11 Best Pruning Shears for Arthritic Hands (2020)
Here’s the truth: shopping for the best pruning shears for arthritic hands can be downright confusing.
I’m pretty sure you’re here after checking out many different types of pruning shears. For example, you’ve got bypass, anvil, or ratchet pruning shears. Besides that, you’ve got varying types of blade and material constructions. So, which one should you go for?
When you’re suffering from arthritic hands, the best pruning shears for you should be durable yet lightweight. They also have to do the job quickly! Because if not, then your hands and wrists are going to be in so much pain.
No worries because I’ve curated the ultimate guide to the best pruning shears for arthritic hands. Plus, I’ve included some tips on how you can manage the arthritis pain while gardening. So, what are you waiting for? Keep on reading!
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of the
Best Pruning Shears for Arthritic Hands
(in no particular order)
Gonicc 8″ Professional Rotating Bypass Titanium Coated Pruning Shears (GPPS-1014)
KOHAM Professional Cordless Electric Pruning Shears with 30mm (1.2 Inch) Cutting Diameter
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools PR17215S 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Rechargeable Power Pruner
Felco Pruning Shears (F-6) – High Performance Swiss Made One-Hand Garden Pruners – 100052385
In-Depth Reviews of Best Pruning Shears for Arthritic Hands
Curious to know why these pruning shears landed on our best pick? Then, continue reading!
ClassicPRO Titanium Pruning Shears
If you’re looking for pruners with a no-frills functionality and classic design, then this one’s for you! It’s perfect for medium to large-sized hands who have a weak grip that needs extra power. Not to mention, it’s bypass shears hence, making it perfect for pruning live stems and branches.
Cutting Capacity
Because of its 1-inch cutting capacity, you can easily cut through large branches like butter. Even white pine and shrubs have no match to this!
Handle
The shears have a slip-resistant ergonomic handle with FitAdjust Thumb Lock. In case you’re wondering, this allows it to stay half or fully-opened which is perfect in reducing hand fatigue. It also boasts a solid aluminum-forged body while still being incredibly lightweight.
Blade
Tired of sticky, gummed up blades? Well, I know I am!
Luckily, it has a groove design that allows the sap to run off and not gum up on your blades. As if that’s not enough, this has a titanium-coated Japanese stainless steel blade to ensure durability. Another thing you’ll like about this is the micrometric adjustment. You can use this feature every time you need to adjust the blade tension for a precise cut!
Pros:
- 1-inch cutting capacity
- Durable, solidly-built yet lightweight
- Slip-resistant ergonomic handle
- FitAdjust Thumb Lock and micrometric adjustment
- Sap groove feature on blades
- Japanese stainless steel blades
Con:
- Not ideal for small hands
KOMOK Professional Cordless Electric Pruning Shears, 30 mm Cutting Capacity
It’s not all the time you get to try a product that does more than what it claims. But, wait until you try this one!
The KOMOK Professional Cordless Electric Pruning Shears is perfect for heavy-duty use. Only weighing about 700 grams, you can be confident that your arthritic hands can finish the job in no time! Not to mention, it comes with two rechargeable batteries that can support up to 8 hours of continuous work.
Cutting Capacity
What’s cool about this shears is its two adjustable cutting range features. In case you’re wondering, you can adjust the diameter from 0.98 to 1.2 inches. Hence, you’re sure to find the size that will perfectly work on any tree.
But here’s my personal favorite, it can snip through more than what it claims. If you need to cut through more than 1.2-inch branches, then just pull its trigger twice or thrice. Seriously, you won’t even need to break a sweat with this one.
Handle
It has a soft-leather, slip-resistant ergonomic handle with a safety trigger. This provides maximum comfort and safety for those prone to hand fatigue and arthritis.
Blade
This boasts a premium Swiss SK5 high carbon steel material hence, making it durable and sturdy.
Pros:
- Adjustable cutting diameter from 0.98 to 1.2 inches
- Easily cuts through thick branches
- Durable yet lightweight
- Soft-leather, slip-resistant ergonomic handle with safety trigger
- Provides a lubricating oil port
- Rechargeable batteries support 6-8 hours of work
- Cordless
Con:
- Even though it has a safety trigger, this may cut through your fingers fast. So, I suggest keeping it out of kids’ reach!
Gonicc 8" Professional Rotating Bypass Titanium Coated Pruning Shears (GPPS-1014)
Don’t you hate it when pruning shears give you those nasty, angry red blisters and hot spots? As if arthritis wasn’t hard enough… Luckily with this product, you won’t have to worry about those anymore!
Cutting Capacity
For one, this has a cutting diameter of about 0.75 inches hence, making it ideal for small branches. But no worries, you can also grab this one when nipping 1-inch diameter vines.
Handle
What makes the Gonicc GPPS-1004 a great option for those with arthritis is the comfortable, rotating handle. It boasts a slip-resistant, pliable, gel-like texture which reduces the risk of hand fatigue and blisters. Not to mention, it has a built-in shock absorber to minimize the impact after cutting. And here’s my personal favorite: it’s bi-directional so lefty gardeners can enjoy it as well.
Blade
Like others on the list, this has a Swiss SK5 high carbon steel blade hence, making it durable and sturdy. It also has a groove design to avoid the sticky sap gumming on your blades.
Pros:
- Ideal for small branches
- Durable yet lightweight
- Comfortable, bi-directional rotating handle
- Built-in shock absorber
- Sap groove design
- Has Swiss SK5 high carbon steel blade
Con:
- Not ideal for thicker branches
ARS HP-VS8XR Rotating Handle Hand Pruner
Here’s the truth: hand pruners can be a bit expensive. But if you’re looking for a quality one to splurge on, then the ARS HP-VS8XR is for you!
No need to settle on hand pruners that only last a year. I bet this can even last you a decade. Well, that is if you clean and sharpen it from time to time!
Cutting Capacity
This has a cutting diameter of about 22 millimeters or 0.86 inches hence, making it ideal for small branches.
Handle
What makes this pruner great for those with arthritis is its rotating handle. In case you’re wondering, rotating handles are great in reducing stress and fatigue on your wrists and hands. Not to mention, it’s also slip-resistant and ergonomic.
Also, no need to use both hands to cut through hard branches as it has a latch lock feature. Another thing you might like about this is that it fits even those gardeners with small hands!
Blade
It boasts a superior quality blade with a hard-chrome coating to prevent rust and sticky sap accumulation. It also doesn’t need regular sharpening.
Pros:
- Ideal for small branches
- Fits small hands
- Durable yet lightweight
- Slip-resistant, ergonomic, rotating handle
- Latch lock feature
- Corrosive and sap resistant
- Incredibly sharp
Con:
- Not ideal for thicker branches
KOHAM Professional Cordless Electric Pruning Shears with 30mm (1.2 Inch) Cutting Diameter
The last thing you want from using electric pruning shears is getting an accidental injury.
Good thing, this product promises comfort and protection for your arthritic hands while pruning on your yard. It also includes two rechargeable power batteries that can support about 6,000 cuts.
Cutting Capacity
Similar to KOMOK Pruning Shears, you can adjust the diameter size up to 1.18 inches or 30 millimeters. You can also cut through larger branches with this as long as you pull the trigger many times. That’s why this is ideal for those who need to quickly cut through very thick branches.
Handle
The handle boasts a slip-resistant, ergonomic design which is effective in reducing stress and fatigue on your hand. With this product, your arthritic hands won’t even complain a bit.
Blade
The shears feature high-quality SK5 carbon steel to ensure durability. But here’s my personal favorite: it has a reliable finger-protection technology! What happens is when your finger accidentally touches the blade, it automatically shuts off. Cool, right?
Pros:
- Adjustable cutting diameter up to 1.18 inches
- Easily cuts through thick branches
- Durable yet lightweight
- Slip-resistant ergonomic handle with safety trigger
- Provides a lubricating oil port
- Rechargeable batteries support 6,000 cuts
- Cordless
- Has a finger-protection technology
Con:
- Sometimes, the finger-protection technology mistakes small wet branches as fingers. If this bothers you, then I suggest you turn off the feature.
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools PR17215S 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Rechargeable Power Pruner w/ Extension
Here’s the truth: electric pruners are awesome because they do your jobs fast while still being durable and lightweight. But the bad news is, your arthritic hands won’t let you use them on really high limbs or branches.
The good news, though, is that the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Pruner with Extension can solve that in a snap! Don’t believe me yet?
Cutting Capacity
Similar to others, you can adjust the diameter size up to 0.75 inches. You can cut through larger branches as long as you pull the trigger while moving the blade around the branch.
Handle
Those with arthritis will be happy about this as it’s slip-resistant and ergonomic. Not to mention, this comes with a telescopic pole hence, making it easier to prune hard to reach branches. As if that’s not enough, the handle features a double safety trigger which prevents accidental injury.
Blade
To prevent any accidental injury, you get a hard plastic safety cover for the blades which is great!
Pros:
- Adjustable cutting diameter up to 0.75 inches
- Durable yet lightweight
- Slip-resistant ergonomic handle with two safety triggers
- Rechargeable batteries
- Cordless
- Comes with a telescopic pole to reach high branches and shrubs
Cons:
- Slow clipper
- Not an ideal electric pruner for thick branches
KOMOK- Devon Cordless Electric Pruning Shears
When you thought electric pruning shears can’t get any cooler, here comes KOMOK’s another innovative offering.
The KOMOK – Devon Cordless Electric Pruner has built-in LED lights to help ease your vision. No need to worry about any accidents while working in dimly-lit areas! Not to mention, it’s lightweight hence, becoming one of the best pruning shears for arthritic hands.
Cutting Capacity
If you’re looking for an electric pruner for your small branches, then this one’s for you. It has a cutting capacity of about 0.55 inches. Not bad for your rose bushes, right?
Handle
This has a slip-resistant, ergonomic handle hence, reducing stress and fatigue on your hands and wrists. It also has two safety triggers to prevent accidental injury. But my personal favorite is the LED light! This comes in handy when pruning in dimly-lit areas.
Blade
Another thing you’ll like about this is that it comes with one replaceable blade. No need to sharpen the bad boys out!
Pros:
- Adjustable cutting diameter up to 0.55 inches
- Durable yet lightweight
- Slip-resistant ergonomic handle with two safety triggers
- Rechargeable batteries
- Cordless
- LED lights
Con:
- Not an ideal electric pruner for thick branches
Corona Clipper BP 4214 Flex Dial Bypass Pruner With Comfort Gel Grips
Need I say more? Because of its innovative adjustable grip, I’m pretty sure your neighbors won’t hesitate to borrow this from you. Besides that, it’s lightweight and comfortable — perfect for your arthritic hands.
Did I also mention that this can be a perfect gift for couples who’d love to do small yard pruning? You’d better hurry and add this now to your Christmas gift list!
Cutting Capacity
In case you’re wondering, it has a cutting capacity of 0.75 inches — perfect for young trees!
Handle
The handle is the best feature of this product. For one, it’s ergonomic and slip-resistant. It also features gel strips to give it that soft, comfortable feeling. But the main reason why I included it in the best list is that it’s adjustable. So, whatever your hands size is, you will still be able to use this.
To use that feature, just spin the dial from 1 to 8, with 1 being the smallest size. Talk about ease of use!
Blade
This boasts a non-stick blade hence, making every cut smooth and clean!
Pros:
- Has a good cutting capacity of 0.75 inches
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Slip-resistant ergonomic handle
- Adjustable grip to fit small, medium, and large hands
Con:
- Blades might be prone to nicks and dents
Corona BP 6340 Left Handed Forged Aluminum Bypass Pruner
Cheers to all the lefty gardeners out there! Finally, your wish has been heard…
You’ve got yourself the Corona Bypass Pruner to solve all your pruning problems. Plus, it’s lightweight and comfortable, too!
Cutting Capacity
These pruners have a cutting capacity of 1 inch hence, making it easier and faster to nip through thick branches.
Handle
You’ll love that this has an ergonomic, slip-resistant handle. It also features an angled head to ensure that your wrist doesn’t bend too much while pruning.
Blade
The shears boast a high-quality carbon steel blade to ensure durability. Not to mention, you can easily replace the blade and spring using the parts from Felco 9. As if that’s not enough, this also includes a wire cutter hook and a sap groove design!
Pros:
- Perfect for lefties
- Large cutting capacity
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Replaceable blade and spring
- Slip-resistant, angled, ergonomic handle
Con:
- Not ideal for extremely weak grip
WORX WG320 20V Power Share Cordless 6-inch JawSaw Chainsaw with Auto-Tension
I know what you’re thinking… this isn’t pruning shears so why include it in the list? But wait, hear me out first!
As you know, there are tons of thick trees out there that electric pruners will never be able to cut. That’s when the WORX JawSaw Chainsaw comes in handy for you.
Weighing about 7 pounds, it’s probably the lightest chainsaw you’ll ever cross upon. Besides this, I’m pretty sure your arthritic hands will love it as it works lightning fast!
Cutting Capacity
These pruners have a cutting capacity of 4 inches. So, you don’t need to worry about pruning the old apple tree in your yard. That has no escape to this!
Handle
You’ll love that it’s compact and lightweight hence, lifting it to cut overhead branches would be a breeze. It’s also perfect for when you need to cut the logs or branches on the ground. This means less tension on hands and wrists. Great, right?
Blade
Safety is also never an issue as the blade has a reliable protective guard. You’ll see that after using it, the blade retracts immediately to the base. It also has an auto-tension feature which ensures that the chain doesn’t come off.
Pros:
- Large cutting capacity at 4 inches or more
- Lightweight, comfortable, and compact for a chainsaw
- Has an auto-chain oiler port
- Safe and easy-to-use
- The chain doesn’t easily come off
- Cordless
- Has a 20-volt rechargeable battery
Cons:
- Not ideal for smaller branches
- Charging might take awhile
Frequently Asked Questions about
Hand Pruning Shears
Have you decided on what best pruning shears for arthritic hands you should get? If you haven’t yet, perhaps these answers can help you out!
Q1. Which pruning shears are best?
As mentioned, finding the best pruning shears for arthritic hands can be a bit daunting. Since you’re spending a decent amount of money, you’d want to make sure it’s going to be worth every penny. So, to make things easier for you, here are some features you need to look for when shopping pruning shears.
- Comfortable – As you know, pruning trees puts so much strain on your hands and wrists. To solve this, make sure you buy those with ergonomic, slip-resistant handles. Or better yet, opt to buy electric pruning shears. Lastly, make sure that its size perfectly fits the palm of your hands.
- Lightweight – Always make sure to buy only lightweight pruners. Good thing, the products I mentioned here ticks this off!
- Durable – Make sure it has high-quality non-stick steel blades to ensure rigidity and clean cut. Also, pruning shears with replaceable parts are great because they are usually the ones that last! Don’t hesitate to include these parts on your purchase.
- Safe – Always look for double safety triggers or a finger-protection technology in your electric pruning shears. Seriously, these things can cut fingers even before you can say “ouch”. Beware!
- Efficient – The thing is, making repetitive cuts puts a lot of fatigue and stress on your hands. Hence, get pruning shears that have a large cutting capacity so that they can snip through branches fast. Or better yet, invest in good electric pruning shears. Not only do they have a large cutting capacity, but they also don’t require too much work from you.
Q2. How to sharpen pruning shears?
Just because the blades went dull, doesn’t mean you need to buy another pruning shears again. Oftentimes, they just need good sharpening! I find that using diamond files work the best. They’re easy to use, too! Just run them over the blades, and your pruners will cut like new.
Q3. How to clean pruning shears?
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard tips after tips on how to clean your shears. You’ve got dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar just to name a few. This is not to say that these aren’t effective. They just require too much work. So, I bet this is the best thing you’ll hear today.
The all-natural Bon Ami Powder Cleanser is all you need!
Yes, you heard me. This is probably the easiest and quickest way to clean those bad boys out. Scour your pruners with the Bon Ami powder then give it a good rinse after. If you find that it’s still dirty, then repeat the process. I kid you not, you’ll see the biggest difference with just this product!
Q4. How to use an electric chainsaw?
Before anything else, let me just point out that the best safety feature of your chainsaw is you. So, always read the instruction manual that comes with your chainsaw. Here are also some important reminders before using it.
Firstly, you need to wear gloves and boots. Some even wear hard hats, hearing protection, and safety glasses which can be very handy. With chainsaws, always remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Secondly, make sure both of your hands are firmly holding the handle, with your dominant hand on the rearer part. Next, make sure you don’t bend or twist the chainsaw while it’s cutting or you will lose the chain.
Lastly, for those with arthritic hands, I suggest you go for lighter chainsaw alternatives like the WORX JawSaw. Aside from being lightweight, it’s safer and easier to use!
Frequently Asked Questions about
Arthritic Hands and Wrists While Gardening
Never let arthritis stop you from doing what you love. Hence, here are some tips to help you manage the pain while gardening.
Q5. Does exercise help arthritic hands?
Definitely! It improves flexibility and muscle strength. Here are six amazing hand exercises you can try to improve your arthritis.
- Start with a thumb stretch – To do this, just bend your thumb across your palm. The goal is to let the tip of your thumb touch the bottom of your small finger. Then, repeat several times.
- Do a knuckle bend – I sometimes call this Half-Fist Punch Move because it looks just like that! Just bend your fingers at the middle knuckle, then repeat several times.
- Try the first stretch– I’m pretty sure you’ve tried this before without knowing it’s an effective exercise. To do this, just close your fingers into a fist but never squeeze. Then, repeat.
- Try thumb stabilization– This exercise is probably the easiest on this list. To do this, just make a “C” shape with your hand. Then, repeat.
- Try fingertip touch – To do this, let all your fingers touch your thumb. You can start with your index, then proceed with the rest of your fingers. Then, repeat!
- Try finger walk – You can do this exercise by resting your hand on a table. With your palm facing down, gently move your fingers to the side of your thumb. Remember to move each finger subsequently, starting with your thumb. Then, repeat!
Q6. Does massage help arthritic hands?
Absolutely! Massages enhance circulation and relieve muscle tension. Another great thing about this is that you can do it yourself at home.
The only downside, though, is that you need a prop to do this. I suggest you grab a cork from your kitchen. Then move it in circular motions, following the lines on your hands. You can even ask your kids to do it for you!
Conclusion
Shopping for the best pruning shears is not as easy as it seems, especially if you have arthritic hands. But I hope this article has helped you in choosing the best one for your pruning needs! The hand pruners I mentioned are great on their own so every penny you spend is worth it.
So, which one’s your favorite? Also, would you try the hand exercises and massage? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!
Also, don’t forget to check other posts from Rudd’s Home Farm to learn about other useful gardening tools and tricks!
