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Spring will be around again soon, and it will be time to break out the pruning shears to clean up those trees and shrubs. Simple right? Not so much if you are left-handed. As with most other tools in this world, pruning shears fit the dominant right-hand world much better than they do the left-handed world. Today we’ll look at some of the best shears for left-handers so that you may get to work on your trees and shrubs with little effort.
When it comes to pruning shears, there are two main types: anvil and bypass. Anvil pruning shears have one sharpened blade that cuts against a flat surface on the other side, much like a knife on a cutting board. Bypass pruning shears have two sharp blades that slide past each other as they close, giving sharp, even cuts that don’t damage the plant’s fibers.
Anvil pruning shears are great for tough, dead growth, while bypass pruning shears work better on live or delicate growth. If you’re unsure which pruning shear to get, an excellent all-purpose option is a pair of anvil type pruning shears with replaceable blades.
How to Care for Your Pruning Shears
Like most cutting tools, pruners last much longer if you keep them well-maintained. Here are some tips on how to maintain your left-handed pruning shears.
- Keep them clean: Wipe down your secateurs with a clean cloth after each use. This will remove any dirt, debris, or sap clinging to them.
Cleaning Your Pruning Shears
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down your pruning shears after each use.
- Remove any dirt, debris, or sap that might be clinging to them.
- You can also use a soft brush, like a toothbrush, to remove stubborn dirt.
- Oil them regularly: Once a month or so.
- Every six months you should sharpen the blade.
- Tighten the screws or bolts on your tool.
Store your pruning shears in a tool shed or garage to keep them out of the weather. This way, they are ready to go when you need them next.
What to Look for Before Buying Your Left-handed Pruning shears
There are a few things to keep in mind regarding left-handed pruning shears. First, make sure the pruning shear you choose is comfortable for your hand. Some left-handed pruning shears have an ergonomic design that makes them more comfortable to hold and use. Second, look for blades in the correct positions for use in the left hand. Some pruning shears have blades that can be switched from one side to another, making them more versatile. Finally, make sure the pruning shear you choose is durable and withstands heavy use.
How do you find the best pruning shears for left-handers? First, we’ll look at a few models that we feel are excellent choices for left-handed people. We’ll also provide a few tips on looking for when choosing a pair of pruning shears.
- Consider the design of the pruning shears.
- Consider the type of plants you’ll be pruning. For example, do you need something for tender garden plants, or do you need something that can cut branches on trees and shrubs?
- Consider the size of the pruning shears. You don’t want something too big or too small for your hand.
- Finally, make sure the pruning shear you choose is durable and withstands heavy use.
Keeping these things in mind, let’s look at some of the best pruning shears on the market.
Felco Left-Handed Pruning Shears
Felco pruning shears are widely available and known for being high-quality products. Felco is a trusted Swiss company that has been around for 70 years. Many gardening enthusiasts use this as their go-to brand. Felco has many left-handed options. Three of those stand out. The F9, F10, and F17 are left-handed versions of existing top right-handed Felco pruners and some of the best left-handed pruning shears around.
Felco pruning shears have a comfortable grip to lessen the strain on your hands as you work. These shears have rubber shock-absorbers and are ergonomically designed to reduce strain on your wrist. In addition, most models have revolving handles, which reduce the chances of you getting blisters on your hands while working.
Felco shears have forged aluminum handles and hardened steel blades that have sap and wire-cutting grooves in the blades to prevent them from sticking. These shears have adjustable cutting heads with a precision setting mechanism. They are effortless to maintain, and the company sells replacements for almost every part of the shears in the unlikely event that you need to fix your tool. Felco carries replaceable blades for most of their shears.
Felco F9 Pruning Shears
The Felco Pruning Shears (F 9) are high-performance Swiss-made garden pruners perfect for left-handed users. These shears are made with the highest quality materials and construction, making them durable and able to withstand heavy use. These shears are easy to use and reduce fatigue during extended pruning sessions with a comfortable ergonomic design. The sharp blades make cutting through tough branches a breeze, while the anvil style blade can handle even the thickest stems. For those who take pride in their gardens, the Felco Pruning Shears (F 9) are the only way to go.
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- These shears are light in weight.
Cons
- $$$
Felco F17 Pruning Shears
These shears are perfect if you have smaller hands and need something that can get into tight spots. The rotating grip helps with leverage while also easy to use due to its small size! They weigh just 0.58 lbs so they won’t be too heavy for most people’s job sites or workday adventures out there on the farm or in the garden.
Pros
- These shears have a narrow cutting edge.
- They also have rotating handles.
- These shears are made for smaller hands.
Cons
- $$$
Corona BP 7100D
These pruners have a patented Dualcut blade and hook, which provides two zones for precision and power that holds branches close to the pivot bolt for easier cutting. In addition, Corona uses a forging process that compacts steel into their most durable tools allowing them to stay sharper longer. The dual arc bypass blade cuts green or dry branches efficiently. These cutters are constructed of full steel that provides maximum strength and durability. In addition, the blades can be sharpened for long-lasting performance and reliability. The grip is comfortable and non-slip for easy one-handed use.
Corona offers a limited lifetime warranty on its tools.
Pros
- These shears are easy to use.
- Blades can be sharpened
- Durable
Cons
- Compaints of the locking mechanism being too large and getting in the way of the handles.
- Once in a while customers get a dud and the tool fails
- $$$
Bahco Left-Handed Pruning Shears
When you’re looking for a tool that can do it all and work with just about any hand, there is no better choice than the Bahco brand. They make left-handed variants of their products to meet the needs of gardeners like yourself who want nothing less than perfection when working on your lawn or flower bed! The PXR2L model has an extra-long handle, so even people without large hands have plenty of room; while remaining lightweight enough not to be bothersome during use. Bahco pruners are great for small hands and are lightweight, making them easier to use than heavier models. In addition, they come with safety locks, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally slicing yourself when not using them!
Bahco PX-M2 Bypass Secateurs
The Bahco PX-M2-L shears have comfortable rubber padding on their handles and are perfect for medium-sized hands. They have a hollow inner face on the blades to prevent sticking. The head is inclined with adjustable blades, so you can keep cutting with a straight wrist. The diameter of the cutter is 0.79 inches.
Pros
- These shears have adjustable blades.
- They have ergonomic handles.
Cons
- $$$
- Parts are hard to find.
PX-L3 PX Pruner
These Bahco PX pruners are lightweight with an ergonomic design allowing for natural wrist position. They are easy to use due to their high carbon steel blades. This model has large eight-inch handles and a larger one and one quarter inch blades. They are produced in France.
Pros
- These shears are durable.
- Ergonomic design.
- This model is made for larger hands.
- Comfortable to use.
Cons
- $$$
Bahco PG-03-L Pradines Pruning Shears
If you need a compact pruner, the Bahco PG-03-L Pradines shears come with fiberglass reinforced plastic handles, which are a little less comfortable than the ergonomic handles of the other two designs. However, their blades have a rust-proof coating for durability and smooth operation. In addition, these left-handed bypass secateurs have a locking mechanism for one-handed use and are specifically designed for home gardening. Unfortunately, parts are not available for this model.
Pros
- These shears come with a locking mechanism for safe one-handed use.
- They are specifically designed for home use.
- Rust-proof blades.
Cons
- No spare parts.
Budget-Friendly Left-Handed Pruning Shears
Corona BP 3180D
These Corona BP 3180D bypass pruners come with a sap groove and wire-cutting notch, just like the earlier Felco brand shears. They can cut up to one inch thick. They have angled, ergonomic handles to reduce wrist strain. These left-handed garden secateurs come with a safety locking mechanism, and the blades and spring can be replaced if needed. The high carbon steel blades can be sharpened.
Pros
- Affordable $$
- They are made with ergonomic handles.
Cons
- Spring mechanism may stick.
Spear & Jackson 6459BS
These pruners have notched SK5 carbon steel blades, which are suitable for cutting through thicker materials. Their aluminum forged handles and rubber shock-absorbers make them a lightweight cutter that allows you to prune for extended periods without strain. In addition, they allow you to adjust the blade tension to suit your pruning job.
Pros
- These shears have notched blades.
- They are lightweight which makes your work easier.
- Affordable $$
- They have adjustable blade tension.
Cons
- The blades may tarnish.
Best Ratchet Left-Handed Pruning Shears
If you’re looking for the perfect set of left-handed ratchet mechanism pruning shears, this is where to start. These high-quality tools will not only cut through branches with ease, but they can also be used without pain or difficulty by people who suffer from arthritis or tendonitis. They come fully equipped with an ambidextrous design, so there’s no need to worry about which hand you prefer when using these bad boys on all sorts of projects around the home.
Felco F 32 Pruning Shears
These Felco F 32 secateurs use a ratchet mechanism for added power, allowing you to easily cut through stiff, dead stems. These ergonomic shears come with non-slip handles for comfortable, safe usage. These shears sport a safety lock for safe carrying, and parts are easy to replace.
The tapered cutting head has an adjustable brass curved anvil that lets you snip away at hard-to-reach branches safely and efficiently as long as it fits within a cutting diameter of 0.98 inches. At less than half a pound, they are lightweight, which is a rarity among anvil shears, and are designed for use by people with larger hands.
Pros
- Ergonomic design.
- They are lightweight.
- Lots of safety features.
Cons
- $$$
These are hard for people with small hands to use.
The Gardener’s Friend Pruners
These Gardener’s Friend pruners were designed for senior gardeners and people with other issues that create a weak grip in mind. They have 3-stage ratchet action to aid anyone with weak hand strength and mobility. These shears can cut up to one inch thick. They can also be used for small snips. They have a soft rubber cushion grip to reduce strain. They have a safety mechanism to lock the blades closed when not in use. An oiled sponge is included so that you can wipe the blades off after use.
Pros
- These shears are made for people who may have physical disabilities or have lost strength.
- Less expensive than the Felco 32.
Cons
- The safety mechanism is challenging to operate.
Conclusion
Left-handed pruning shears can be a great addition to any gardener’s toolkit, and we hope that our list of the best left-handed shears has helped you find the perfect pair for your needs. Do you have a favorite set of lefty shears? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your left-handed gardening friends!