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After careful mowing, the lawn looks nearly perfect. Yet some grassy areas might require spot trimming or edging to achieve a flawless look. The best grass shears give you 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.
Achieve a manicured lawn with the best grass shears, which cut much like scissors. Manual grass shears clip ends off smoothly, keeping them green. This differs from trimmers, where the filament frays grass and results in yellowed tips. Easy-to-use manual grass shears cut grass or grassy plants, deadhead flowers, trim back soft growth, and clean up borders with a few quick snips.
We rounded up a collection of the most popular handheld grass shears and personally tested them for quality, comfort, cutting action, and overall use. Find out how each one performed later in this article. But first, here’s a preview of the list, followed by some helpful shopping considerations that informed our shopping and testing processes.
- BEST OVERALL: Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch Grass Shear
- RUNNER-UP: Corona GS-3750 Swivel Grass Shear
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Edward Tools Hand Grass Shears
- BEST FOR EDGING: Galadim Hand Shears for Gardening
- BEST FOR TOPPING: Q-yard QY-741F Flower Bed and Grass Shear
- BEST ERGONOMIC: Wolf-Garten RILL Comfort Single Hand Grass Shears
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Kings County Tools Grass Trimming Shears
- BEST WITH LONG HANDLE: Fiskars 36 Inch Long-Handle Rotating Grass Shears
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Grass Shears
Regular mowing and 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 your hand.
Type
There are three standard types of manual grass shears: edging shears, topping shears, and swivel-blade shears.
- 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 benefit. These blades may have a few locking positions or the ability to lock at any angle if they have a 360-degree rotating head.
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.
- A short blade works best for curved edges to get the right arch in the snip, and they’re usually lighter, too.
- A long blade 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.
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. 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. Too much weight or imbalance with grass shears may cause injuries and a lower quality of work and may slow down productivity. If the blades grossly outweigh the handle, the tool requires more effort to hold. One-handed tools should weigh less than 3 pounds. Precision cutting, such as manual trimming, should not be attempted with tools heavier than 1 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.
Our Top Picks
Guided by the considerations outlined above, 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
Clipping back unruly grass missed by the lawn mower is simple with this swivel-blade grass shear 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, this grass shear can be used all over the yard without strain.
In our tests, the Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch hand shear stood out for its 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.
Product Specs
- Type: Swivel blade
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Blade length: 4.5 inches
Pros
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- Smooth, easy operation
- Easily adjusts for topping or edging
- Cuts all the way to the blade tips
Cons
- Plastic rotation gear feels less durable
- Steel blades are susceptible to rust and sap buildup
Get the Fiskars Soft Touch grass shears on Amazon, at Ace Hardware, or at Target.
Runner-up
Corona GS-3750 Swivel Grass Shear
Where a mix of coarse and fine grasses and weeds make trimming more challenging, the Corona GS-3750 offers a higher level of capability. The 5.25-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 handgrip.
When we tested the GS-3750 grass shears, 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 the best of its kind at this price point.
Product Specs
- Type: Swivel
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
- Blade length: 5.25 inches
Pros
- Low-rise handle
- High-carbon steel blades
- Easy-to-use thumb lock
Cons
- Blade action is not as smooth as others
- Steel blades are susceptible to rust and sap buildup
Get the Corona grass shears on Amazon, at Tractor Supply Co., or at Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Edward Tools Hand Grass Shears
Swivel blade grass shears don’t have to be expensive to prove they’re worthy of the job. Such is the case with these tempered steel shears from Edward Tools. The rotating head locks in place at three separate angles for safe cutting in the best position for each. An extra-sharp blade with a rustproof coating for longevity makes quick work of grass trimming tasks. The comfortable grip makes this tool easy to hold, while the auto spring minimizes hand fatigue and helps move the job along at a faster pace. Weighing approximately 1 pound, this grass shear is the heaviest weight users would want to go without putting additional strain on their hands.
This Edward Tools grass shear follows the same classic design used by the Corona, Q-yard, and Kings County Tools grass shears in this guide: a rolled-steel offset handle, riveted blades, and a spring-lever scissor action. We like the simplicity, comfort, and lightweight functionality of the design. This one is the lowest priced of the group. It performed well in testing, but we noticed that the rivets and control arm are not completely snug. The looseness allows for some play or rattle while cutting.
Product Specs
- Type: Swivel
- Weight: 1 pound
- Blade length: 5.25 inches
Pros
- Rust- and sap-resistant blade
- Higher rise in the handle
- Smooth blade movement
- Value price for a quality product
Cons
- Blade rivets allow some movement
- Thumb lock is stiff
- Heavier than similarly designed shears
Get the Edward Tools grass shears on Amazon.
Best for Edging
Galadim Hand Shears for Gardening
Slender and strong, this Galadim stainless steel hand shear makes precise trimming and edging easy. With crisp clips that leave behind clean-cut ends, this shear makes quick work of tidying lawn edges. Its 6.1-inch blades, longer than many other shears, are pointed, masterfully clipping targeted areas using the tip for precise cuts and the length of the blade for longer snips. They’re as sharp as they look, so mind your free hand when clipping to avoid accidental cuts.
Holding these shears is as nice as it gets with their ergonomically shaped handles, a comfortable grip, and a 5.63-inch handle length. A power spring fuels the cutting power of these shears, reducing the effort required by the user. The thin profile and good balance of these 13-ounce shears keep the wrist comfortable while in use.
These Galadim Hand Shears not only have extra-long blades, but their design also differs from conventional grass shears with the handle set inline rather than offset. However, they serve the purpose well. In our tests, they made quick work of grass and weeds, and they snipped woody tips on shrubbery without losing their edge or causing hand fatigue. Extremely versatile and durably built of self-hardening manganese stainless steel, they are an excellent all-purpose large garden shear.
Product Specs
- Type: Edging
- Weight: 13 ounces
- Blade length: 6.1 inches
Pros
- Self-hardening manganese steel construction
- Many uses around the yard and garden
- Extra-long blade
Cons
- Wide opening handles are best for larger hands
- Handles are not offset
Get the Galadim hand shears on Amazon.
Best for Topping
Q-yard QY-741F Flower Bed and Grass Shear
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 shears 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 shear offers the best grip size for smaller hands. It is also one of the lightest, yet offers 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.
Product Specs
- Type: Topping
- Weight: 0.52 pound
- Blade length: 5 inches
Pros
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Rust- and sap-resistant coated-steel blade
- Medium rise in handle
Cons
- Extremely tight thumb lock lever
- Blades do not rotate
Get the Q-yard grass shears on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best Ergonomic
Wolf-Garten RILL Comfort Single Hand Grass Shears
This 180-degree swivel-blade design does a stunning job of cutting small spots of grass that the mower missed, even on sloped lawns. Its 7-inch nonstick metal blades can cut down more grass in one snip, making quick work of disorderly grass. If there are spots that need tidying along the driveway, these shears handle them by unlocking, rotating, and relocking the blades at different angles.
The orange handle is easy to spot, minimizing the risk of misplacing these shears. A loop-handle design helps maintain a secure and controlled grip for each snip. Weighing just under half a pound, these shears’ light weight reduces the labor necessary when manually trimming the grass.
Wolf-Garten’s grass shear was one of only two in our test group that used a molded plastic hand grip. We loved the overall comfort and extremely lightweight feel, plus it included a protective knuckle guard. Proportionally, it appears to be designed for those with larger hands. The nonstick coated steel blades moved through grass and weeds like butter without accumulating sap and debris. The price may be higher than some would expect for a “mostly plastic” grass shear, but the quality is top-notch.
Product Specs
- Type: Swivel
- Weight: 7.8 ounces
- Blade length: 7 inches
Pros
- Lightweight, balanced, ergonomic design
- Nonstick, rust-resistant blade
- Smooth cutting action
- Convenient thumb lock
Cons
- Most comfortable for larger hands
- Higher price than the competition
Get the Wolf-Garten grass shears on Amazon.
Best Heavy-Duty
Kings County Tools Grass Trimming Shears
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, it is 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 midheight rise in the handles and smooth cutting action.
Product Specs
- Type: Swivel
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Blade length: 5.25 inches
Pros
- Coated steel rust- and sap-resistant blade
- Medium rise in the handle
- Smooth scissor action
- Easy-to-operate thumb lock
Cons
- Heavier than similarly designed shears
- Higher price point
Get the Kings County Tools grass shears on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best with Long Handle
Fiskars 36 Inch Long-Handle Rotating Grass Shears
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.
Product Specs
- Type: Swivel
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Blade length: 4.5 inches
Pros
- Smooth cutting action
- Easy-to-operate thumb lock
- Extended handle eliminates stooping
- Forward handle increases stability and decreases operator fatigue
Cons
- Not as effective cutting coarse weeds
- Unbalanced; a wheel or other ground support could help
Get the Fiskars long-handle grass shears on Amazon, at Ace Hardware, or at The Home Depot.
Our Verdict
Anyone shopping for a comfortable, effective, affordable grass shear could be happy with our best grass shears pick, the Fiskars Swivel Soft Touch. With its lightweight construction and ergonomic design, it is an easy choice for most light trimming and edging. Where the work is more demanding and a tougher blade is needed, the Corona grass shear would be a better choice. The longer, heavier blades slice through coarse, weedy stems with less effort than the Fiskars blade, and the all-steel construction adds long-term durability.
How We Tested the Best Grass Shears
While not all grass shears are built with identical purposes in mind, they all should cleanly slice through fresh grass and other fine herbaceous vegetation that a lawn mower leaves behind. Some of the more robust shears are built for multipurpose garden trimming, such as clipping stray shoots on a hedge or harvesting cut flowers and culinary herbs. 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 manual 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. After using them as expected, we attempted to take each one to its operational limit by incrementally cutting tougher vegetation.
Each of our tested 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.
FAQs
You’ve brought your new grass shears home; now the work begins. Getting going is always one of the hardest parts, especially if you’re unsure of where to start. 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?
For areas that are missed by the mower or require some additional trims around the edge, grass shears 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 shears clean up the edges of a driveway or around 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 pruning shears.