Which secateurs and pruning tools are the best?

[PennyC]

I want to buy some new secateurs, loppers, hedging shears, a hand pruning saw and something to cut branches higher than me.

Im confused by all the different types of these (wavy vs straight edges etc). Can anyone recommend types or brands or both? I want to be able to cut up to maybe 3-5 cm branches with the loppers, bigger with the overhead lopper or a long length saw to get to the higher branches? Or a small chainsaw on a pole? 

thanks.

[JacobZ]

Hi @PennyC,

Thank you for your question about gardening tools. I would be happy to offer some guidance on selecting tools.

When it comes to quality garden tools, Fiskars, Bahco, and Cyclone are three standout brands to consider. Fiskars are renowned for their ergonomic design and cutting innovation, with the PowerGearX range offering excellent leverage and comfort — all backed by a 25-year limited warranty. Bahco is a trusted name among professionals, known for precision-engineered Swedish steel and exceptionally durable blades that deliver clean, consistent cuts. Cyclone Garden Tools, is an Australian favourite, combining sturdy construction and practicality, making them ideal for tough local conditions and everyday garden maintenance.

To set yourself up for any and all conditions, start with a good pair of bypass pruners (secateurs). They are called bypass pruners because their two curved blades pass by each other, or "bypass," to make a clean cut, similar to a pair of scissors. A trip in store to hold them is definitely worthwhile as they come in different sizes. Seeing how they feel in your hands is definitely worthwhile.

Next, you'll want some loppers. If you are also grabbing a hand saw, then a basic set of bypass loppers around 600mm in length would be fine for most things. If you wanted, you could grab some telescopic loppers for their added reach, or ratchet loppers, which have a ratcheting mechanism to help you get through tougher branches, although these aren't 100% essential.

When it comes to hedging shears, go for straight-edged blades for neat, even shaping — wavy blades are more specialised for coarse or springy foliage.

For a hand pruning saw, go for something with a curved blade like this Cyclone 450mm Pruning Saw. They are great for those slightly larger branches.

For cutting branches higher up, there are two main options: pole saws and pole pruners. This Cyclone 3.25m Quickpull™ Telescopic Tree Pruning Saw combines both and would be a good option that could be used for branches both thick and thin.

Ultimately, a lot of your choice will come down to personal preference and how they feel in your hands, so I would encourage you to make a trip in store and feel the different tools in your hands. You might find that one brand or one option stands out to you when you have them in your hands.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[PennyC]

Thanks so much for your great response @JacobZ!

This is really helpful! 

The hedging shears are mostly to cut back lomandra grasses.  Will the straightedge blades work on those? 

The cyclone telescopic tree pruning saw had some negative reviews about the saw and no replacement parts when I read about it previously. Keen to hear if anyone else has thoughts about this tool? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @PennyC,

As long as your shears are kept clean and aren't gummy from previous use, they shouldn't have any issues cutting lomandra grass.

From my experience, the main issue that comes up with that kind of lopper is the spring failing. Personally, I would just use a pruning saw which won't have a spring. Most of the stuff you are going to be tidying up overhead can be handled by removing a slightly thicker branch anyway. You don't tend to get too picky with branches like you would with a hedge or shrub that is lower down.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[PennyC]

Yes I think maybe I’ll just go the secateurs, loppers, heading shears and a saw for now. Thanks @JacobZ 

[dr_harika]

Just another opinion.... 

I have a few branded secateurs myself but constantly find myself using my 18V Ryobi electric secateurs which mean I can work for a while and have no hand fatigue. A game changer so much so that I bought my dad one as well. Costly but worth every cent especially if you have the ryobi battery system in other tools. 

I also have an old generic pair of telescopic loppers which is handy for slightly bigger branches or for those just out of reach. 

Good luck.