FELCO F8 Product Review

Now I look back and remember the weeks of soreness during pruning season with my Felco 8’s and I wish I’d tested other brands sooner. An excellent, functional pruner, but you can do better. Coronas are the nerdy little sister to the fancypants Felco. They are a practical, functional choice, and are seen as a good middle ground between cheap-o off-brand pruners and the spendy Felcos.

You can get new blades, new springs, new nuts – anything you need to get your pruners up and running again. , which stays put when pruning and never pops off. keep your pruners from slipping out of your hands. keeps you pruning without the blades gumming up. allows you to clip errant wires while gardening. garden.

The blades are not angled. There is no shock-absorption. I prune with these suckers for a half hour and I am feeling it. Granted, I prune fast and hard, and I clip stems with my hand pruners that most people would reach for loppers to tackle. But even the average home gardener, deadheading for an hour a week, deserves ergonomic protection and better cutting capability than the normal Coronas offer.

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Skip ‘em. These are reasonably nice cheap pruners because they do have a few higher-end features and replaceable parts, but unfortunately the features they have are not the ones that make pruning fun. And I don’t know why you’d wish to replace parts on a non-fun pair of pruners. A note on Coronas: They’ve recently come out with a line of pruners that seem meant to imitate Felcos in every way – the shiny red handles, very similar styles and features.

If you’ve tried the Felco imitators, let us know how they compare to actual Felcos in the comments. Let’s get right to it – I love my Bahcos. I started with a Felco pruner because as a pro, I care about a clean cut and features that reduce hand and wrist strain, and everyone I trusted told me to choose them.

He’d been swearing by the brand for years, telling me about the special coating on the blades, the way the metal is forged, and raving about the way they cut. I knew, of course, that I was already using the best with my Felcos, so I didn’t listen to him until I tested that saw.

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I bought my first Bahco product the next day and soon was sawing away merrily at all my jobs. My contractor friend, encouraged, bought me a pair of Bahco pruners a couple months later, and even though I loved my Felcos with a passion usually reserved for items involving chocolate, I figured I’d better give those Bahcos a try.

I misplaced my Bahcos once, and pulled out my clean, sharp Felcos to revisit them, feeling happily nostalgic. I was able to prune with them for about fifteen minutes before deciding it wasn’t worth it to go on. I could feel a ker-chunk in my wrists with every cut, and I was struggling to cut medium-sized branches that my Bahcos just breezed through (organic vegetables).

They cut thick branches and stems with such ease, and make pruning into the joy that it should be. I would never have tried Bahcos were it not for my friend, because of the amazing reputation Felcos enjoy. And while Felco makes a solid product, I’d really urge you to be open to trying other brands and types of tools, because they aren’t necessarily the best choice for everyone.

What Does Felco 8 Bypass Pruner #F8 - Frostproof Growers Supply Mean?

You can choose blade size, handle size, and left or right-handed models for the PG and PX lines. (Lefties can choose from small, medium, large, or medium rotating handles. Left-handed models only come with a medium blade, which is the blade I prefer anyway.) The tilt and curve of the handle, the angle of the blade, and the composite handle material all combine to make it easy to prune any size branch that you can fit in the pruning head.

Bahcos advertise a 3/4” cut, but they actually cut thicker stems than advertised, and easily. The blades are coated with something that makes them non-sticky (Xylan), and they stay sharp and clean much longer than any other brand I have tried. I sharpen mine about once a week (that’s after about 20 hours of pruning), while my Felcos I was needing to sharpen after 4-8 hours.

PG line is cheapest ($40 or so) because it does not have replaceable parts, but is otherwise similar to the higher-end PX line. I own a pair for employee use and they prune the same as my PX ones – they just might not last as long. PX line is the standard high-quality ergonomic pruner.

which holds the blades closed when not in use seems to get clogged with grit or sap eventually, and makes them tough to close. I only find this mildly irritating since I wear a leather (Felco) holster on my jeans to put them into between cuts, and the holster keeps them closed for me.

is only found on the cheapest PG line of pruner. Bahcos are my pruner of choice by a wide margin because of how easily and comfortably they make clean, smooth cuts. From left: Felco 8, Bahco PG-M2, Bahco PX-M2 Felco 8’s lack of ergonomic curve: Bahco PG/ PX line’s angled handle: I hope my experiences with the three major pruning shear brands helps you in making a decision to invest in a pair of quality pruners.

Everyone’s going to have a strong opinion, so take it all into account when you are ready to upgrade, and don’t be shy about exploring new brands – if you find something great, come back here and tell me in the comments! Here are a couple videos to get you started in your research: Bahco pruners – the difference between each style: Fiskars pruners – Monica the Garden Faerie’s pruner of choice: .

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The Felco 8 Ergonomic Pruner is a high performance model specially designed for increased comfort and efficiency while providing the same clean, precise pruning ability of other shears in the Felco line. Ergonomic design prevents tendonitis (RSI) and reduces physical effort, enhancing comfort and ease of use. Features include lightweight handles made of forged aluminum with nonslip coating and lifetime guarantee, hardened steel blade and screw-mounted anvil blade, wire cutting notch for damage free cutting of small wires, sap groove for clean, easy cutting of sticky wood, and micrometric adjustment system for optimal cutting head adjustment.

All parts can be replaced in this durable, dependable Felco model. Made in Switzerland by Felco. Weight 245g/8.6oz Length 210mm/8.3in Cutting Capacity 25mm/1in Hand Size Large .

Most of our testing was on standard bypass pruners, but we also tried pruners with rotating handles to reduce fatigue, as well as ratcheting pruners that make large cuts with less force (Grow Food Guide).The Felco 6 model is a smaller version of our top pick. It has the same sharp blades, but with slightly shorter handles (7¼ inches, not 8½), a lighter weight (7.5 ounces, not 8.5), and a smaller blade capacity (0.8 inch, not 1 inch).

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The Felco 14 is another smaller tool we’ve tested and found to be as consistently excellent as the other Felco tools we’ve tried over the years.The Tierra Pro 38-1713 7.5″ Bypass Pruning Shears and the Tierra Pro 38-1710 8.5″ Bypass Pruning Shears failed to cut one of the 10 scallion samples, they slightly crushed raspberry canes and dowels, and they needed extra force to close around a ¾-inch buckthorn branch.

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Look for the 7.5-inch model first—the 8.5-inch type was similar but felt rougher to close, and it tore some bark from raspberry canes.The Okatsune 101 7-inch Bypass Pruners are a favorite among bonsai enthusiasts. They’re made of “Izumo Yasuki Japanese steel to deliver a Rockwell hardness of 60 +/-1,” which means that they’ll stay sharp longer than pruners with softer steel.

They cut live branches and dowels perfectly—really, perfectly—with little torn bark and smooth, flat cuts, but they failed to cut through scallions on three out of 10 attempts. They last, too: Owners on BladeForums make comments such as “I have used the same pair of 8" pruners professionally for the last 9 years and they will definitely outlast me.” Wayne Schoech at Stone Lantern said his firm carried replacement Okatsune springs.If you live in the UK, the Burgon & Ball Professional Compact Bypass Secateur GTO/PRL performed almost as well as the Okatsune in testing, though it felt slightly more rough and jangly, and the force of closing the pruners made cut ends go flying.

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I hope that either Burgon or Ball takes care of that soon.The Tierra Garden 35-1731 Ergo Forged Bypass Pruners don’t perform quite as well as the Tierra Pro models. The Ergo model cut scallions perfectly but tended to crush the dowels and Norway maple branches, and it required more force to close around live branches than the other Tierra models did.The Burgon & Ball RHS GTO/SC Bypass Secateur is like the Royal Horticultural Society that endorses it: respectable.

It tended to crush the dowels, but it did sever them, and it made good, flat cuts in live branches.The Fiskars Quantum Hand Pruner is not made to slice scallions, and it left dangling onion bits on more than half the cuts. The Quantum also cut the ⅜-inch Norway Maple branch unevenly and tore bark.

There are better options.The Tierra Pro 38-1707 7″ Bypass Pruning Shears cut through scallions only half the time, and could barely cut through a ¾-inch buckthorn branch, leaving cuts with torn bark and an uneven surface.The Corona BP 3350 Bypass Pruner with Adjustable Grip is economical, and you can buy replacement blades.

For $30, the Okatsune 101 is a better deal.The Kenyon Forged Bypass Pruner 41406 did a decent job on scallions and raspberries, but it required more force to cut through wooden dowels and live branches than most other pruners in my sample.The Zavaland Pruning Shears were the only pruners in my sample that were completely incapable of cutting through scallions.

Do yourself a favor and get the ARS HP-VS8Z or Okatsune 101 instead.For a slightly lower price than the Felco 2 pruners, you could get the AM Leonard 1286 Traditional Bypass Pruners—and keep them for the long term, since AM Leonard also sells a replacement-part kit for about $8. AM Leonard pruners are almost as comfortable as the ARS HP-VS8Z, though this model required two hands and force to cut a ¾-inch branch.

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The clasp, the handles, and the gear housing are all made of plastic.A rotating handle can reduce hand and wrist fatigue, but it can be awkward and reduce your power per cut. The ARS HP-VS8R Signature Heavy Duty Rotating Handle Hand Pruner resembles the ARS HP-VS8Z but has one handle that swivels on a pin in a 90-degree arc as you close your fingers.

The rotating sleeve did reduce the amount of power I could put into a cut: I needed to use two hands on the ¾-inch buckthorn to force the blades closed, whereas the non-rotating handle could do it one-handed.The Felco 7 is similar to Felco's other pruners but has a rotating handle coated in a stickier, rubbery material.

In our tests this pair sliced through ¼-inch raspberry canes easily without ratcheting, and it ratcheted through ½-inch dowels and ¾-inch branches with no fuss and little force, but it could barely cut two out of 10 scallion samples. Ultimately, we think the flaws in the construction—riveted connections, plus an anvil-style blade that mashes green stems—overshadow the advantages of the ratcheting mechanism. gardening.The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet Hand Pruners were the easiest-cutting ratcheting pruners we tested—and the second most expensive.

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The Gardeners’ Friend pair also comes with a little mineral-oil-saturated sponge embedded in the handle for cleaning and oiling the blade, which saves you the bother of getting a rag out.The Corona RP 3230 Ratchet Action Anvil Pruner is an economical choice. It’s lightweight, and it ratchets easily through thick branches, but it can also cut delicate scallion tops.

When I tested the Corona RP 3230 on berry canes, I could not get it to cut ¼-inch canes without engaging the ratchet—and in the time it took to make three ratchets, the canes were well mashed by being held under pressure against the anvil blade.The Flexrake LRB205 Ratchet Anvil Pruner did a mediocre job of cutting scallions, tearing four out of 10, and it could not cut through raspberry canes without engaging the ratchet.

It worked better on dowels and branches, though, cutting the Norway maple and the buckthorn flawlessly.The Gardena 8798-U SmartCut Ratchet Pruner is far more expensive than anything else in the category, mostly because it has an unusual feature: a lever to switch the pruners from plain bypass to ratchet mode. Grow Food Guide.

The Basic Principles Of Corona Tools

It failed to cut scallions six out of 10 times. It also crushed the raspberry canes, crushed both dowels, tore off some of the outer layer of the ½-inch dowel, and left strips of wood hanging from the Norway maple cuts.The Flexrake CLA349 Classic 8-Inch Ratchet Pruner required more force to close than any other ratchet pruners when cutting every material except scallions.

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That final squeeze makes cutting feel somewhat clunky compared with the EZ Kut’s smooth action. The Gardenite also required more ratchets to cut through branches: four to cut the ⅜-inch Norway maple branch, five to get through the ¾-inch buckthorn..

When choosing what pair of shears, there are two main types to consider: Bypass and Anvil.Similar to a pair of scissors, the bypass shears slide one blade past another to make the cut. These typically work best on live plants with the rigid outer walls that cut easily. Example: Gonicc GPPS-1003When squeezing the handle, the sharp upper blade is forced through the branch until it hits the flat lower blade (called the anvil) completing the cut.

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Rumor has it there’s a secret password to freely get inside every arboretum, conservatory, and botanical garden in the United States. It’s only spoken in a hushed whisper, but right here, right now, you’re going to read that password in print for the first time ever. That password is: .

There is no secret password. But if there was one, you could bet your bottom dollar that it really would be Felco F-2. As far as pruners go, there is no other choice for the beginning, serious, or professional gardener. These things can be used for cuts up to 1 inch in diameter, but are still articulate enough to prune roses.

An Unbiased View of Replacing The Rope In A Pole Pruner

Any number of websites can tell you about their forged aluminum construction and reliable durability. Instead, this here is a firsthand account of a guy beating the hell out of his work tools on a daily basis as a professional landscaper and gardener. Now, let’s get to it. I received my first pair of Felco F-2 pruners in November of 2016.

I pruned branches here and tree limbs overhanging driveways there, snipped a few pieces of wire for holiday decorations (the F-2 has a built-in and functional wire cutter), and cut back some dried out perennials. One of my first lessons as a landscaper was that a good gardener takes care of their tools.

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Imagine my surprise when I saw a coworker using his F-2s as a hammer, banging in the tension pin on a grass rake! My look of concern was met with a shrug, and I tentatively began using my own pair as a light-duty hammer too. I’ve used my pair of pruners in such a way that it voids any potential warranty: driving bamboo stakes into the ground, pins into place (like the ones on a grass rake), and opening plenty of beer bottles (it took me a while to figure that one out).

Even when the blade and anvil of the pruners would get gunked up from sap, they still administered crisp and clean cuts. As New Year’s came and went, I placed my pruners and gave them a much-needed rest until spring came. As of this writing, it’s been exactly 171 days since the landscaping and gardening season officially began in Philadelphia, and I’ve put my pruners through 172 days of absolute hell.

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Photo by Matt Suwak They’ve pruned through thousands of branches and stems, and only require some very basic maintenance. The F-2 breaks down into 12 pieces very easily, and can be reassembled quickly. It is sold with a special key that can be used to adjust the tension on two of the screws, while the last remaining bolt is easily adjusted with a ½-inch wrench.

During the week and between pruning jobs, I use isopropyl alcohol to clean the blade and anvil. A little tip: If you disassemble and then reassemble your F-2 pruners, adjusting the tension on the primary connecting bolt is key to a smooth action and springy response. Photo by Matt Suwak Alright, since we’re being honest here… I have definitely voided any potential warranty that Felco offers.

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The Felco F-2s have proven themselves to be a pruner capable of handling a tremendous workload reliably and without any fault. Throw in some basic maintenance and sharpening practices, and you’ve got yourself a garden tool worth its weight in saffron. I didn’t tell you where I got my pruners, did I? The F-2s have a pretty hefty price tag for a hand tool, about the same as a dinner for two at your average restaurant.

Fortunately for me, a coworker happened to have a second pair - read more. So he gave them to me, “looking out for the new guy,” as he said. And he told me the story of where he found them. This coworker was walking on Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia when he spotted a pair of Felco F-2s lying in the street.

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So he picked them up and brushed off the worst of the damage and brought them home, throwing them on a shelf in his garage. And then, after a few years of sitting and waiting, he gave those bad boys to me. These were beat up when I received them, scuffed and scratched and clearly well worn.

Photo by Matt Suwak The next time you go to an arboretum, conservatory, or botanical garden, whispering “Felco F-2” might not save you the cost of admission. But it will certainly earn you a knowing nod and show of respect from anybody working there. You might not need all that the Felco F-2 can provide, but the Felco F-2 can provide for everything your garden needs.

This is my official thumbs up. Have you used your Felco F-2s to the same success? What’s your favorite tip for household pruner use? Tell us about it in the comments! Photos by Matt Suwak, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Additional product photos via Felco.

This upbringing keeps him permanently affixed to the outdoors where most of his personal time is invested in gardening, bird watching, and hiking. He presently resides in Philadelphia and works under the sun as a landscaper and gardener, and by moonlight as a writer. An incessant questioning of “Why?” affords him countless opportunities to ponder the (in)significance of the great and the small.

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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk Oregon may be known for its gray, rainy winters, but come spring and summer, my garden experiences an explosion of green. Shrubs spill out of beds, blackberry brambles invade, hedges swell, too many flowers weigh down their stems, and branches droop as they reach too far for the sun.

That’s where awesome gardening tools like the FELCO 2 One-Hand Pruning Shear come in. In the late 1940s, FELCO founder Felix Flisch designed the lightweight, precise pruner to replace the bulky, awkward versions then used in the Swiss vineyards near his fledging factory. Since then, it’s become an icon in the industry.

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk Pruning my plants is not just a matter of keeping them happy and healthy, or even simply about personal aesthetics or landscape design. It’s also about beating back the encroaching flora before it takes over the entire exterior and makes a move on the house—or possibly my family.

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My experience with this pruner has been fantastic. It cuts like a champ through anything up to nearly an inch in diameter. The regular, run-of-the-mill shears I’d used in the past were uncomfortable after prolonged use and often had trouble cutting tougher stems, so my standards were not high. The FELCO model exceeded any expectations with flying colors.

It cuts like a champ through anything up to nearly an inch in diameter. I found it to be very comfortable to hold, even with lots of repeated use. I had several other adults in my extended family try it out, and they all loved it as well; the common refrain is that it feels good in the hand and also cuts beautifully.

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk There’s a reason FELCO hasn’t changed the design of this Swiss-made anvil pruner for 50 years: They’re the standard-bearer in the category and a favorite of avid home gardeners and professional landscapers alike. The hardened steel blades are exceptionally well-made and super sharp. A hardened nut and bolt allow for exact, micrometric adjustment of both the cutting and anvil blades - read more.

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The forged aluminum metal handles have a sophisticated shock absorption system and a non-slip, candy red coating, which makes for a secure, ergonomic grip. I found that both features softened the impact on hands and wrists when cutting through tough, large branches. If you have more petite hands, you’ll want to go with the FELCO 6 model instead.

I have medium-sized hands, so the model I reviewed worked just fine for me. It felt very sturdy and natural in my grip. However, if you have more petite hands, you’ll want to go with the FELCO 6 model instead. Watch out for knockoffs of this product, as there are plenty of counterfeits out there seeking to pass themselves off as the real thing.

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk This pruner easily wipes clean; a “sap groove” prevents the blade from sticking by removing plant secretions and debris with each cut, a feature that translates into simpler cleanup. The brand recommends cleaning after each use to prevent rusting and help maintain the luster of the blades and handles.

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The pruner can be easily taken apart when needed for deeper cleaning after prolonged use or if debris, sap, or dirt gets between pieces. Visit the website for information on dismantling the pruner (and ordering spare parts) as needed. In terms of maintenance, it’s also advisable to sharpen the blades regularly in order to maintain the best cutting ability.

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It is a durable, superior product compared with the majority of its competitors and is worth the extra investment. This pruner justifies its added cost with impeccable craftsmanship and precision. There are tons of different options on the market—one of them being the Gonicc 8” Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears(GPPS-1002).

However, the product costs significantly less, at around $16. The Gonicc model does offer a sharp blade and better quality than most lower-end pruning shears. For those that don’t want to invest an extra $40 or so, the cheaper option may be reasonable. gardening. Just be warned that your shears will likely not be as long-lasting, tough, comfortable, or precise.

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Final Verdict The FELCO 2 One-Hand Pruning Shear is an exceptional, resilient gardening tool that can tackle all your smaller pruning tasks. It features an excellent, durable, adjustable blade that’s built to work hard and last season after season.

With more than 200 reviews, the majority of which are 4 or 5 stars, it is hard to find anything not to like about the Felco F-8 Classic Pruners. Of the mound of customer reviews, nearly all of them complement how comfortable this model is.In fact, many have commented on how they can complete a variety of pruning tasks for in excess of 6 hours without feeling the regular discomforts associated with a day gardening.Best suited for right-handed people, the Felco F-8 Classic Pruner have received incredible praise for their durable blades.

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They can also be dismantled and put back together for deep cleaning or if the blades or other parts need changing due to extensive use or damage.Last but not least, while customers do say they oil their pruning shears to keep corrosion at bay, many have reported leaving theirs out in the rain without any problems whatsoever, a testament to the quality with which these pruning shears are made - equipment.With so many 4 and 5-star reviews, it’s difficult to find anything to fault in the Felco F-8 Classic Pruners.

The same customers also found that within a year their Felco pruning shears were covered in rust and virtually useless.While this may be the case, it is worth noting that no matter how good a quality carbon steel they are made of, all metal must be cleaned and oiled after every use in order to avoid corrosion.Lastly, some customers who received faulty products reported not getting the benefits outlined in the lifetime warranty that Felco promises on the product’s description.If you believe the Felco F-8 Classic Pruners are the ones for you, we recommend you head over to Amazon to make your purchase.

Top Guidelines Of Hand Pruners - Pruning Shears - Gempler's

Pruning shears generally won't cut through anything that's over .5 inches in diameter (some will cut up to .75 inch, but that will take a fair bit of grip strength). If you're cutting something thicker than that, you'll need a lopper (see our ) or a pruning saw (see our article on ).

In this article, we review the features to consider when buying pruning shears so that you’ll know what to look for in choosing a quality tool. There isn’t just one kind of pruning shear that’s perfect for everyone. What works best for you will depend on your hand size and shape, grip strength, the type and amount of pruning you do, and your budget.

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There two basic types of pruners – bypass pruners and anvil pruners. These are most popular. You get a clean cut from two curved blades that move past each other (hence 'bypass') just like a pair of scissors. One of the blades is sharp and cuts as it moves by a thicker unsharpened blade.

They are usually slightly bulkier than bypass pruners which can make them tricky to get into tight areas. Because the blade often crushes stems when cutting (unless the blade is extremely sharp), these are best used on dead wood, rather than live plants. LEFT: Bypass pruners. RIGHT: Anvil pruners. Notice that bypass blades are curved while anvil blade are straight.

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These have a clever extra mechanism to make light work of tough cuts. As you squeeze ratcheting pruning shears, they latch so you can release and squeeze again, performing the cut in easy steps rather than one go. It's particularly good for those with less strength in their wrist, or for cutting thicker stems that regular shears cannot handle.

Not everyone likes so-called “ergonomic design” but, if you intend to prune or deadhead frequently, you’ll appreciate the way that these tools reduce wrist strain, require less pressure to close, and generally make the pruning experience more enjoyable.This type of design often includes soft-grip handles, angled blades, and a slightly curved shape.

Pruner blades are generally made out of steel. Sometimes they’re coated with a non-stick substance that resists sap and other sticky materials. Look for blades made of high quality, hardened or carbon steel – they last longer and are less likely to nick or need frequent sharpening. In fact, poorer quality blades don’t hold a sharp edge and so make pruning a laborious task that also damages plants.Related to blade quality is how closely the blades pass as you open and close them; the closer the better.

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Most pruners have some sort of mechanism that allows you to lock it in the closed position. Not only is this safer (you can’t accidentally cut yourself on a sharp blade) but it also protects the blades when not in use. However, some mechanisms work better than others. More Related Info On Growfoodguide. Look for a latch that’s easy to open and close (we particularly like the ARS ‘squeeze to open’ latch mechanism), doesn’t get in the way while you’re using the tool, and stays put when in the open or locked position.

Examples of different locking mechanisms. Many pruning shears have a spring between the two handles that pushes the handles/blades apart when you relax your grip. This reduces the workload and hand fatigue. There are two common types of springs: coiled metal (also called a volute spring) and wire springs. Both work well but look for one that’s tightly attached to the handles so it doesn’t accidentally pop off or get pulled off by branches when pruning trees or shrubs. vegetables.

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Pruners without springs are more like scissors – they rely on your fingers to pull the handles apart with each cut and are very tiring to use for more than just a few cuts at a time. Some pruners, like those from Bahco and ARS, usually have springs (left). Others, like Felco, usually have a metal coil (right).

Over time, sap, dirt, and other residue builds up on the blades and between the handles, making it harder to close and open the pruners. It’s easiest to clean your pruners if you can take them apart. Without taking pruning shears apart, you cannot sharpen the entire blade, resulting in warped blades after multiple sharpenings.

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Most pruners will manage about a ½” branch, but some can cut up to 1” or more. Don’t be tempted to cut larger branches though; it will be harder to make a clean cut and can cause wrist or finger strain. If you’ll be doing a lot of pruning, check the weight of the pruners – heavier ones will cause more fatigue.

Do you need a heavy-duty tool that will cut through 1-inch wood, or will a light-duty pruner for flowers and small shrubs be enough? That will help you decide whether you need a bypass, anvil or ratcheting anvil pruner. Then determine your budget - read more. Like most gardening tools, pruning shears come in a range of price points and, while you typically get better quality at higher prices, it's not always necessary to pay more to get what you need (see the point above).To help you make the right decision, we've provided two different ways of choosing pruners - by brand and by rating (although that only applies to the pruning shears that we've reviewed).

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They’re affordable and long-lasting, and some can be taken apart to clean and sharpen. If you’ll be doing more pruning work, you can’t beat a Felco, ARS, or Bahco pruner. While they’re more expensive, they are readily available, will last forever, and parts can be easily cleaned, sharpened, and replaced.

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And don't forget a holster or scabbard to carry your pruners while you're working in the garden. This will protect both you and the pruners from harm and will keep them clean. For photos and details on specific pruners from the brands below, see our Felco's are the pruning shears you hear about most often and, although many gardeners swear by them, that doesn't necessarily mean they're the best pruners available.

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There's even the F-9 for lefties. All are an excellent choice for general gardening work. The blades are made of hardened steel and have a handy wire cutting notch. The pruners can be taken apart for cleaning and sharpening and replacement parts are easily available. Prices generally range from $50 to $70, depending on the model.

- READ OUR REVIEWARS 7-Inch General Duty Pruner HP-130DX - READ OUR REVIEW Bahcos are the pruner of choice for many gardeners and arborists who do a lot of pruning. They're ergonomically designed (including the PXR series with a rotating handle), tough as nails, and come in a variety of sizes to fit any hand.

(medium size) - READ OUR REVIEW (medium size with rotating handle) Corona pruners are a nice middle ground between the pricier brands (e.g., Felco, ARS, Bahco) and the cheap (and short-lived) varieties. They can be taken apart and replacement parts are easy to find. The spring stays put, they're easy to latch closed, and the sap groove and wire cutter on the blades are a nice touch.

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Felco 8 Pruner - Kilian Hardware - The Facts

Priced between $20 and $30 - organic vegetables. These pruners are available at most garden centers or big box stores for a reasonable price. With adjustable blade tension, a sap groove to help keep the blade clean, a 1" cutting capacity, and an ambidextrous design (good for both righties and lefties), the 9124 is a good choice for the home gardener.

Cost ranges from $15 to $30 for the various styles. Dramm has discontinued their cutting tool lines but you can still find them online so we've included them here because they have some very nice pruners and snips for light-duty gardening use. Plus they come in a range of bright, fun colors.