What are the Best Ratchet Pruners of 2024?

The Power Drive Ratchet Pruner are the best ratchet pruners based on the value they provide.

Gardening comes with its fair share of tasks and upkeep, but one of the most notable duties is pruning away dead, damaged, or unsightly parts of your plants.

If you have trouble holding pruners or cutting with them due to problems like arthritis or carpal tunnel, then you will find the ratchet pruner to be very useful.

Let’s take a look at the best ratchet pruners you can buy to get rid of unwanted foliage without a lot of effort.

Product	Rating	Price
Power Drive Ratchet Pruner	1
The Gardener's Friend Ratchet Pruner	2
Florian Ratchet Pruner	3
EZ Kut 3130-BRK Ratchet Pruner	4
Corona RP 3230 Ratchet Pruner	5

What is a ratchet pruner?

Ratchet pruners are a subset of anvil-style pruners. Typically, like other anvil pruners, ratchet pruners have a flat dull side and a sharp blade for cutting.

Like other anvil pruners, ratchet pruners work by pressing a sharpened blade against a small branch or foliage while the dull, flat side holds the object being cut in place.

The major advantage that ratchet pruners hold over other types of anvil pruners is the ratcheting mechanism which “clicks” into place as the user squeezes the handles together. By clicking into place with each squeeze, ratcheting pruners allow gardeners to apply significantly more pressure into their cuts ultimately making light of otherwise grueling work.

What are the benefits of using a ratchet pruner?

Regardless of the size of garden you tend, you will most likely have to prune away dead branches, overgrowth, or unsightly weeds. The heavier the work you have to do in your garden, the more likely you’ll enjoy having a good set of ratcheting pruners.

Because ratcheting pruners are designed to alleviate pressure on your wrists and hands they are an excellent choice for people with less strength in these particular muscles. Ratcheting pruners are also a good choice for gardeners with arthritis in their hands or wrists.

Additionally, the increased amount of force that ratcheting pruners can apply to the branches being cut makes them ideal for cutting thick branches that may otherwise be too difficult to trim.

Should you use a ratchet pruner?

Having the right tools for the job you are doing is essential to working efficiently and effectively. While ratchet pruners are a useful tool for many gardeners, there are a few circumstances when you should opt for a different type of trimming implement.

Because ratchet pruners are essentially anvil-style pruners, you should avoid using them in any instance where crushing the branch is of concern (i.e. rose bushes). Additionally, while you can use ratchet pruners for more delicate jobs, they are truly more suited to the heavy-duty work of cutting thicker more difficult branches.

As a final note, if your hand strength is not a concern, other types of pruners may be equally well suited to your needs.

Ratchet pruners are the best choice for people with heavy-duty jobs to complete, or limited hand and wrist strength.

How to choose a ratchet pruner

There are some key characteristics that you should be aware of before you make your buying decision for a ratchet pruner.

Cutting capacity

Cutting capacity means the thickness of the branch you can cut with the help of the ratchet pruner.

You can get pruners that cut anywhere from ½ an inch to 1 ½ inch thick branches. Choose the one that is best suited for your needs based on the branches in your garden.

You can get one that has the highest cutting capacity but do note that they might weigh a bit more than those with lower cutting capacity.

Blade quality

You want to choose a ratchet pruner having high-quality blades so they can cut efficiently, last longer and require little maintenance.

High-quality blades will also enable you to re-sharpen the without losing their cutting capacity.

You can get blades that are made of high-carbon steel or hardened steel that is durable. Some blades come with a low-friction coating so that it cuts smooth and you don’t need to worry about sap collecting on them while cutting. You can also get blades that have an anti-rust coating on them to prevent rust from damaging the blades.

Locking mechanism

The blades of a ratchet pruner can be quite sharp and if you’re not careful you can end up injuring yourself.

That is why it is important that the ratchet pruner has a good locking mechanism that keeps the blades in the closed position when not in use.

Handle

If you have trouble using cutting tools because of problems like arthritis then it’s very important that the pruners have good handles.

You need to ensure that the handles are lightweight, ergonomic, and durable.

You can find ratchet pruners that come with rubber cushioning that makes them a lot easier to hold and cut with.

Also, remember to pick the ratchet pruners that best fit in your hands. You can get models that are made for small, medium, and large hands, so pick one that you are most comfortable with.

You may find some ratchet pruners come with rotating handles. This makes them very comfortable to cut hard wood but does take a little bit of getting used to.

Weight

The purpose of choosing a ratchet pruner is so you are able to use them comfortably and cut branches with ease.

One of the important factors for you should be the weight of the ratchet pruner. You can get the pruners in different sizes that will affect the weight. The material used for the blades as well as the handles will also have an impact on the weight.

So choose a ratchet pruner that you find lightweight for your needs and most comfortable to use for long periods of cutting in your garden.

Replacement parts

You can get ratchet pruners that are of high-quality and will last you for many years to come.

However, at some point in time, they will start to break down. Maybe the blades will get dull or break, or maybe some screw ends up breaking or getting loose.

If you are buying an expensive pair of ratchet pruners, you should make sure there are replacement parts available for it. So if something happens to them you can replace the part causing the problem and they’ll be as good as new.

Price

You should always try to buy a ratchet pruner with the best quality available instead of looking at the price.

This is because such high-quality pruners will last you a long time without breaking down or needing much maintenance. So they are more than worth their price.

If you are really low on budget then there are a few decent quality ratchet pruners available but don’t expect as good cutting performance and durability as a high-quality pair.

Warranty

It’s always good to get as much warranty on your ratchet pruner as possible because you never know what can go wrong while using them. Some ratchet pruners come with a lifetime warranty which is a good thing to have.

How to use a ratchet pruner

The ratchet pruner is a very simple cutting tool that you should not have problems learning to use. But there are a few tips that you may find useful to keep in mind before cutting.

Make sure the blades of the ratchet pruner are sharp before you start cutting. This will give you the best cutting performance and also increase the life of the pruner.
Also clean the blades of the pruner before use with vinegar, orange oil, or WD-40 so that they are free from sap, sawdust, or rust.
The ratchet pruners can be used to cut branches between ½ inch to 1 ½ inches thick. So don’t try to cut anything more than that thickness as you’ll end up damaging the blade.
Put the thick branch deep into the jaws of the ratchet pruner while cutting. Press the handles till you hear a click indicating that the ratchet has locked on. Release the blades till you hear another click. Then you can continue to press the handles till you hear the second click and release the blades again. Continue doing this till the branch is cut.
After using the anvil pruner to cut branches, wipe them clean, then apply some oil and store them in a safe place.

Maintaining your ratchet pruner

It’s important to keep your ratchet pruner in the best shape possible so that you get a good cutting performance as well as increase the life of the tool.
So keep the blade of the ratchet pruner sharp and clean before cutting. You can use a sharpening stone or a hand file for the sharpening.
To keep the blade clean you can use vinegar, orange oil, or WD-40 before starting the cutting as well as at the end of the cutting session.
You may need to unscrew the handles so that you can get into hard to reach places for the cleaning.

Reviews

Power Drive Ratchet Anvil Hand Pruning Shears - 5x...

★★★★★ EFFORTLESS CUTTING - The ratchet in the pruner is a clever extra mechanism to make light work of tough cuts. As you squeeze ratcheting pruning shears, they latch so you can release and squeeze again, performing the cut in easy steps rather than one go. As you cut through a branch, the ratcheting mechanism clicks and moves to the next setting, providing ever-increasing pressure as you cut.
★★★★★ 5 TIMES THE POWER - The ratcheting mechanism's settings multiply your hand's power by up to 5 times, so that you don't have to do the work - the pruning shears do it for you. With
★★★★★ HIGH QUALITY HARDENED STEEL BLADES - Heat treated and hardened carbon steel blades are ultra strong, will last longer and are less likely to nick or need frequent sharpening. Coated with non-stick Teflon that resists sap and other sticky materials.

Last update on 2024-04-24 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Gardenite Power Drive Ratchet Pruning Shears are a great choice for people with heavy duty jobs to complete, or very limited hand strength. These pruners boast a five times increase in base hand pressure, and a guarantee to back it up.

Fitted with high-quality carbon steel blades that have been heat treated and hardened, these pruners will last for a long time without needing frequent sharpening. The blades are also coated with a non-stick material to prevent the build-up of sap or other sticky debris.

Gardenite offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and exceptional customer service to ensure that customers are happy with the product they purchase.

These pruners are good for people with smaller hands and sturdy enough to last through frequent pruning sessions. Additionally, the handles are ergonomically designed so that people with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome will be able to use these pruners with ease.

The handles do not include a loop that is used to prevent hand slippage while cutting. Also, the locking mechanism can be a bit difficult to use.

Pros	Cons
Good for small hands Sturdy carbon-steel blades Non-stick coating Ergonomic handles 100% satisfaction guarantee	No loop to prevent slippage The locking mechanism is difficult to use

Sale

Ratchet Pruning Shears Gardening Tool – Anvil...

Strength-Boosting Shears – Boost your cutting power with ratchet garden shears for pruning, trimming, and harvesting plants. Your TGF anvil pruners help you achieve cleaner cuts with less strain.
New and Improved! Your favorite assistive clippers are now better than ever. Improved cutting, neoprene insert in the Anvil holds branches and stems in place while you cut. More solid construction.
For Stems, Stalks, and Small Branches – Whip out your garden snips and clean up flower beds and garden rows. Cut tree branches up to 1 in. thick, depending on the wood and your individual strength.

Last update on 2024-04-24 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

These ratchet pruners from The Gardener’s Friend are a great choice for those afraid of their hands slipping off of traditionally shaped pruners.

With a loop on one side to prevent slippage and a soft rubber grip on the other side to absorb pressure, these pruners are an excellent choice for keeping your hands free of fatigue.

The hardened carbon-steel blade fits with the “channel-coated” anvil to prevent dullin, and has a replaceable blade in the off-chance that your blade breaks. Additionally, the blades are coated to prevent sticking.

These pruners use a three-step ratcheting mechanism that makes cutting through tough branches quick and easy.

These pruners have locking mechanisms on both sides making them suitable for right and left handed gardeners and enthusiasts.

The rubberized grip that comes with this ratchet pruner is known to degrade as you keep on using them.

Pros	Cons
Carbon steel, coated blades. Suitable for left and right handed gardeners. Money back guarantee. Cuts through branches up to 1 Replacement blades available	Rubberized grip could degrade over time.

Florian Ratchet Pruner

The Florian Ratchet Pruner is a light-weight pair of pruners with a simple style that is incredibly durable.

The handles have a very classic styling and are made of fiberglass reinforced nylon. While the handles do not include a loop to prevent your hands from slipping, these pruners weigh only 4.8 ounces which naturally prevents hand and wrist fatigue.

These ratchet pruners come equipped with a carbon-steel blade that is Teflon coated to prevent build-up and extend the life-span of the tool.

The Florian Ratchet Pruner is strong enough to cut through branches up to 3/4″ in diameter but precise enough to be used on delicate rose bushes.

This particular model claims to increase base hand strength by 700%.

This ratchet pruner comes with a limited lifetime warranty where you can get a replacement if needed.

Pros	Cons
Teflon-coated carbon steel bladeTeflon-coated carbon steel blade Increases cutting power Extremely lightweight. Limited lifetime warranty Ergonomic fiberglass reinforced handles	No loop to prevent hand slippage.

Sale

EZ Kut Heavy Duty Pruning Shears Green - Pruners...

PAIN-FREE PRUNING: Ergonomically engineered pruners ratcheting function, anti-slip w/ black cushion handle. Long handle grip garden shears with shock absorbing pads. Help Reduce Repetitive Garden Pruner Motion Injuries, Hand Fatigue & Wrist Strain.
EASIEST PRUNER ON THE MARKET: Easy Ratcheting Mechanics - means less hand power to prune. Our Top Rated gardening tool by Outdoorsman, Hunters, Trail Riders, Farmers, Ranchers, and Gardeners. Our Pruners for Gardening are Heavy Duty but easy to use!
TRUSTED SINCE 1988: All Metal Construction anvil hand pruner with ratcheting action. High Quality Cast Aluminum Body garden clippers. SK5 Hardened Carbon Steel Blade with a Non Stick Coating. Never Buy Another Brand again. Built for Life!

Last update on 2024-04-24 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The EZ Kut 3130-BRK ratchet pruner can be used to cut dead plants and branches up to 1 inch thick.

The three-stage ratchet mechanism provides five times the cutting power of a regular pruner so it’s suitable for women and senior gardeners.

The blades are made of SK-5 hardened carbon steel blades that provide sharp cuts and make the blade durable. In case you break the blade, there is also a replacement easily available for you.

The blades also have a non-stick coating so you don’t have to worry about the blades sticking due to the sap.

The handles are ergonomically designed so your hand is comfortable during the cutting. It also has a wrap-around knuckle protector that will protect your knuckles while cutting.

The weight of this ratchet pruner is just 5.6 ounces which makes it pretty lightweight to carry around the garden while cutting several branches.

The EZ Kut ratchet pruner comes with a lifetime warranty which is good to have in case you need a replacement in the future.

One drawback is that this pruner jaws don’t open wide enough if the branch is very thick. You then need to use both your hands to do so.

Pros	Cons
Ergonomic handles with knuckle protector Lightweight Lifetime warranty	Need to use both hands to open jaws for thick branches

Sale

Corona RP 3230 Rachet Hand Pruner-3/4 Inch Cut...

Rachet Pruner: designed for reduced effort and fatigue when cutting larger branches. Allows you to stop mid-cut, open back up for more leverage, and continue cut.
Coated Non-Stick Blade: allows for smooth cutting and easy cleaning
Suitable for right and left hand use

Last update on 2024-04-24 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Corona RP 3230 is an ideal general purpose tool for your gardening tool kit. These clippers have a 3/4″ cutting capacity and specially designed grip that is suitable for both left and right handed gardeners.

In addition, the grip is has a non-slip molding and is great for people with all hand sizes. The blade on this model is resistant to sticky substances and debris because of a layer of non-stick coating.

This pruning tool is constructed with stainless steel rivets and has a 4-step ratcheting system.

As a last note, these clippers come with a locking mechanism to keep them closed when not in use.

The non-slip molding on the handle is known to degrade over time.

Pros	Cons
Suitable for right and left-handed gardeners. Non-stick coating on the blade. Non-slip molding on the handle 4-step ratcheting system	Non-slip handle molding could degrade over time.

Conclusion

Although all of the pruners on this list are great choices, the best overall product is without a doubt is the Power Drive Ratchet Pruner.

These pruners are great for everyone, especially those with diminished hand strength or arthritis. The looped handle is great for preventing slips of the hand, and the replaceable carbon-steel blade is an excellent feature that allows you to easily repair a broken tool.

In addition, these pruners are a garden workhorse as they are able to cut through thicker branches than many of the other shears on this list.

While the rubberized grip could theoretically wear out over time, all of the benefits of this product greatly outweigh this one small risk.

With proper care and maintenance, these pruners will last you a long time and be a particularly handy tool when working in your garden.

If you are really on a budget and just want a decent quality ratchet pruner then take a look at the Corona 3230 ratchet pruner. You will be able to cut branches up to ¾ inches thick and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.