Do you love spending time with plants? Well, fan or not, keeping your garden maintained is downright essential. So, what are you going to do about it? Get a host of functioning gardening tools! Every garden must have efficient garden clippers, popularly known as garden shears.
If you have a functional tool that works as smooth as butter, you will automatically fall in love with dressing your garden. Here’s a list of the 15 best garden clippers for you to pick from. It includes a comprehensive description of the tools, along with their pros and cons to help you choose.
That is not all. In this article, you will also gain an insight into the things you should look for while buying garden clippers. So, without much ado, hop in!
Table of Contents
15 Best Garden Clippers – Product Reviews of 2021
1. The Gardener’s Friend Pruners, Ratchet Pruning Shears
The Gardener’s Friend pruner is the ultimate garden clipper on the list. It consists of every feature that you would want in your gardening tool and more. From its specially designed lightweight, ultra-comfortable handle to the sharp blades, everything about this tool is exemplary.
It uses a ratchet mechanism to let you cut stems as well as branches of up to 1 inch with ease. One of the best things is that this Gardener’s Friend pruner comes with an attached sponge to clean the blades. You get all of this with a guarantee of a full refund if you remain unsatisfied.
Key Features
- Cutting capacity: 1 inch
- Type: Pruner
- Hardened carbon steel blades
- Aluminum handle
Pros
- Comes with an attached sponge for cleaning the blades
- Ultra-comfortable handle
- Ratchet action makes cutting quick and smooth
- 100% refund policy
Cons
- Locking the tool may be difficult
2. Felco F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner
Whether you are new or have been gardening for a while, you may have surely heard about the Felco F-2. The garden clipper has been constructed with hardened steel blades to cut the thickest of twigs and branches. Further, its aluminum handles enhance durability.
The Felco F-2 features a shock-proof design along with a rubber cover on the handle. Additionally, its handle is ergonomically-shaped for comfortable use. You need not worry about its functioning as the anvil blades stay intact with its hardened nut and bolt. It also comes with a sap groove that prevents sticking of the blades while in use.
Key Features
- Hardened steel blades
- Aluminum handles
- Sap groove
- Type: Pruner
Pros
- Ergonomic design and revolving feature make for the most comfortable handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Slippery grip
- Pricey
3. Fiskars 91095935J Steel Pruning Shears Bypass Pruner
The steel-bladed Fiskars 91095935J is a strong pruner for your daily gardening needs. It comes with an easy-to-open lock that lets you secure your garden clipper when not in use. With a cutting capacity of 5/8 inches, it is an explicit tool for removing thin branches and stems.
Fiskars tools are known and trusted by gardeners for decades. The 91095935J comes with a low-friction coating that protects the blades from rust. Also, these blades do not gum-up with sap and debris.
Key Features
- Precision-ground blade
- Low-friction coating
- Cutting diameter: 5/8 inches
- Bypass blade design
- Type: Pruner
Pros
- The low-friction coating prevents sticking as well as corrosion
- It comes with a lifetime warranty, letting you replace its parts free of cost
- Easy-to-open lock prevents accidents when not in use
Cons
- The blade is not durable
- The handle is not ergonomic
4. Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner with 1 Inch Cutting Capacity
Despite its name, the forged steel alloy Corona Bypass Pruner is safe for use. It is heat-treated for exclusive strength and durability. With a cutting capacity of 1 inch, the garden clipper can prove to be a handy tool for gardening and landscaping. Even if you want to use it for long hours, the comfortable non-slip grip of this tool will not strain your hands.
Despite its quality construction, if the blades go blunt after a while, you can easily re-sharpen them. An even better feature is that you can replace the blades. Furthermore, its hook has a narrow profile for providing clean cuts.
Key Features
- Cutting diameter: 1 inch
- Heat-treated steel alloy blades
- Type: Pruner
- Sap groove
Pros
- It comes with a non-slip grip for comfortable usage
- Safety wire cutting notch prevents accidents when the tool is not in use
- The blades can be re-sharpened or replaced for a prolonged use
Cons
- May be difficult to cut branches of 1 inch
5. Gardena 8885-U 3-Inch Cordless Lithium-Ion Grass Shears
The unique Gardena 8885-U grass shear is ideal for those looking for s strain-free garden clipper. With this tool, you can give some rest to your fingers and let the blades do the cutting. All you got to do is press the start button, and your shear will work non-stop for 45 minutes.
It is lightweight and comes with an ergonomic handle for ease of use. The Gardena 8885-U garden clipper also features an LED light for an indication of low battery.
What’s more? You will have a hassle-free time dressing your garden as these shears have a non-stick coating, providing a smooth functioning.
Key Features
- Lithium-Ion battery-powered
- No-stick coated, high-quality blades
- Type: Grass Shear
- Cutting diameter: 3 inches
Pros
- Hassle-free cutting
- Ergonomic design prevents strain
- Can operate for up to 45 minutes
- LED lights for battery indication
Cons
- Price on the expensive side
- Limited functioning up to a few minutes
6. ARS HP-300L Needle Nose Fruit Pruners
Whether you want a garden clipper for personal use or commercial purpose, the ARS HP-300L pruners are ideal. Its blades are made of quality metal and feature a needle-nose design for efficiency. The best thing about this tool is that its spring makes the tool open up automatically after every cut. It enhances the ease of use and functionality of the product.
What’s more? The ARS HP-300L is as comfortable to use as it is functional. Its handles are coated with a non-slip coat for the ultimate grip and feature an ergonomic design for comfort.
Key Features
- Needle-nose design
- Metal construction
- Type: Pruner
Pros
- Comes with a strap to close the pruner when not in use
- Ergonomic handle prevents fatigue
- Value for money
Cons
- The weight of 5.3 lbs makes it slightly heavy
7. Felco Pruning Shears (F-6) – High-Performance Swiss Made
The Felco F-6 is a smaller version of the F-2. Despite a small cutting diameter of 0.8 inches, the garden clipper is quite efficient at its job. The hardened steel blades of the pruner are extremely sharp, allowing you to cut tough grass and twigs.
You get all of this without the hassle of the grass sticking as its sap groove minimizes sticking. Also, its narrow blades let you cut the hard-to-reach twigs with ease.
You are going to love how comfortable is the handle of Felco F-6. It does not only feature an ergonomic design but is also shock-proof due to its cushioned shock-absorber.
Key Features
- Hardened steel blade
- Forged aluminum handles
- Cutting diameter: 0.8 inch
- Type: Pruner
Pros
- Its revolving handle lets you cut in your preferred position
- The blades are short, allowing you to see and make precise cuts
- You can replace the screw-mounted anvil blade
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- A small size pruner
- The blades may fall prey to rust soon
8. Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners General Purpose Medium
One of the most high-quality products on this list, the Okatsune 103 Bypass pruners are ultra-sharp. Its Japanese steel blades ensure that you can prune the hardest of grass and twigs without much effort. The strong pruners are ideal for using at home as well as professionally.
The Okatsune garden clippers come with a spring in the middle that opens the handle after every cut. Apart from efficient functioning, these garden clippers are great for medium to large hands. Additionally, its handles have a plastic coating that prevents the tool from slipping off.
The pruners can be locked with a latch when not in use.
Key Features
- Japanese steel blades
- Cut diameter: 0.9-1 inch
- Type: Pruner
- Bypass blade design
Pros
- High-quality blades provide ultra-clean cuts
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- May fall prey to rust if not maintained
9. Fiskars 78206935J Power-Lever Grass Shears
The Fiskars 78206935J is a grass shear for trimming those long and dry grass. Its 5-inch long blades let you do your job quickly. Moreover, the tool uses a power-lever technique that makes cutting 50% easier by multiplying your leverage. The blades have a serrated edge that grips the grass, providing cleaner cuts.
The handle of this Fiskars garden clipper is lightweight and is made from aluminum. Thus, you get the comfort of use without compromising on durability as well as quality.
Key Features
- Precision-ground steel blades
- Aluminum handle
- Blade length: 5 inches
- Type: Grass Shear
Pros
- The blades grip the grass for cleaner cuts
- Easy-open lock to prevent accidents
- Long blades make cutting easy
- Value for money
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Uncomfortable handle
- Comparatively heavier
10. PrecisionPRO Titanium Pruning Shears – Best Bypass Pruner Garden Shears
If you are looking for comfort as well as precision in cutting, the PrecisionPRO garden clipper is correct for you. Its aluminum body makes it lightweight yet sturdy enough. The ergonomic design and size of the handle make the pruner comfortable for small to medium-sized hands.
The blades of the PrecisionPRO pruner are made of Japanese steel, reflecting strength and durability. To top it all, the tool features a Micrometric adjustment system to let you align the blades for precise cuts. Additionally, its FitAdjust thumb lock allows you to change the handle positions.
Key Features
- Titanium-coated Japanese steel blades
- Cutting diameter: 0.8 inches
- Type: Pruner
Pros
- The durable blades prevent corrosion as well as sticking
- You can manually adjust the blade’s alignment
- Comes with a wire-cutting notch
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- It may require higher force, causing fatigue
11. Berger Hedge Shear, Wooden Handle 4490 With Straight Blades
The Berger hedge shear is an ultra-light garden clipper, perfect for prolonged use. With a cutting diameter of up to 1.5 inches, you can use it to trim hedges, shrubs, and bushes of varying sizes. Irrespective of the thickness of leaves, its chromium-plated blades will provide clean cuts.
You can use this Berger garden clipper for long as its corrosion-free blades will not ruin anytime soon. Furthermore, the tool comes with two sap grooves to offer you a non-stick trimming experience.
Key Features
- Chromium-plated straight blades
- Cutting diameter: 1.5 inches
- Two sap grooves
- Type: Hedge Shear
Pros
- Corrosion-free blades enhance its lifespan
- Two sap grooves prevent grass and weed from sticking
- Lightweight and wrist-friendly handle
Cons
- Comparatively expensive tool
12. ARS HP-130DX 7-Inch Ideal Light Pruner / Pocket Secateur
The ARS HP-130DX are lightweight garden clippers to prevent strain on your hands. These pruners can easily cut through ¼ to ½ inch branches. You need not doubt the quality of its blades as it is made from Japanese steel. Additionally, they are coated with a chromium layer to prevent rusting.
What’s more? The soft, PVC handle lets you use the tool for a prolonged period. Also, it features a thumb lock to close the pruner when not in use, thus preventing accidents.
Key Features
- Chrome-plated blades
- Soft PVC handles
- Type: Pruner/Secateur
Pros
- Lightweight pruner lets you dress your garden for a long without fatigue
- Its PVC handles are comfortable
- The blades are rust-proof due to the chrome plating
Cons
- The blades are short
13. Truly Garden Hand Pruners with Leather Sheath
The Truly Garden hand pruner is one of the top-quality garden clippers on the list. Its heavy-duty blade ensures clean cuts for a prolonged period that too without the chances of rust. The tool also features a wire-cutting notch for extra functionality.
The Truly Garden hand pruner features a rubberized grip for an ergonomic hold. Additionally, its non-slip handle and aluminum construction make the tool lightweight and easy to use. What’s more? Its micrometric adjustment system lets you use the handle in two positions according to your preference.
Key Features
- Hardened steel blade
- Type: Pruner
- Cut diameter: ¾ inches
- Sap groove
Pros
- Comes with a leather case for safety as well as transport
- Ergonomic handle with a rubber grip for higher control and usability
- 5-year warranty
- Value for money
Cons
- Tricky lock system
14. Doolini NATURE Pruning Shears – Best Gardening Gifts Hand Pruners, Gardening Clippers with Ergonomic Comfort Grip & Safety Lock for Garden Shears
The Doolini NATURE garden clipper is made of carbon steel blade with Japanese chromium coating. It protects the tool from corrosion and prevents sticking. Needless to say, the blades are sharp and durable, making cleaning cuts.
The tool is also easy on your hands as it comes with a shock-absorbing pod. Additionally, its handles have an ergonomic design and are lightweight despite the metal construction.
You can lock these pruners by squeezing the handle and pressing the lock button.
Key Features
- Type: Pruner
- Cutting diameter: 0.8 inches
- Carbon steel blade and aluminum steel handle
Pros
- Comes with a wire-cutting notch
- Shock-absorbing pod for comfortable use
- An easy and secure lock system
Cons
- May break if cutting thick branches
15. Fiskars 391911-1002 Power Lever 8-Inch Hedge Shears With Soft Grip Handle
The ultra-light Fiskars 391911-1002 hedge shear weighs only 2.88 lbs, proving to be highly comfortable. Additionally, it features a soft grip along with shock-absorbing bumpers. Overall, these garden clippers will not strain your hands even after long use.
The Fiskars 391911-1002 uses power-lever technology that gives you more leverage while cutting shrubs, grass, and hedges. Also, its blades have serrated edges that hold the leaves and cuts them precisely. With these garden clippers, you are sure to get high functionality.
Key Features
- Precision-ground steel blades
- Rust-resistant coating
- Type: Hedge Shear
- Blade length: 8 inches
Pros
- Serrated blades grip the leaves well and provide sharp cuts
- Comes with shock-absorbing bumpers prevent vibrations
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- May rust soon if not maintained well
Garden Clippers – Buyer’s Guide of 2021
Having read the reviews of the 15 best garden clippers, you may have already made your buying decision. Still, you must consider the following points before purchasing the best garden clipper.
Type
First of all, you need to make up your mind about the type of garden clippers that you want. You can choose from a hedger, pruner, or grass shear based on your gardening activity. Points that you need to consider are whether you want to trim only grass and leaves or even twigs and branches.
Construction Quality and Durability
You need to make sure that the blades of your tool are sharp and durable. Along with strong material, they should also come with an anti-corrosion coating to enhance the life of the tool. Also, make sure that the blades are non-sticking or sap-groove.
Comfort and Grip
Your garden requires regular maintenance, which is why the comfort provided by your garden clipper is an important consideration. The tool must have an ergonomic handle, soft-grip, as well as shock-absorbing pods for the ultimate ease of use.
Locks and Adjustment Features
Tools with sharp blades can be dangerous, especially as they are in direct contact with your fingers. Make sure that the garden clipper that you choose has an efficient lock system. Additionally, features like adjustable blades and handle positions are a plus point.
Cutting Diameter
You can ascertain the required cutting diameter by the type of work you have to do. If you want to cut grass and leaves, you must look for longer blades. On the other hand, if you need the garden clipper for cutting stems, twigs, and branches, the cutting diameter should range from ½ to 1 inch.
Price and Warranty
Last but not the least, you need to consider the price. Though the garden clipper is a small tool, you need to use it for a long duration. Make sure that you do not spend a lot on a small tool, but if the price is good enough for the features provided, go for it!
You can get an affordable garden clipper from $10 to $30. The range may rise to $50-$80 depending upon its construction and functions. Also, do not forget to buy a tool with a warranty.
FAQs
1. How to Sharpen Garden Clippers?
Sharpening your garden clippers is an easy job and may take up to 10 minutes only. First of all, you will need three diamond files, from which one is slightly coarse while the other two are fine and extra-fine.
Coarse Diamond File: Start rubbing the coarse file against the inside of the blade. Make sure you do so in a curved motion, similar to the shape of the blade. You may need to repeat the draw 10 to 20 times. However, if the blades are too blunt, you can increase it to 30-40 draws.
Fine and Extra-fine Diamond File: The coarse file will do most of the work. Still, you must repeat the same process with the other two files to get fine, sharp edges. You may also use the extra-fine file for the backside of the blade.
Note: Make sure to clean the blades before you get to sharpen them and lubricate them after you finish sharpening.
2. How to Clean Garden Clippers?
Irrespective of the top-quality of your garden clipper, it is bound to rust if you do not take a few measures. Make sure that you clean your garden clippers with a mild solution of water and bleach after every use. Alternatively, you can clean them with alcohol.
Once you are done cleaning the blades, wipe them with a dry cloth and store them only after completely dry. If you leave them wet or store them in a place with moisture, the blades will fall prey to corrosion. Apart from that, you must re-oil your tool with cooking oil or spray for smooth working.
If your garden clippers rust over time, you can clean them with sandpaper to remove the rust. Alternatively, you can use steel wool for the same.
Note: You may have to unscrew the clippers for maximum cleaning.
Final Words
Having an efficient pair of garden clippers is paramount to maintaining your garden. Be it cutting thin grass or thick branches, and you need to choose a sharp as well as a comfortable tool for garden dressing.
In this article, you can get detailed reviews about the 15 best garden clippers along with factors to consider. Make sure you weigh all your options before making the final purchase.
Choose the best garden clipper and make your garden beautiful, neat, and clean!
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.