Boonchai Wedmakawand / Getty Images
Grab your pruning shears.
Or is it hand pruners?
Actually, several names refer to the same tool.
Credit:Boonchai Wedmakawand / Getty Images
There is no difference between pruning shears and hand pruners.
When discussing pruning shears, the term typically refers to small cutting tools designed to operate with one hand.
The terms pruning shears and hand pruners are used interchangeably.
Types of Pruning Tools
All loppers are pruners, but not all pruners are loppers.
Snips function best in a different cutting role.
But we often use the terms interchangeably.
Choose the tool by what needs to be cut.
If its green, thin, and soft, use snips.
For pencil and pinkie-finger-sized material, use hand pruners.
Loppers
Loppers are the big, two-handed pruners.
They’re heavy-duty tools, often with handles two feet long to provide more leverage.
Use them when you oughta"lop off" a big branch.
Lopping pruners are best suited for material 12 inch or larger in diameter.
Snips
Snips are at the opposite end from loppers.
A pair of snips is similar to a pair of scissors but with shorter blades and are light-duty tools.
You may see them called florist snips, flower scissors, or harvesting snips.
Pruners
Hand pruners do everything in the middle.
They are operated with one hand, and can be of many styles.
Anvil vs.
Which should you choose?
The answer depends on what you are likely to be cutting.
Two categories of blade action are found: anvil and bypass.
Choosing the wrong one will frustrate you with poorly edged cuts or a damaged tool.
Anvil pruners shine when pruning thicker dead wood.
Dead woody material is hard and can often give a pair of bypass pruners trouble.
A sharp set of bypass pruners can make very clean cuts on even soft green wood when properly adjusted.
Instead, grab the anvil pruners for those jobs.
They’ll accomplish most tasks admirably, and a good set will last for many years.
Cleaning pruning shearsbetween plants or at the end of the season is important.
Cover all parts that make contact with plant material.
A solution of 10% bleach is perfect for end-of-season soaking and cleaning.
