If you're a gardener, you know how useful a good pair of pruning shears can be.
The small yet powerful tool can help you keep your garden healthy and your hands comfortable.
But, part of your job is to select the right pair for yourself (Depending on your gardening goals and personal preferences).
In this blog post, we'll tell you how to choose pruning shears, covering everything from key features to consider to getting the most out of this handy tool.
Let's get started.
Understanding Pruning Shears (Types and Uses)
Pruning shears, also called “Secateurs”, are a hand-held gardening tool typically used for:
- Cutting small branches
- Trimming plants
- Shaping shrubs
Knowing their types will help you pick the right one for your specific gardening needs. Pruning shears come in three main types:
Bypass Pruners: These work like kitchen scissors; two sharp blades slide across each other to slice/cut stuff.
But, they are easier on your hands and can handle tougher tasks like cutting live green plants (Bypass pruners make clean cuts that heal quickly).
Anvil Pruners: These have a single sharp blade that cuts against a flat metal surface (The Anvil). They’re ideal for dry, thick, and dead branches, but can damage soft plant tissue.
Related: Anvil vs. Bypass Pruners (Which is Better?)
Ratchet Pruners: These have a ratchet mechanism that cuts in stages, so you don't have to start over each time. They're ideal for thick branches and are the most convenient to use.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Pruning Shears
Now that you understand how their types work, let's discuss the key features to be mindful of while getting pruning shears.
Blade Material
The blade is often made out of stainless steel, which resists rust. If you want your shears to last a long time or if you live in humid weather, look for pruning shears with stainless steel blades.
Carbon steel blades are another option. Since they aren't rust-resistant like SS blades, they need more maintenance. On the plus side, carbon steel holds a sharp edge longer.
Handle Design
Comfort is an important consideration, especially if you have a big garden or prune for long hours.
Look for a pair with an ergonomic handle, meaning that your hands should feel comfortable holding it.
The good thing is that most pruning shears are designed with comfort in mind.
But, you may want to get a pair with rotating handles, especially if you prune often, as they reduce hand strain.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity of a pruner tells you the maximum thickness it can cut effectively. It’s usually measured in millimeters or inches.
Typically, pruning shears can handle branches up to ¾ inches thick. For anything thicker than that, use a lopper or a ratchet pruner.
Why is it important? Overloading the tool can make the blades dull over time and tire your hands.
Safety Features
When your secateurs aren't in use, the blades shouldn't be in the open. A reliable locking mechanism keeps your blades closed.
Cover your blades with holsters to prevent rust formation.
These best practices will not only keep you safe, but they'll also extend your tool’s working life.
Matching Pruning Shears to Your Gardening Needs
Not every gardener needs the same tool. You need to match it to your needs. Here are the factors to consider:
Plant Types
Look around your garden and list down the types of plants you'll be pruning.
For soft-stemmed plants, herbs, and roses, bypass pruners will do the job.
If dry branches and dead wood are your target, go for an anvil pruner.
Knowing your plants will help you pick the right tool for the job.
User Considerations
This mostly boils down to your hand grip and strength.
For gardeners with limited hand mobility, ratchet shears provide the most comfort as they make cuts in stages, minimizing the effort required.
Another one could be your dominant hand. If you're a lefty, look for a handle that sits comfortably in your hands.
Frequency of Use
The more you use a tool, the higher its chances of getting dull or rusted over time.
If you're a frequent gardener, go with a high-quality pruner with corrosion-resistant blades and ergonomic handles.
If you're an occasional user, a budget-friendly model may work just fine.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Taking care of a gardening tool is just as important as picking the right one.
Here are a few quick maintenance tips:
- Clean the tool after each use, especially if you cut sappy or sticky plants
- Sharpen it regularly with a tool like a sharpening stone
- To keep the blades moving smoothly, apply oil to the pivot point once in a while
- Use a blade cover for protection against rust
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's discuss some commonly asked questions about choosing the right pruning shears.
What Size Pruning Shears Do I Need?
It depends on what diameter stems you want to cut. If they're below ¾ inches, a bypass pruner will work. For thicker material, ratchet or anvil pruners would be the right choice.
How Do I Choose the Best Garden Shears?
Think about the plants you'll care for and your pruning frequency/duration. Thick branches need a powerful tool; more pruning means you need a comfortable grip and handle.
Which Tool is Best for Pruning Shears?
That depends. Bypass pruners are a good all-rounder, making them great for general pruning tasks. Anvil and ratchet pruners are more suited for tougher jobs like cutting dry and dead wood.
What is the Best Material for Pruners?
Stainless steel is a good option, especially if you garden in humid conditions. It resists rust and stays sharp if you maintain it properly. Other options include carbon steel blades and titanium-coated carbon steel blades.
Conclusion
The right pair of pruning shears or secateurs helps you keep your garden neat and healthy.
There are two aspects to choosing a pruning shear:
- The type of secateurs for the job
- The quality of those shears
Bypass, anvil, and ratchet shears offer unique features and benefits.
As for the quality, you need to make sure the blades are made of high-quality steel and the handles are ergonomic.
Once you get your hands on a good pair of secateurs, take good care of them to prolong their working life.