Did you know that using the wrong shears can damage your plants and tire your hands? Find your perfect match! Using shears of good quality means plants are cut accurately, helping them stay healthy and lessening hand fatigue. This guide focuses on learning about the designs of Gardening Shears, identifying their key qualities, and offering good maintenance practices. Having fun and making it simple is important in gardening.
Types of Gardening Shears
Pruning Shears (Hand Pruners)
Perfect for stems up to ¾” thick.
- Bypass: Scissor-like action for clean cuts on live plants (roses, shrubs).
- Anvil: Single blade for dead wood only (crushes live stems).
Choose bypass for most tasks.
Snips (Floral Shears)
Ideal for delicate work like herbs, flowers, or deadheading.
- Key feature: Spring-loaded for repetitive cuts without hand fatigue.
Hedge Shears
Best for shaping bushes and formal hedges.
- Look for: Wavy blades to grip branches and prevent slipping.
Specialty Shears
- Ratchet pruners: For weak grips or arthritis, cut in stages with less effort.
- Left-handed models: Often overlooked but essential for lefties.
Choosing Your Perfect Pair Of Gardening Shears
The 4 Must-Check Features
- Blade material: High-carbon steel stays sharp longer.
- Handle comfort: Cushioned, non-slip grips reduce strain.
- Lock mechanism: Keeps blades closed for safety and storage.
- Weight: Lighter shears (under 8 oz) reduce fatigue.
Gardening Shears Size Guide
- Small hands: 6-7″ compact models.
- Large hands: 8″+ with wide grips.
Try before you buy; comfort is key.
Price vs Quality
- <$25: Budget picks, but sharpen often.
- $40-$80: Sweet spot for home gardeners (Felco, Fiskars).
- $100+: Pro-grade for serious use (ARS, Okatsune).
Gardening Shears Pro Maintenance
Daily Care Routine
- Wipe blades after each use to remove sap.
- Disinfect with rubbing alcohol to stop disease spread between plants.
Sharpening Like a Pro
- Frequency: Every 10-15 uses.
- Tools: Diamond file or whetstone.
- Angle: Keep the factory bevel (20-30°) – follow the edge.
Storing for Longevity
- Hang shears, don’t toss them in a drawer.
- Oil the pivot point monthly with WD-40 or sewing machine oil.
Top 5 Gardening Shears of 2025
- Best Overall: Felco F-2 Classic – Durable, sharp, and comfortable.
- Budget Pick: Fiskars Steel Pruners – Affordable and reliable.
- Arthritis-Friendly: Bahco PX-S2 Ratchet – Cuts with less effort.
- Left-Handed: Corona SL 4364L – Designed for lefties.
- Hedge Specialist: ARS HS-KR1000 – Wavy blades for precise shaping.
Gardening Shears Common Mistakes
- Using dull blades (crushes stems, harms plants).
- Cutting wire or soil (ruins the edge).
- Using the wrong tool for thick branches (strains hands and shears).
Final Thoughts
Quality Gardening Shears transform gardening into a joy. Pick the right type – bypass for live stems, an anvil for dead wood. Look for high-carbon steel, comfy grips, and a good lock. Maintain them with regular cleaning and sharpening. Test before you buy!