We Tested 11 Pairs of Grass Shears—These 8 are a Cut Above the Rest 

Grass shears allow precision cuts for those awkward places that need trimming back, areas where the mower doesn’t fit, and wherever the trimming job is too small for a lawn edger. Manual grass shears cut much like scissors, clipping the ends of grass off smoothly. This differs from trimmers, where the filament frays grass and results in yellowed tips. We rounded up the 11 most popular handheld grass shears and personally tested them for quality, comfort, cutting action, and overall use.

After using 11 pairs of grass shears to trim new grass, weed growth, and dead perennial stems, our favorite was the Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear. These shears provided smooth cutting actions and a swivel blade that worked well for topping and edging. Plus, they were very comfortable to use.

Read below for some helpful shopping considerations and discover how some of the best grass shears on the market performed and which might be best for your landscaping needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Corona GS-3750 Swivel Grass Shear
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3. BEST WITH LONG HANDLE: Spear & Jackson 4867RS Lawn Shears
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4. BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Workpro Cordless Grass Shears and Trimmer
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5. BEST FOR TOPPING: Q-yard QY-741F Flower Bed and Grass Shear
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6. BEST ERGONOMIC: Jardineer Handheld Grass Shears
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7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Kings County Tools Grass Trimming Shears
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8. BEST FOR EDGING: Fiskars 36-Inch Long-Handle Rotating Grass Shears
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Grass Shears Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The following is a list of the best grass shears we could find. Read on to find out how each tool performed in our backyard tests.

Best Overall

Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear

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What We Like

• Comfortable ergonomic grip
• Smooth, easy operation
• Easily adjusts for topping or edging
• Cuts all the way to the blade tips

What We Don’t Like

• Plastic rotation gear feels less durable
• Steel blades are susceptible to rust and sap buildup

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Specs 

• Type: Swivel
• Weight: 8 ounces
• Blade length: 5 inches

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Build Quality 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Clipping back unruly grass missed by the lawn mower is simple with these swivel-blade grass shears from Fiskars. This tool’s versatility makes it helpful for edging and topping grass, even on sloped terrain. The stainless steel blade rotates 360 degrees for efficient and precise cutting at any angle; it simply needs to be positioned and locked in place before trimming. The 4.5-inch blade resists jamming or sticking and cuts up to the tip. 

The comfortable grip handle on these shears has a lightweight loop design that prevents fingers from slipping for better control and safer handling. For safety, there is an easy-open lock, protecting the user from the blade when it’s not in use. Weighing 8 ounces, these grass shears can be used all over the yard without strain.

What our tester says: “In my tests, the Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch hand shears stood out for their combination of comfortable ergonomics, affordable price point, and smooth cutting action. However, sap and plant debris sometimes stick to the blade, so occasional cleaning is needed to maintain that smooth action.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Fiskars Soft Touch grass shears at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Runner-up

Corona GS-3750 Swivel Grass Shear

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What We Like

• Low-rise handle
• High-carbon steel blades
• Easy-to-use thumb lock

What We Don’t Like

• Blade action is not as smooth as others
• Steel blades are susceptible to rust and sap buildup

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Specs 

• Type: Swivel
• Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Blade length: 5 inches

Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Build Quality 4/5; Value 5/5

When a mix of coarse weeds and fine grasses makes trimming more challenging, the Corona GS-3750 offers a higher level of capability to get the job done. The 5-inch, precision-sharpened carbon steel blades maintain a keen edge even after cutting through thick, coarse grass and weeds. The blade rotates a full 90 degrees, with three lock-in positions, for easy topping, edging, or trimming. And this tool is built to last, with chrome-plated steel handles and a rubberized hand grip.

When we tested the GS-3750 grass shears, we found that the blades cut through coarse and fine herbaceous weeds really well, but are susceptible to sap and debris buildup. The handle has a low rise above the blades, which makes the tool feel balanced even though it is somewhat heavy. The riveted blades, spring lever, thumb lock, and swivel mechanism all feel secure and well built. This is one of the best of its kind at this price point.

Get the Corona grass shears at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.

Best with Long Handle

Spear & Jackson 4867RS Lawn Shears

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What We Like

• Long handles allow for cutting without kneeling 
• Smooth cutting action
• Razor-sharp blades cut thick grass and weeds

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than standard options; may cause user fatigue

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Specs 

• Type: Topping
• Weight: 2.56 pounds
• Blade length: 9 inches

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Value 4.5/5

When there’s a lot of trimming to be done, using handheld grass shears can be backbreaking work. Fortunately, this pair from Spear & Jackson offers a 36-inch handle, making it ideal for trimming in areas a mower can’t reach without having to kneel on the ground. 

During testing, the razor-sharp blades of these long-handled grass shears easily cut through grass, thick weeds, and even some dead perennial stems without issue. They opened and closed easily and were one of our favorite pairs for trimming around trees and flower beds. The longer 9-inch blade can cut a large swath of grass in one chop, and there are not many weeds that the blades can’t snip through.

The biggest drawback is that since these shears are a little heavier than the handheld options, they can cause arm fatigue if used for a prolonged period. The blades are also very sharp, making it important to keep them out of reach of children and pets.

What our tester says: “I love the long handles and smooth cutting action of the Spear & Jackson grass shears. I used them to trim around several trees, and they were a real back-saver compared to handheld shears.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Spear & Jackson grass shears at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Battery-Powered

Workpro Cordless Grass Shears and Trimmer

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What We Like

• Electric grass shears can help prevent hand fatigue
• Lasts up to 60 minutes on a full charge
• Includes two blades and a charger

What We Don’t Like

• Included hedge trimmer didn’t cut well

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Specs 

• Type: Cordless 
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Blade length: 3.5 inches (grass shear blade), 5.5 inches (hedge trimmer blade) 

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Build Quality 3.5/5; Value 4/5

Manual grass shears allow for precision work and keep grass looking green and healthy, but battery-powered grass shears are handy tools for those with hand dexterity issues or a lot of area to cut. These cordless grass shears from Workpro come with two interchangeable blades: one for trimming grass and another for trimming hedges. They feature a lightweight design and a long-lasting battery that can stay powered for up to 60 minutes on a full charge.

After charging the battery with the supplied charger, we tested the grass shear blade. It quickly cut through grass and weeds without issue. We then tested the hedge trimmer blade. Unfortunately, it didn’t work quite as well. We used it to chop through weeds, bushes, and dead woody perennial stems. While it ultimately cut through these items, it got snagged often, and we had to pull on it continually to release the caught-up debris.

Overall, we’d recommend these electric grass shears from Workpro—they offer fast and easy trimming. However, they underwhelmed as hedging shears even when the appropriate blade was attached. 

Get the Workpro grass shears at Amazon.

Best for Topping

Q-yard QY-741F Flower Bed and Grass Shear

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What We Like

• Lightweight and durable construction
• Rust- and sap-resistant coated-steel blade
• Medium rise in handle

What We Don’t Like

• Extremely tight thumb lock lever
• Blades do not rotate

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Specs 

• Type: Topping
• Weight: 0.52 pounds
• Blade length: 5 inches

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Build Quality 3/5; Value 3.7/5

For proper wrist alignment and reduced strain, these topping grass shears from Q-yard help gardeners clip grass at an ergonomically correct angle. Suitable for trimming grass along the edges of flowerbeds and driveways, or topping areas of the lawn, these professional-grade shears offer a lightweight and comfortable option. 

Made of carbon steel with a nonstick-coated blade, these handheld grass clippers also have a micro-serrated edge, helping to grip while cutting even as the blade dulls from use. Cutting requires less effort as these shears use compound lever technology, offering up to twice the cutting power of most shears. The handle’s metal core balances the weight of the blades, and a PVC grip feels comfortable in the hand. Weighing in at around half a pound, these blades are lightweight for easy handling and cutting. When not in operation, the safety lock keeps the grass shears closed.

Of all the shears we tested, the Q-Yard grass shears offer the best grip size for smaller hands. It is also one of the lightest while still offering 5-inch-long blades. The control arm allows for a small amount of excess movement in the handle while cutting, but not enough to impede overall operation. The only major setback is the tight locking lever that makes locking and unlocking the tool extremely difficult.

Get the Q-yard grass shears at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Ergonomic

Jardineer Handheld Grass Shears

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What We Like

• Heat-treated steel blades feature a nonstick coating
• Lightweight design is comfortable to use
• Features a safety lock
• Includes a pair of gardening gloves

What We Don’t Like

• Blades don’t rotate

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Specs 

• Type: Topping
• Weight: 1 pound
• Blade length: Not listed

Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Build Quality 4/5; Value 4.3/5

Those looking for grass shears that are comfortable in hand may want to check out this pair from Jardineer. Featuring a metal handle with a nonslip coating, these lightweight shears are easy to squeeze and come with a pair of gardening gloves for added comfort. Their heat-hardened steel blades also come equipped with an anti-stick coating, which further aids in clean cuts. 

We found these grass shears to have a smooth cutting action. We used them to trim down large patches of grass and to tidy up the edges around trees and landscaping in our front yard. They’re not recommended for use on twigs or branches, so we kept their use strictly to grass and grassy weeds, both of which they cleanly clipped. After we were finished cutting, we secured the blades with the built-in safety lock before storing them.

These shears weigh about a pound, which is a little more than some of the comparable options on our list. Still, we found them to be lightweight even after about 30 minutes of on-and-off trimming around the yard.

Get the Jardineer grass shears at Amazon.

Best Heavy-Duty

Kings County Tools Grass Trimming Shears

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What We Like

• Coated steel rust- and sap-resistant blade 
• Medium rise in the handle
• Smooth scissor action 
• Easy-to-operate thumb lock

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than similarly designed shears
• Higher price point

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Specs 

• Type: Swivel
• Weight: 14 ounces
• Blade length: 5.25 inches

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Build Quality 4/5; Value 3.7/5

Some grasses are tougher than others, requiring stronger shears. For stubborn coarse grasses, leaves, and stems, use these swivel-blade shears from Kings County Tools. The blades rotate either 45 or 90 degrees, giving more options for trimming than a fixed blade but less flexibility than shears with a 360-degree rotation. 

What it lacks in angles, however, this tool makes up for in strength. The power spring helps make cutting down unruly stems a more efficient process, reducing trimming time. By sharpening the 5.25-inch black steel blades once a season, the user can ensure these shears perform wonderfully for many years. Hold the handle by the comfort grip for edging, topping, or small pruning jobs. At 14 ounces, the shears are of average weight for this design.

We tested the Kings County Tools grass shears on a mix of tall fescue, clover, and Bermuda grass. Where some of the lightweight tools became bogged down with sappy plant debris, these shears continued cutting undeterred. They are heavier than some of the others, but well balanced with a rise in the handles and smooth cutting action.

Get the Kings County Tools grass shears at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best for Edging

Fiskars 36-Inch Long-Handle Rotating Grass Shears

See It

What We Like

• Smooth cutting action
• Easy-to-operate thumb lock
• Extended handle eliminates stooping
• Forward handle increases stability and decreases operator fatigue

What We Don’t Like

• Not as effective at cutting coarse weeds
• Unbalanced; a wheel or other ground support could help

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Specs 

• Type: Swivel
• Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Blade length: 4.5 inches

Our Ratings: Performance 3.5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Value 4.3/5

These long-handle shears from Fiskars are kind to backs and knees, enabling users to stand instead of crouch, bend, or kneel when trimming the grass. The 36-inch aluminum shaft gives users easy access to overgrown areas, eliminating the aches and pains that may come with bending and kneeling. A swivel-blade head moves 360 degrees for trimming at the best angle for the job. 

With the 4.5-inch precision-ground steel blades, these shears can make meticulous snips. Unlike some models, this blade cuts clean to the tip, reducing the need to clip the same area repeatedly. Since these blades are so sharp, it’s important to use the locking mechanism for safety to avoid any accidents. An ergonomically designed handle with a comfortable grip makes it easy to hold the 2.4-pound shears. 

Our big question when testing the Fiskars long-handle grass shears was how the added linkages inside the handle would affect performance. We are happy to report that their performance is only nominally less responsive than our top pick, the Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear. The cut is clean all the way to the blade tip and only requires a moderate amount of hand strength. One nice feature that stood out was the secondary forward handle that affords better control. We think user comfort could be improved by the addition of a skid plate or a wheel of some kind at the base of the handle.

Get the Fiskars long-handle grass shears at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

How We Tested the Best Grass Shears

While not all grass shears are built for identical purposes, they all should cleanly slice through fresh grass and other fine herbaceous vegetation that a lawn mower leaves behind. We kept this in mind as we researched over 20 highly-rated grass shears before choosing 11 to test. For each tool, we considered the way it was marketed, what the manufacturer promises, and how a consumer may actually use and abuse it after the newness wears off. 

We tested these grass shears at the beginning of spring on a combination of succulent new grass and weeds, along with old, dry perennial stems from the prior year. Our first goal was to establish each tool’s initial effectiveness and overall user comfort, including all of the various adjustable positions for those with rotating blades. We also used each grass clipper for about ten minutes straight to compare user comfort levels. After using them as expected, we attempted to take each one to its operational limit by incrementally cutting tougher vegetation. 

Each of our tested grass cutting tools cleanly trimmed fresh and slightly dried grass and common lawn weeds (dandelion, clover, henbit, wild onion, etc.) all the way to the blade tip. Several exceeded expectations by pruning green and semi-ripe shoots on holly, boxwood, and juniper.

What to Consider When Choosing Grass Shears

Regular grass trimming stimulates the production of new shoots, making grass grow thicker. Beautiful lawns are the result of care (and perhaps helped by the best grass seed). With so much time tending to the care and growth of a lawn, spot-treating areas with a manual trim only enhances its beauty.

Selecting the best manual grass shears relies on important features such as how they will be used, the material of the blade, and how the tool feels in hand.

Type

There are three standard types of manual grass shears: edging shears, topping shears, and swivel-blade shears. Though this list focuses mainly on manual grass shears, battery-powered options are also available.

• Edging shears have vertical blades in the same orientation as a pair of scissors. The purpose of this shape is to cut along the edges of driveways, sidewalks, and other areas. These shears target creeping grass stems or grass blades growing horizontally, clipping turf back for a clean and crisp edge. 
• Topping shears have horizontal blades, resembling scissors with blades that are on sideways. This style trims down the grass to a particular height so it’s flush with the rest of the lawn, clipping areas the mower might have missed. Topping shears with adjustable features simplify cutting in areas where the lawn sits at an angle.
• Swivel blades are the most versatile style, able to be used as edging or topping shears at a variety of adjustable angles with ergonomic benefits. These blades may have a few locking positions or the ability to lock at any angle if they have a 360-degree rotating head. 
• Cordless grass shears are battery-powered, cutting through grass with the push of a button. These shears’ blades are measured in width, and the wider the blade, the larger an area the shears can trim through in a single pass. 

Blade

Grass shears need a sharp and sturdy blade for clean trimming. High-quality blades, such as those made of stainless steel, resist corrosion and rust. Carbon steel is a decent choice, but it’s a bit softer than stainless steel and can become brittle over time. Other metals may be cheaper than carbon or stainless steel, but they can lack longevity. Blades coated in Teflon prevent rusting and make caring for the shears easier.

The size and shape of the blades influence the shears’ performance.

• Short blades work best for curved edges to get the right arch in the snip, and they’re usually lighter, too.
• Long blades may cut down more grass per snip.
• Thin blades are better for precision cutting.
• Thick blades are generally better for cutting thicker stalks and denser areas.

As with all gardening tools, proper cleaning and care keep manual grass shears performing their best and lasting a long time. Sap can build up on the blades, which inhibits proper opening and closing; this problem is easily solved by wiping the blades with an oily rag. 

It’s also important to remember that lawn shears are meant for cutting through grass and grassy weeds. Using them in place of hedge shears to trim shrubbery or cut branches can lead to premature dulling of the blades.

Handle

Manual trimming shouldn’t take long, but users still need a handle that’s comfortable to hold and use. The shape of the handle is usually offset from the blade, preventing knuckles from touching the ground. For best ergonomics, the handle should be in a position that promotes good wrist posture and reduces strain on the muscles of the hand and wrist.

Handles for grass shears should be at least 4 inches, but longer handles are generally better for an easy grip. Handheld options are used in crouching, bending, or kneeling positions. LMany long-handled shears come with an elongated shaft, enabling users to stand upright while tending to the lawn. 

For comfort, handles should have a soft coating to protect the hand from blisters. A good grip results from the proper amount of friction between the handle and the hand. Conducive to this friction are nonslip, nonconductive, and compressible materials—rubber handles are a great choice. Highly polished or glossy-coated handles may reduce the amount of friction, promoting an unsafe grip on the shears. 

Weight and Balance

Weight and balance affect ergonomics and ease of use. Heavy or unbalanced shears are inefficient at best and dangerous at worst. If the blades grossly outweigh the handle, the tool requires more effort to hold. One-handed tools should weigh less than three pounds. Precision cutting, such as manual trimming, should not be attempted with tools heavier than one pound.

A balance of weight between the handle and the blade reduces strain on the user. Imbalance alters how the muscles in the hand and wrist operate, resulting in unnecessary stress. Lightweight, well-balanced shears distribute the weight in a manner that orients the tool’s center of gravity, aligning it with the center of the gripping hand.

FAQs 

You’ve brought your new grass shears home; now the work begins. Getting started is always one of the hardest parts, especially if you’re unsure of where to begin. It’s common to have questions about new tools, and grass shears are no exception. To help, here are some commonly asked questions and answers about grass shears.

Q. What do you use grass shears for?

While pruning shears are great for plenty of garden tasks, grass shears shine in areas that are missed by the mower or require some additional trims around the edge. They make quick work of small areas that don’t justify using a string trimmer. 

Q. What is the difference between lawn shears and edging shears?

Lawn shears are meant to clip blades of grass or weeds that pop up in the middle of the lawn, as the blades on lawn shears are horizontal. With vertical, scissor-like blades, edging garden shears clean up the edges of a lawn, around a driveway, or flower beds.

Q. Can grass shears also cut through small roots and branches?

Grass shears are meant to handle grasses, weeds, and sometimes stems. Trying to cut through thicker materials may ruin the blades. Cutting through roots and branches is better left to another type of tool, such as loppers, garden shears for hedges, or pruning shears.

Q. How do you sharpen grass shears?

To sharpen your grass shears, disassemble them if possible, carefully clean the blades, and use a medium-coarse file to sharpen only the beveled edge of each blade.

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has over a decade of experience working in family-owned greenhouse and landscaping businesses. She rigorously tests products, looking for high-quality models that give readers the best bang for their buck. 

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with more than 20 years of experience in the nursery and landscaping industry. He reviews the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Kat Hodgins.

 

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