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10 Best Grass Shears for Neat Edges of 2024

Updated
Ten grass shears for trimming your hedges to perfection.

If you’ve spent the morning mowing your grass but it still looks untidy, grass shears can help. A lawnmower can’t reach the fine edges of your lawns, flowerbeds, and pavements, which is where grass shears become handy.

With so many options available, knowing which is the best pair of grass shears for you can be challenging. But with this ultimate buying guide and handy product reviews, I can help. I’ve researched real customer reviews, expert advice and applied my own expertise from my garden experience.

Keep reading to be matched with the right pair of grass shears for you. Whether you’re looking for something heavy-duty, lightweight, budget-friendly, or ergonomic — I’ve got you covered.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the VIVOHOME Gardening Hand Pruner with Straight Stainless Steel Blades Non-stick Pruning Shear Bonsai Cutter Blue for Potting (Pack of 1)
Best Budget Grass Shears
VivoHome Non-Stick Pruning Shear
  • Narrow blades for hard-to-reach places
  • Safety locking mechanism
  • Work for indoor/outdoor gardening

No products found.

Most Ergonomic
Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear
  • Shear Ease tech prevents blades sticking
  • Hard and sharp blades
  • 360-degree swivel blade
Product Image of the Wolf-Garten RILL Comfort Single Hand Grass Shears, Red, 39.2x2.47x2.5 cm
Best Topping Shears
Wolf-Garten Rill Grass Shears
  • Easy to maneuver ergonomic handle
  • 180-degree rotating head
  • Non-stick blade coating makes easier cuts
Product Image of the Corona ClassicCUT Grass Shear
Best Edging Grass Shears
Corona ClassicCUT Grass Shear
  • Durable & sharp forged alloy steel
  • Blades can be easily resharpened
  • Non-slip vinyl coating
Product Image of the VIVOSUN 6.5 Inch Gardening Scissors Hand Pruner Pruning Shear with Straight Stainless Steel Blades Orange 1-Pack
Best Lightweight Pick
Vivosun Hand Pruning Shears
  • Spring-loaded handles reduce hand fatigue
  • For trimming, deadheading, pruning, etc
  • Safety lock included
Product Image of the WORX WG801 20V Power Share 4' Cordless Shear and 8' Shrubber Trimmer (Battery & Charger Included)
Best Cordless Grass Shears
Worx Shear Shrubber Trimmer
  • Compatible with all Worx 20V/40V tools
  • Includes sheath guard to protect the blade
  • Rubberized handle reduces vibrations
Product Image of the Gardena 9856-20 Cordless Grass Shears
Best Heavy-Duty Grass Shears
Gardena 9856-20 Cordless Grass Shears
  • Cordless design for maneuverability
  • Ergonomic handle for comfort
  • Run time between up to 80 minutes
Product Image of the Kings County Tools Grass Shears
Safest Grass Shears
Kings County Tools Grass Shears
  • Cut through clumps quickly
  • Ergonomic rubberized grip
  • Included safety tip & safety lock
Product Image of the Steve & Leif Grass Shears, Grass scissors-180 Degrees Rotating Fully Hardened Blade, Hand Grass Clipper, Good for Trimming Various Grass and Light Hedges, Professional Hand Grass Shear
Most Durable
Steve & Leif Grass Shears
  • Extra sharp steel
  • Easy-to-squeeze handle reduces fatigue
  • 180-degree swivel head
Product Image of the Fiskars Long-Handle Swivel Shears
Best With Long Handles
Fiskars Long-Handle Swivel Shears
  • 360-degree swivel head
  • Lifetime warranty included
  • Long shaft eliminates back & knee pain


The Best Grass Shears of 2024

I put hours of research into creating this list. After analyzing expert advice, real customer reviews, and my gardening experience, I began researching dozens of grass shears. After looking at each product’s build, blade, handle, and more, I narrowed it down to the 10 best grass shears of the year!

Dive into these accessible and friendly reviews packed with all the vital information you need to decide what grass shears to buy.

VivoHome Non-Stick Pruning Shear

Best Budget Grass Shears

If you’re on a tight budget, check out these shears from VivoHome. They’re some of the most affordable on the market, and they’re super versatile, so you can use them for more than just trimming grass.

Because of the sharp blades, this is a great option for ensuring clean, even cuts that won’t damage your plants. The straight stainless steel blades are durable and sharp. They also have a long pointed tip, making it easy to navigate around greenery and get into hard-to-reach places.

The handles are ergonomic and comfortable, suitable for both right- and left-handed people. When cutting grass, remember that it may take longer than larger shears since these are quite small.

As for what you can cut, this is suitable for various tasks. Besides cutting grass, these are also awesome for indoor gardening, whether trimming houseplants or pruning potted plants.

You can also use these for flower beds, harvesting fruit and vegetables, and much more. Overall, you’ll get a lot of use from such a budget-friendly option, ensuring you’re getting a good bang for your buck.

Pros

  • Super affordable, at the lowest end of the average price range.
  • Narrow blades get into hard-to-reach places.
  • Safety locking mechanism to protect the blades.
  • Work on a variety of indoor and outdoor gardening tasks.
  • Easy-t0-clean low-friction stainless steel blade.
  • Silicone non-slip handle.

Cons

  • Small shears may make trimming grass a long, drawn-out job.
  • Not suitable for thick branches.

Product Specs

Type Manual, topping
Blade material Straight-edge stainless steel
Dimensions 6.7 x 1.7 x 0.6 inches
Weight 2.9 ounces
Handle Silicone non-slip grip

Our Ratings

Blade Material
4 / 5
Cutting Capacity
3.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Experience

I recently purchased this 2-pack of pruners and found them to be sharp and well-made, perfect for fitting into small spaces and providing precise trimming. The one-handed lock feature is a convenient addition, and I've found these pruners to be versatile in both gardening and non-gardening tasks. Despite being a bit pricey, their ease of use and durability make them a valuable addition to my gardening toolkit. So far, they have not shown any signs of rusting, and I hope their performance remains consistent in the long term.


Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear

Most Ergonomic

These shears are fun and comfortable to hold. They have a bottom loop that looks like a regular pair of scissors, but the secondary part of the handle is a curved rod with a resting place for your thumb. These shears are ergonomic and easy to use for long periods.

They also have a 360-degree rotating blade so that you can cut at any angle. The blade and handle design put you in charge of the tool. This allows you to make the most precise cuts you want, ensuring beautiful attention to detail in your yard.

They’re designed with various tasks in mind: trimming grass, cutting around trees, flower beds, and sidewalks. If you’re looking for a manual pair of shears to create crisp, neat edges — then look no further than these.

Pros

  • Shear Ease technology prevents the blades from jamming and sticking.
  • Hard, sharp, and durable steel blades.
  • Blades cut from end to end, making trimming easier.
  • 360-degree swivel blade allows you to cut at any angle.
  • Affordable price point.
  • Great for decorative plants, flower beds, and grass.

Cons

  • Locking mechanism sometimes engages while you cut, which is inconvenient.
  • Some customers reported that the blades dulled quickly.

Product Specs

Type Manual, swiveling
Blade material Precision-ground steel
Dimensions 13.6 x 4.75 x 1.75 inches
Weight 10.6 ounces
Handle Half loop, half rod, ergonomic

Our Ratings

Blade Material
4.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4 / 5
Ergonomics
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Insight

I'm quite pleased with these long-handled grass shears as they've helped alleviate the strain on my back during yard work. The blades are sharp and the cutting motion is crisp, making it easy to trim grass in hard-to-reach spots. Although the swiveling head may not be necessary for all users, the option to adjust the cutting angle is a nice bonus feature that adds to the overall functionality of this product.


Wolf-Garten Rill Grass Shears

Best Topping Shears

Customers love these topping grass shears, and I think you will, too. The horizontal blades sit level with the grass to provide a neat, beautiful, and crisp finished edge along your grass. So, if you’re after a luscious lawn, these can help.

What’s even better is that the head rotates 180 degrees. So you can easily switch these from the horizontal design so the blades are vertical against the grass. This allows you to cut at a few different angles to ensure you’re getting the best trim possible.

As for the blades, they are coated in a non-stick finish. This prevents sap and residue from building up on the blades and jamming them shut. It also ensures that you expend much less effort when cutting.

Last but not least, these come with a 10-year guarantee. Admittedly, they are a little more expensive than your average manual shears, but when you consider how long they’ll last, it might just be worth it.

Pros

  • Comfort grip to protect your hand from pain and fatigue.
  • Ergonomic handle that’s easy to hold and maneuver.
  • 180-degree rotating head for horizontal and vertical cutting.
  • Non-stick coating on blades provides easier cuts.
  • Great for delicate edging.
  • Ten-year guarantee.

Cons

  • Quite stiff, which makes cutting difficult.
  • The blades could be sharper.
  • A bit pricier than the average manual grass shears.

Product Specs

Type Manual, swiveling
Blade material Non-stick
Dimensions 15.4 x 5.8 x 5.9 inches
Weight 7.8 ounces
Handle Ergonomic with comfort grip

Our Ratings

Blade Material
4 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Review

My experience with this product has been mostly positive, despite the longer-than-expected delivery time. These grass shears have been a fantastic addition to my lawn care routine, as they quickly and efficiently trim those stubborn little spots that my lawn cutter misses. Although some users may find the shears to be overpriced and not as sharp as they hoped, I personally found them to be well made, comfortable, and easy to use. While there may be nothing to dislike for some, it's important to consider individual preferences before purchasing this product.


Corona ClassicCUT Grass Shear

Best Edging Grass Shears

As mentioned earlier, there are three types of manual shears, edging being one of them. If you’re after an edging design, this is a fantastic option.

The sharp blades are great for edging and trimming grass, but they’re also sharp enough to cut through ground cover and sod. So, if you need to do a major tidying of the grass in your yard, these shears can help.

I also think you’ll love how comfortable these are to use. The handles are nice and long so that you can use these comfortably with two hands. With their vinyl non-slip coating, even in the height of a sweaty summer, you’ll have a secure grip on the tool.

The long handles and blades also mean that these are actually great for cutting and trimming small hedges when you’re in a pinch! So, if you can’t find your hedge shears one afternoon, try putting these to the test.

Pros

  • Forged steel alloy ensures strength, durability, and sharpness.
  • Blades can be easily resharpened.
  • Non-slip vinyl coating on long handles for comfort and control.
  • Easily cuts through grass, sod, and ground cover.
  • Great for professional use.

Cons

  • Heavy and wide to hold and requires effort to squeeze shut.
  • Customers found the steel rusted quickly.
  • Blades get stuck together quite easily.

Product Specs

Type Manual, edging
Blade material Forged alloy steel
Dimensions 1.6 x 2.25 x 11.75 inches
Weight 1.2 pounds
Handle Non-slip vinyl coating, long

Our Ratings

Blade Material
4.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Individual Opinion

I've been using these grass shears for a while now and they've made yard work much more enjoyable. The blades are sharp and easily cut through thick grass, making edging tasks a breeze. However, I did notice that the blades can stick together sometimes, requiring me to use my other hand to separate them. Additionally, they tend to rust quickly, so make sure to oil them after each use to maintain their performance.


Vivosun Hand Pruning Shears

Best Lightweight Pick

You really can’t get much lighter than this. At only 2.9 ounces, this will feel as light as a feather in your hand. No risk of wrist and hand fatigue here.

This is also a very versatile tool. Keen gardeners may even say it’s a must-have. It’s great for both indoor and outdoor gardening, trimming grass and weeds, pruning your fruit and vegetables, and tidying back hedges, shrubs, and flower gardens.

The blades are high-quality, too, made from precision-sharp stainless steel. This ensures they’ll last a long time but also cut smoothly and evenly, which can help the health of your plants.

As for the design, the blades come with a long, thin tip that can help you get into hard-to-reach areas. The handle also has a soft grip to give you great control while pruning and trimming.

Pros

  • Super budget-friendly; one of the most affordable options available.
  • Minimizes hand and wrist fatigue due to the spring-loaded handles.
  • Very versatile, great for trimming, deadheading, pruning, and more.
  • Safety lock included keeping the blades protected between uses.
  • Comfortable, rubberized handles.
  • Extra sharp blades make precise cuts.

Cons

  • Quite small, so will make trimming work slower.
  • Get sticky easily from plant residue; hard to clean.
  • A bit too small for many people.
  • Locking mechanism doesn’t stay locked all the time.

Product Specs

Type Manual, topping
Blade material Precision sharp stainless steel
Dimensions 9 x 3.5 x 0.63 inches
Weight 2.89 ounces
Handle Rubberized grip

Our Ratings

Blade Material
4 / 5
Cutting Capacity
3.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Bought this product to help with pruning tasks, and I must say, it has been incredibly useful so far, especially for thinning seedlings. The sharp and precise blades make it easy to work on various plants without causing any damage. However, the build quality doesn't feel exceptionally rugged, so I'm not sure about the long-term durability, but for the price, it's a great value.


Worx Shear Shrubber Trimmer

Best Cordless Grass Shears

This is an incredible tool for tidying up your yard. You can use this for trimming your grass, of course, but also for trimming hedges, shrubs, and more.

This one has a 4-inch grass blade for making neat cuts along your grass edges. And it comes with an 8-inch shrubbery blade for shrubs and hedges. So you’re basically getting two handy tools for the price of one!

When you want to change the blades, it’s super easy. No tools are required. Simply flip the machine, push the button, take the faceplate off, and switch the blades over.

Both blades have a dual-action design. This ensures you can make quicker, more even, and more precise cuts in less time. So, if you want to get through your trimming quicker than ever before, this might be just the tool for you.

Just Note

The battery life isn’t exactly specified, but a few customers said it lasted at least 90 minutes, which is great.

Pros

  • Compatible with all Worx 20v and 40v tools.
  • Included a sheath guard to protect the blade during storage.
  • Rubberized handle reduces vibrations and hand fatigue.
  • Weighs less than two pounds, making it a dream to transport.
  • Easy to change from a four- to an eight-inch blade.
  • Dual action blades make easy and sharp cuts.

Cons

  • Not powerful enough for heavy-duty cutting.
  • Struggles to cut through anything over ⅛ inch thick.
  • The trigger must always be held down, which is tiring.

Product Specs

Type Electric cordless
Blade material Dual-action stainless steel
Dimensions 11 x 3.7 x 5.7 inches
Weight 2 pounds
Handle Soft grip, ergonomic

Our Ratings

Blade Material
4 / 5
Cutting Capacity
3.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Experience

This battery-operated mini trimmer/grass shear has been a real time-saver for me in maintaining the gardens in our condo development. As a senior citizen, I appreciate how lightweight and easy to maneuver this tool is, making the task of trimming perennials and grass edges a breeze. I've found the battery life to be impressive, only needing to charge it once so far. The interchangeable shrub trimmer attachment also works well for maintaining the shape of small bushes.


Gardena 9856-20 Cordless Grass Shears

Best Heavy-Duty Grass Shears

If you want something genuinely heavy-duty, you may want to opt for an electric option. This can reduce your trimming time and do the hard work for you. This will reduce hand fatigue while ensuring a swift cut through thick grass.

While the price point for these cordless grass shears is a little higher, it’s still lower than average, and customers love it. These shears are super powerful, which can provide an incredible cutting experience and results. Neighbors will be eyeing up your garden’s edges, for sure!

This can run for about 80 minutes in between 3.5-hour charges. If this generous battery life isn’t enough for you, you can always buy additional batteries so you’re never stuck in a difficult situation.

Another excellent feature about this is that you can use it as a handheld tool, or you can buy an extension pole. Customers recommend the extension pole, which means you don’t have to bend or crouch to cut edges. It also means you can get into high places like shrubs and hedges.

Pros

  • The cordless design gives you maneuverability and flexibility.
  • Ergonomic handle means it’s comfortable and natural to hold.
  • Easily converts from grass shears to shrub shears.
  • Run time up to 80 minutes.
  • Blades are replacable.
  • Lightweight, only weighing one pound.

Cons

  • 3.5-hour charge time might be too long.
  • Replacement blades are expensive and hard to find.
  • Struggle to handle thicker objects or obstacles.
  • Could be more powerful. how many

Product Specs

Type Electric cordless
Blade material Not specified
Dimensions 14.3 x 4.7 x 3.8 inches
Weight 1 pound
Handle Pivoting ergonomic

Our Ratings

Blade Material
3.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4 / 5
Ergonomics
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Insight

Bought these grass shears for easy yard clean-up and they've done an awesome job on grass and soft-stemmed items. The battery life is sufficient for my needs, but the shears can be a bit hard on the wrist due to the weight distribution. One downside is the difficulty of obtaining replacement blades, which can be expensive and requires contacting the company in Canada.


Kings County Tools Grass Shears

Safest Grass Shears

I wanted to find something high quality that also guaranteed extra safety. Then I came across these grass and topiary shears.

These Kings County shears have a cap for the tip of the shears, which ensures the blades are protected. But it also protects you in case you accidentally nudge the blade. With the tip on, you won’t hurt yourself.

Of course, this is also a seriously high-quality tool with a razor-sharp blade and unique handle design.

When it comes to the blade, it has a longer six-inch design, which ensures enough length for most shearing jobs. It will also allow you to cut grass quicker than other grass shear options discussed.

The handles are unique in that they sit flush with the blade, like two knives meeting at a point, rather than a scissor-type design. This allows you to easily open and close the tool as you trim. The rubberized coating and locking mechanism also make this safe and easy to use, regardless of the weather.

Pros

  • Extremely sharp — allows you to cut through clumps quickly.
  • Less hand fatigue than traditional handles.
  • Ergonomic and comfortable handles with a rubberized grip.
  • Included safety tip and safety lock.
  • 13.5-inch reach for getting in tight spots.

Cons

  • Heavier than the average manual shears, at just over 13 ounces.
  • Some found the blades to be a bit stiff to open and close.
  • May rust quickly.

Product Specs

Type Manual, swiveling
Blade material Not specified
Dimensions 2 x 0.75 x 13.75 inches
Weight 13.1 ounces
Handle Plastic with rubberized grips

Our Ratings

Blade Material
3.5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4 / 5
Ergonomics
4.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Community Review

My experience with these shears has been nothing short of impressive. As a gardener, I've struggled with battery-powered clippers that become dull and useless over time. However, these shears have proven to be a reliable and efficient tool for trimming my spiral bushes and shaping my boxwoods. The all-metal construction ensures durability and longevity, while their weight strikes the perfect balance between making easy work of trimming and preventing hand fatigue. I've even used them on large, overgrown juniper topiaries, and the professional-grade results speak for themselves.


Steve & Leif Grass Shears

Most Durable

Stainless steel is one of the best, most durable materials you could go for when choosing a pair of grass shears. That’s why I love these Steve & Leif grass shears.

The blade is made from 65 Mn stainless steel. This means it’s been made with manganese, ensuring the steel is hard, strong, and long-lasting. It also has a nice low-friction coating, which stops it from sticking and rusting. So, it’s effortless to wipe down after each use.

These shears also come with a 180-degree swiveling head.

This versatile option is great for edging grass, trimming grass, cutting around trees, sidewalks, flower beds, and even decorative areas. Wherever attention to detail is important, put these shears to the test.

Pros

  • Extra sharp steel.
  • Comfortable handle which suits both left and right-handed people.
  • Easy-to-squeeze handle reduces hand and wrist fatigue.
  • 180-degree swivel head so you can have vertical or horizontal blades.
  • Great for various jobs, including trimming around trees, flower beds, and more.
  • Non-stick blade resists sticky messes.

Cons

  • Not the best for thicker grass.
  • Blades aren’t tight enough for easy, precise cuts.

Product Specs

Type Manual, swiveling
Blade material 65 Mn stainless steel with a low-friction coating
Dimensions 13.9 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches
Weight 6.4 ounces
Handle Nylon glass, circular protection, spring-action

Our Ratings

Blade Material
5 / 5
Cutting Capacity
4.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Individual Opinion

Love these grass clippers! They're sharp, easy to use, and versatile for both horizontal and vertical cutting. I've used them to trim various types of grass, weeds, and even small sticks. The rotation feature is great, though it took me a bit to figure out how it works.


Fiskars Long-Handle Swivel Shears

Best With Long Handles

Long-handled grass shears can reduce your need to crouch and bend over. This can relieve back pain and fatigue. If you’re in the market for long-handled grass shears, check out these Fiskars shears.

They have a 36-inch long shaft that allows you to remain standing while cutting your grass. The tip of the handle has a nice ergonomic handle that’s comfortable to hold and easy to use.

As for the blades, wait until you hear this. They come with a 360-degree swiveling head! So you can trim at any angle you like, ensuring you achieve crisp, clean cuts all around your yard.

The blades are also made with hard, precision-ground carbon steel. So, while perhaps not as durable as stainless, it’s still a high-quality option.

Pros

  • Versatile — for trimming grass around trees, flower beds, sidewalks, and more.
  • 360-degree swivel head so you can trim from any angle.
  • Lifetime warranty included for your peace of mind.
  • Long shaft means you eliminate back and knee pain while cutting.
  • Low friction blades reduce stickiness.
  • Non-slip handle.

Cons

  • Pretty pricey, even more expensive than electric shears.
  • The blades are quite short and don’t open that wide.
  • Blades jam easily if there is debris, like twigs, in the grass.

Product Specs

Type Manual, swiveling
Blade material Precision-ground carbon steel
Dimensions 3.5 x 10 x 37 inches
Weight 2.5 pounds
Handle Long, ergonomically designed

Our Ratings

Blade Material
4 / 5
Cutting Capacity
3.5 / 5
Ergonomics
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I've been using these long-handled grass shears for a while now, and they've made yard work so much easier on my back. The adjustable swiveling head is a nice feature, allowing for precise trimming at different angles. The blades are sharp and provide a crisp cutting motion, although I did notice that the tips are slightly separated when locked. As a left-handed person, I wish there was a version designed specifically for lefties, but overall, it's a sturdy and comfortable tool. It's perfect for trimming grass in hard-to-reach spots, but I wouldn't recommend it for cutting thicker or tougher plants like shrubs.


Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Type Blade material Dimensions Weight Handle
VivoHome Non-Stick Pruning Shear Budget Grass Shears Manual, topping Straight-edge stainless steel 6.7 x 1.7 x 0.6″ 2.9 oz Silicone non-slip
Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear Ergonomic Manual, swiveling Precision-ground steel 13.6 x 4.75 x 1.75″ 10.6 oz Half loop, half rod, ergonomic
Wolf-Garten Rill Grass Shears Topping Shears Manual, swiveling Non-stick 15.4 x 5.8 x 5.9″ 7.8 oz Ergonomic with comfort grip
Corona ClassicCUT Grass Shear Edging Grass Shears Manual, edging Forged alloy steel 1.6 x 2.25 x 11.75″ 1.2 lbs Non-slip vinyl coating, long
Vivosun Hand Pruning Shears Lightweight Pick Manual, topping Precision sharp stainless steel 9 x 3.5 x 0.63″ 2.89 oz Rubberized grip
Worx Shear Shrubber Trimmer Cordless Grass Shears Electric cordless Dual-action stainless steel 11 x 3.7 x 5.7″ 2 lbs Soft grip, ergonomic
Gardena Grass Shears Heavy-Duty Grass Shears Electric cordless N/A 14.3 x 4.7 x 3.8″ 1 lb Pivoting ergonomic
Kings County Tools Grass Shears Safest Grass Shears Manual, swiveling N/A 2 x 0.75 x 13.75″ 13.1 oz Plastic with rubberized grips
Steve & Leif Grass Shears Durable Manual, swiveling Stainless steel, low-friction coating 13.9 x 3.7 x 1.2″ 6.4 oz Nylon glass, circular protection
Fiskars Long-Handle Swivel Shears With Long Handles Manual, swiveling Precision-ground carbon steel 3.5 x 10 x 37″ 2.5 lbs Long, ergonomically designed

Types of Grass Shears

You may be surprised to learn that there are various grass shears to choose from. We’ll dive into the finer details later, but the two main types are manual and electric. Let’s look at the differences, pros, and cons of each.

Manual

Manual grass shears look like a fancy pair of scissors. You use these manually, so you’re the power behind them. If your lawn edges or grass need a manual trim, these allow you to control the detail. While it may take longer than using an edger or an electric pair of grass shears, you have ultimate control.

Pros

  • Super affordable, costing between $5 and $25 on average.
  • Manual design means you control the cuts you make.
  • Many varying blade and handle length options.
  • Last for years when cared for properly.

Cons

  • May take longer to use than electric options.
  • Not every pair comes with a safety tip or other safety mechanisms.
  • Huge variety available can cause decision paralysis.

Electric

Electric grass shears are powered by electricity. The cutting blade moves automatically, so you don’t have to put as much effort into using these.

Most of the time, these are cordless and run on a rechargeable battery. But you can also find corded options that plug directly into an outlet.

Overall, these are more powerful than manual shears, but you may not have the same control over the finer details.

Pros

  • Cutting blade moves automatically, making these powerful and easy to use.
  • Corded and cordless options available.
  • Very versatile; can be used for thick grass, bushes, hedges, and more.
  • Quicker to use than manual grass shears.

Cons

  • Some options are more expensive, going up to over $120.
  • Less control over detail than with manual grass shears.

How To Choose the Best Grass Shears

It’s important to choose the right pair of grass shears for you. To make it easy, this guide will highlight the most important details to consider. Therefore, you can choose one that ticks all your boxes.

Type

I’ve already discussed the two main types: manual and electric. To decide which is right for you, consider your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, manual is best.

However, yard size is also a good way to decide whether manual or electric is right for you. For example, if you have a lot of grass to trim, electric may save you a lot of time.

The other thing you should note is that within the manual realm of grass shears, there are three main types:

  • Edging: These grass shears have vertical blades, like a standard pair of scissors, that sit parallel to the grass. They’re great for cutting beautifully finished edges along your sidewalks, paving, driveways, and other areas. If your grass grows at an angle, these shears allow for a crisp, clean cut.
  • Topping: These have horizontal blades, like scissors, if the blades were flipped on their side. They sit flush with the grass, making it easy to make even cuts. Topping shears are suitable for trimming down your grass to your desired height.
  • Swivel: If you want something more versatile, consider swivel-bladed manual grass shears. The blades can be moved into a few different positions, with some even having a 360-degree head for full rotatability.

So consider your cutting needs before deciding which specific type of manual shears to go for.

Blades

Regarding the blade, consider both the materials and the sizing.

In terms of materials, I recommend choosing something high-quality. Stainless steel is a great choice since it’s durable, rust- and corrosion-resistant.

Carbon steel is also a good choice, but it’s not as tough as stainless steel.

Some blades have a non-stick coating, which makes it easy to clean, but again, this won’t be as durable.

In terms of sizing and shape, you’ll find short, long, thin, and thick blades. Short blades allow for preciseness, but longer blades will speed up your work time. Thinner blades are best for precise cutting, but thicker blades are more suitable for thick and dense growth.

Top Tip

No matter what blade you choose, make sure to keep it clean so that it will last a while. Residue can build up on blades, so after each use, wipe down the blades to ensure they’re clean and dry before storing them.

Cutting Capacity

Not all grass shears specify the cutting capacity since most are designed for grass. However, some can cut up to about ¾ inches thick, making them versatile since you can use them on bushes and trees, too.

Check if the cutting capacity is disclosed if you want a multi-purpose tool. You may find that the manufacturer simply states whether it’s suitable for thick or thin greenery. In that case, it’s up to you to decide whether that will suit your yard.

Weight

You may want to consider the weight of the grass shears. Many manual shears weigh less than one pound, with most coming in between four and eight ounces. Electric grass shears are heavier, averaging between one to two pounds.

Handle

The handle is almost just as important as the blade! This determines how comfortable the shears will be, especially over longer periods.

Manual shears host a variety of handle styles. First, check out the length. Most handles are about the length of your palm, but you can find ones that are a couple of feet long. These reduce the need to bend and crouch while trimming your grass.

As well as length, you should also consider the shape of the handle. Many have two loops, like a pair of traditional scissors. Some customers may find this easy since they’re used to the shape.

Other shears have two thin pieces as handles, requiring you to use two hands when making cuts. Others have a mix of both, which can provide more leverage. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Lastly, check if the handles have a coating. If so, this can provide a non-slip grip and great comfort. Rubberized coatings also prevent blistering, hand fatigue, friction, and the potential to drop the shears while you work.


Grass Shears FAQs

Do You Trim Before Cutting Grass?

It’s most practical to trim the grass after you’ve cut it with your lawnmower. That way, you can see what the lawnmower missed and know precisely where to cut with your grass shears.

When Should You Not Cut Your Grass?

You shouldn’t cut your grass when it’s wet. This can cause the grass blades to stick together, and it leaves you with an uneven cut. It’s also slippery when wet, making grass cutting more dangerous.

You can also skip mowing in winter when the grass isn’t growing. If the weather is mild and your grass continues to grow, though, you can continue mowing.

Are Cordless Grass Shears Any Good?

Absolutely! They’re great for heavy-duty yard work where there’s a lot to trim. They can also reduce hand and wrist fatigue since you don’t have to cut the grass manually.

However, cordless shears are not as versatile as grass shears, which can often be used for pruning and cutting other greenery around the yard.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Cut Grass?

The best time of the day to cut grass is mid-morning. Dew should have evaporated, leaving the grass dry enough to cut, and the grass has enough time to recover before the day heats up.

How Do You Get Good Edges on Your Lawn?

You can get good edges on your lawn by using a half-moon edging tool, like this Ames Saw-Toothed Border Edger. Press it down with your foot, and it cuts a straight edge in your lawn. Repeat until you have completed the task.

How Do You Sharpen Grass Shears?

The best way to sharpen grass shears is to secure them in a vice and draw a file along the contour of the blade. Keep filing until the blade is sharp, and remove burrs from the other side of the blade.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!