Your garden plants deserve the best: fertilizers, soil, fresh air, moisture, plenty of sunlight, mowers, and a lot of other important tools. Plants, especially those that are delicate like bonsai, need specific tools that can take care of their daily maintenance and care. Bypass pruners are one of them.

Bypass pruners have specific kinds of blades that can efficiently cut stems without hurting the plant itself. They leave clean cuts to hard branches of trees and shrubs that are usually up to 2-centimeter thick. This could be a real challenge to typical kinds of scissors you know, but with these blades specialized for pruning… everything is a breeze.

Bypass pruners nonetheless come in a lot of designs and models now. So, picking the right one could be a demanding task for anyone. Well, here is a lending hand: 5 best bypass pruners rated and ranked based on their qualities and features.

This review should make everything easier for you. And with the valuable opinions we collected from our in-house experts who personally tested them, we are more than sure this read will enlighten you. 

Also, take the time to scan their prices on Amazon by clicking on the button below each item. That said, then again, we hope this review will be of great help to you!

Best Bypass Pruners Comparison & Rating

Bypass Pruners

Features

Fiskars 91095935J Steel Pruning Shears Bypass Pruner, 1
  • fully-hardened, precision-ground steel blades
  • features a lock
  • ⅝-inch diameter maximum cutting capacity
Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner with 1 Inch Cutting Capacity, 1", Red
  • cutting capacity of 1-inch diameter
  • slant-ground hook with narrow profile
  • fully heat-treated, forged steel alloy
Fiskars Softgrip Bypass Pruner
  • low-friction coating
  • not too bulky for storage
  • ⅝-inch cutting capacity
HyleJhJy 8" Bypass Steel Pruning Shears with Stainless SK5 Steel Blades+Straight Tip Gardening Shears Garden Shears Garden Clippers Florist Scissors Hand Pruners Garden Tools Gardening Tools Set,Red
  • includes straight-tip gardening shears
  • 3/4" diameter cutting capacity
  • abrasive-resistant blades
Gardena 8905 Bypass Pruner
  • non-slip coating
  • variable size handle opening
  • upper blade is made of stainless steel

1. Fiskars 91095935J Steel Bypass Pruners

Fiskars 91095935J Steel Pruning Shears Bypass Pruner, 1
Specifications:
97% Overall

Brand

Fiskars

Dimensions

4 x 1 x 10.75 inches

Weight

10.4 ounces

Material

Steel

98%
cutting performance
96%
features and build
98%
durability and quality
97%
ease of use & CONVENIENCE
Pros:
  • Handles light branches easily with just a single squeeze of handles.
  • Has 5/8-inch diameter maximum cutting capacity.
  • Features a lock that can be easily opened and closed to protect the blades while being stored inside your toolboxes.
  • Equipped with fully-hardened, precision-ground steel blades.
  • The blades are excellently sharp and the edges are very solid hard that they can maintain their form even after heavy-duty use.
  • The blades are coated and somehow slick, allowing them to simply glide through the wood.
  • Blades resist sap which lets them work smoothly at all times.
  • Comfortable grip due to its ergonomic handles.
Cons:
  • A bit heavy for its size but this reflects the solid construction of the pruners.
  • The span of the handles could a bit wide for some users with small hands.
Final Take:

Fiskars 91095935J looks pretty simple. But behind its straightforward look are stunning details you will love. First off, upon having our hands on the tool, we figured out right away the reason why it is has an extremely smooth mechanism. We noticed the smooth application of the low-friction coating on its blades which lacks in most cheap models. Not only that it will help the pruners resist the common rust formation, but it also prevents it from accumulating sap (which, by the way, we all hate when pruning plants!) Nonetheless, keep in mind that it can still rust when left outside for a long time but this is what excites us: It FLAKES OFF the rust naturally. Just soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar. No scrubbing. No special solution needed. Just soak it and voila! Clean, sleek, and brand new-looking AGAIN! Also, besides the super sharp blade and perfect lever action that cut branches like butter, we praise the solid build of the tool. Though it could be a bit heavy for some, we actually appreciate it as it means quality materials and construction. To wrap it all, we gamble 10 of our fingers that it can last for years of use. Purely excellent! We love it and we're sure you'd love it, too!

2. Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruners

Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner with 1 Inch Cutting Capacity, 1", Red
Specifications:
97% Overall

Brand

Corona

Dimensions

1 x 1 x 8.5 inches

Weight

13.6 ounces

Material

Steel Alloy

98%
cutting performance
96%
features and build
97%
durability and quality
96%
ease of use & CONVENIENCE
Pros:
  • Has a cutting capacity of 1-inch diameter.
  • The blades are made of fully heat-treated, forged steel alloy.
  • Ideal for heavy-duty work due to its construction and a good pick for professional gardeners.
  • Sports a sap groove that keeps the blade from sticking and allows continuous work.
  • Can be sharpened while keeping the tough property of the material used on the creation of the blades.
  • The hook is designed in a slant-ground manner and presents a narrow profile.
  • Great for cutting delicate works.
  • Stays close when not in use and prevents accidents.
Cons:
  • Needs to be lubricated after each use.
  • The Corona sharpener is sold separately.
Final Take:

Corona BP 3180D is what traditional gardeners would love. Yes, the construction looks outdated and old BUT get this: this is one tough pair of blades! Besides the fact that it can cut branches with at least 1-inch diameter thickness, the blades are designed using MaxForged technology which makes each blade solid and compact. The result is an unbreakable construction that can tolerate great pressures. That said, if you are a professional gardener, we are encouraging you to have THESE blades. And though there is a need to lubricate it after each use, we assure you that you won’t regret having it in each squeeze of its non-slip handles. The bottom line is, these pruners are built like a monster truck - solid, oiled, heavy, and a CRAZY DEAL!

3. Fiskars Softgrip Bypass Pruners

Fiskars Softgrip Bypass Pruner
Specifications:
95% Overall

Brand

Fiskars

Dimensions

10.75 x 3.88 x 0.6 inches

Weight

1.13 ounces

Material

Steel

96%
cutting performance
95%
features and build
94%
durability and quality
95%
ease of use & CONVENIENCE
Pros:
  • The razor-sharp, precision-ground blades cut with less resistance.
  • The blades are of the right thickness which makes them more manageable while staying sharp and durable for a long time.
  • Comes with a low-friction coating that protects it from rust formation and sap accumulation.
  • Has a 5/8-inch cutting capacity.
  • Great design and not too bulky for storage.
  • The handles are non-slip and a lot more comfortable to grip on than other old pruners on the market.
Cons:
  • The handles are somehow so near to each other when the pruners are closed or in a lock position. This could be an issue for those who have large hands and fingers.
Final Take:

Fiskars pruners arrived at us with excellent state of blades: Sharp. Sharp. Sharp. We tested right away and here is what we have to say: it has managed to cut through a 3/8" branch without a single problem or hesitation. Excellent for close cutting and trimming bushes and medium-sized branches. So, that is good news if you are just in search of sharp and reliable blades. However, there are more things to like about these pruners. They are designed to accommodate intricate stems such as a bonsai plant’s small leaves. The pointed and compact build of the blade allows it to work in such a situation without harming any part of the main stem. So, if you are looking for a tool that will aid you in some exquisite garden pruning, get the elegant pair of its blade!

4. HyleJhJy Bypass Pruners Set

HyleJhJy 8" Bypass Steel Pruning Shears with Stainless SK5 Steel Blades+Straight Tip Gardening Shears Garden Shears Garden Clippers Florist Scissors Hand Pruners Garden Tools Gardening Tools Set,Red
Specifications:
94% Overall

Brand

HyleJhJy

Dimensions

Straight Tip Shears: 2.8 x 3.5 x 7.9 inches

Bypass Pruners:

2.8 x 3.7 x 8.2 inches

Weight

12 ounces

Material

High-carbon Steel and Aluminum Alloy

95%
cutting performance
92%
features and build
93%
durability and quality
94%
ease of use & CONVENIENCE
Pros:
  • It is a package that includes straight-tip gardening shears.
  • Has a 3/4-inch diameter cutting capacity.
  • Blades are made of high-carbon steel with ultra-fine polishing technology.
  • Solid blades that are abrasive-resistant.
  • The handles are supported by aluminum alloy material, making them resistant to heavy pressures of gripping.
  • The handles are PVC-covered to give you a better grip.
  • The straight-tip gardening shears are very appropriate for fine cuttings of leaves and foliage.
  • The blades of the pruners are long enough (2.8 inches) to reach and penetrate tight spaces.
  • Equipped with safety clips that keep the blades closed to prevent accidents and dulling.
  • Aided by springs that allow an auto-open mechanism.
Cons:
  • The lock doesn’t have a tight mechanism needed to keep the blades closed when accidentally dropped or shaken.
Final Take:

This is the set - a package - every wise buyer is looking for. I mean, imagine having bypass pruners and straight-tip gardening shears just in a single purchase! How awesome is that, right? Well, this is one of the main reasons we have chosen this HyleJhJy set on our roundup. Nonetheless, besides this amazing deal, we also adore that both are very light. Yes: light and ergonomic. By the moment we gripped the handles, we felt their perfectly shaped build which blended well with the shape of our hands. So that is a huge plus. But not just that: they offer great precision. Both blades are long enough to work on specific cuts and to avoid plant parts you don’t want to touch. So, yes, this is a complete package fit for all kinds of pruning tasks!

5. Gardena 8905 Bypass Pruners

Gardena 8905 Bypass Pruner
Specifications:
92% Overall

Brand

Gardena

Dimensions

4 x 1 x 10 inches

Weight

0.32 ounces

Material

Stainless Steel and Fiberglass

94%
cutting performance
92%
features and build
92%
durability and quality
91%
ease of use & CONVENIENCE
Pros:
  • Features stoppers that reduce wrist stress during hours of continuous use.
  • The upper blade is made of stainless steel while the handle is made of fiberglass.
  • Offers variable size handle opening.
  • The precision-ground blade boasts of a non-slip coating.
  • Well built and great for beginners and professionals.
  • Sports two blades that can quickly penetrate into the branch simultaneously.
  • Accurate cutting ability without leaving pressure marks on the wood.
Cons:
  • Despite the size of the pruners, the opening of the blades is quite narrow.
Final Take:

When we tested these pruners, we didn’t doubt their capability to cut efficiently stems and leaves. The blades were made in Germany and they boast of razor-sharp edges - thin and clean edges, to be precise. This explains why in a matter of a second, we were able to cut stems as if they were butter. Just a single squeeze and snip! We had clean cuts that can be compared to works done with the laser process! Hands down! Using the pruners is very simple and easy. As a matter of fact, we would suggest them for those suffering from muscle issues and rheumatoid arthritis. Believe us, if you would use it to a stem with the right cutting width, everything would be light, smooth work!

Best Bypass Pruners - Buyer's Guide

size

The size of the bypass pruners is something you should consider especially if your hands’ size is small or too big. You apparently want to be comfortable while doing your pruning tasks so it is suggested to look for the pruners with the right size, especially the right size of handles. Pruners that are too small for you or those with handles that close too near to each other can get in your way while using them. They can either pinch your fingers or won’t close enough, which means you won’t get the best out of the blades of the bypass pruners.

features

There is no harm in getting the bypass pruners with all the special add-ons and features that would help you do the job faster and easier. This will also help you get the best value out of your purchase. Furthermore, byp[ass pruners with new features can make the use of the instrument safer around children and curious pets. These features can range from locks springs, handles, and so on.

cutting capacity

Never forget to get the bypass pruners with the right size of cutting capacity. If you are only going to deal with shrubs and other plants with thin branches, getting an average pair of blades would be enough. However, if you have to cut hard branches, it is better to opt for those with a big cutting capacity. Furthermore, bypass pruners with big cutting capacity are often built with a great and solid construction which allows them to work on thick diameters.

weight

If you have a problem with your muscles, it is more ideal to get a pair of pruners that is lightweight. This will help you to maneuver the tool easily for hours without suffering from hand fatigue. However, keep in mind that lighter bypass pruners have blades that are often thinner. Conversely, heavier ones translate to a more solid construction you can rely on even on heavy-duty tasks.

price

Smart buyers always know how and when to consider the price of the items they are going to buy. While it is true that expensive bypass pruners oftentimes come with higher quality, the cheap ones can also offer you the needs you are looking for. To get the best out of your purchase, make sure to first look for the bypass pruners with all the features and qualities that fit you. Size. Cutting capacity. Weight. Add-ons. Then, decide whether the bypass pruners are being offered at a reasonable price or not. This will help you decide better and get the best deal you won’t regret.

Best Bypass Pruners - FAQs

Where do I use bypass pruners?

Bypass pruners are intended to be used to prune plants with hard branches. Typically, these tools can handle a thickness of 2 cm. Nonetheless, this might differ depending on the build of the pruners and their quality.

Can I use my bypass pruners to branches that are beyond the indicated cutting capacity of blades?

Bypass pruners can cut branches that are beyond their indicated cutting capacity. However, it can cause damage to the blades and to the overall build of the pruners.

What is the difference between bypass and anvil pruners?

Bypass pruners are like scissors. They have blades that cut by passing each other. On the other hand, anvil pruners are like a knife where the blade is being pushed through the plant onto the anvil.

Why do bypass pruners have curved blades?

Besides being sharp enough to cut branches, the curved blade of the bypass pruners (also called hook) catch and hold the branch during the cutting process. This makes this instrument more efficient in executing its purpose.

Author

Jessie is a landscape artist famous among folks in Los Angeles who are obsessed with keeping their lawns pristine and divine. He worked for BrightView Holdings, Inc. back in 2015 and now owns a brick-and-mortar business that offers all kinds of gardening tools and machines. Ask him all you need to know about your mower or your fertilizer, and he will answer you while sipping a cup of coffee.