Pruning Shears 101: Uses, Differences, and How to Choose the Right Pair
If you’ve been digging into gardening lately, chances are you’ve come across the term pruning shears—and maybe also “pruners,” “secateurs,” or even “garden scissors.” But are they all the same thing? What are they used for? And how do you know which ones to buy?
In this post, we’ll break it all down. You’ll learn what pruning shears are used for, how they differ from other cutting tools, what they can cut, and how to choose the perfect pair for your garden.
🌿 What Is the Use of Pruning Shears?
Pruning shears—also known as hand pruners or secateurs—are a must-have tool in every gardener’s kit.
✅ Main Uses:
- Cutting small branches and stems (typically up to ¾ inch thick)
- Deadheading flowers to encourage new blooms
- Shaping and thinning plants for better air circulation and light exposure
- Removing dead, diseased, or damaged growth
- Harvesting herbs, fruits, and vegetables (like tomatoes, herbs, or grapes)
In short, pruning shears are perfect for the fine-tuning and maintenance of your plants. They help keep your garden healthy, productive, and looking its best.
✂️ What Is the Difference Between Pruning Shears and Pruners?
Here’s the truth: there is no real difference between “pruning shears” and “pruners.”
They are two terms used interchangeably to describe the same tool—a hand-held cutter used to trim small stems and branches. “Pruners” is more commonly used in American English, while “pruning shears” is often used in British English or in more formal contexts.
So whether someone says “hand pruners,” “garden pruners,” or “pruning shears,” they’re talking about the same thing.
💡 Bonus: The word “secateurs” is another term for pruning shears—mostly used in the UK, Australia, and South Africa.
🪴 What Is the Difference Between Shears and Secateurs?
Now this is where the distinction matters.
| Tool | Also Known As | Used For | Blade Size | Cutting Capacity |
| Shears | Hedge shears, garden shears | Trimming large areas, shaping hedges | Long blades | Thin stems and leaves |
| Secateurs | Pruning shears, pruners | Precise cuts on branches and stems | Short, strong blades | Up to ¾ inch thick branches |
🔍 Key Differences:
- Garden shears are larger, two-handed tools used for broad cuts (like trimming a hedge).
- Secateurs (aka pruning shears/pruners) are smaller, one-handed tools designed for detailed, precision pruning.
🌿 Think of shears as scissors for shaping bushes, and secateurs as clippers for plant surgery.
✂️ What Can Pruning Shears Cut?
Pruning shears are designed to cut:
- Small branches up to ¾ inch (2 cm) in diameter
- Green stems and shoots
- Dead or woody stems
- Flowers and herbs for harvesting
Trying to cut branches thicker than ¾ inch can damage your shears and strain your hands. For thicker wood, switch to loppers or a pruning saw.
⚠️ Always cut with clean, sharp blades to prevent plant damage and disease.
🛠️ How to Choose the Right Pruning Shears
There are several types and features to consider when buying pruning shears. Here’s a quick guide:
🧩 1. Bypass vs Anvil
- Bypass pruners: Two curved blades that pass each other like scissors. Best for live, green stems.
- Anvil pruners: A single straight blade that cuts against a flat surface. Best for dry, dead wood.
🛑 Avoid using anvil pruners on fresh growth—they can crush the stem.
✋ 2. Hand Size and Comfort
- Choose shears that fit comfortably in your hand.
- Look for ergonomic handles, non-slip grips, and spring mechanisms that reduce strain.
- Some models are designed for left-handed users or arthritis-friendly use.
🔋 3. Manual vs Ratchet Pruners
- Manual pruners are standard and best for quick, light work.
- Ratchet pruners offer a gear mechanism that helps you cut in stages—perfect if you have limited hand strength.
🔪 4. Blade Material
- High-carbon steel blades stay sharp longer and are easier to resharpen.
- Stainless steel resists rust but may need sharpening more often.
🔧 5. Maintenance & Replaceable Parts
- Choose a model with replaceable blades and springs.
- Easy cleaning and sharpening means longer tool life.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Pruning shears (aka pruners or secateurs) are one of the most important tools in gardening. They help you trim, shape, and care for your plants with precision and ease. While they may look simple, choosing the right pair can save you time, protect your plants, and keep your hands happy.
Whether you’re maintaining rose bushes, snipping herbs, or removing dead growth, the right pruners make all the difference.
So next time someone asks, “Are pruning shears and pruners the same thing?” — you’ll know exactly what to say.
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