of quality products, this manual pruning shear has passed all the efficiency and ergonomic tests it has been submitted to. Note that this pruning shear is equipped with an easy-open safety lock that will prevent children from getting hurt if it falls into their hands. With this Fiskars 91095935J, gardening will never be so easy and enjoyable at the same time.

GRÜNTEK 295.108.215 2
7/10

Best value for money

GRÜNTEK 295.108.215

The best entry-level pruning shears

Its 48 mm Japanese steel upper blade with Teflon non-stick coating and its carbon steel lower blade allow the GRÜNTEK 295.108.215 to make very clean cuts.

11,16 £ on Amazon

The GRÜNTEK 295.108.215 is an entry-level pruning shear with no major flaws, except for its cutting diameter. Indeed, this shear is only recommended for branches with a diameter of up to 22 mm. It will be more appropriate for work that requires precision, such as cutting roses, twigs and woody branches. For pruning vines, it is better to opt for a pruning shear with sharper blades.

Despite these sharpening concerns, the GRÜNTEK 295.108.215 remains an exceptional pruning shear. In addition to its ultra-resistant blades with non-stick coating, this pruning shear also has a blade adjustment mechanism, as well as a buffer and shock absorbers. In addition, the design of its wrists is thought to minimize the efforts to be made and to reduce the pain felt in the hands during use.

Felco FEL2 3
8/10

Best premium value for money

Felco FEL2

The best high-end pruning shears

The pruning shears of this brand are recognized for their quality of manufacture, but also their versatility. Robust and easy to handle, Felco FEL2 is very appreciated by landscapers, but also by wine growers.

40,35 £ on Amazon

This manual pruning shear has an impeccable manufacturing quality and can withstand intensive use. Don't worry, you don't need a strong hand to use the Felco FL2. Its ergonomic and intelligent design provides comfort and greatly facilitates pruning operations. In addition to being lightweight, this pruning shear has a shock absorption system that prevents hand and wrist fatigue.

The announced cutting diameter of this pruning shear is 25 mm. However, the Felco FEL2 can handle much thicker branches. You can have a great time while gardening. Its razor-sharp blades will cut through branches and twigs with ease. Remember to protect your hands with gloves and avoid leaving the tool unattended. It's true that these pruning shears are expensive to buy, but considering their quality, they are well worth the money.

Gonicc GPPS-1002 4
9/10

Professional

Gonicc GPPS-1002

A great pruning shear for heavy use

The Gonicc GPPS-1002 will meet your expectations if you like delicate pruning and cutting of your flower beds and shrubs. Its hardened steel blades offer clean and smooth cuts on 20 mm branches.

15,96 £ on Amazon

Don't be fooled by its low price, this automatic ratchet pruning shear is extremely efficient. As long as the diameter of the branches does not exceed 20 mm, the Gonicc GPPS-1002 will do its job perfectly. While the upper blade is Teflon coated, the lower one is made of high-strength carbon steel. They will easily cut through thick branches, but also allow for floral work that requires finesse.

At first glance, the Gonicc GPPS-1002 pruning shears seem to lack ergonomics, but its design, as well as its aluminum handle, allow it to fit beautifully in the palm. This manual pruning shear will allow you to perform different types of gardening work. A locking mechanism will prevent a child or inexperienced hands from getting hurt.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best pruning shears

Any specific needs?

The best pruning shears in 2021

The best entry-level pruning shears

The best high-end pruning shears

A great pruning shear for heavy use

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best pruning shears

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Fiskars 91095935J 5
8/10
GRÜNTEK 295.108.215 6
7/10
Felco FEL2 7
8/10
Gonicc GPPS-1002 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Fiskars 91095935J
GRÜNTEK 295.108.215
Felco FEL2
Gonicc GPPS-1002
Robust, handy and particularly sharp, this Fiskars pruning shears 91095935J will delight gardeners and landscapers, whether they are professionals or amateurs.
Its 48 mm Japanese steel upper blade with Teflon non-stick coating and its carbon steel lower blade allow the GRÜNTEK 295.108.215 to make very clean cuts.
The pruning shears of this brand are recognized for their quality of manufacture, but also their versatility. Robust and easy to handle, Felco FEL2 is very appreciated by landscapers, but also by wine growers.
The Gonicc GPPS-1002 will meet your expectations if you like delicate pruning and cutting of your flower beds and shrubs. Its hardened steel blades offer clean and smooth cuts on 20 mm branches.
Practicality and comfort of use
Dimensions
10.16 x 2.54 x 27.31 cm
21.5 x 6 ,4 x 2.3 cm
23.5 x 10.16 x 2.54 cm
26.9 x 3.3 x 8.9 cm
Weight
295 g
256 g
249.48 g
226.8 g
Blade material
Hardened steel
Carbon steel and Japanese steel
Forged aluminum and steel alloy
Carbon steel
Specifics
This pruning shear should be cleaned after each use. Never leave it outside with traces of moisture.
Ergonomic aluminum handles. Japanese steel upper blade. Carbon steel lower blade.
The blades of this pruning shears were made with Swiss precision engineering. It has a mechanism that makes it easy to realign the blades.
Comfortable and strong. Aluminum handle. Non-stick steel blade.

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Buying guide - pruning shears

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How to choose your pruning shears

A must-have for gardeners, landscapers and wine growers, pruning shears come in many varieties. Cross-blade, anvil, electric... the choice is not an easy one, even more so if you don't know much about it. To help you, here are the criteria to remember before buying.

#1 - The type of plants

The pruning shears with straight cut or rack and pinion blades are specifically designed to cut branches from 0 to 3 cm in diameter. If you want to cut dry and green wood, prefer models with crossing blades. In the case of dead branches and hard wood, we recommend secateurs with anvil blades. It is important to specify that models with stainless steel blades are better suited for indoor plants as they limit the risks of corrosion.

#2 - The ergonomics

When we talk about ergonomics, you immediately think of the handles and the grip, and that is to your credit. Indeed, it is essential to have a very good grip with this type of tool. The shape of the pruning shears must perfectly fit the shape of the hand. This guarantees a better grip, especially if the handles are covered with non-slip material. In case of prolonged use, it is convenient to have a safety locking system that can be operated with one hand. Although there is no model of pruning shears specific to left-handed people, here are details of the length of pruning shears adapted according to that of the hand.

  • Small hand: if the hand measures less than 18 cm, the ideal length of the pruning shears should be between 16 and 18 cm.
  • Medium hand: if the hand is between 18 and 22 cm, the pruning shears should be between 18 and 21 cm long.
  • Large hand: in the case of a hand of 22 cm or more in length, choose a pruning shear of 21 to 24 cm.

#3 - The weight

Generally, pruning shears are one of the lightest garden tools. Yet, its weight can be felt during intensive use. This lightness is entirely dependent on the material with which it was forged. Choose aluminum models over steel ones if you want to take advantage of a longer lifespan. Besides, this material is recyclable.

#4 - The cutting diameter

The

pruning shears offer a cutting diameter ranging from 1.8 to 3 cm.

As a general rule, this covers the standard needs of all gardeners. This means you'll be able to tackle the thickest branches in your green space without difficulty. And since you're not going to measure the size of your branches one by one, know that the larger the diameter, the more efficient you'll enjoy cutting.

#5 - The frequency of use

There is no need to invest in a professional pruning shear if you are only going to use it occasionally. On the contrary, opt for a quality model if you plan to use it intensively and regularly. Besides the real comfort of use, you will also benefit from an increased durability. Think about the manufacturing material, the ergonomic and non-slip handles, the cutting diameter... Nevertheless, we advise you tobuy 2 types of pruning shears : a versatile model that will be used for small maintenance operations and a rather powerful model specific to the pruning of shrubs, fruit trees, etc.

"You can say anything in any way: it's always cut. Conversation is a game of pruning shears, where everyone prunes the neighbor's voice as soon as it grows." - From Jules Renard

How to sharpen a pruning shear ?

There are several ways to sharpen your pruning shears. Besides the oil stone, you can also use a tungsten sharpener. Note that the process should only be done if the tool no longer cuts efficiently and accurately or if its cutting diameter has considerably decreased.

Oil stone: you can sharpen the blade of your pruning shears with a grinding wheel designed for this purpose. For a better efficiency, the sharpening will be done on a moving blade.

Tungsten sharpener: this method is the most practical. Easy to carry, this sharpener fits easily in a pocket.

It is imperative to respect the sharpening angle proposed by the brand. Also, do not sharpen the blades repeatedly as this may cause them to spread too much, which will affect the quality of the cut.

The different types of pruning shears

The pruning shears are mainly used to prune and cut branches with a maximum diameter of 30 mm. It can be chosen according to the type of vegetation on which you will work. In this sense, we have categorized them as follows:

Manual pruning shears

This designation includes pruning shears with a straight cut, pruning shears with crossing blades and anvil pruning shears

.

  • The straight blade model : works the same way as a pair of scissors. Its clean and precise cut allows a perfect use on living wood. It does not cause any wounds that could lead to cryptogamic diseases. It stands out thanks to its 2 mobile and curved blades sliding one against the other.
  • A pruning shear with crossing blades : consists of a blade and a counter-blade which offers the assurance of a rather precise cut. Its use will have no impact on the plant fibers. Thus, you can use it on green plants with a maximum diameter of 15 mm.
  • Anvil pruning shears : more precisely suitable for dead wood and hard wood. It has a very sharp thin blade and a counter-blade in the form of an anvil. Working like an axe, this model can crush plant fibers if you use it on live wood.

Electric pruning shears

Electric pruning shears offer a cutting capacity ranging from 14 to 45 mm in diameter. Accompanied by a battery, they are very light and guarantee an effortless cut. This battery, with variable amperage, is often lithium-ion of 3.6 V. This type of model can be used for a long time depending on its autonomy (between 6 and 10 hours). If you have a large garden and simply want to save time, the electric pruning shears will surely be your best ally.

Good to know

Some models come with a holster that ensures your hands are free to carry the tool. On the other hand, you can buy an appropriate case depending on the size of your pruning shears.

Pruner or lopper?

Pruning shears

An essential tool for garden maintenance, pruning shears are used to cut, trim and prune trees, flowers and shrubs without damaging them. Some are handy when working with live wood while others are better suited for use on dead wood. Whether manual or electric, the pruning shears are the perfect equipment for regular maintenance of your plants with ease. It will give you a clean, crisp cut while the branches heal perfectly. However, its cutting capacity does not go beyond 30 mm.

Loppers or power pruners

The lopper (branch cutter or power pruner) is much heavier than the hand pruner. It is held between the 2 hands with the help of each handle. Depending on the model, the handles can be adjustable or not (telescopic). With such equipment, you will not need to use a saw or a ladder to reach the branches at height. The tool offers a very clean and burr-free cut on a larger diameter of branches.

Verdict

For cutting or pruning branches with a diameter of 2.5 to 3 cm, it is best to use pruning shears. The lopper, on the other hand, is perfectly suited to cutting branches with a diameter of 3 to 5 cm. It owes its efficiency to its large cutting capacity and the leverage effect of its handles.

Tips

Store your pruning shears in a dry and protected area.

Moisture is the enemy of gardening tools, so don't forget to put them away when you don't need them. Wet soil is the main cause of corrosion, so it's always a good idea to rinse off any mud that clings to your tools and dry them thoroughly before putting them away.

Think about safety.

Always

opt

for a pair of pruners with a locking mechanism to keep the blades closed when not in use. And wear gloves, no matter how much you practice with pruning shears. After all, the blades on this tool are sharper than a kitchen knife!

Beware of the type of blade attachment on your pruning shears.

Those that

use nuts and bolts to attach parts are preferable to those that use rivets. Because it means you can replace the blades if they get damaged or worn out.

Always clean the blades of your pruning shears after use.

After

your gardening session, don't forget to hose off your shovels or wipe the sap off your pruners with a clean rag. Taking a few seconds for these small tasks will keep your tools in tip-top shape and ensure they're ready for use next time.

Lubricate your pruning shears frequently.

Apply

a few drops of lubricating oil to the pivot of the blades, and wipe off the excess with a towel. This helps dissolve rust on the steel blades and protect the tools from corrosion.

FAQ

What is the best pruning shear?

The best pruning shears depend on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there.

Can you prune raffia with pruning shears?

No,

you are strongly advised against using your pruning shears on raffia or even plastic or metal ties. You risk the blades becoming dull.

What precautions should you take when using pruning shears?

Place

the pruning shears out of reach of children. Also, always disinfect the sharp blades with a little alcohol to prevent the spread of disease from one tree to another.

How to maintain pruning shears?

Cleaning a pruning shear is relatively simple. Take a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol and then clean the blades. The metal parts will also need lubrication so they don't oxidize.

Is it essential to choose pruning shears according to the size of your hand?

Yes

! Choosing your pruning shears according to the size of your hand guarantees a better comfort of use and an excellent grip

.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Fiskars 91095935J 9
Fiskars 91095935J
GRÜNTEK 295.108.215 10
GRÜNTEK 295.108.215
Felco FEL2 11
Felco FEL2
Gonicc GPPS-1002 12
Gonicc GPPS-1002

Lecteurs

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