Bypass Pruning Shears
Bypass pruning shears are one of the most commonly used types of pruning tools. They feature two curved blades that pass by each other, similar to a pair of scissors. The sharp cutting blade, which is the curved one, bypasses the thicker blunt blade as you cut through plant branches.
Bypass pruning shears are primarily used for precision cuts, making them ideal for pruning small branches, flowers, and delicate plants. They give cleaner cuts that promote faster healing and less damage to your plants. The curved blade design also allows you to access tight spots and easily maneuver your way through dense foliage.
Popular examples of bypass pruning shears include the Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner and the Fiskars PowerGear2 Ultra Blade Pruner.
Anvil Pruning Shears
Anvil pruning shears have a single straight blade that cuts against a flat surface or an anvil. Unlike bypass shears, anvil pruning shears crush the branch between the cutting blade and the flat surface, which can be useful for pruning tougher or thicker branches.
Due to their design, anvil pruning shears are not recommended for precise cuts on delicate plants, as they can cause more damage and slower healing than bypass shears. However, they can be useful for heavy-duty pruning tasks, such as removing deadwood or cutting through dense vegetation.
Examples of anvil pruning shears include the Corona 4130-1/8 inch Ultra Jaw Anvil Pruner and the Gilmour Original Adjustable Roll Action Anvil Shears.
Ratchet Pruning Shears
Ratchet pruning shears feature a unique mechanism that allows for easier cutting of thicker branches. These shears have a ratcheting action, which means they can cut through branches in multiple steps rather than all at once.
When you squeeze the handles of ratchet pruning shears, the blade engages with the branch and locks in place. You can release the pressure on the handles and squeeze again to make another cut. This ratcheting action gives you more leverage and makes it easier to prune branches that are too thick for regular shears.
Some popular ratchet pruning shears include the Gardenite Bypass Lopper and the Corona Max Forged Aluminum Bypass Lopper.
Hedge Shears
Hedge shears, also known as hedge clippers or trimmers, are specifically designed for trimming and shaping hedges and shrubs. Unlike the previously mentioned pruning shears, hedge shears have longer handles and longer, straight blades that are often serrated.
These shears allow for rapid cutting and shaping of hedges and can handle tougher branches and thicker growth. The longer handles provide more reach and leverage, making it easier to work with larger hedges. Some hedge shears also have adjustable blades, allowing you to cut at different angles for more precise shaping.
Well-known hedge shears in the market include the STIHL HSA 25 Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmer and the Felco 292 30-inch Straight Long Reach Hedge Shears.
Pruning Saws
Pruning saws are a type of specialized pruning tool that is designed for cutting through thicker branches and wood. These saws have a longer, narrower blade compared to traditional handsaws, which allows for more precise and controlled cutting in tight spaces.
Pruning saws come in different blade lengths and tooth configurations, depending on the intended use. Some pruning saws have curved blades, known as curved pruning saws, which make it easier to cut branches while minimizing the risk of the blade getting stuck.
Examples of pruning saws include the Silky HAYAUCHI 179-40 Telescoping Landscaping Pole Saw and the Fiskars 15-inch Power Tooth Saw.
