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Grass shears are a handy landscaping tool for trimming areas that a lawn mower can’t reach. For increased versatility, grass shears can be either manual or electric, with electric shears being further categorized into cordless and corded models. While other gardening tools such as brush cutters, string trimmers, and cordless trimmers are a good choice for large lawns, grass shears are the best choice for precision work involving not only grass but also shrubbery.
We vetted more than three dozen cordless grass shears as we searched for the best options. After selecting the following models, we spent a week testing them for cutting performance, battery life, and user comfort. After reviewing our list of top picks below, keep reading for the full product reviews. One of these could be the best cordless grass shears for your gardening or landscaping needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears
- RUNNER-UP: Worx WG801 20V Cordless Shear and Shrubber Trimmer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sun Joe HJ604C 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear and Hedger
- UPGRADE PICK: Makita XMU04ZX 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear
- BEST WITH EXTENSION HANDLE: Scotts Cordless 7.2 Volt Shrub Shear With Pole
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Craftsman 20V Hedge Trimmer and Grass Shear Kit
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY: WorkPro 2-in-1 Handheld 7.2V Grass Shears
- BEST ATTACHMENT SYSTEM: SnapFresh Cordless Shrubbery and Grass Shears
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Greenworks 7.2V Rechargeable Garden Shear
- HONORABLE MENTION: Ryobi One+ 18V Shear/Shrubber Kit
- ALSO CONSIDER: Black+Decker Shrub Trimmer/Grass Shear Combo
How We Tested the Best Cordless Grass Shears
As we searched for the best cordless grass shears, we made it a point to include an assortment of price points, power ratings, and performance features in consideration of diverse user needs.
The options with the highest user ratings have steel grass-cutting blades that range from 3 inches to 7 inches wide. They are used to cut grass, trim small weeds, or tame large shrubs. They come with 3.6 volts (V) to 20V batteries and generate cutting speeds up to 2,600 strokes per minute (SPM). (Note that some manufacturers also list this as rotations per minute, or RPM.) As for ease of use, these cordless grass shears weigh (with batteries) from 1.19 pounds to 3.44 pounds to prevent arm fatigue while cutting large shrubs and weeds. Finally, most models include a battery and charger, tool-free blade change, and safety locks.
Following our established shopping criteria, we started with a list of 51 models and filtered out 39 cordless shears in the product research process. In the end, we selected the 12 in this guide for testing based on type, size, cutting speed, power ratings, weight, comfort and safety features, and price.
Our tests began with a side-by-side analysis of each tool’s dimensions, weight, cutting speed, and battery-pack ratings. Then we compared charge times, runtimes, and overall performance. We spent an hour working with each trimmer, and then scored them all on a rubric according to our notes on the measurables and performance results.
Our Top Picks
The following recommendations are the result of our extensive research and testing to find the best cordless grass shears. Read on to find out how each product performed and why it may or may not be a good fit for your yard-work tool kit.
Best Overall
Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears
The Stihl brand continues to expand in customer loyalty thanks to its overall tool quality coupled with important design innovations, and the HSA 26 shears are a great example of both. They feature a balanced, lightweight design that minimizes user fatigue, an efficient motor that delivers blade speeds up to 2,200 SPM, and a strong battery that powers up to 2 hours of trimming time. When outfitted with the grass shear attachment, the tool weighs in at just 2 pounds, 1 ounce.
But the Stihl shears stand out less on paper than they did in person. When tested alongside the rest of our lineup, they were the obvious winner in every subjective category. First, they operated with a smooth, fast motion that cut effortlessly and never bogged down in tough foliage. And they were perfectly balanced thanks to the stick-style battery that attaches inside the rear of the handle. The other shears had built-in batteries that weighed down the front of the tool, or they came with removable batteries that added too much weight at the rear.
This product was one of only three sets of shears that featured integrated cover plates with each attachment, and the quick-release system made blade changes fast and easy. The price was near the top of our lineup, but if you believe like we do that life is too short for cheap lawn and garden tools, you need look no further for an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 5.5 inches and 8.5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 2,200
- Voltage: 10.8V
- Weight: 2.06 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight, perfectly balanced design for optimal working comfort without muscle fatigue
- 10.8V 2.1Ah battery powers up to 2 hours of grass shearing or 1 hour of hedge trimming
- Buttery-smooth blades operate at speeds of 2,200 SPM for fast, clean cutting action
- One of the quietest cordless shears in our tests; ideal for noise-sensitive neighborhoods
- Includes a carry case for easy storage and transport
Cons
- Costs up to 3 times as much as the cheapest tool on this list
Get the Stihl cordless grass shears at Ace Hardware.
Runner-Up
Worx WG801 20V Cordless Shear and Shrubber Trimmer
Worx’s cordless grass shears feature a powerful 20V battery yet are still incredibly lightweight at just over 2 pounds. The no-load blade speed is 1,100 SPM. This model includes two steel blades: a 4-inch grass shear blade and an 8.5-inch shrubbery blade that can also be used for trimming larger areas of grass. Switching between the two blades is easy and doesn’t require any additional tools.
In terms of comfort, the Worx cordless grass shears tied with the Stihl. The removable battery at the rear of the handle was well balanced by the forward weight of the motor, and the ergonomically designed soft-grip handle offered excellent control without causing hand, wrist, or arm strain. We also liked that the battery is compatible with the rest of the tools on the Worx Power Share platform.
From a power and cutting-performance standpoint, the 1,100 SPM motor worked smoothly, but it was just a touch slower than the Stihl and Makita tools we tested. If you’re willing to give up a little speed to save a few dollars, this could be an excellent choice.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 8.5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 1,100 SPM
- Voltage: 20V
- Weight: 2.13 pounds
Pros
- Kit includes 2 cutting heads for shearing grass and trimming shrubbery
- Soft-grip handle and overall balanced design combine for strain-free operation
- The 20V 2Ah battery is compatible with all Worx Power Share products
Cons
- Works slightly slower than the top-performing trimmers on this list
Get the Worx cordless grass shears at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Target.
Best Bang for the Buck
Sun Joe HJ604C 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear and Hedger
These cordless grass shears from Sun Joe offer the versatility of a 4-inch grass blade and a 6-inch hedge blade, and they sell for about a third of the price of our most expensive pick. But this cost-effective tool still comes with a few extras. An indicator light on the body of the shears displays how much life remains in the 7.2V lithium-ion battery before requiring a recharge.
An ergonomic handle and lightweight build of 1 pound, 7 ounces make this a comfortable and durable option. For safety, a locking mechanism ensures these shears won’t be accidentally powered on. As a bonus, they are available in a variety of colors to add a touch of personality to landscaping tasks; shoppers can choose from dark blue, purple, red, and platinum.
We tested the green ones, and they outperformed all the other shears in the $37 to $54 range. The lightweight build was weighted slightly forward, but not uncomfortably so, and the 1,250 RPM motor speed was good for a moderate working pace.
We didn’t love the position of the thumb-operated safety, as it was just a bit too far back on the handle for ideal comfort. Also, although a drop test was not part of our testing, an accidental drop on the concrete driveway cracked the plastic housing around the blade cover plate. Still, at its list price of $40, this tool would be an excellent buy for bargain hunters.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 6 inches
- RPM/SPM: 1,250 RPM
- Voltage: 7.2V
- Weight: 1.44 pounds
Pros
- Affordable price point makes this tool a bargain for its performance
- Battery indicator light shows how much life is left until it needs a recharge
- Ergonomic handle makes working more comfortable and reduces strain
- Safety-lock feature prevents damage and injury from accidental startup
- Comes in multiple colorways to add a touch of personality
Cons
- Easily damaged housing can limit tool life if extra care is not taken
Get the Sun Joe cordless grass shears at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Makita XMU04Z 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear
With an extremely fast no-load blade speed of 2,500 SPM, these cordless grass shears by Makita will slice through tough grass and shrubbery with ease. The cutting height is customizable and easy to adjust between 1 inch, 0.75 inches, and 0.5625 inches. Boasting a cutting width of just under 7 inches, the non-electrolyzed nickel-plated blade is rust- and corrosion-resistant.
We installed an 18V 2Ah Makita battery (may be sold separately) to test these shears. It provided about 80 minutes of runtime for grass trimming, and recharging took about 45 minutes. With the battery installed, these grass shears weighed 3 pounds, 7 ounces, which was the heaviest of all the models we tested. But in purely operational terms, they worked as powerfully and quietly as the Stihl shears, and the wide grass shear cut twice as much material per stroke. This was also the only tool we tested that included a built-in clipping catcher and blade-angle guide. The durable build and fast, quiet operation make these shears another excellent option for those in search of higher quality for more demanding work.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 7 inches and 8.5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 2,500 SPM
- Voltage: 18V
- Weight: 3.44 pounds
Pros
- Larger grass shear and hedge-trimmer blades than those of other models we tested
- Wide blade and fast motor allow users to work quickly and efficiently
- Durable rust- and corrosion-resistant non-electrolyzed nickel-plated blades
- Shares batteries with scores of tools in the Makita 18V lineup
Cons
- Battery and charger are not included with the trimmer kit
- Premium price point and more expensive than others in our test group
Get the Makita cordless grass shears at Amazon, The Home Depot (tool only), or Acme Tools (tool only).
Best with Extension Handle
Scotts Cordless 7.2 Volt Shrub Shear with Pole
While handheld grass shears are ideal for detail work, an extension pole can transform them into a tool for trimming larger areas of grass and taller shrubbery. The telescopic extendable handle of these cordless grass shears by Scotts makes it easier for users to trim grass without bending over and to access hard-to-reach areas.
The tool is powered by a 7.5V lithium-ion battery and weighs 2 pounds, 6 ounces. It features an adjustable cutting-head angle and two changeable blades: a 3.5-inch grass blade and a 6.7-inch shrubbery blade. No additional tools are required to alternate the blades.
The Scotts grass shears worked well on the extension handle. The height adjustment was easy to use and held securely once it was set. The wheels made it easy to get a clean edge along a hard surface. We also liked having the option of using the shears with or without the extension handle, but removing them from the holder was not easy. As a handheld trimmer, the Scotts grass shear rivaled the best of the rest in our lineup: It tied for second place with Worx, just behind Stihl, in our aggregated subjective score of operating power, noise level, easy blade changes, and weight-to-balance.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 3.5 inches and 6.7 inches
- RPM/SPM: 2,600 SPM
- Voltage: 7.5V
- Weight: 2.38 pounds (with extension handle)
Pros
- May be used as a handheld trimmer, or with the wheeled extension handle attached
- Fast 2,600 SPM blade speed gets the job done quickly and efficiently
- Fast, tool-free blade changing, with base plates conveniently integrated into each blade
- Low noise level and low vibration make for a more pleasant working environment
- Adjustable handle angle for custom comfort in handheld operation
Cons
- Removing the extension handle can be difficult
Get the Scotts cordless grass shears at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Heavy-Duty
Craftsman V20 Hedge Trimmer and Grass Shear Kit
Tough yard cleanup tasks require heavy-duty tools. These Craftsman grass shears feature heavy-duty, dual-action cutting heads for powering through tough vegetation, including coarse weeds and woody stems up to .31 inch thick. Fueled by a 20V 1.5Ah rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this tool is a great choice for spring landscape cleanups, summer maintenance, and fall landscape preparation for winter.
In our tests, the Craftsman shears cut through the toughest vegetation as cleanly as the higher-priced tools. Although the manufacturer did not provide statistical details concerning blade thickness or the type of steel used, the Craftsman blades were thicker and retained their edges better than most of the competition throughout our tests. The tool is heavier overall at just under 3 pounds, and the big battery weights it slightly to the rear, but the rubbery grip was comfortable, and we liked the safety trigger better than any of the thumb-operated safety switches. This is a really good value for a rock-solid performer.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 8 inches
- RPM/SPM: N/A
- Voltage: 20V
- Weight: 2.88 pounds
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel blades cut coarse weeds and woody stems up to .31 inch thick
- Change between grass shear and shrub trimmer blades without tools
- Rechargeable 20V 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery works in all Craftsman V20 cordless tools
Cons
- The kit did not include blade covers to protect the tool in transport and storage
Get the Craftsman cordless grass shears at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.
Best Light-Duty
WorkPro 2-in-1 Handheld 7.2V Grass Shears
Whether trimming the grass around a garden object or tidying up the area around the flower beds, this 2-in-1 tool from WorkPro provides users with a simple solution for hard-to-reach spaces. Those who enjoy the cord-free nature of manual grass shears but would prefer to avoid the physical effort involved will want to consider this lightweight battery-operated tool.
The 7.2V lithium battery packs up to 1,100 RPM, which is ideal for trimming grass and pruning shrubs and branches. Battery life can last up to 40 minutes on a single charge, although it takes up to 5 hours to recharge from empty.
In our backyard tests, the WorkPro shears received high scores in operator comfort and low noise. The perceived cutting power was average among its peers in the test group; in other words, it had adequate power but was not necessarily lightning fast. With its built-in battery and lightweight, compact construction, it’s easy to keep these shears close at hand for a quick snip here and there. Plus, the affordable price makes it an easy buy.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 6 inches
- RPM/SPM: 1,100 RPM
- Voltage: 7.2V
- Weight: 1.31 pounds
Pros
- A single battery charge powers up to 40 minutes of trimming
- Lightweight, compact design is easy to use and convenient to store close at hand
- Budget-friendly price is about right for this light-duty trimmer
Cons
- The tool leaves an impression of flimsiness upon unpacking but works better than it looks
Get the WorkPro cordless grass shears at Amazon.
Best Attachment System
SnapFresh Cordless Shrubbery and Grass Shears
Those with diverse landscapes that need regular attention will appreciate the fast-change attachment system and light weight of this portable trimmer from SnapFresh. The attachments release with a quick squeeze of the buttons on the sides of the integrated base plate and reattach just as easily. Because of the tool’s light weight of just 1 pound, 6 ounces, users can wield the tool easily for extended periods without suffering hand fatigue, which may not be the case with heavier models. While this lightweight trimmer may forgo the added power of its heftier counterparts, it still produces an impressive 1,100 RPM—plenty of cutting speed for most garden tasks.
This budget-friendly option comes with hedge trimmers and grass shears as well as a charger for its built-in lithium battery. The battery indicator light on the side of the handle provides users with constant updates on battery life. It also features a safety lock for added security around small children.
Only three of the grass shears we tested offered fast and easy blade changes: Stihl, Scotts, and SnapFresh. This SnapFresh model was the lightest, least expensive tool of the three, and the system worked perfectly. Integrated base plates on each attachment, instead of separate blade and base-plate parts, meant there were fewer parts to juggle during blade changes. The latches locked securely, with no looseness or “play” between the installed attachment and powerhead.
The tool was lighter than most of the others in the test group, but it carried its weight more toward the front end. It was easy to use but not very well balanced, even with the generously proportioned handle. Another awkward part of the design is the placement of the thumb-controlled lock on top of the handle. The sliding lock must be pushed and held forward while the user triggers with the index finger. For our testers, it would have been more comfortable if it were positioned slightly closer to the blade end.
As for power and noise level, we rated each 3 out of 5, which is to say it performed at about the average level among the entire group in those categories. The roughly $40 price tag makes it a value purchase for anyone who needs a tool for occasional quick-cleanup tasks.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 3.5 inches and 5.5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 1,100 RPM
- Voltage: 7.2V
- Weight: 1.38 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight construction but adequate power for general shearing and trimming
- Rubber handle makes for a comfortably secure grip and cushions vibrations
- Fast and easy blade-replacement system is ideal for multitasking
Cons
- Thumb-operated safety lock seems to be positioned a bit too far up the handle
Get the SnapFresh cordless grass shears at Amazon.
Best Lightweight
Greenworks 7.2V Rechargeable Garden Shear
The Greenworks Rechargeable Garden Shear is a compact and highly capable trimmer for a wide variety of cleanup tasks. Choose from the 3.5-inch grass shear or the 5-inch shrub trimmer heads for cleaning up grassy edges, clearing out landscape beds, or touching up topiaries. The small but powerful motor operates at speeds up to 2,400 SPM for clean, fast, efficient cutting.
We noted that the small size of the Greenworks grass and hedge trimmer belies a very capable cutting machine. While the blades felt a bit undersized for a few common tasks, such as flattening out a boxwood hedge, they were appropriately sized for light-duty chores like trimming grass around container gardens or heading back shoots on a topiary spiral. The tool was lightweight and fairly well balanced The comfortable handle and large, well-placed controls made it comfortable to work with. It’s also one of the lowest-priced models on this list, making it one of the more affordable cordless grass shears on the market.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 3.5 inches and 5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 2,400 SPM
- Voltage: 7.2V
- Weight: 1.19 pounds
Pros
- This was one of the quietest garden shears we tested
- Lightweight tool with a comfortable soft-grip handle that caused less hand and arm fatigue
- Affordable price point; near the lowest price of all the models we tested
Cons
- Base plate was harder to remove for blade changes than for other options
- Small blades and runtime of less than 45 minutes limit this tool to smaller projects
Get the Greenworks cordless grass shears at Amazon.
Honorable Mention
Ryobi One+ 18V Shear/Shrubber Kit
Owners of other Ryobi power tools will want to consider these cordless grass shears, as the 18V lithium-ion battery is compatible with all of the brand’s other power tools. And the powerful battery charges in just 90 minutes. The 4-inch grass blade and 8-inch shrub blade are interchangeable in seconds with this model’s quick-connection system.
The shrub blade on this product is longer than those typically included on other shears, making this tool especially handy for accessing hard-to-reach areas. Both blades boast a dual-action design to ensure users can quickly complete landscaping tasks. This is a heavier model at 2 pounds, 14.5 ounces.
The Ryobi cordless grass shear/shrubber was a top performer in terms of pure cutting ability and battery life. The blades operated both aggressively and precisely, leaving no ragged foliage or rough branch tips. The .38-inch branch capacity of the hedge trimmer allowed it to cut larger branches than most of the others we tested. After an hour of trimming, the battery still had life to spare.
Although the tool performed its shearing and trimming duties well enough, the weight and noise level were both out of line with our test group. At just under 3 pounds, it was twice as heavy as the lightest tools we tested, but not the heaviest tool of the group. It was also noticeably louder than any of the other trimmers.
For occasional shearing and trimming, including limited heavy-duty work, this tool would make a smart pick, especially for those who have already invested in the Ryobi One+ product line.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 8 inches
- RPM/SPM: 1,000 SPM
- Voltage: 18V
- Weight: 2.91 pounds
Pros
- A depleted battery fully recharges in as little as 90 minutes
- Durable construction for extended grass shearing and heavy-duty shrub trimming
- Tool-free blade-change system makes it easy to change for different tasks as needed
- Kit includes an 18V 1.5Ah battery and 90-minute rapid charger
Cons
- One of the 3 most expensive tools on this list
- Heavier and louder than most of the others in the test group
Get the Ryobi cordless grass shears at The Home Depot.
Also Consider
Black+Decker Shrub Trimmer/Grass Shear Combo
Weeding a whole garden or trimming a lot of shrubs may cause your hand or wrist to become fatigued quickly. But the Black+Decker garden shears and trimmer could be just the ticket for preventing this problem. It’s ultra lightweight at just 1.4 pounds and has a soft-grip handle for easy maneuvering.
This Black+Decker combo comes with a 4-inch shear blade and a 6-inch hedge-trimming blade that both operate at 960 SPM for gardening and pruning tasks. Plus, this 3.6V trimmer comes with a built-in battery and an AC charging adapter.
The Black+Decker trimmer performed at about the average level of our test group in terms of trimming capability, noise level, and ease of changing blades. It shined in user comfort, however, with its lightweight build and larger handle area that allowed for good control with a more comfortable, relaxed grip. At about $50, the price is slightly higher than similarly capable lightweight models.
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 6 inches
- RPM/SPM: 960 SPM
- Voltage: 3.6V
- Weight: 1.25 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight construction with good balance and a comfortable grip
- Built-in rechargeable battery; stays charged for up to 18 months in storage
- Good trimming performance, low noise level, and easy blade changes
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than similar options
Get the Black+Decker cordless grass shears at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
ALSO TESTED
SereneLife Handheld Grass Cutter Shears
SereneLife’s cordless grass shears include a 3-inch-wide grass-cutter blade and an 8.46-inch shrub-cutter blade. The built-in 3.6V battery takes 4 hours to charge. Despite the small battery, these grass shears offer a no-load blade speed of over 1,000 RPM. It’s lightweight at just a little over a pound.
Although the weight and balance of the SereneLife trimmer initially felt like it might make a good option for limited use, we struggled to find compelling reasons to buy them over others we tested. The blade speed seemed slower than the product specs listed, and the cutting power was weaker than other lightweight trimmers costing about the same price. The 4-hour charge time seemed excessive for the slim 24 minutes of runtime per charge that we got in testing. Additionally, the hard plastic body became slippery and difficult to grip in sweaty hands. Regardless of whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or a good lightweight tool, others from the group would be a better fit.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Cordless Grass Shears
While it’s easy to assume most cordless garden shears offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality, including blade type and size, battery and power capacity, ease of use, availability of additional features, and more. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best cordless grass shears for landscaping your yard.
Blade
Grass-shear blades are typically made from stainless steel or high-carbon steel and may feature a nonstick coating.
- Stainless steel blades resist rust and corrosion.
- High-carbon steel blades combine stainless steel and carbon steel to create a stronger metal that’s more easily sharpened.
- Nonstick blades are coated with Teflon, or another antifriction material, to prevent grass and plant residue from sticking to the blades and causing them to gum up or rust. This coating is often found on dual-bladed attachments.
The width of the blades dictates how wide an area they can trim at once. Cordless electric grass shears typically have blades 4 to 6 inches in width. Shorter blades are best for very tight areas and precision work, while longer blades allow the user to cover a larger area more quickly but may prove difficult to maneuver in small areas.
Battery Capacity
Cordless grass shears are powered by rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries are the most common type for use in cordless lawn tools. While nickel-cadmium batteries are less expensive to produce, they tend to lose charging capacity over time.
Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are used in higher-end appliances and typically charge more quickly. Cordless grass shears usually have a battery capacity between 3.6V and 20V. While a battery with a higher voltage rating will hold a charge longer, it will also result in heavier shears.
Power
The power capacity of cordless grass shears is typically measured by blade speed in either rotations per minute (RPM) or strokes per minute (SPM). RPM and SPM are often used interchangeably and are both indicators of power capacity in several household power tools.
RPM and SPM are generally expressed by their “no-load speed,” meaning the speed at which the blade moves when it’s not in contact with an object, such as grass or a shrub. Look for no-load blade speeds of at least 1,000 RPM or SPM.
Handle
Most cordless grass shears on the market are designed to be handheld, with relatively short handles that require the user to kneel or bend over while using them. These short handles are great for detail work, offering the user precise control.
Some models, however, include telescoping extendable handles that allow users to trim grass and shrubs while in a standing position. This makes it easier for individuals with mobility issues, or for anyone who develops stiffness or pain after long periods of kneeling or bending, to use the shears comfortably. A longer handle also is beneficial for trimming more sizable areas of grass or shrubbery.
Handles are generally designed with ergonomics in mind for more comfortable and longer-lasting use. They typically feature nonslip grips and are contoured to accommodate a natural hand position.
Weight
Given that they are handheld, cordless grass shears are light and easy to maneuver, generally ranging in weight from 1.5 to 5 pounds. Choosing a very lightweight model is especially a priority for shoppers who want to avoid wrist, arm, and shoulder fatigue and discomfort.
While the materials used to construct the shears do play a role, the most significant factor that contributes to the overall weight is the battery. While a larger battery with higher voltage ensures users can operate the shears for a longer period before they need to be recharged, it also results in more weight. If weight is a primary concern, consider a model with a lower battery capacity.
Attachments
While all grass shears include a short grass cutter that’s typically about 3 to 4 inches long, many models include additional attachments. Shears that come with extra blades are designed with connection systems to make it easy to switch between several attachments.
- Shrubbery blades are approximately 5 to 8 inches in length and are used to trim shrubs and hedges.
- A toboggan-style base frame is a removable attachment used to adjust the trimming height.
- Dual-bladed headattachments work like high-powered scissors to trim grass and shrubs quickly and efficiently.
Additional Features
Cordless grass shears may also offer a range of useful additional features.
- A cutting height adjuster allows the user full control over the length of the grass.
- An extension pole converts handheld shears into a standing model.
- A safety lock ensures the shears won’t be inadvertently powered on.
- A battery-life indicator displays the remaining battery power.
- Many brands include widely compatible batteries for use with other power tools in their product line.
FAQs
Ready to take on a landscaping task with your new cordless grass shears? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these versatile tools.
Q. Is it OK to leave grass cuttings on the lawn?
Luckily, excess grass cuttings that result from using cordless grass shears provide nutrients to the grass, so it’s fine to leave them on the lawn or around flower beds.
Q. How do I maintain cordless grass shears?
After each use, remove the blade from the unit and thoroughly clean it with water and dish soap. Then, use an oil such as WD-40 to lubricate the blade.
Q. How do you sharpen cordless grass shears?
After removing them from the body of the shears, clamp the blades down with a table vise and sharpen them with a metal file, similar to how DIYers sharpen hedge trimmers.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.