5 Features to Consider When Choosing Pruning Shears

What to Look for in Pruning Shears

Make sure your shears are sharp before the growing season starts

Make sure your shears are sharp before the growing season starts. If your shears are dull and can’t be sharpened, it’s time to look for a replacement. There are two basic types of pruning shears you might see for sale: bypass and anvil. Bypass pruners are the pruners most gardeners use for their everyday pruning. They will make neat cuts if they are sharp and can get slightly closer to the branch than anvil pruners.

What to Look for in Pruning Shears

Make sure your shears are sharp before the growing season starts

Make sure your shears are sharp before the growing season starts. If your shears are dull and can’t be sharpened, it’s time to look for a replacement. There are two basic types of pruning shears you might see for sale: bypass and anvil. Bypass pruners are the pruners most gardeners use for their everyday pruning. They will make neat cuts if they are sharp and can get slightly closer to the branch than anvil pruners.

1. Sharpening ability

When buying shears to last a long time, one thing to look for is whether the blades can be sharpened. All blades dull over time if not kept sharp, and a dull blade can slip or damage the plant you are pruning. This Centurion Pro-Series model has blades made of high-carbon steel for ease of sharpening. Centurion Pro-Series Bypass Pruner

2. Pruning diameter

Another detail to pay attention to when selecting a pruner is the maximum pruning diameter. These pruners are labelled for 1”, which means it can be used on branches less than an inch in diameter. Don’t try to cut branches larger than the maximum diameter, or you could damage the plant stems or your tool. Larger branches will likely need a hand saw.

3. Locking mechanism

Your shears should also have a good lock to prevent it from springing open when you want it to stay closed. All the shears mentioned here have a lock and can be operated with one hand.

• Adjustable hand grip
• Geared mechanism
• Locking mechanism