Top 4 Bypass Garden Pruners

Corona is a respected name among professional gardeners. The popular "Clipper" pruners have replaceable, sharpenable heat-treated blades. I've recently been seeing Corona replacement parts popping up in all the local hardware stores, which makes it more convenient. This model is available in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" cutting capacity and in an ergonomic handle design. Personally, I wish I'd started using the ergonomic handles sooner. They really do lessen wrist and thumb pain. Price range: $20 - 35.

Felco pruners, popular with professionals, come in several sizes. The #8s are popular with home gardeners because of their angled blade, which improves lever action and cutting power. Blades are not riveted, making the blades and all other parts easily serviced. For a left-handed version of the same pruner, choose the Felco #9. There's also an ergonomic model with a rotating handle and a cut and hold pruner, which is nice with thorny plants and for cut flowers. Price range: $30 - 70.

Powergears are designed to minimize muscle strain and are great for gardeners with limited grip strength. The steel blade has a 3/4" cutting capacity. They're the #1 in scissors and their garden tools carry over that quality. I've used this particular pruner for the past couple of years. Except for tightening the blade each season, they've been great. Price range; #32 - 37.

Here’s another clever design from Fiskars that aims to be more comfortable to use. The scissor-like grip is nice, not just for gardener's with hand trouble, but also for anyone doing a lot of repetitive pruning. The upper grip is cushioned, to lessen blisters. The lower handle is looped to give better control. Cuts up to 5/8". Price range; $20.00.