5 Best Pruners for Arthritic Hands

Picking the best pruners for arthritic hands can be a challenge, especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for in the first place.

But even if your past experiences with pruner for people with arthritic hands were disappointing, let me show you how a simple change in production makes all the difference.

Because let’s face it. You have been battling with arthritic hands or any disability/mobility problem, making it extremely difficult to prune effectively in your garden.

So, here is what I’ll do:

First and foremost, I’m going to skip all the boring long stories. Then, show you the most comfortable and easy-to-use pruners you can use to get more done in less time. More precisely, without any atom of pain.

But before we proceed, check the table below for our best recommendations!

Best Pruners for Arthritic Hands

Why Do You Need These Pruners?

Because they’re so many pruners for arthritic hands currently in the market, it can be challenging to pick the right one. Join thousands of other happy arthritis patients satisfied with the quality and design of these products on our list.

Excitingly, these pruners are much easier on the wrist and arthritic hands. They’re incredibly sharp, secure, and comfortable, which makes any pruning task much more relaxed and quicker.

We delightedly included durable and high-quality pruners that are so affordable but are not as authentic as other expensive pruners although they are good alternatives.

I’m going to be transparent with you. The truth is, I was once like you.

I had rheumatoid arthritis, dealing with stiff hands.

I know how frustrating it is because you need both hands more than any other part of your body to finish daily tasks. And with pains and swelling, it becomes more annoying.

I often lost strength in my hands and barely do even the simplest things like opening a cookie jar. For that reason, I quit gardening for a while, as the pains were severe to bear.

After much using and switching from product to product, I finally came across a couple of authentic pruners that are reliable. And I started using a few.

Despite my condition, pruning became a fun thing to do. I derived moment-to-moment joy from the weekend trimming of fruit trees, shrubs, or hedges.

I promise you can still enjoy pruning, regardless of your condition.

Because at the end of this article, we inserted a bonus tip.

A step-by-step guide exercise for arthritic hands, you can do anywhere (even at home) without any use of equipment.

They are comfortable and non-threaten ways to drastically improve motion range, keep the joints flexible, and relieve arthritis pain. (More on that soon)

I’ve used these exercises to get a good night’s sleep, improve my balance, maintain bone strength, and control my weight.

So, don’t be left behind!

Below is a list of the best pruner for arthritic hands, tried and tested by dozens of enthusiastic garden-warriors.

Pruners for Arthritic Hands Reviews

1. Power Drive Ratchet Anvil Hand Pruning Shears

You have a choice. You either continue doing what you’ve always done and kept getting the same old painful result.

Or you can simply use the Anvil Hand Pruning Shears and enjoy 5X more comfortable cutting power than your conventional garden tree clippers.

If you are using Anvil Hand Pruning Shears, you don’t have to do the work; the pruner does it for you.

It empowers you with its exceptional mechanism that multiplies your hand’s power five times, so a difficult task tends to be a breeze.

Comfort is critical. Comfort = effectiveness.

It’s useless if a pruner doesn’t feel comfortable in your Arthritic hands.

Thus, this product’s parts and qualities were designed for easy and safe use.

If you enjoy pruning a lot but get limited by your arthritis condition, you’ll appreciate pruning with Anvil.

It reduces wrist strain, as it requires almost no pressure to cut through stems.

2. Mockins Heavy Duty Garden Pruners for Arthritic Hands

Mockins is among the ideal pruners for arthritic hands I’ve used. And from experience, I spent an hour or less cutting through a lot of thick thistles and other weeds that were threatening to take over an area in the garden.

It’s comfortable so you can even cut through half-inch thick branches and weed with ease.

Oh! I almost forget, for those of us who always forget their pruner elsewhere and when it rains, your pruner ends up rusted and of no use.

The Mockins comes with a wrist strap which helps in preventing rust.

Furthermore, it is recommended by first time users and gardeners, as it’s excellent for flowers, plants, bushes, or herb scissors.

More precisely, there is an inserted shock-absorbing rubber that helps reduces strain on your hand while cutting.

On top of that, the non-slip ergonomic rubber handles fit perfectly in your hand.

3. Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner

If you want to experience the performance and durability of a classic cut, give Corona a try.

Corona is particularly for stubborn branches and weeds in your yard. You can cut ½" to ¾" saplings with ease.

Although you might find it quite challenging to cut through ⅜" diameter stems, it's not that hard. If there is one thing I’ve known Corona for, it should be their authentic designs.

Their blades are resharpenable and replaceable. That said, it retains hardness and strength.

Furthermore, it has a non-slip grip and reliable forged steel components.

The pruner feels good in the hand, without causing hand fatigue and strains after an extended cut.

Also, it cuts efficiently without having to pause to clean sap off the blade. Which means, it heightens your project and delivers a professional finish, as well.

The tool is durable and can last season after season, even when regularly exposed to outdoor elements.

4.  Gonicc 8" (GPPS-1003) Professional Pruner for Arthritic Hands

The first time I saw Gonicc 8 premium titanium hand pruner, I bought two pairs. I know it sounds funny, but I loved it.

I’m one of the crazy ones who got sick and tired of rubbish and decided to opt for something more reliable.

Comparing my previous one purchased from Lowes, Genicc 8’s price was fair. It’s affordable despite the high-quality production.

The spring is sturdy, and the blades are ultra-fine polishing technology with Teflon/titanium coating.

That implies it’s sturdy and deadly sharp, making pruning easy-going. And in turn, save your hand strength and endurance.

Not only is the product efficient, but also comfortable for your arthritic hands.

The Ergonomic handle material is high-quality aluminum wrapped with a layer of PVC, which makes it very soft and comfortable to use.

Aside from that, it’s lightweight.

The design condemns tree pulp adhesion, which causes rust on the blades. Thus, you can keep using this pruner for years without it getting rust.

Lastly, what Corona can’t do, Gonicc can do it better. Gonicc can cut up to ⅗" -⅜” diameter size tree branches. Whereas Corona barely can.

Although, its cutting capacity depends on the tree species.

5. VIVOSUN 6.5 Inch Gardening Hand Pruner Pruning Shear

Another tool I’d recommend is the VIVIOSUN 6.5 Inch Gardening Hand Pruner. Although I’ve almost no personal experience with this pruner, Mr Mark Bratcher does.

Mr Bratcher is a close buddy of mine, who has been battling with arthritic hands for donkey’s years.

Despite his current condition, Bratcher has found peace with his passion (gardening) ones more – with the help of VIVOSUN.

Without wasting time, let’s look into VIVOSUN.

The blades are ultra-sharp and ready to tackle all of your trimming, deadheading, and shaping needs for your vegetable, bonsai, roses, and flower gardens.

Also, it reduces hand fatigue for our arthritic hands, carpal tunnel, and wrist issues.

The micro tip snips are spring-loaded. They automatically push itself open without having to do the work like a pair of scissors.

Additionally, the product has a comfortable grip handles, which makes it quite easy, flexible to use for an extended period without discomfort.

Although when I used it, the spring was a little bit stronger than I like.

Thus, I have to keep some tension on the handles to prevent the blades from opening up wide.

What to Consider When Buying a Pruner for Arthritic Hands

Buying the best pruners for arthritic hands is quite daunting, and 9 out 10 times we pick the pruner with a low quality.

In other to go to your house with the excellent pruner, there are four major pruner characteristics you must consider, before buying. They’re as followed:

1. Build with Authentic Materials

You should concentrate more on the quality of materials than the styling.

If a pruner has been made with high-quality materials, it’s efficient and last longer compared to the low-quality ones.

Thus, you want a pruner made out of steel. A steel pruner is resistant to rust and corrosion. Also, it can withstand wear and tear.

Furthermore, you should look for a stick-proof coating. It protects the blades against sap, while reduces sap-stick and constant sap-cleaning.

Lastly, opt for handles that are semi-close together, so your hands won’t strain.

2. Ergonomic and Comfort

Comfort is critical for your arthritic hands. And you know using pruners for an extended period causes hands and wrists fatigue.

That said, a pruner with ergonomic design provides comfort and lessen strains. Ergonomic designs are rotatable and have comfort grip handles.

The ergonomic design allows you to keep your wrists in any position when pruning.

3. Cutting Capacity

It’s advisable to choose a Pruner with a sharp blade and the appropriate cutting capacity.

The cutting capacity relates to how large the blades can open and whether or not it can cut through thick branches or stems.

Even if your prune has an ergonomic mechanism, without the ideal cutting capacity, your hands will hurt, especially if you prune for an extended time.

For this reason, it’s crucial to pick a pruner that can open its blades wide enough to cut through 2.5 inches branches and above.

4. Availability for Replaceable Parts

Most of the pruner’s part isn’t replaceable. However, if you frequently use the pruner, it will eventually wear out or break in the long run. And when it does, the pruner comes useless.

Ensure your ideal pruner has replaceable parts available directly from the manufacturer. Moreover, they should be easier to get to you on time.

5. Other Pruner’s Essentials

There are other necessities as such safety features, weight, and size you need to consider, as well.

Firstly, weight and size also determine fatigue. If your pruner design is large and complicated to carry around, it’ll result in strains and pains in your hands and wrists.

Again, it all boils down to the design. Ensure the pruner isn’t too bulky to carry around. Also, you want to ask yourself if “it fits into your hand perfectly?”

Secondly, safety is as important as weight and size. Due to pruners are deadly sharp, and you tend to carry them around, there is a need for safety.

The two common safety features you need are locking mechanism or carrying case.

Locking mechanism keeps the blade close whenever you’re carrying it around or not using the pruner.

Whereas the carrying case does similar things as the locking mechanism, only it covers the blades when you store the pruner.

Read Also: Best Mulch for Every Garden

How to Prune Trees and Shrubs

Here's how to prune and care for trees and shrubs:

Exercises to Reduce Stubborn Arthritic Hands

Whether you have Osteoarthritis or autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints, it’s completely fine.

The exercises will help improve flexibility, reduce joint damage, and reduce symptoms of pain.

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons:

“These hand exercises increase both synovial and blood flow to damaged cartilage, which lubricates the joints.  Thus, keeping it healthy and prevent further stiffness.”

Below are the simple and quick stretches for your hands:

Make a Fist

First and foremost, straight all fingers. Then slowly mold them into a full fist. Ensure your thumb is outside. Do not squeeze too tightly. Lastly, straighten all fingers again.

The Finger Sit-Ups

Stretch your hand in front of you, with your palm upwards. Secondly, move all fingers slowly to the center of your palm. Then hold it and release all fingers backward.

Bending Thumb

For most people, they have more trouble with their thumb. Gradually bend your thumb toward as far as it can allow (maybe to the pinky finger) then back to its original position.

Secondly, do a thumb’s up with your pinky on the table. Sluggishly point your thumb to make a thumbs-up sign. Lastly, put it down and repeat the same process.

Table Challenge

Ensure your palm is flat on the table, with finger spread outwardly. Try to lift each finger slightly off the table, then return them before raising another one.

Finger C or O

Make a C or an O shape with your fingers, in slow motion. Go as far as it permits, then stop when you feel the tension. Straighten your fingers and repeat the exercise.

Extra Tips and Recommendations

• Do these exercises repeatedly, at least three times daily.
• Exercise gently and stop whenever it feels intense, so you don’t injure yourself.
• Do reps of 10 for each hand and hold for two-three seconds.
• Breathe in with your nose, then exhale through your mouth for total relaxation.

Also, it’s crucial to follow through these steps below:

Firstly, be smart and take advantage of your strengths.

Secondly, it crucial to find a unique tool to reduce strain. (buy a good pruner)

Thirdly, Exercise more often and do less work while taking regular rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Gardening Good for Arthritis?

Gardening is good for your Arthritic hands and lets me explain why.

If you have an arthritic hand, then you may feel pains, swelling, heat, and stiffness in your joints. It tends to reduce strength and mobility, which makes it hard to do daily tasks and hobbies.

And one healthy recommendation for arthritic hands is exercise. That said, gardening is an excellent exercise for managing arthritis.

It’s the safest means to keep the joint moving and flexible while maintaining a range of motion.

2. Does gardening make arthritis worse?

The only thing that fuels arthritis in gardening is stress, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and pain.

Whether you are a novice or veteran gardener that has arthritic hands, it’s wise to avoid garden fatigue. And the surest way is by using pruners.

3. How do you keep pruning shears sharp?

Firstly, you need to clean the pruner before sharpen. Follow our step-by-step guide below:

• Scour the pruner with natural cleaning powder that doesn’t scratch. For me, I use Bon Ami products.
• Rise the pruner thoroughly.
• Dry them off.
• Sharpen with wildflower seed and company sharpening tool.
• If there is any dirty, give the pruner another scouring. Then rinse and dry again.

You can also wipe off plant residue with vegetable oil or spray with WD40. This step helps lubricate your pruner and keep it working smoothly.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve been able to pick one of these best pruners for arthritic hand. We have a 90% certainty of our claims. Because they are research-driven both from scientific and biological findings.

That said, this is the closest we’ve ever gotten for reducing stains for close to two decades now.

For those of us who suffer a lot doing little pruning, your frustration ends today!

Although the most significant obstacle that is keeping you away from pruning effectively is ACTION.

All you need to do is put those exercises into practice and pick up your ideal pruner.