How to choose the right pruning shears, types of pruning shears and their use

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GARDENA 08798

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Green Belt 06-180

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FISKARS PowerStep P83

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A pruner for gardening is a special tool that looks like scissors. There are many types of these devices, depending on their purpose: for manual pruning of trees, shrubs, young shoots, flower care, grafting. It’s difficult for a novice summer resident to understand all these subtleties. Therefore, if you are seriously thinking about improving your garden plot, it is important to choose a tool suitable for certain jobs. A rating of the best models, indicating their advantages and disadvantages, will help you make the right choice.

Types of pruners

A regular mechanical garden pruner is the same as scissors, only with blades made of durable material. In order for this simple design to cope with thick branches, some design changes had to be made:

• the upper blade (it is the working blade) is sharpened and polished with high quality;
• Forged steel is used to make the supporting (lower) tip. Sometimes it has a special groove for draining plant juice;
• The purpose of the adjusting bolt is to connect the cutting blades. By varying their toe-in, you can achieve the best cutting force while avoiding excess friction. This allows you to combine a long working life with good cutting quality.

The handles are also made of high-strength forged material. The important parts of the scissors are the clamp and the damper spring. The first allows you to safely store a closed pruner, and the spring allows you to avoid injury when working with thick branches. These parts are found in all devices, regardless of the specific model or brand. Let's consider their main varieties in more detail.

Contact

This type of garden shears is also called bypass shears. They are used for cutting branches with a diameter of up to 20 mm. The working part is sickle-shaped. Only the working upper part has a sharp sharpening. The lower one serves as a support. The cut is smooth and clean, the rest of the shoot remains undamaged. As a rule, the gun has a length of 200-250 mm. Of these, from 50 to 80 mm are occupied by blades. Product weight 0.20-0.25 kg.

Advantages:

• good cut quality;
• crescent-shaped, providing a strong grip on the shoots without slipping;
• ratchet or force mechanisms that allow you to overcome thick shoots.

Negative feedback:

• certain skills are required;
• One-sided sharpening causes certain difficulties when cutting.

Brush cutters

This variety most closely resembles classic scissors. The design with two flat blades copes with shoots and branches up to 30 mm thick. The length of the brush cutter handles varies from 200 to 400 mm; they act as levers. According to the rules of mechanics, this allows you to cut stems and shoots of medium thickness without much effort. Devices with a zigzag or wave-shaped edge are used for pruning coniferous plants.

Advantages:

• simplicity of design;
• long cutters that allow you to perform significant amounts of work;
• variety of work surface configurations;
• pruning plants without much effort;
• the ability to act in different directions.

Flaws:

• the need to work with both hands;
• difficulties with maintaining the structure in weight.

Lopper

It can be called a cross between two species already described. Similar to hedge trimmers, these designs have long handles and relatively short 10cm blades. Both blades are sharpened symmetrically. The presence of a power or ratchet mechanism allows you to trim thick branches of about 50-60 mm. The device is quite massive. Its weight is up to 3 kg.

Advantages:

• excellent cutting quality;
• Possibility of use for old trees and thorny bushes;
• the ability to use extensions to adjust the length of the handles (not for all models).

Disadvantage: large mass.

Grafting models

They are distinguished by an immaculately clean semicircular or V-shaped cut. The length of such products is no more than 200 mm, the variability in the diameter of the scion and rootstock is 4-12 mm. The weight of the product does not exceed 250 g.

Advantages:

• high accuracy of grafting sections;
• no deformation of shoots;
• ease of use (no effort required).

Flaws:

• narrow scope of application;
• high price.

How to properly hold pruning shears when pruning plants

The shape of the blade determines how to properly hold the pruning shears when pruning. Using pruning shears correctly is very important, as this will save energy and not injure the plant. What is the difference between a flat pruner and a contact pruner? In most cases, pruners with two cutting blades can be held in any way, while bypass pruners cannot.

When pruning thin young plants, the flat pruning shears are positioned perpendicular to the stem. If the stem is thick, the pruning shears should be positioned at an angle. This will make pruning much easier.

Fig.2.

How to use contact pruners correctly.

The contact pruner must always be correctly oriented relative to the plant root. Only this will prevent him from being injured. The main rule is that the sharp blade should always be facing the root of the plant. This will prevent the stem from splitting.

Criterias of choice

The main factor that you have to consider before buying a bush or lopper is the material of manufacture. The working part in inexpensive models is made from ordinary steel, which quickly becomes rusty. To produce high-quality modifications, the following grades of alloys are used:

• 65Х13 - knife steel, resistant to corrosion. It is often used for instruments from domestic companies;
• SK-5 is a high-carbon steel grade used by manufacturers in Asia. The main advantage of such a tool is that the sharpness of the cutters is maintained for a long time;
• 440A - high-strength and corrosion-resistant alloy;
• AUS-6 is an analogue of the previous alloy with increased wear resistance;
• Titanium blades are expensive and lightweight, resistant to corrosion.

The handles are also made of metal, but when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the coating material. In budget models it is ordinary plastic, in more expensive ones they use reinforced polyamide. It is especially important to have rubberized inserts to ensure a good grip.

Type of mechanism

The area of ​​use of the device depends on it: the thickness of the branches and the amount of force applied:

• scissor This option is the simplest and cheapest, but ineffective. The load that the gardener applies to the handles is transferred to the blades. Therefore, scissor tools are used for thin and soft shoots. Increasing the length of the handles (lever) helps make the work somewhat easier;
• lever Its difference from the scissor one is in the parallel arrangement of the handles. This does not provide a significant gain in strength, so the tool is used for cutting thin branches. However, the load on the hands is much less compared to scissor models;
• ratchet - a gear that rotates in only one direction due to the presence of a stopper. This device makes it possible to “bite through” a thick twig or branch in several stages. The tool gradually “bites” into the wood until the job is completely done. This mechanism is used on professional-grade tools and loppers;
• actuator. Its peculiarity is that it increases the force applied to the handles independently. This makes it possible to cut thick branches without much difficulty. The disadvantages of a power tool are its excessive massiveness and high price, but in terms of efficiency it is inferior only to a saw with an electric drive.

Type of springs

The speed at which the handles return to their original position depends on the type and quality of the springs:

• wire Springs with a short stroke, weak and least durable;
• spiral - quite tight, but well adjustable;
• tape The most reliable option. Their only drawback is that they constantly become clogged with debris during operation.

Tip #4. Experience the ease of operation of the mechanisms

When buying, it makes sense to click the pruning shears in the air, holding it in different positions - make sure that all the mechanisms work well and nothing gets stuck, or vice versa, does not loosen.

Improper operation of the pruning shears can not only slow down the work, but even lead to injury. A tool should work well immediately after purchase, and not after a certain period of working with it.

Making a choice

If you need pruning shears for working in a flower garden, then steel flat shears are sufficient (the presence of an anti-corrosion coating is welcome). The exception to this rule is rose bushes. Here you will need a bypass device equipped with an additional holder, which will avoid contact with the plant’s legs covered with thorns.

It is best to care for shrubs using bypass pruners with blades made of high-strength alloy. Trimming young grape shoots or hedges requires a hedge trimmer with a scissor or lever type mechanism. If we are talking about pruning thick branches that are several years old, then you cannot do without a ratchet.

For pruning trees and old bushes in the garden, loppers with a ratcheting or power mechanism are used. It is highly desirable that the handles be telescopic and adjustable in length. This allows you to reach high branches.

It is advisable for gardeners involved in grafting to acquire a special pruner. The presence of a coating is desirable, but not necessary, since the device will not be used so often.

There are general selection rules that work for all models:

• do not focus on price, since even the most expensive models from venerable manufacturers have their flaws;
• Consider the purpose and area of ​​use of the device. Flat shears are optimal for cutting green shoots. The best solution for dry branches is a contact tool;
• for large volumes, ratchet or power pruners are used;
• Be sure to consider which hand is the dominant one. Not all models are suitable for left-handers;
• A prerequisite is well-sharpened cutters. They are able to cut a sheet of paper without any problems;
• carefully examine the photo, study the description and characteristics in order to compare several options and choose what you need.

Tip #10. It is worth choosing several pruners

Although there are universal pruning shears, it is worth purchasing the right size pruning shears for the specific pruning operation in your garden.

If you bought a pruning shear for cutting tree branches, then you shouldn’t cut everything with it - the blades will quickly become dull and it will be problematic to use it for its intended purpose.

Best Ratchet Secateurs

GARDENA 08798

Professional hand tool equipped with a ratcheting mechanism. Its main purpose is to trim branches and flowers in the garden. Thanks to its design features, it can be operated with one hand. The working diameter is 25 mm. The working part is steel, the handles are aluminum. The curved shape of the cutting planes ensures reliable grip of branches. Pruner weight 300 g.

Model features:

• a lock that allows you to conveniently store the tool and operate it with one hand;
• anti-corrosion protection;
• handles with anti-slip material and 2 grip positions;
• thrust plate;
• precision sharpening ensuring high cutting accuracy.

Advantages:

• small weight;
• reliability;
• ease of work in hard-to-reach places due to the cutting head located at an angle;
• covering of scissors, preventing contamination and dust adhesion;
• durable aluminum alloy handles;
• safety lock allowing one-handed operation.

Green Belt 06-180

Ergonomic design with a comfortable handle made of aluminum. The cutters are flat, curved, with a protective coating. The ratchet mechanism allows you to cut wood with little effort. Working diameter 25 mm.

Design Features:

• the presence of a blade lock;
• handles with anti-slip coating;
• the presence of a hilt.

FISKARS PowerStep P83

Contact model equipped with a ratcheting mechanism. PowerStepTM technology allows you to trim branches in one or several stages, depending on their thickness, reducing the applied force significantly. Moreover, the tool selects the desired option independently. The blades are steel, the handles are made of fiberglass. The special coating simplifies the care of the product. The total length of the instrument is 19 cm, weight 100 g.

Characteristics and features of the model:

• working diameter - 24 mm;
• cutter clamp;
• special non-slip pads for handles;
• The instrument is suitable for left-handed people.

Advantages:

• light weight;
• ease of operation;
• there is a gearbox.

Cons: It takes some getting used to to work effectively.

Mr. Logo 46719

Contact tool designed for shrubs and fruit trees. The material used is high-carbon steel SK-5 with a protective coating. The device is designed to work with shoots with a diameter of up to 24 mm. To deal with a thick branch, it will take 3-4 clicks. At the same time, the applied force is half as much as when working with conventional garden shears. The tool is very easy to use, allows you to obtain an accurate and even cut, without “chewing” or damaging the plant fibers. The curved shape of the cutters ensures reliable capture of shoots. Instrument length 20.5 cm.

Model features:

• special coating of metal parts;
• the presence of a hilt;
• thrust plate.

Center tool Finland 1611

A reinforced model that allows you to cut branches up to 24 mm in 3-4 stages, applying relatively little physical effort. Thanks to the built-in oiler, pruning even dry branches becomes as comfortable as possible. The blades are made from Sk5 steel with protection that makes the metal resistant to temperature changes and aggressive environments, including solutions of strong acids. The handles are plastic.

Peculiarities:

• cutting thick branches in 3-4 stages;
• the applied force is 50% less compared to a conventional tool;
• a lock that allows you to safely store the product;
• built-in oiler;
• the ability to cut both dry and wet wood;
• instrument length 20.2 cm;
• weight 260 g.

Advantages:

• excellent cutting quality;
• The tool cuts living and dry branches equally well.

Disadvantage: the pruning shears become very clogged during operation and have to be cleaned quite often.

Green Garden 3130-3

Contact model allows smooth cutting of 24mm branches in 3 steps with little effort. The coating of the working part prevents pieces of wood from sticking to the metal. Rubber-coated handles provide comfortable operation. Thanks to the structural features of the lower handle, the gardener is reliably protected from injury. A built-in small oiler increases the service life of the pruning shears. Product length 20.6 cm, weight 260 g.

Advantages:

• blade fixation;
• the presence of a hilt;
• anti-corrosion protection of metal;
• handles made of non-slip material.

Green Apple GTRS60-003

Reinforced contact modification with a ratcheting mechanism, coping with pruning vines and branches up to 20 mm thick. The blades are steel, their length is 5.5 cm. The length of the pruning shears is 20 cm.

Features of the model (aka advantages):

• presence of a thrust plate:
• non-slip coating of handles;
• the presence of a hilt.

SKRAB 28169

A device with a ratchet mechanism for trimming bushes and trees. Blade material: SK-5 steel. The special coating performs several functions: protects against corrosion, prevents the adhesion of wood fibers and minimizes the coefficient of friction. The tool copes with branches up to 20 mm thick. Curved blades provide perfect grip. Total length 20.5 cm.

Advantages:

• high-quality cut without splitting fibers;
• significant reduction in effort;
• ease of use;
• ease of care. The secateurs are supplied complete with an oil can.

FIT 77096

Reversible pruning shears with flat blades made of high-strength tool steel. Plastic handle with anti-slip coating. Tool length 200 mm, weight 250 g.

Model features:

• steel blades ensuring long tool life;
• comfortable handles with rubber pads;
• spring drive;
• the presence of a hilt that protects the hand from injury;
• blade fixation.

Pros:

• high strength;
• the presence of a reliable mechanical stop;
• reverse mechanism;
• compactness, relatively light weight.

GRINDA 8-423233

The device with a comfortable 2-component handle and blades made of hardened steel with a special coating ensures convenient and efficient cutting of branches up to 18 mm thick with minimal labor costs. The cutting force is increased many times due to the ratchet mechanism. This model is used to form the crown of trees and remove excess branches from shrub crops. The coating has an anti-corrosion effect and prevents contamination of the working part. The handles are made of durable ABS plastic. Secateur length 20.5 cm, weight 190 g.

Tip #8. Pay attention to the handles of the pruning shears

The handles of the pruning shears also play an important role during work. With them you not only hold the tool comfortably, but also give force to the blades. Flimsy-looking handles are more likely to bend with significant effort, and perhaps even break completely.

For additional hand safety, you can look at pruners whose handles are made with an additional protective arc. As a rule, it is present mainly on powerful pruning shears, as well as on almost all with a ratcheting mechanism.

Remember that handles that are comfortable for your hand are the first step to avoiding calluses. Do not pay attention to handle materials that are too smooth or too patterned.

The best pruners with a power mechanism

WOLF-Garten RS 5000

A professional device, the design features of which allow you to successfully cope with even the most “stubborn” and oldest branches (up to 25 mm). The pruning shears are made of high-strength materials, which ensures a long service life. High-quality sharpening is maintained even after prolonged use. Caring for the instrument is also not particularly difficult. The protective coating prevents the sticking of plant sap, wood and dirt.

Advantages:

• minimum physical effort during work;
• adjusting the position of the knives to select the most effective option;
• metal coating that prevents corrosion and makes it easier to keep the tool clean;
• ergonomically shaped handle with anti-slip coating;
• the presence of a locking latch that minimizes the likelihood of injury;
• “Anvil” that allows you to cope with cutting the hardest wood.

RACO 4206-53/143S

Spring-driven shears with flat blades used for trimming shrubby plants. The blades are made of coated hardened steel and the rotary handle ensures comfortable operation.

Advantages:

• handle that rotates 90 degrees in all directions, which allows you to work in hard-to-reach places;
• steel cutting part with anti-corrosion coating, ensuring high-quality cutting of wood;
• compact dimensions;
• reliability;
• easy move;
• Includes a belt pouch.

Minus: not suitable for every hand. This model is difficult for women to cope with.

FISKARS PowerGear PX93

A hand-held compact pruner with a power mechanism, indispensable for pruning shrubs and shaping the crown. The locking mechanism minimizes the risk of injury. The model is ideal for large hands. The blades are made from high-strength steel with a protective layer of Teflon. The handles are plastic.

Advantages:

• minimum effort when working;
• working diameter 26 mm;
• ergonomics.

Disadvantage: If the wood is very hard, the surface of the blade becomes rough, since the sharp sharpening causes the edge to be quite thin. The problem is solved by sharpening using a fine-grained stone.

GRINDA 8-423001

Scissors with sharp, rounded blades. Used for trimming stems and branches of plants up to 18 mm thick. Thanks to the rounded shape, the cut is perfectly smooth. Aluminum handles with vinyl coating do not slip while using the tool.

Advantages:

• blade lock preventing accidental opening;
• comfortable handle shape;
• long service life;
• ribbon spring;
• small weight;
• possibility of adjusting the blades.

Disadvantage: the pruning shears will not cope with branches that are too thick and hard.

STIHL FELCO F8

Garden pruning shears designed for cutting thick branches. The shape of the blades and handles are chosen in such a way that it is simply impossible to become overtired while working with this device. The maximum cutting diameter is 25 mm. The blades are made of high-strength steel, the handles are made of rubberized plastic. Reviews of the Swiss-made product are extremely positive.

Advantages:

• small weight (0.245 kg);
• long service life;
• large working diameter;
• ease of use.

There are no disadvantages.

BRIGADIER 82033

A model perfect for caring for flower beds and shaping tree crowns. A precision-sharpened blade ensures a long tool life, and a special coating prevents contamination of the tool with plant fibers and secreted juice. The aluminum handle has a comfortable shape and rubberized grip for perfect grip. A latch mechanism is provided for safe storage.

SKRAB 28165

The purpose of this model is to trim living branches. Materials for making cutters:

• upper - steel SK-5;
• lower - S50C steel.

Type of protective coating: chrome plating. Two cutting edges improve work efficiency. Thanks to its compact size, the tool is convenient for women. For safe storage, the tool is equipped with a safety latch. The handles are made of aluminum with an anti-slip coating. The length of the pruner is 18 cm, of which 5.5 cm is on the blades.

PALISAD 60532

Secateurs with 2-component handle and coated steel blades. Thanks to the gear drive, the initially applied force is increased by 20%. The scissors are designed to work with living branches with a diameter of up to 22 mm.

Main characteristics:

• cutting diameter - 22 mm;
• blade fixation;
• anti-corrosion protection;
• coating of handles made of anti-slip material;
• instrument length - 21 cm;
• weight - 271 g.

ZUBR Expert, 40107

A universal model for gardening, equally successful in pruning trees and shrubs, as well as removing dry branches. The blades are made of steel, the handles are made of forged aluminum. The stopper ensures safe storage and transportation of the pruning shears. Device length 21 cm.

Advantages:

• durability of the tool due to the use of materials that are resistant to wear and corrosion;
• handles made in the shape of a hand;
• convenience of design;
• maximum cutting diameter - 25 mm.

HORIZONT S-56K

Power driven lopper that handles the toughest branches up to 28mm thick. The blades are steel with a special coating, and the long, comfortable handles are made of wood. Thanks to the length of the handles, the gardener can reach branches located at a considerable height. The device is universal, coping equally well with both dry branches and crown formation. Thanks to its compact size, the equipment is convenient to store. Secateur length 55 cm, weight 950 g.

Tip #5. Buy only sharp pruning shears

The quality of cutting branches plays a huge role for the future life of plants, and a good cut can only be obtained with well-sharpened sector blades.

Of course, in the future you will have to constantly sharpen it, but you need to buy only sharp pruners. You can evaluate the sharpness of the sector blade by cutting a sheet of paper (like a knife). A well-sharpened pruner will cope with this task without any problems and will not cause you any hassle with sharpening.

Best lists

The review highlights the main technical features of pruners, highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the devices, and examines user responses. Let's study the best models by category:

• The most functional.
• The most budget-friendly.
• The most comfortable.

Let's explore the range in detail.

Titanium contact center tool 0233

A universal device that is optimal for cutting live and dry trees. The device used is based on titanium - a durable and high-quality alloy with increased wear resistance. The pruner fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, can easily handle branches up to 30 mm, and is distinguished by its quality and durability.

This garden tool is equipped with a ratcheting mechanism. It has a gear that begins to rotate when the handle is pressed. With this, the cutting ability is increased and the effort required is reduced. The package includes a lock that allows you to fix the tool in the closed position. One of the handles is equipped with a rubber pad, which prevents your hands from slipping during operation. A reliable lock guarantees safety in the closed position. Due to precise heat treatment, the springs will not deform in the design mode. The manufacturer provides a 2-year warranty.

PALISAD 60503 – the most budget-friendly

A hand-held device designed for cutting living branches with a diameter of up to 15 mm. The working blade is coated with an anti-corrosion oxidized special coating. The lock will help secure the storage and movement of the product. The curved blades are connected to each other like scissors.

While cutting branches, the pruning shear will maintain pressure so that the cutting movement is made clearly without harming the plant. Suitable for right-handers and left-handers. Ergonomic metal handles are equipped with rubber inserts and a side lock, which will allow you to use the device for a long time without fatigue in your hands. Precise and neat cutting is achieved thanks to the movement of the blades in parallel planes. In addition, it should be noted that there is a gentle pruning regime that minimizes damage to plants.

FISKARS PowerGear L PX94 – the most convenient

A flat, lightweight tool suitable for trimming live wood up to 26mm in diameter. The original PowerGear mechanism allows you to cut branches with one hand. The load on the muscles becomes 3 times less in comparison with similar mechanisms. The shape of the handle follows the hand, so the product fits comfortably in the hand and does not cause inconvenience. The base is made of polyamide, the ribbed surface will ensure safe operation, which is why the pruning shears will not slip out of your hands.

The high-carbon steel main blade maintains its original sharpness for a long time and has an anti-friction coating to reduce friction. The thrust blade is made of polyamide. Thanks to this, it does not become dull even with prolonged use. The knife moves easily, the cut is neat. The sticking of tree sap, moisture, and temperature changes are also not a problem. The tool is suitable for right-handed and left-handed people.

Purpose

Among the huge range of tools, the manager of a trading company can best advise how to choose a pruner for a specific application. Much also depends on your interests in gardening. For example.

Floristics

Creative work on the design of flower bouquets requires a fairly miniature tool so that you can cut not only grass stems, but also various decorative and packaging materials. Therefore, designer scissors in the field of floristry are the most elegant of all pruners, having thin, elongated, double-edged blades. A good selection of such tools is offered by the Japanese company ARS.

ARS scissors

Care for thorny bushes

Such pruning shears have elongated handles or protection from thorns, and are sometimes equipped with a special grip that allows you to hold a cut branch with a flower and pull it out of the bush without the risk of chipping. Examples include the elegant Berger 1560 for a woman’s hand, as well as an extended model (length 617 mm) from the Japanese company ARS. Both of them are designed for cutting roses, but Berger’s handles are short, but the working and support blades have special linings that allow you to grab the cut flower without touching the stem with your other hand.

Harvesting

An ergonomic, lightweight tool with thin, long blades that can be easily reached and cut, for example, a bunch of grapes deep in the vine, good for gardens with a predominance of climbing and vegetable crops. Examples of brands: Bellota, OASIS.

Lawn design

This requires pruning shears with elongated, straight blades, convenient for cutting uneven surfaces or trimming hard-to-reach areas of lawns that cannot be reached with a trimmer. They are often equipped with a telescopic rod perpendicular to the cutting plane, so that you can work without bending over. The distance from the knives to the ground is determined by a wheel. Such a model is, for example, among the tools from the RACO company.

Grass shears with handle RACO

Grafting pruner

Created for ease of grafting of fruit crops. Able to make a cut that allows you to combine the rootstock and scion as accurately as possible. The kit usually includes standard knife attachments in the shape of the letters U, V and Omega. When choosing pruners of this type, you should not chase the advertised ability to graft cuttings over 10 mm. Well-established brands: Arti Tec, Due Buoi.

Grafting pruner ArtiTec with 3 knives

Brush cutter

The main purpose is pruning ornamental shrubs, landscape design, gardening work, as well as creating topiary masterpieces. It resembles large scissors with cylindrical, often telescopic handles and knives, up to 20–25 cm long. However, the market now offers a large assortment of hedge trimmers powered by batteries, household electricity, or a gasoline engine. The cutting part of them strongly resembles the knives of a hairdressing machine. Electric hedge trimmers are offered by Bosh, Makita, Skil, Metabo, gasoline ones - Husqvarna, Huter, Ryobi.

Bosch brush cutter with electric drive

Pole saw

Sometimes it reaches a length of more than two meters. The bar can be telescopic or solid, even homemade. They are often used in urban landscape design when caring for green spaces. Some models are equipped with a hacksaw in the working part for cutting particularly thick branches. Currently, electric and gasoline models are very popular. By design, these are miniature chain saws on a long bar. Almost all power tool companies produce them.

Telescopic electric pole saw Gardena

Lopper

A powerful tool, with elongated handles, sometimes equipped with a lever amplifier, capable of cutting branches up to 4–5 cm thick. Indispensable for a garden or park where there are a lot of old trees.

Reviews from gardeners about garden pruners

Secateurs from well-known brands are universally loved by gardeners. They do their job efficiently, so they more than pay for the cost.

• Valentina Smirnova : “Last year I bought myself a new pruner for the Fiskars contact 111430 garden.” I note that immediately after I took it out of the packaging it was clear that the tool was of high quality and would not break even from a thick twig, although it was not intended for such things. It cuts very easily, effortlessly, and your hands don’t get tired from working for a long time. In the spring, I trimmed 5 bushes and a young tree in a few hours and only then began to feel tired in my hand! Although earlier, with the old pruning shears, I didn’t always have enough strength for one bush. As a bonus, it is easy to clean. So I advise everyone."
• Anton Sirotko : “I used to use the simplest pruning shears in the garden, but it was disappointing that they quickly broke during regular work. Then they gave me a Gardena 8905 pruner, and from then on I realized what a real garden tool is. It works very smoothly, cuts smoothly, and does not tear the edges. Although its maximum cutting diameter is 20 mm, I still tried cutting larger branches. Of course, it doesn’t work out so perfectly, but it’s still better than with a simple pruning shears. It is easy to maintain, cleans well, does not rust, although I have been using it for more than 1.5 years.”
• Marina Buryak : “Pruning shears are simply necessary at the dacha. To solve the problem of constant breakage of pruning shears, I finally decided to invest in a good, branded one. The Finland 1431 model was chosen in a good store for a considerable amount. It doesn’t weigh much, thanks to the comfortable handle, you don’t notice the time while working. The blade is very sharp, cutting twigs on bushes and trees like clockwork. Working now is a complete pleasure, so I don’t regret the purchase and recommend it to everyone.”

Top best universal models

GRINDA 8-423000

One of the best universal models that every user will like. There are ergonomic handles that provide comfort during operation and prevent chafing of the palm.

To make the sharp part, durable metal was used, which is additionally covered with a protective layer. This helps prevent the corrosion process. The shape of the blades is curved, which is a convenient solution. The total length is 150 mm, so the product is compact.

The average cost is 200 rubles.

pruner GRINDA 8-423000

Advantages:

• Good budget option;
• Do not deteriorate from frequent use;
• Durable model;
• High quality mechanism;
• Long service life;
• Ergonomics.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Feona 004-0829

Despite the low cost, the equipment has good strength characteristics. Cutting dried or fresh branches is easier with this tool. The handle is made of durable plastic that does not emit odors and does not peel off.

The curved shape ensures high-quality work. There is a strap that goes around the wrist, so the tool will not fall to the ground if a person loses it. The total length is small - 17 cm, which is the optimal indicator.

The average cost is 170 rubles.

pruner Feona 004-0829

Advantages:

• Value for money:
• Reliability;
• High-quality assembly;
• Strength;
• Does not deteriorate from moisture.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Patriot HL 200

A high-quality option that is suitable for working with flowers, shrubs or small trees. There is a reliable Teflon coating, which guarantees high efficiency over a long period of time.

During operations, the work area always remains clean. Another advantage is the removable cutting element, which allows you to sharpen or completely replace the blade with a new one. There is a one-year warranty. The only drawback is that there is no lock, and this can create problems during transportation.

Sold at a price: from 470 rubles.

pruner Patriot HL 200

Advantages:

• Good build;
• Teflon coating;
• The blade is sharp;
• Easy maintenance;
• The working part is always clean.

Flaws:

• There is no lock.

STIHL PG 20

One of the most expensive options, which is characterized by universal use. The product is suitable for cutting branches and foliage. The body is chrome plated and has good protection against various phenomena.

The edges are easy to sharpen, and the product also has an internal groove that will help cut various wires. The handle is made of durable plastic, while it impresses with good ergonomic properties. The tool is so powerful that it can handle branches of almost any thickness.

Sold at a price: from 2,660 rubles.

pruner STIHL PG 20

Advantages:

• Reliability and safety;
• Good corrosion protection;
• Suitable for daily use;
• Easy maintenance;
• Ergonomics;
• Compactness.

Flaws:

• Price.

Choosing a tool based on specialization:

— Secateurs for pruning trees . The most universal solution would be to buy a flat (classic) or hammer type pruner. If you need to choose a tool for shaping trees, for example in an industrial garden, where cutting a branch into a ring is done very rarely, but you have to cut a lot of branches by shortening them, then a pruner with an anvil will be a good choice, since it is easier for them to make the cut. — Secateurs for roses . Choosing a universal tool for roses is difficult. To trim one or two year old branches, you can choose the lightest model, but to remove old branches, especially at the base of the bush, you will need a lopper. — Secateurs for grapes . We can confidently recommend pruning shears with an anvil, since when pruning grapes there will always be knots left, you don’t need to cut “into a ring”, which is not very convenient to do with this model, and the ease of cutting with pruning shears with an anvil will be very useful. — Flower pruner . For cutting flowers, it is better to use the lightest models available or even garden shears.

Center tool 0207

​Photo: https://pokupki.market.yandex.ru

The Tsentroinstrument 0207 device is designed for hedges and shrubs in your dacha. The working diameter is 45 mm, which is the average among devices of this class. Steel blades will serve you for a long time, they are strong and durable. The lever drive in combination with curved blades will allow you to quickly work with thin and thick shoots. The length of the tool is 750 mm, it fits comfortably in the hand, even a woman and a teenager can handle it under adult supervision.

Lopper Centrotool 0207

Advantages:

• steel blades
• anti-slip handle coating
• comfortable and strong grip
• telescopic handles

Flaws:

• a bit heavy