5 Tips for Finding the Best Pruning Shears

​My best pruning shears were not special order. They weren’t pricey, and a cool leather sheath was not included. I had to polish and inspect the blade for the brand just now, because I’m pretty sure I bought them from a big-box store.

Turns out, they’re Melnor hand pruners and make the rounds with me in every garden outing. Why? Because they’re so comfortable to use, they feel like an extension of my hand. And that’s how I would kick off my list of…How to Select Pruners for your Garden Tool Collection

1. Do they fit your hand well? Both hands? Gardening is ambidextrous, so shears need to have the same cutting power in either hand. Try them on for size in the store. If they’re awkwardly big and heavy, you’ll talk yourself out of using them. If they’re smallish and delicate, they probably won’t last and you’ll toss them after just a few ineffectual uses. Bonus: A snug fit is the perfect fit.
   
   
2. Is the grip “molded”? If the handle coating is textured and feels like rubber, it’s molded and unlikely to slip out of your hand. It’s designed as a pathway for your fingers to get the best grip as you squeeze. Bonus: If you wear molded gloves, the combination will be like pruning cement!
   
   
3. Do they cut through larger stems? You’ll want clean cuts on stems and branches up to one-inch thick. After that, what you really need is loppers. A titanium blade coating is the best option for pruners, since the metal is highly-resistant to rusting. Bonus: Titanium stays sharp longer.
   
   
4. Do they lock? This is critical if you have small children who shadow you in the garden. Pruners are purposely sharp, so a locking option saves hands, one finger at a time. Bonus: Locking the shears protects the blade.
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5. Do they clean up easily? This is particularly important if you’re pruning diseased shrubs. You must sanitize the blades between uses or you run the risk of passing along infections. You’re more likely to clean the tool when the blades are accessible. Bonus: Shears that break down into metal parts can be soaked in a bleach solution.
   
   

Now run out and try on some pruning shears with abandon. Then get to work shaping and trimming to your garden heart’s content.