10 Best Ratchet Pruner 2025 in the United States

The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are designed with small hands in mind, making them suitable for users who prefer or require lightweight and compact gardening tools. Featuring a cutting capacity of 5/8 inches, these shears are ideal for pruning ornamental shrubs and living growth both indoors and outdoors. The strength of these shears lies in their blade material, which is precision-ground steel that maintains sharpness over time, even with heavy use. A standout feature is the low-friction coating on the blade, which offers rust resistance and smoother cuts, preventing the blade from getting stuck due to sap and debris.

Although categorized as bypass pruning shears, it does not incorporate a ratchet mechanism commonly found in ratchet-pruners; users seeking enhanced leverage might miss this feature. The SoftGrip handle design provides comfort and control, especially useful for extended periods of use. Weighing only 7 ounces, these shears are lightweight, contributing further to ease of handling.

While the product shines in terms of blade durability and comfort, its lack of a true ratchet mechanism means it may not be suitable for tasks that require additional cutting power, typically expected in ratchet pruners. The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears, with a lifetime warranty, rank high in customer satisfaction, indicated by a 4.7-star rating from over 47,000 reviews. For gardeners with smaller hands or those needing a portable tool for lighter tasks, this product offers reliable performance, though not maximizing the full advantages typically sought in ratchet-pruners.

The Fiskars Ratchet Pruning Shears with UltraBlade Softgrip and PowerGear2 design offers a robust solution for those in need of powerful pruning tools. The patented PowerGear technology is a standout feature, providing up to three times more cutting power, which is especially beneficial for tackling branches up to 3/4 inch thick. This makes the pruners suitable for both casual gardeners and those with arthritis, as evidenced by the Arthritis Foundation's Ease of Use Commendation.

The blade is made of fully hardened alloy steel and comes with an UltraBlade coating that significantly extends its sharpness, lasting up to five times longer than standard blades. The bypass-style serrated blade ensures clean cuts and precision, suitable for maintaining plant health. The comfortable handle design, featuring a contoured and rolling handle, reduces hand fatigue and fits well in most pruner holsters, making it convenient for extended use. With a weight of just 0.55 pounds, the pruners are lightweight and easy to handle, adding to their ergonomic benefits.

However, it's worth noting that the pruners are manufactured in China, which might be a consideration for some users looking for locally made products. Also, while the ratchet mechanism provides enhanced cutting power, it may require some getting used to for those unfamiliar with this technology. The lifetime warranty offered by Fiskars adds to the product's reliability and long-term value. The Fiskars Ratchet Pruning Shears are an excellent choice for those seeking powerful, precise, and comfortable pruners, although users should consider their preference for manufacturing origin and the learning curve associated with the ratchet mechanism.

The FELCO Pruning Shears (F 14) are a high-performance, Swiss-made one-hand garden pruning tool, designed for durability and precision. Constructed with forged aluminum handles and hardened steel blades, this pruner is built to last, with components that can be replaced to extend its longevity. The ergonomic design includes a cushioned shock absorber, making it comfortable to use and reducing the risk of injury during prolonged pruning sessions.

With a cutting capacity of 0.71 inches (18mm) and a weight of 0.43 lbs (195 grams), it is lightweight and well-balanced, ideal for small-sized hands. The pruner is excellent for precise cuts, featuring a wire cutter and a sap groove to prevent the blade from sticking. It lacks a ratchet mechanism, which some users might find beneficial for easier cutting through thicker branches.

This pruner is best suited for tasks such as farming, vineyards, orchards, horticulture, landscaping, and general gardening, particularly for those with smaller hands seeking comfort in their gardening tools.