Best Overall
Fiskars 8-Inch Power Lever Hedge Shears
Best Bang for the Buck
Colwelt 21-Inch Hedge Clippers
Upgrade Pick
Okatsune 22-Inch Precision Hedge Shears
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Hedge shear — also come to to as manual hedging trimmers — are a critical part of every amateurhorticulturist ’s armory . However , since it ’s significant to select the right hedging shears for the specific situation and need , and there are so many options available , we champaign - test some of the most popular options on the market to partake in our elaborate assessments with you . Our favorite were the8 - inch shears from Fiskarsthanks to their potent serrate blades suitable for heavy - duty work .
As a extremely effective tool for trimming outgrowth tips and tidying up edge , hedge shears used appropriately can also assist promote novel growth . Electrichedge trimmersare often used by professionals and gardeners who do extensive hedgerow work , but manual hedging shear offer unmatched precision and are a gravid choice for yard with just a few hedges that require cut down .
Before selecting the best hedging shears for yourlandscaping want , there are a act of considerations worth consider . This template explore several of import feature to search for as you shop . We used these key criterion to choose and test some of the most pop hedging shear around . After learn up on the shopping considerations , continue read to control out our elaborate product reviews .
How We Tested the Best Hedge Shears
We essay these hedge shears in three area to gauge their strength on slight , flexible foliage , green woody stem , and mature woody stanch . The first area consisted of overwinter perennial green goddess that we cut back in front of outpouring outgrowth . The second country was a box hedgerow that was quick for its first shearing of the time of year . The third area was a cluster of hollies that needed to be cut back several inch below the height at which they had formerly been maintained .
Most of the hedgerow shear we tested are generalists , with relatively across-the-board blade and blunted tips , as note in the individual reviews . They are made for all - purpose trimming and to get business done quickly but lack preciseness carving power . The resulting passementerie was pretty honest but not perfect .
The two preciseness hedging shear we tested , with thinner and pointier blades , were far more capable of produce cockeyed curves , sharper box , and more consistent plane . The preciseness pruning hook could form well on any task , but the Renaissance man may be found to be lacking where point are decisive , such as conserve a topiary .
Our Top Picks
After encompassing research , we value the watch over hedge shears based on the abovementioned considerations , in addition to overall quality and economic value . When snitch for the best hedging shears for your yard work , regard the following performance detail from our testing program .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct hold our brand ’s high-pitched level of passport .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our substantial - creation examination and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand , including craft , innovation , and value for the dollar . winner of this designation come recommended by our professional review squad and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Our Ratings : Performance4.3/5 ; Comfort4/5 ; Value4.7/5
The serrated stainless steel brand on Fiskars ’ hedging shear can efficaciously fascinate and cut through thick limb . While serrated blades are notoriously difficult to sharpen , this model uses patented ego - sharpen engineering science to ascertain they remain sharp-worded . The blades also feature a low - rubbing coating that makes them more rust resistant and repels plant residue so they do n’t gum up .
The compound - lever engineering establish each cut by these hedge shears more powerful than traditional single - pivot man shears , and the shock - steep bumper and nonslip grip on the long-wearing sword grip put up comfortable utilisation . These hedge shears are 22 inches farsighted with 7.5 - inch blade , and they matter 2.88 pounding .
Photo: amazon.com
In our tests , the Fiskars Power Lever shear stand out at gripping and cutting through thick branches up to 1.5 inch in diameter . The cushioned oval - profile handles offered a comfortable hold , but , unfortunately , these shears were a bit on the sound side . We found that these shear would make a great all - purpose choice for regular use , maybe an hour at a time or less .
Get the Fiskars hedging shears onAmazonorWalmart .
Best Bang For The Buck
Our Ratings : Performance4/5 ; Comfort4/5 ; Value4.3/5
The wavy brand of Colwelt ’s 21 - inch hedge clippers are intended to grapple tough branches , making them a hefty — and affordable — choice for determine hedges , shrubs , and other decorative topiaries . The 9 - inch vane are reconstruct from forged carbon steel with a nonstick coating to prevent rusting . Due to their wavy physique , these sword need to be professionally sharpen .
The ergonomic balmy - grip handles and blow - absorbing bumpers make for comfortable usance . 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 substance abuser . As an added safety characteristic , the blades can be interlock when not in exercise .
Photo: amazon.com
Overall , these shear were not bad for an inexpensive tool . The Colwelt hedge shears did a o.k. caper clipping lean grassy growth and thick woody shoot . Lightweight and fairly comfortable to habituate , these shear also gripped thick stems quite well thanks to their wavy sword . This made for degraded cutting , as the prow were n’t simply press out of the cutting domain . Durability seemed like it could be an takings with big use , but otherwise , this would be an low-priced tool to keep around for occasional trimming .
Get the Colwelt hedge shear onAmazon .
Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears
Our Ratings : Performance5/5 ; Comfort5/5 ; Value4.3/5
master and avid family landscapers may want to consider these high - end hedge shears by Okatsune . The vane are construct from Izumo Yasuki steel , which has a chronicle of being used for both forging sword and craft sharp kitchen knife . They ’re chasten to 60 on the Rockwell hardness musical scale , making them very hard and durable .
The shears have a entire length of 21 inches , with 7 - inch blades . Primarily due to the silken Japanese white oak handles , these shears are also fantastically lightweight at just 1.75 dog pound , make them a great option to quash shoulder straining .
Photo: amazon.com
In testing , we found that these incredibly precipitous shear would be the proper tool for any detailed work like manicuring a hedging or topiary . These Okatsune precision hedging shear were dangerously crisp right out of the package and easy slice through all test materials up to about ⅜ inch in diameter . They did n’t even show signs of wear afterward . Overall we thought they were well balanced , lightweight , long-lived , and exceedingly manoeuvrable for fairly much any trimming project . The only downside was the price , which was about twice that of typical home plate advance store models .
Get the Okatsune hedgerow shear atAmazon .
Best Pruning
Felco 2 8.46-Inch One-Hand Classic Manual Pruning Shears
Our rating : Performance4.3/5;Comfort5/5 ; Value4.7/5
Inevitably , in the middle of a large hedging - shearing project , a few offset get in the way that are too stocky for conventional hedging shear . When that happens , a curing of hand-held pruning shear , like the Felco 2 , keeps the projection rolling . Lightweight , broken atomic number 13 handgrip , a harden steel replaceable vane , one - handed mathematical operation , and a commodious thumb - operate safety whorl make these go - to pruning shear for professionals and backyard gardener alike . renewal parts , including sword and care bounce , are useable through the manufacturer .
The Felco 2 ring road pruners were a pleasance to test . We used them to cut through hard holly branches up to about an inch thick , and the thin , hard - blade blade had no problem at all . The thumb lock was easy to use ; the handles were well-heeled ; and they were lightweight enough to well impart in a back air hole when not in use . We found that the Felco 2 would make an first-class tool for all - around pruning , just not as the main tool for hedging shearing . That read , they would unquestionably serve a shearing project go much smooth .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Felco 2 hedgerow shears atAmazon , The Home Depot , orA.M. Leonard .
Best Extendable
Corona 10-Inch Extendable Hedge Shear
Our Ratings : Performance4.7/5;Comfort4/5 ; Value4.7/5
The handgrip of these Corona hedging shears extend from 13 to 20 inches , making them a groovy choice for trim tall privacy hedge . The neat - sharpness blades are 10 inch long and are made from high - atomic number 6 steel . They are easy to sharpen at home using a millstone or sharpening stone .
The jounce - guard bumper helps reduce shoulder weariness , and the prosperous handle grips increase ease of use . The preciseness - made pivot dash provides smooth cutting action . At 3.6 dog pound , these shears are comparable in weight to most extendible shear .
Photo: amazon.com
We liked the supernumerary range we got from these Corona extendible hedge shears . They worked out really well for cleaning up the tall side of a hedging across the sloped front - thou area so that the business did n’t want a ladder . The extendable handle feature worked as designed and stayed securely in stead once set . The farsighted blades supply a nice equaliser to the extra handle weight and length , but the overall weight was more than we would want to function with for more than an hour or two .
Get the Corona hedge shear atAmazon , The Home Depot , Tractor Supply Co. , orForestry Suppliers .
Best Professional-grade
ARS KR-1000 25-Inch Hedge Shears
ARS ’s hedging shear boast high - carbon steel blades , which are chrome - plate for higher-ranking underground to rusting and sap damage . The shears are 25.7 inches long with a vane distance of 7 inch , make them suitable for trimming grandiloquent hedges . Despite their size , these hedge shear are super idle at less than 2 pounding .
The straight - bound brand allow for sharpening at home , and they are also replaceable if they fag out over time , make this model a overbold pick for professionals or dedicated home landscapers who frequently use shears . The ergonomically plan grip combine with the well - equilibrize nature of these durable shears ensure long - lasting quilt for long landscaping sessions . The shock absorber - absorb bumpers and ergonomic handles further enhance their ease of purpose .
We could have process with this featherlight tool all day . Its slightly arcuate handgrip aim seemed to deliver more newspaper clipping personnel . The narrow , pointed blade were extremely shrill and provide excellent cut precision . We establish that these shear would make an first-class choice for anyone who cares for immense numeral of boxwood or other hedging where a compounding of preciseness , major power , and comfort is involve . Just be prepared to compensate a bit more .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the ARS KR-1000 hedging shear atAmazonorA. M. Leonard .
Most Comfortable
Fiskars Powergear2 23-Inch Hedge Shears
Our Ratings : Performance4.3/5 ; Comfort5/5 ; Value4.7/5
The Arthritis Foundation provide a commendation to these Fiskars ’ hedging shears for relief of role because of their rounded ergonomic handgrip with proprietary Softgrip technology . These handles sport cutaneous senses tip that heighten both comfort and control condition for the exploiter . The paraphernalia increase leverage with every cut , make the shears powerful enough to cut through thick-skulled branch .
The preciseness - reason 10 - inch steel blades are designed to remain acuate even with heavy use , and their straight boundary can also be conveniently sharpened at home . The blades also have a low - friction nonstick coating , which resists rusting and preclude them from sticking or gumming up . The full length of these hedge shears is 23 in , and they matter 2.45 punt .
Photo: amazon.com
These shears were amazingly wanton to use and were well balanced , which may have even made them feel lighter than they really are . In our tests , they were highly equal to , extremely comfortable to utilise , and less fatiguing than many of the other model .
Despite our confident experience with these shears , we noticed a handful of negative reviews about them . As we look deeper into these reviews , it seemed to us that the word “ power gear ” may have misled a few emptor into using these shears – alternatively of hand lopper or loppers – to turn off too thick branches . The gear system should be thought of as a mogul - aid that decrease the strength required by the user .
When used for established shearing of leafage and woody growing up to most a half - inch dense , we find that these shear would do a great job without tiring the user out .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Fiskars Powergear2 hedge shears atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Also Consider
Tabor Tools B620A 25-Inch Professional Hedge Shears
Our Ratings : Performance4.3/5 ; Comfort4/5 ; Value4/5
At less than 2.5 pounds , these hedge shears from Tabor Tools are lightweight enough to aid gardener and landscapers avoid arm and shoulder pain . The blade are made from carbon steel and feature a coating to ensure precision cutting performance while resisting rust and corrosion . Additionally , the wavy blades firmly grasp branchlet and leg , preventing them from slide off during trims .
The hedging shear boast an adjustable vane tension ; simply rick 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 of goods and services . The shears are approximately 25 inches in distance , with 8 - inch blades .
Photo: amazon.com
In our tests , the Tabor Tools hedging shears shew to be capable of clean cuts on both thin , grassy foliation and woody stems . Though the shears felt durable , they were somewhat heavy and carried their weight a bit forward , which made these shear slightly fag out for extended use . However , we care the easy - to - practice toolless blade tenseness fitting thickening since that is where most hedge shear need attention . These would make a good option to keep in the shed for seasonal landscape painting cleanup spot projects and episodic moderate trimming .
Get the Tabor Tools hedging shear atAmazonorTabor Tools .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Hedge Shears
Hedge shears do not all offer similar performance . A identification number of factors affect their functionality , include blade type , blade material , handle duration , simplicity of use , and more . Keep record to con about several of the most of import features to view when choosing the best hedge shear for landscaping .
Intended Use
Since they need the strength and repetitive move of your hands and upper organic structure to function , hedge shear can be tiring to expend . Though many are designed with shock - steep bumper , they can still cause shoulder and back pain after longsighted landscape gardening sessions . As a result , electric- and gas - poweredhedge trimmersare advocate for larger jobs , while manual hedging shears are idealistic for detailed work that want precision .
Hedge shears are typically able to cut branches up to a half - inch in diameter . Some model , however , feature article tree branch notches to extend this property . extra tools , like loppers , may also be required for cut thicker branches .
Smallerpruning shearsare also utile for maintaining hedges . They are well suited to reaching into tight distance and garnish interior branches to tolerate more light and air to get at the interior of the hedgerow .
Photo: amazon.com
Blade Type
Hedge shears are designed with either true , wavelike , or serrated blade , each of which has its own urge usage .
Blade Material
Hedge shear are made from a assortment of metals , and some are coated with append materials to prevent them from stick and rusting .
Blade and Handle Length
The idealistic sword length for hedge shear depends chiefly on their intend consumption . A 6 - inch brand is best for trimming hedges that are between waist and shoulder height . A 7- to 8 - in blade is various enough for most jobs , while a 9- to 12 - column inch sword is ideal for trimmingtaller privacy hedges .
Most hedge shear have a total duration of between 20 and 25 inches . Longer shear are typically more powerful and provide a stronger cutting off . Telescoping handles allow optimal versatility because the entire distance of the shears is adjustable to accommodate the task at hand . It ’s important to note that telescope shear do tend to be heavier , so they may not be the best pick for gardeners who have back and shoulder pain or endure from arthritis in their hand .
Gears
Geared technology in a couple of hedge shears provide additional leverage when trimming , which fall in handy when treat thick or break branch . Geared hedging shears typically provide between two and three fourth dimension more world power than gearless models .
Available on more powerful hedge shear , this cutting mechanism may not be necessary for all home gardener . For those who regularly trim their hedges , gearless shears are sufficient for keeping up with new green growth .
Ease of Use
Several factors contribute to simplicity of use when tackling trimming jobs with a duet of hedge shear .
FAQs
Since every property may have unique features , there may be lingering questions about which hedging shears are best for your need . To help with your search , correspond out these answers to some vulgar questions about hedge shear .
While it varies depending on the particular model , most hedge shears on the market can cover arm up to half an inch in diam .
Most hedge shear are made with steel blades , and some have nonstick coatings . The effective means to see to it seniority and right function is to clean sap and rubble from the steel after each use . After cleansing , oil the blade pin point and any non - coated metal part before storehouse .
Sharpen consecutive - leaf blade hedge shears by running them against a albatross or a focalise stone .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a author and product examiner with a setting in the nursery and landscaping industry . For more than 20 class he mowed , edge , plant , pruned , cultivated , irrigated , and vivify beautiful landscape . Now he screen and write reviews about the latest outside power equipment , hand prick , lawn guardianship product , and other outdoor - living goods .
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