Best Cordless Pruning Shears in Every Gardener’s Toolbox

Pruning Shears Buying Guide

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What should you look at for the pruning shears to perform as expected?

a) Ease of Use

There is normally a lot of work to do when pruning, even when you use the right pruning steps. If a set of shears is not working as well as it should, you might waste time and energy. A tool is an item that should make work easier, and shears are no exception.

b) Weight

Since cordless pruning shears have a power source attached to the body, they tend to be heavier than normal. Weight is a big deal when working with handheld tools, affecting your efficiency and safety.

If shears are heavy, you might get exhausted faster than when using a light option.

c) Price

The price of a tool is one of the buying points for most people. Shears are no exception, as you have to spend within your means.

d) Design

An ergonomically designed tool is easier and safer than just one that is not too comfortable to hold. Since you have to hold the shears in your hands to use them, the better they fit in your hands, the faster you will get the work done.

e) Branch Diameter

What branches will you be cutting using the shears? If the shears are meant for slightly thinner branches, you cannot use them on thick branches, which may be a bit limiting. Depending on the work you will be doing with the shears, it is better to buy shears for slightly larger branches than the branches you need to cut.

f) Battery Life

How long the battery lasts on the cordless pruning shears you use will determine how much work you can do. Shears with a long-lasting battery life will get more work done than those you must keep charging.

g) Blades

The blades’ materials greatly impact how long the shears will last and how easily they can cut through branches. High-carbon steel is a great material on a blade as it is strong and not susceptible to rusting compared to other metals. The steel can stay sharp for longer and get the job done as though it were a new blade.

h) Charger

How easy is it to charge the cordless pruning shears, and what are the available plug options? For instance, if the shears have a three-pin plug, you will need a specific outlet. There are shears whose chargers require an adapter to fit into your electrical outlets. It is better to know how the shears charge beforehand; otherwise, you might end up with a set of non-functioning shears.

i) Safety Lock

Safety always comes first when using different gardening tools, and there are a lot of situations that simple parts like the safety lock can help avoid. If you have kids running around, you need a safety switch and lock on most of your tools. The safety lock is not meant for just kids, as you need to stay safe too.

j) Trigger Type

Since you are not using hand strength when shearing, the shears use a trigger to get the blades to cut through branches. Most triggers are two-finger triggers. The trigger should be easy to press when working with the shears. A difficult trigger to use will make the shears feel like manual shears.

k) Length

Some shears come with an adapter that makes them longer. However, the original length of the shears has a huge effect on your workflow. If the shears are too short, the handling is more comfortable than a long set of shears. However, you might be unable to get to the branches further away.

If the shears are lengthy, you can access branches further away. However, longer shears are heavier and more tedious to use than their shorter counterparts.

Advantages of Cordless Pruning Shears

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i) Ease of Use

Cordless pruning shears can easily cut through the toughest branches without you doing too much work. When using a set of manual shears, the pulling action can be a bit tasking. Cordless shears are easy to use, even for anyone new to gardening.

ii) More Efficient

You will get more work done when using a pair of electric pruning shears than when using manual shears. Cordless shears work without you using too much energy, making them the more efficient choice.

iii) Precise

Sometimes precision is key, especially when grafting or trimming. If you want a professional look once you are done using the shears, a set of cordless pruning shears is an essential item in your toolbox.

iv) Flexible

You can use cordless pruning shears anywhere without being tethered to a power source. Unlike the corded electric pruning shears, you can use the cordless option to work deep in the farm or yard.

v) Zero Fatigue

Fatigue is the one thing everyone dreads when working in the yard. The cordless pruning shears do reduce fatigue by a significant margin.

Disadvantages of Cordless Pruning Shears

1) Safety

Once you press the trigger, the electric pruning shears will cut whatever is in between the blades, including your fingers sometimes. Most shears have a safety lock and more safety features to avoid such accidents. However, accidents do happen.

When using shears, or any other tool, it is better to use safety gloves for working with tools.

2) Maintenance

Since the shears are battery-powered, there is a need for more maintenance compared to manual shears. If there is a problem with the electronic part of the shears, your work is affected.

You may need to take your set of shears for a checkup once every while, which can be costly.

3) Expensive

Electric pruners are more expensive compared to manual shears. The accessories that come alongside the shears make them more costly too. Once purchased, there is the cost of maintenance that you have to deal with once every while. It is generally more expensive to own electric pruning shears.

4) Charging Time

Once the battery-powered tool runs flat, you have to stop your work and charge the batteries. If the batteries are replaceable, you must get extra batteries for the trimming tool, which comes at an extra cost.

5) Heavy

Because of the batteries, the cordless pruning shears tend to be heavier than their counterparts. This makes it a bit more difficult to use over longer periods. Luckily, the shears are efficient, and you would not need to use them for long periods. Different brands are pushing for a lightweight design like the shears I mentioned above.

How to Maintain Cordless Pruning Shears

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• Any tool used in the garden should be sharp if it has a blade.
• If the pruning shears are meant for a given diameter of branches, it is best to use them as intended instead of trying to chop down a whole tree using shears.
• Keep the shears dry without exposing them to moisture, which might give them a short lifespan.
• If you want the shears to keep doing the pruning tasks properly, you have to clean them to keep them sharp and avoid rust from forming on the surface(both Electric and manual).
• Change batteries if the ones in the shears have stayed for long.
• You must ensure the batteries are always charged.
• There are a set of conditions under which batteries should be kept, and you should adhere to this if you want the batteries to last.
• Lubricate the tool as it has moving parts that friction could spoil over time.

Safety Precautions When Using Cordless Pruning Shears

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• Avoid working in the rain
• Use safety gloves when handling the shears
• Ensure the shears have a safety lock
• Avoid overcharging shears
• Use the shears for the recommended capacity and branch diameter
• No one should be under the ladder when you are working with shears on top of the ladder
• Wear protective eye-glasses when using the shears
• Only prune the intended materials, e.g., branches. Do not cut other materials, such as plastic or wires. Stick to plants
• Do not use the shears at night
• Use the recommended battery for the shears, and do not use a battery for an extended period.

Final Thoughts

Cordless trimmers increase workflow with less energy spent, and getting one in your toolbox is an absolute win. There are many other pruning shear options, but the cordless ones are my favorite.