Pruning Shears

Hand shears, pruning shears, pruners… If you’re doing some work in your yard, garden, worksite, these are probably the one tool that you grab first. After all, there’s always something that needs pruning or cutting back, right? Berger has been making fine garden tools in Wuppertal, Germany for over 100 years, and they offer 12 different varieties of pruners. So how do you choose? Well, some of it has to do with personal preference, especially in regards to the choice of grip material, and the rest has to do with what you’re actually cutting.

First off, the most obvious difference is the angle of cutting head in relation to the handle: some are straight and some have a 15 degree angle, and one even has a 25 degree angle. Much of this is personal preference, but many people find that the angled versions put less stress on the wrist joint – especially if you are cutting thicker stuff all day. The straight versions can offer more precision, especially if you’re pruning thinner stock or snipping fruit stems for example.

Next consider what you’re cutting. Most of the time you are pruning live, green wood, and the best style for this type of cutting is a bypass pruner, where the curved blades meet and then pass each other, overlapping at the edge much like scissors. This leaves a clean, straight cut that is the least harmful to the plant. If you’re cutting a lot of dead wood, hardwood, or thick pieces with sticky sap that might gum up the works, an anvil-type cutter is better (Berger Anvil Hand Shears). In this case a straight sided blade hinges down and then strikes a flat plate (anvil), which crushes the material against the blade.

Next up consider the grip itself. If you have smaller hands, there are models specifically made with a slightly smaller handle length and opening range, which can make a world of difference in preventing hand fatigue and pain (Berger Alu-Line Pruning Hand Shear). Also consider the material of the grip itself. The classic plastic-dipped grip offers great slip-resistance, is weather-proof, and offers a little cushion. Relatively new for Berger is a cork grip, which offers outstanding grip, a nice amount of cushion, and is sustainably harvested from cork trees. Finally, a multi-component grip has multiple layers of material, offering a more ergonomic feel in the hand.

There are also some cool and nearly hidden features that show up on all, or nearly all, of the models. An oil port allows you to drip oil in a channel that funnels it straight into the joint, so you can keep the shears smooth and quiet without disassembly. High-quality forged steel blades stay sharper longer, have a durable non-stick coating to cut down on stickiness, and are easily replaceable in the case of wear or damage. A sap groove, which carries some of the sap away from the cutting surface, makes a cleaner, more precise cut (which not only looks better, but is healthier for the plant or tree that you’re cutting). An intermediate opening position is a second “stop” on the thumb locking lever which only allows the jaws to open part way. This can be a lifesaver if you’re doing a huge amount of pruning of relatively thin stock (e.g. raspberries). A wire cutter in the inside of the blade can be a great timesaver if you are working on a trellis or other project where you are pruning and cutting wire. Finally, small rubber stops just above the spring help to dampen the impact at the end of each cutting stroke, further decreasing stress on the hand and wrist.

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So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of pruners, don’t let the number of models from Berger leave you bewildered. It’s easy to narrow down what you need and choose a pair of German-made pruners that will give you years of service. And remember that if you have questions, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help you choose a model that will fulfill your needs.