Pruners are crucial gardening tools for maintaining plant health by removing diseased or damaged parts and enhancing the yield of your fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Unfortunately, the market is flooded with low-quality pruners that may save you money upfront but can cause discomfort and damage to your plants, often breaking within months. Yet, there is one pair of pruners that truly stands out.
After testing over 30 pruner models and consulting with three industry experts—a gardener and two yard care company founders—there's a consensus: Felco No. 2 pruners are unrivaled. They handle everything from gentle deadheading to tough hardwood pruning with ease. These pruners are comfortable, built to last, and easy to maintain. Here's a closer look at why they're worth every penny.
Top Choice for Pruners
Felco No. 2 Pruners
Best pruners availableSpecifications
Cutting diameter: 0.98"Materials: Hardened steel blades, aluminum handles
Length: 8.46"
Weight: 0.55 lb
Replaceable parts: Yes
Pros
+Durable+Comfortable
+Replaceable parts
+Easy maintenance
+Exceptional cut quality
+Versatile for most pruning tasks
Cons
-Pricier than some alternatives-May be too large for smaller hands
Having tried numerous pruners as a product tester, I can confidently say the Felco No. 2 remains unmatched. Other professionals share this sentiment.
Horticulturist Michael Clarke states, 'Felco No. 2 are the best pruners available.' Likewise, pro landscaper Ward Dilmore asserts, 'Felco Pruners are the benchmark for quality in landscaping.'
What's key about the Felco No. 2 is their remarkable durability. It might sound like an exaggeration, but these pruners can last for years. Gardener and writer Drew Swainston shares, 'I've used a pair of Felcos throughout my career, still relying on the same shears nearly a decade later.' With proper care, they'll last you a lifetime.
Comfort is another highlight. The grips feature ergonomic designs, and shock absorption ensures you hardly notice they're in use. Unlike other pruners, you can prune for hours without experiencing chafing or cramping. Drew adds, 'The Felco F2 are user-friendly, fitting comfortably in hand, and remain reliable even after prolonged use.'
Moreover, the Felco No. 2 delivers a clean cut, outperforming competitors in keeping their sharpness longer. They rarely crush stems or damage bark, which is vital for preventing plant infections.
The standout feature is that every component is replaceable. In an age where many products are not designed for repair, Felco offers spare parts for every part of these pruners. Drew emphasizes, 'Every part can be replaced, ensuring you can keep cutting for years with this reliable tool.'
Although they are pricier than many pruners, they aren't prohibitive. Their cost is comparable to the Niwaki Higurashi GR pruners, making them a reasonable investment compared to cheap plastic options.
One caveat: shorter gardeners may find these pruners a bit large for their hands. If that's the case, consider the Okatsune 103, which are more suitable for smaller hands.
Ultimately, Ward Dilmore sums it up: 'If you want a versatile pruner that's easy to maintain, retains sharpness, is comfortable to use, and lasts for years, you can't go wrong with the No. 2 pruners.'
Michael Clarke is a yard care professional with a degree in landscape architecture and horticulture from the University of California Davis.
Ward Dilmore is the founder of a premier luxury estate landscaping company in California.
Drew is a qualified journalist with a horticulture background, specializing in kitchen gardening.
Other Excellent Choices
While the Felco No. 2 reigns supreme, several other durable options are worth considering, especially for those with smaller hands or tighter budgets.
Darlac DP30
For budget-conscious gardeners, these pruners are a solid choice. They closely resemble the Felco No. 9. However, they aren't as comfortable and may rub against your hands during use. While the spring and blades are replaceable, safety catches are not, making them less repairable than the No. 2.
Fiskars 5/8"
If Felco No. 2 is too pricey, these pruners are an affordable alternative. Michael Clarke mentioned he uses these at work for their low cost. If lost or broken, they're cheaper to replace, allowing you to keep several pairs handy.
However, they're heavier than others, making them less suitable for gardeners with small hands or mobility issues. Their smaller cutting diameter also limits processing thicker stems.
Without replacement parts available, a broken pair could end up costing more in the long run than a premium pruner that can be repaired.
Niwaki Higurashi GR
Constructed from drop-forged steel, these pruners are robust and weigh similarly to the Felco No. 2. Gardening writer Thom Rutter states, 'Niwaki was always my go-to as a professional gardener. They slice through stems effortlessly.'
The yellow handles are visually appealing and easy to spot in the garden. However, the safety catch can be a bit tricky to operate, and these pruners are among the most expensive options.
Thomas is a Content Editor in the Gardening Team, with professional gardening experience across the UK and Italy.
Okatsune 103
Ideal for gardeners with smaller hands, these pruners are lighter than the Felco No. 2. They have an easy-to-use catch and cut through branches effortlessly. The vibrant grip pattern is easy to find in grass or hedges.
While they provide an excellent cut quality, the grip may slip if used with gloves.
Felco F32 Anvil
These anvil pruners cut against a hard rubber surface, making them suitable for thicker branches. The Felco No. 32 is lighter than its counterpart and excels in handling dense materials.
Adjustable anvil allows for customized cutting. Like all Felco pruners, every part can be replaced for long-lasting use.
Corona RP 3230
These ratchet pruners operate in stages and are ideal for cutting thicker branches, especially for those with hand mobility issues. While they simplify cutting, they may leave a ragged edge, which can be problematic for live trees.
I've used these Corona ratchet pruners, and while they're surprisingly durable, the plastic handles are less robust than other options.
Choosing Quality Pruners
Selecting quality pruners is straightforward once you know what to look for.
Gardener Michael Clarke emphasizes comfort and strength: 'I seek pruners that are easy to use for extended periods without breaking.' Avoid plastic models that can be uncomfortable and prone to breakage.
He also advises ensuring they are sturdy enough for hardwood branches, so you won't need excessive force to cut.
Landscaper Ward Dilmore highlights the importance of maintenance: 'Pruners will experience wear and tear, so it's crucial to choose ones that are easy to disassemble, sharpen, and maintain.'
Pruning may seem simple, but mastering it involves understanding species-specific needs and pruning styles throughout the year. It's vital to know when to prune trees and the specifics for fruit trees.
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