Pruning shears are hand-held gardening tools used to prune branches (averaging about 2 cm in diameter) and shoots. They are used to shape or thin out the tops of trees and shrubs. Pruning shears are also used for harvesting grapes.
The question of choosing the right gardening tool sooner or later confronts every gardener. And the choice is always difficult, as there are so many varieties. Before choosing a specific pruning shears model, it's important to become thoroughly familiar with the main types and models.
Ferma Expert journalists selected pruning shears that have proven themselves among experienced gardeners. For the convenience of our readers, these pruning shears have been presented as a list of the best available in stores.
Best Garden Pruning Shears Rating Table
The table below shows the TOP 12 models of garden pruners:
| Place | Model | Average cost | The main feature of the model | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FISKARS PowerGear L PX94 Pruning Shears | 3,570 rubles | This reliable tool delivers powerful pruning power for hedges and shrubs. A rotating handle reduces wrist strain during gardening. Working diameter: up to 26 mm. | 9.9 |
| 2 | Secateurs GARDENA B/S 8854-20 | 800 rubles | A high-quality and reliable tool at an affordable price. Precision sharpening ensures long-lasting sharpness. | 9.8 |
| 3 | Secateurs FISKARS SingleStep P26 | 800 rubles | A flat pruning shear designed for cutting fresh branches. Convenient blade lock. Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed gardeners. | 9.8 |
| 4 | Garden pruner GARDENA B/SM 8853-30 | 900 rubles | Two grip positions ensure comfortable and quick work. Precision-ground blades are sharp and stay that way for a long time. | 9.8 |
| 5 | Gardena B/S-XL 8905-20 Pruning Shears | 2,300 rubles | The pruning shears feature a narrow cutting head, allowing for precise pruning of branches. The handles are smoothly adjustable, allowing for a more precise fit to the gardener's hand size. Precision sharpening ensures long-lasting blades. | 9.8 |
| 6 | SAMURAI IPSRC-55TA pruning shears | 1000 rubles | A reliable band spring. The pruning shears feature a hilt for a comfortable grip and additional hand protection. | 9.8 |
| 7 | Mr.Logo 16740 Pruning Shears | 1100 rubles | A pruning shear with a ratchet mechanism allows you to use less effort when cutting thick branches. | 9.7 |
| 8 | Secateurs FISKARS SingleStep P25 | 1100 rubles | Contact pruning shears designed for working with dry branches. Suitable for both right- and left-handed users. | 9.6 |
| 9 | Pruning shears Vikhr 73/7/3/2 | 345 rubles | The pruning shears feature a return spring for one-handed operation. They're a basic, inexpensive hand tool for pruning branches, but they get the job done. | 9.6 |
| 10 | Secateurs Centroinstrument 0233 | 700 rubles | A ratchet mechanism ensures long-lasting operation. The pruning shears feature a hilt (the lower part of the handle is shaped like a loop), providing a more secure grip and preventing hand injury when pruning branches. Working diameter: up to 30 mm. Two-year warranty. | 9.5 |
| 11 | Pruning shears PALISAD 60503 | 300 rubles | Sharp blades. One-piece handles. Light weight (141 g). | 9.4 |
| 12 | Secateur Sibrteh 60495 | 400 rubles | Durable steel handles. The pruning shears are compact and fit comfortably in the hand. | 9.4 |
How to choose the best pruning shears?
There are several criteria for choosing the best garden pruning shears. But first, you need to understand the different blade types available. There are two common types:
- Flat (rim) prunerEquipped with parallel blades. The first one cuts, while the second one serves as a stop. The cutting surface slides along the support surface, ensuring that only the section of the branch being cut is deformed. Ideal for young shoots and living branches. Shrub pruners can be single- or double-sided. Lengths vary, allowing you to reach deep into bushes, reaching distant branches without damaging your hands, and to trim the tops.
- Contact pruner (with anvil)It consists of a movable cutting element and a fixed rod. The anvil is made of high-strength plastic with an uneven surface and is located in the center of the cutting line; its operating principle is similar to that of a knife cutting on a board. The device can accurately process thick, dry branches, leaving a clean cut.
Pruning shears also differ in drive type:
- SpringThis is a scissor mechanism. A simple and usually inexpensive type. It can be used to trim thin branches.
- LeverHousehold pruners of this type allow you to trim thicker branches without any difficulty. This is possible thanks to the parallel handles, which distribute the weight evenly.
- RatchetHousehold pruning shears with this type of drive allow you to cut with just a few light strokes, significantly reducing pressure on your hands. This type is used for various thick stems.
- PowerThese pruning shears allow you to trim large branches with just one lightweight handle. They can be used on thin or thick stems. They are the most common type of pruning shears, but they are not cheap.
Before purchasing, please make sure to do the following:
- Inspect your garden and decide what you'll need the tool for. Consider whether the area has a lot of trees or is dominated by bushes, and how old the plants are.
- Test the tool's comfort by holding it in your hand and performing its characteristic movements. Working with household pruning shears takes a lot of time, and to avoid hand fatigue, the tool should fit comfortably in your hand, be the right size, and not be too heavy. Choose a tool with a special indentation for your fingers.
- Carefully inspect the blades and check their sharpness. High-quality pruning shears are made of hardened steel and coated with Teflon to prevent corrosion and the adhesion of tree sap and resin to the blades.
- Don't forget about the handles. They can be plastic, aluminum, or metal. To ensure your garden pruning shears don't slip while you're working, choose models with rubber or silicone grips.
- Check to see if there's a lock that secures the handle and blade in the closed position. This helps prevent injury when putting the tool in your pocket. A blade removal feature for replacement is also very helpful.
- Pay attention to the design. Pruning shears are often made in bright, toxic colors, not for aesthetics, but to make them easier to spot among the grass.
Video help for choosing garden pruning shears:
The blade material shouldn't be overlooked either, as it bears the brunt of the load. The following are considered the best:
- 65x13 – steel used for making knives, with corrosion resistance, Russian models are often made from it;
- SK-5 – high carbon steel, good grinding performance, used in Chinese and Japanese products;
- 440A – high-strength corrosion-resistant steel;
- AUS-6 – an improved Japanese analogue of 440A, with increased wear resistance;
- titanium – a light, durable alloy, the most corrosion-resistant of all the materials listed here.
When purchasing, you should also pay attention to the following points, since this is where defects are most common:
- a weak spring that barely absorbs shock, or, on the contrary, is too tight to squeeze the handle;
- notches and roughness of the blades, poor initial sharpening;
- the gap remaining when the blades are brought together;
- loose bolts;
- worn spring rings;
- when cutting paper, what remains is not an even cut, but an uneven tear;
- damage to the rubber grip (scratches, holes, etc.);
- The grip's coating doesn't fit tightly enough (the rubber will slide around, creating a sliding effect that could lead to injury)
- The configuration specified in the instructions does not correspond to reality.
Having mastered the types and main technical characteristics of household pruning shears, you will be able to choose a worthy garden tool, and it will become a reliable assistant in your work.
Detailed description of products from the rating
Below we'll look at the descriptions and specifications of the products featured in our ranking of the best garden pruners.
1FISKARS PowerGear L PX94 Pruning Shears
Main characteristics:
- brand – FISKARS;
- the brand's homeland is Finland (but Polish pruners are also good);
- total length of the instrument - 215 mm;
- weight – 0.24 kg;
- type – with power drive;
- presence of a rotary handle – yes;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: stainless steel;
- the handles are made of durable plastic with a soft coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating - the upper blade has an anti-friction coating.
The FISKARS PowerGear L PX94 pruning shears feature patented technology that delivers three times the cutting power of standard models from this manufacturer. The blades are sharp and wear-resistant. The tool is suitable for large hands. For right-handed use only.
2GARDENA pruning shears B/S 8854-20
Main characteristics:
- brand – GARDENA;
- the brand's homeland is Germany;
- total length of the instrument - 247 mm;
- weight – 0.2 kg;
- drive type – spring;
- presence of a rotary handle – absent;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: stainless steel;
- The handles are made of plastic with a soft coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating - Teflon.
These are sharp, well-made pruning shears that won't tire your hand. The manufacturer states on the packaging that these pruning shears are intended for cutting green branches. However, in practice, their German quality allows them to cut woody shoots as well. Overall, the GARDENA B/S 8854-20 performs its job with flying colors.
The blades of this pruning shears can be sharpened if necessary. The spring can be replaced at any Authorized GARDENA Service Center. You can find your nearest one on the GARDENA website: https://www.gardena.com/en/support/service-center/
3Secateurs FISKARS SingleStep Р26 1000567
Main characteristics:
- brand – FISKARS;
- the brand's homeland is Finland;
- total length of the instrument - 208 mm;
- weight – 0.2 kg;
- drive type – spring;
- presence of a rotary handle – yes;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- The material of the knives is stainless steel;
- the material of the handles is plastic;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating − anti-friction.
This is the basic series of FISKARS tools. It is designed primarily for pruning small, fresh branches. This model is suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
We believe negative customer reviews are biased. Gardeners are violating the manufacturer's instructions and complaining about the performance of these pruning shears. If you need to trim branches longer than 2.2 cm, consider purchasing a lopper. Furthermore, it's recommended to trim with the blade at a right angle to the branch being cut.
4Garden pruner GARDENA B/SM 8853-30
Main characteristics:
- brand − GARDENA;
- the brand's homeland is Germany;
- total length of the instrument - 246 mm;
- weight – 0.1 kg;
- drive type – spring;
- presence of a rotary handle – no;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: stainless steel;
- handle material – plastic with soft coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating - anti-corrosion.
Suitable for cutting flowers and young shoots, the handles have two adjustable widths, allowing for both powerful pruning of branches up to 22 mm and quick cutting of shoots up to 16 mm. The GARDENA B/S 8854-20 model, however, only has a locking mechanism for the pruning shears.
The SM designation in the model name indicates the hand size for which this model is comfortable. Men are recommended to choose GARDENA pruning shears with the L or S-XL designation.
5Gardena B/S-XL 8905-20 Pruning Shears
Main characteristics:
- brand – GARDENA;
- the brand's homeland is Germany;
- total length - 268 mm;
- weight – 0.3 kg;
- drive type – lever;
- presence of a rotary handle – absent;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: stainless steel;
- The handles are made of plastic with a soft coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating - Teflon.
The tool is equipped with an ultra-narrow cutting head. This ensures a neat, clean, and even cut. This allows plants to heal cut wounds more quickly and effectively.
Many GARDENA pruning shears, and this model is no exception, have a hole in the handle through which a cord can be threaded to the hand as a safety device.
6SAMURAI IPSRC-55TA pruning shears
Main characteristics:
- brand − SAMURAI IPSRC;
- the brand's homeland is Japan;
- total length of the instrument - 180 mm;
- weight – 0.3 kg;
- drive type – ratchet;
- presence of a rotary handle – no;
- presence of hilt – yes;
- blade material: high-alloy steel;
- handles – plastic with soft coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating - chrome plated.
The presence of a hilt (the shape of the lower handle like scissors) allows you to hold the tool more securely in your hand, thereby protecting it from slipping.
After finishing work, wipe the tool dry. To lubricate the pruning shears, the lower handle has an OIL compartment containing a special oil-soaked swab.
7Mr.Logo 16740 Pruning Shears
Main characteristics:
- brand – Mr.Logo;
- the brand's homeland is Taiwan;
- total length of the instrument - 205 mm;
- weight – 0.24 kg;
- drive type – ratchet;
- presence of a rotary handle – absent;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: high-carbon steel SK-5;
- The handles are made of solid aluminum with a rubber coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – straight;
- blade coating − Teflon.
The blade may break if you apply too much force, but if you use the tool more carefully (cut without too much force), the pruning shears will last quite a long time.
A customer reported that the Mr.Logo 16740 isn't particularly suitable for projects requiring beveled cuts. Apparently, this model is better suited for thick branches and straight cuts.
8Secateurs FISKARS SingleStep P25 1000564
Main characteristics:
- brand – FISKARS;
- the brand's homeland is Finland;
- total length of the instrument - 200 mm;
- weight – 0.19 kg;
- drive type – spring;
- presence of a rotary handle – no;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: carbon steel;
- handles – plastic;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating – anti-friction.
9Pruning shears Vikhr 73/7/3/2
Main characteristics:
- brand – Whirlwind;
- the brand's homeland is Russia (Chinese on the side);
- total length of the instrument - 200 mm;
- weight – 0.2 kg;
- drive type – spring;
- presence of a rotary handle – no;
- presence of hilt – no;
- blade material: high-quality carbon steel;
- handle material – metal with a soft non-slip coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating - Teflon.
Don't expect anything special from this pruning shears. The Vikhr 73/7/3/2 is a typical, inexpensive, domestically produced model.
10Centroinstrument contact titanium pruner 0233
Main characteristics:
- brand − Centroinstrument;
- the brand's homeland is Russia (assembled in China);
- total length of the instrument - 200 mm;
- weight – 0.23 kg;
- drive type – with ratchet mechanism and spring return;
- presence of a rotary handle – no;
- presence of hilt – yes;
- blade material: high-carbon Japanese steel SK-5;
- handle material – durable aluminum with a soft rubber coating (second handle);
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- Blade coating - Teflon.
The manufacturer has set a two-year warranty. The company's official website is https://centroinstrument.ru/
11Pruning shears PALISAD 60503
Main characteristics:
- brand – PALISAD;
- manufacturer – China;
- total length of the instrument - 180 mm;
- weight – 0.14 kg;
- drive type – spring;
- presence of a rotary handle – no;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: U8 tool steel;
- handles – aluminum with soft coating;
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating – Teflon, anti-corrosion.
12Secateur Sibrteh 60495
Main characteristics:
- brand – Sibrtech;
- the brand's homeland is Russia;
- total length of the instrument - 200 mm;
- weight – 0.2 kg;
- drive type – spring;
- presence of a rotary handle – no;
- presence of hilt – absent;
- blade material: stainless steel;
- handles – steel (upper handle with rubber coating);
- blade lock – yes;
- blade shape – curved;
- blade coating - Teflon.
The rounded lower blade holds the branch being cut while the pruner is working.
Comparison table of products from the rating
| Name | View | Drive type | MAX cutting diameter, mm | Weight, kg | Price, rubles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FISKARS PowerGear L PX94 pruning shears | planar | power | 26 | 0.24 | 3570 |
| Mr.Logo 16740 Pruning Shears | contact | ratchet | 24 | 0.24 | 1100 |
| Secateurs FISKARS SingleStep Р26 1000567 | planar | spring | 22 | 0.2 | 800 |
| Secateurs GARDENA B/S 8854-20 | planar | spring | 20 | 0.2 | 800 |
| Gardena B/S-XL 8905-20 Pruning Shears | planar | lever | 22 | 0.3 | 2300 |
| Secateurs FISKARS SingleStep P25 1000564 | contact | spring | 22 | 0.19 | 1100 |
| Secateur Sibrteh 60495 | planar | spring | 15 | 0.2 | 400 |
| Centroinstrument titanium contact pruner 0233 | contact | ratchet | 30 | 0.23 | 700 |
| Pruning shears PALISAD 60503 | planar | spring | 15 | 0.14 | 300 |
| SAMURAI IPSRC-55TA pruning shears | contact | ratchet | 15 | 0.3 | 1000 |
| Pruning shears Vikhr 73/7/3/2 | contact | spring | 15 | 0.2 | 345 |
| Garden pruner GARDENA B/SM 8853-30 | planar | spring | 22 | 0.1 | 900 |
User rating
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Resume
Let's summarize what has been said and finally decide on the choice of garden pruning shears:
- First of all, it should be kept in mind that pruning shears are usually only capable of cutting branches of small diameter (15-30 mm)If you need to trim branches 50-70 mm thick, consider loppers. For even thicker branches, you'll need to purchase a pruning saw.
- A return spring is desirable. A tool equipped with a return spring allows the gardener to open the blades without having to force them apart (simply closing them and then relaxing their hand).
- If you plan to work only with dry branches, then give preference contact pruner, and if with the living - flatThey are designed specifically for these purposes and will serve you for a long time.
- Ratchet mechanism allows clean cut thick dry branches without much effort, but in several steps (2-4 presses, and do not move the handles apart until the blades close). The cut is smooth, without squeezing the tissue.
- If you need to prune medium or small green branches and thin shoots, then use regular pruning shears (spring or lever).
- Modern pruning shears have blades made of steel with a high-quality protective coating, making them more wear-resistant (and extending the life of the cutting element). Therefore, there's no point in checking the blade material label, as manufacturers will always list the same material—steel.
- Almost all popular pruning shears have a blade lock feature. This allows for safe storage and transportation. However, I don't consider this feature essential when choosing one. It's an additional, positive feature, nothing more.
Pruning shears are an essential tool for any gardener who cares for their trees and shrubs. This tool makes pruning branches and twigs easier and speeds up plant recovery after pruning. Choosing the right pruning shears is crucial. Consider the dominant plant species in your garden first. If your plot is mostly shrubs, an inexpensive spring-loaded pruning shears will suffice; if you have many trees, a more robust option is recommended.













I hadn't realized there were so many different types of pruning shears before. So, before placing an order, I decided to check out the ratings. And then... my eyes were dazzled by the selection. I want to thank you for describing all the models in such detail. I was able to choose and later realized I'd made the right choice.