Jul. 29, 2024
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Hedge shears&#;also referred to as manual hedge trimmers&#;are a critical part of every amateur horticulturist&#;s arsenal. However, since it&#;s important to select the right hedge shears for the specific situation and needs, and there are so many options available, we field-tested some of the most popular options on the market to share our detailed assessments with you. Our favorite were the 8-inch shears from Fiskars thanks to their powerful serrated blades suitable for heavy-duty work.
As a highly effective tool for trimming branch tips and tidying up edges, hedge shears used appropriately can also help promote new growth. Electric hedge trimmers are often used by professionals and gardeners who perform extensive hedge work, but manual hedge shears offer unmatched precision and are a great choice for yards with just a few hedges that require trimming.
Before selecting the best hedge shears for your landscaping needs, there are a number of considerations worth weighing. This guide explores several important features to look for as you shop. We used these key criteria to choose and test some of the most popular hedge shears around. After reading up on the shopping considerations, continue reading to check out our detailed product reviews.
Photo: amazon.comWe tested these hedge shears in three areas to gauge their effectiveness on thin, flexible foliage, immature woody stems, and mature woody stems. The first area consisted of overwintered perennial grasses that we cut back ahead of spring growth. The second area was a boxwood hedge that was ready for its first shearing of the season. The third area was a cluster of hollies that needed to be cut back several inches below the height at which they had formerly been maintained.
Most of the hedge shears we tested are generalists, with relatively wide blades and blunted tips, as noted in the individual reviews. They are made for all-purpose trimming and to get jobs done quickly but lack precision cutting ability. The resulting trim was pretty good but not perfect.
The two precision hedge shears we tested, with thinner and pointier blades, were far more capable of producing tighter curves, sharper corners, and more consistent planes. The precision pruners could work well on any project, but the generalists may be found to be lacking where details are critical, such as maintaining a topiary.
Testing StatsProducts tested 8Time spent testing 4 hoursTests performed5Price range$20 to $70After extensive research, we evaluated the following hedge shears based on the abovementioned considerations, in addition to overall quality and value. When shopping for the best hedge shears for your yard work, consider the following performance details from our testing program.
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Performance 4.3/5; Comfort 4/5; Value 4.7/5
The serrated stainless steel blades on Fiskars&#; hedge shears can effectively grip and cut through thick branches. While serrated blades are notoriously difficult to sharpen, this model uses patented self-sharpening technology to ensure they remain sharp. The blades also feature a low-friction coating that makes them more rust resistant and repels plant residue so they don&#;t gum up.
The compound-lever technology makes each cut by these hedge shears more powerful than traditional single-pivot shears, and the shock-absorbing bumpers and nonslip grip on the durable steel handles provide comfortable use. These hedge shears are 22 inches long with 7.5-inch blades, and they weigh 2.88 pounds.
In our tests, the Fiskars Power Lever shears excelled at gripping and cutting through thicker branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The padded oval-profile handles offered a comfortable grip, but, unfortunately, these shears were a bit on the heavy side. We found that these shears would make a great all-purpose choice for regular use, maybe an hour at a time or less.
Get the Fiskars hedge shears on Amazon or Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Comfort 4/5; Value 4.3/5
The wavy blades of Colwelt&#;s 21-inch hedge clippers are intended to grip tough branches, making them a powerful&#;and affordable&#;choice for shaping hedges, shrubs, and other decorative topiaries. The 9-inch blades are constructed from forged carbon steel with a nonstick coating to prevent rusting. Due to their wavy shape, these blades need to be professionally sharpened.
The ergonomic soft-grip handles and shock-absorbing bumpers make for comfortable use. Since they weigh just 1.8 pounds, these shears are easy to lift above the head for long periods of time without causing discomfort for most users. As an added safety feature, the blades can be locked when not in use.
Overall, these shears were not bad for an inexpensive tool. The Colwelt hedge shears did a fine job clipping thin grassy growth and thick woody shoots. Lightweight and fairly comfortable to use, these shears also gripped thicker stems quite well thanks to their wavy blade. This made for faster cutting, as the stems weren&#;t simply pushed out of the cutting area. Durability seemed like it could be an issue with heavy use, but otherwise, this would be an affordable tool to keep around for occasional trimming.
Get the Colwelt hedge shears on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Comfort 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Professionals and avid home landscapers may want to consider these high-end hedge shears by Okatsune. The blades are constructed from Izumo Yasuki steel, which has a history of being used for both forging swords and crafting sharp kitchen knives. They&#;re tempered to 60 on the Rockwell hardness scale, making them very hard and durable.
The shears have a total length of 21 inches, with 7-inch blades. Primarily due to the slick Japanese white oak handles, these shears are also incredibly lightweight at just 1.75 pounds, making them a great choice to avoid shoulder strain.
In testing, we found that these incredibly sharp shears would be the right tool for any detailed work like manicuring a hedge or topiary. These Okatsune precision hedge shears were dangerously sharp right out of the package and easily sliced through all test materials up to about &#; inch in diameter. They didn&#;t even show signs of wear afterward. Overall we thought they were well balanced, lightweight, durable, and extremely maneuverable for pretty much any trimming project. The only downside was the price, which was about twice that of typical home improvement store models.
Get the Okatsune hedge shears at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Performance 4.3/5;Comfort 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Inevitably, in the middle of a big hedge-shearing project, a few branches get in the way that are too thick for conventional hedge shears. When that happens, a set of handheld pruning shears, like the Felco 2, keeps the project rolling. Lightweight, rugged aluminum handles, a hardened steel replaceable blade, one-handed operation, and a convenient thumb-operated safety lock make these go-to pruning shears for professionals and backyard gardeners alike. Replacement parts, including blades and handle springs, are available through the manufacturer.
The Felco 2 bypass pruners were a pleasure to test. We used them to cut through hard holly branches up to about an inch thick, and the thin, hard-steel blade had no trouble at all. The thumb lock was easy to use; the handles were comfortable; and they were lightweight enough to comfortably carry in a back pocket when not in use. We found that the Felco 2 would make an excellent tool for all-around pruning, just not as the primary tool for hedge shearing. That said, they would definitely help a shearing project go much smoother.
Get the Felco 2 hedge shears at Amazon, The Home Depot, or A.M. Leonard.
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Performance 4.7/5;Comfort 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
Cons
The handles of these Corona hedge shears extend from 13 to 20 inches, making them a great choice for trimming tall privacy hedges. The straight-edge blades are 10 inches long and are made from high-carbon steel. They are easy to sharpen at home using a millstone or sharpening stone.
The shock-guard bumper helps reduce shoulder fatigue, and the comfortable handle grips increase ease of use. The precision-made pivot bolt provides smooth cutting action. At 3.6 pounds, these shears are comparable in weight to most extendable shears.
We liked the extra reach we got from these Corona extendable hedge shears. They worked out really well for cleaning up the tall side of a hedge across the sloped front-yard area so that the job didn&#;t require a ladder. The extendable handle feature worked as designed and stayed securely in place once set. The longer blades provided a nice counterbalance to the extra handle weight and length, but the overall weight was more than we would want to work with for more than an hour or two.
Get the Corona hedge shears at Amazon, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Forestry Suppliers.
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Comfort 5/5; Value 4.3/5
ARS&#;s hedge shears boast high-carbon steel blades, which are chrome-plated for superior resistance to rusting and sap damage. The shears are 25.7 inches long with a blade length of 7 inches, making them suitable for trimming tall hedges. Despite their size, these hedge shears are extremely light at less than 2 pounds.
The straight-edge blades allow for sharpening at home, and they are also replaceable if they wear out over time, making this model a smart pick for professionals or dedicated home landscapers who frequently use shears. The ergonomically designed handles combined with the well-balanced nature of these durable shears ensure long-lasting comfort for long landscaping sessions. The shock-absorbing bumpers and ergonomic handles further enhance their ease of use.
We could have worked with this featherlight tool all day. Its slightly arched handle design seemed to deliver more cutting force. The narrow, pointed blades were super sharp and offered excellent cutting precision. We found that these shears would make an excellent choice for anyone who cares for vast numbers of boxwoods or other hedges where a combination of precision, power, and comfort is needed. Just be prepared to pay a bit more.
Get the ARS KR- hedge shears at Amazon or A. M. Leonard.
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Performance 4.3/5; Comfort 5/5; Value 4.7/5
The Arthritis Foundation provided a commendation to these Fiskars&#; hedge shears for ease of use because of their rounded ergonomic handles with proprietary Softgrip technology. These handles feature touch points that enhance both comfort and control for the user. The gears increase leverage with every cut, making the shears powerful enough to cut through thick branches.
The precision-ground 10-inch steel blades are designed to remain sharp even with heavy use, and their straight edges can also be conveniently sharpened at home. The blades also feature a low-friction nonstick coating, which resists rust and prevents them from sticking or gumming up. The total length of these hedge shears is 23 inches, and they weigh 2.45 pounds.
These shears were amazingly easy to use and were well balanced, which may have even made them feel lighter than they really are. In our tests, they were highly capable, extremely comfortable to use, and less fatiguing than many of the other models.
Despite our positive experience with these shears, we noticed a handful of negative reviews about them. As we looked deeper into these reviews, it seemed to us that the words &#;power gear&#; may have misled a few buyers into using these shears&#; instead of hand pruners or loppers&#;to cut excessively thick branches. The gear system should be thought of as a power-assist that decreases the force required by the user.
When used for conventional shearing of foliage and woody growth up to nearly a half-inch thick, we found that these shears would do a great job without tiring the user out.
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Performance 4.3/5; Comfort 4/5; Value 4/5
At less than 2.5 pounds, these hedge shears from Tabor Tools are lightweight enough to help gardeners and landscapers avoid arm and shoulder pain. The blades are made from carbon steel and feature a coating to ensure precision cutting performance while resisting rust and corrosion. Additionally, the wavy blades securely grasp twigs and branches, preventing them from sliding off during trims.
The hedge shears boast an adjustable blade tension; simply twist the pivot bolt to accurately trim and prune a variety of hedges and plants. The anti-sweat cushion grips and anti-shock bumpers make for comfortable use. The shears are approximately 25 inches in length, with 8-inch blades.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hedge Shears Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
In our tests, the Tabor Tools hedge shears proved to be capable of clean cuts on both thin, grassy foliage and woody stems. Though the shears felt durable, they were somewhat heavy and carried their weight a bit forward, which made these shears slightly fatiguing for extended use. However, we liked the easy-to-use toolless blade tension adjustment knob since that is where most hedge shears need attention. These would make a good choice to keep in the shed for seasonal landscape cleanup projects and occasional moderate trimming.
Get the Tabor Tools hedge shears at Amazon or Tabor Tools.
Hedge shears do not all offer similar performance. A number of factors affect their functionality, including blade type, blade material, handle length, ease of use, and more. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best hedge shears for landscaping.
Since they require the strength and repetitive motion of your hands and upper body to operate, hedge shears can be tiring to use. Though many are designed with shock-absorbing bumpers, they can still cause shoulder and back pain after long landscaping sessions. As a result, electric- and gas-powered hedge trimmers are recommended for larger jobs, while manual hedge shears are ideal for detailed work that requires precision.
Hedge shears are typically able to cut branches up to a half-inch in diameter. Some models, however, feature limb notches to extend this dimension. Additional tools, like loppers, may also be required for cutting thicker branches.
Smaller pruning shears are also useful for maintaining hedges. They are well suited to reaching into tight spaces and trimming interior branches to allow more light and air to access the inside of the hedge.
Hedge shears are designed with either straight, wavy, or serrated blades, each of which has its own recommended usage.
Hedge shears are made from a variety of metals, and some are coated with added materials to prevent them from sticking and rusting.
The ideal blade length for hedge shears depends primarily on their intended use. A 6-inch blade is best for trimming hedges that are between waist and shoulder height. A 7- to 8-inch blade is versatile enough for most jobs, while a 9- to 12-inch blade is ideal for trimming taller privacy hedges.
Most hedge shears have a total length of between 20 and 25 inches. Longer shears are typically more powerful and provide a stronger cut. Telescoping handles provide optimal versatility because the total length of the shears is adjustable to accommodate the task at hand. It&#;s important to note that telescoping shears do tend to be heavier, so they may not be the best pick for gardeners who experience back and shoulder pain or suffer from arthritis in their hands.
Geared technology in a pair of hedge shears provides additional leverage when trimming, which comes in handy when handling thick or dying branches. Geared hedge shears typically provide between two and three times more power than gearless models.
Available on more powerful hedge shears, this cutting mechanism may not be necessary for all home gardeners. For those who regularly trim their hedges, gearless shears are sufficient for keeping up with new green growth.
Several factors contribute to ease of use when tackling trimming jobs with a pair of hedge shears.
Since every property may have unique features, there may be lingering questions about which hedge shears are best for your needs. To help with your search, check out these answers to some common questions about hedge shears.
Q. How thick are the branches a hedge shear can cut?While it varies depending on the particular model, most hedge shears on the market can handle branches up to half an inch in diameter.
Q. Should I oil hedge trimmer blades?Most hedge shears are made with steel blades, and some have nonstick coatings. The best way to ensure longevity and proper function is to clean sap and debris from the blades after each use. After cleaning, oil the blade pivot point and any non-coated metal parts before storage.
Q. How do I sharpen hedge shears?Sharpen straight-blade hedge shears by running them against a millstone or a sharpening stone.
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
New review added July
Shearing hedges by hand can be a tedious business, especially if your shears are not up to the task. Having the best tool for the job can make all the difference! With the multitude of designs and sizes of hedge shears available, knowing which tool will make your life easier takes some investigation. But how do you choose the best hedge shears?
In this article, we review the features to consider when buying hedge shears so that you&#;ll know what to look for in choosing a quality product.
If you&#;re just interested in our recommended hedge shears, our list of reviewed shears and recommendations can be viewed at the bottom of this page.
Shears come in a range of sizes, styles, and prices. The best tool for you may not be the optimum choice for your neighbor. If you have varied uses&#;for example, arborvitae shrubs as well as a privet hedge&#;you&#;ll want to choose an all-purpose tool, perhaps with geared action. If, on the other hand, you have a topiary garden, you should look for smaller shears that are designed to do this one task well.
To help you choose the best tool for your needs, consider these aspects.
Because hedge trimming is a repetitive task, which often involves reaching up above shoulder height, the weight of your tool is an important consideration.
A heavy tool can lead to fatigue, and yet weighty telescoping handles are sometimes necessary to do the job. Consider your own upper body strength in selecting shears.
At the lighter end, you&#;ll find aluminum and fiberglass handles; steel and wood handled tools tend to be heavier.
The biggest factors by far in reducing fatigue during use are the weight of the tool and blade sharpness.
If you&#;ll be doing mostly up-close work, opt for shorter blades (about 6 inches) and short handles. For big jobs, such as cutting back an extensive privet hedge, choose longer blades (9 to 12 inches) and longer handles.
Most quality hedge shears on the market are straight-blade shears made from forged steel. One advantage of straight blades is that they can be easily sharpened by hand with a millstone and/or sharpening stone.
Ideally, the blades on your hedge shears should touch only at the cutting point to reduce friction and sticking.
Some shears have serrations on one or both blades, which can be helpful when gripping and cutting twigs larger than ¼ inch.
Another feature on some designs is a non-stick coating, purportedly to keep the blades from gumming up and/or rusting.
Wavy-blade shears are also sold. They grip the twigs, preventing them from sliding along the blade while you&#;re cutting, an advantage with open-structured plants. The disadvantage is that wavy blades require professional sharpening.
Another feature to look for is a good adjustable pivot-bolt assembly, which allows you to adjust the blade tension as necessary. This is often the first part of the tool to fail, so being able to buy replacement pivot bolts is an advantage.
To get the most out of your tool, it&#;s important that you keep the blades very sharp.
Geared technology will allow you to cut larger branches with less effort. This feature can be helpful, depending on how you plan to use your tool. You may not need this extra power if you shear your shrubs often, as you&#;ll be cutting soft new growth.
Most hand shears will cut branches no larger than ½ inch in diameter. Some designs feature a limb notch in the blade, which can extend the limit. Even so, it&#;s best to have a pair of loppers on hand for cutting larger branches.
Look for cushioned handle grips, and shock-absorbing bumpers where the handles come together, or an alternate bumper system. This reduces wear and tear on your arms.
Check out the action of the tool before you buy&#;some shears have an easy scissor-like action, while others require more effort to open and close.
As with pruners, the better brands offer replacement blades and other parts. If you clean, sharpen, and refurbish your tools regularly, the availability of replacement parts is a big plus.
Hedge shears can cost as little as $15, or as much as $120. There are good deals to be had but, as with all tools, you get what you pay for. Expect to pay at least $40 for quality shears.
First, take stock of what kinds of plants you&#;ll be shearing. Do you need a heavy-duty tool that will cut through tough woody shrubs, or will light-duty shears for soft new growth be enough? How many shrubs or hedges do you need to prune? That will help you decide the relative importance of weight, blade length/type, and ease of use.
Then determine your budget. Like most gardening tools, hedge shears come in a range of price points and, while you typically get better quality at higher prices, it&#;s not always necessary to pay more to get what you need.
To help you make the right decision, we&#;ve provided a description and rating of seven different hedge shears. We&#;ll continue to update this article as we review more tools.
ARS HS-KR KR Hedgeshears
An elegant, well-constructed tool that's a joy to use and well worth the price tag.
No products found.
Bahco Pro Super Light 10-inch Hedge Shears Blade, 23-inch
A sturdy and well-designed tool that&#;s easy to use. Overall, it&#;s a good all-purpose pair of hedge shears that will last a lifetime.
Gardena 393 Comfort Gear 600 23-Inch Hedge ShearsA good tool that's fun and easy to use for light hedge trimming.
Corona Clipper (AH) Professional Hedge ShearThis is a good, solid tool that's built to last and priced about right. But it's a heavy-duty tool so isn't as easy or as fun to use as lighter weight models.
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