Scissors vs. Gardening Shears

Scissors and shears may seem like they are basically the same product, but there are subtle differences in their make and how you use them. Scissors are intended for general-purpose cutting, whereas gardening shears are meant for more specific uses. Of course, each product is available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and price points, so you need to have an idea of your intended use before you decide which one to buy.

Some jobs are more suitable for scissors, while shears may work better in other situations. For some projects, it may not make a difference which one you use. However, knowing the difference between the two will help you make an informed decision about when to use scissors and when to use shears. Having both scissors and shears in your gardening toolkit will ensure that you are prepared to tackle any project.

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Jump to:

• Scissors for Succulents
• Gardening Shears for Succulents

Scissors for Succulents

Scissors are multi-purpose cutting tools that can be found in most households. Scissors intended for general use typically have blades under six inches in length, equal sized handles, and are joined together with a small rivet. The handles are made in a way that usually only allows you to use your thumb and one or two of your fingers to apply cutting pressure.

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One of the great things about scissors is that you probably already have them in your house somewhere. If not, you can buy them nearly everywhere. Scissors are available in different levels of quality and at different price points, but in general they are intended for light duty projects.

When choosing your ideal pair of scissors, make sure that you are choosing the right size and shape for the majority of your projects. If you often take cuttings from small succulents, look for scissors with smaller or thinner blades for more precision. If the plants you cut vary in size, look for scissors that will work for thicker stems, but aren’t so large that they damage more petite plants.

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Scissors are perfect for delicate work, such as taking cuttings from small or fragile succulents. They are also easy to use for people who don’t have particularly strong hands, such as those suffering from arthritis. Scissors are also available in different sizes, so if you need tiny blades to cut tiny stems, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair.

One of the downsides to scissors is that they are prone to breakage in heavy-duty situations. The rivet may break or the blades may become dull and unusable. Since scissors aren’t meant to be used with such force, they may also cause discomfort or pain. If you’re cutting thick succulents or cacti, you may want to skip the scissors.

Gardening Shears for Succulents

Like scissors, shears are available in a variety of sizes, but unlike scissors, if you need longer blades you can find them. Shears also usually have differently shaped handles. The reason for this is that you will be able to use your entire hand to put pressure on the blades, rather than just a couple fingers. Many shears also feature silicone grips to ensure that you have total control over your tools.

Not everyone has shears lying around the house, and they aren’t as widely available as scissors, so you may need to visit a garden center or nursery to find what you’re looking for. The good news is that these types of places usually have a good variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. It can be helpful to have an idea of the average size of the plant when shopping for shears, so you can make the right choice.

Gardening shears are intended for heavy duty jobs. They are sturdier than scissors and won’t come apart at the rivet as easily. They are designed to be held in way that allows you to use as much strength as necessary without hurting your hands. Shears are also typically much sharper than scissors, to aid in cutting through tough stems and branches.

The blades of gardening shears vary in shape according to their intended use. Many shears have curved blades, which are useful in holding the plant in place while you cut. These are great for particularly large plants. Straight-bladed shears are also available and are ideal for getting into hard to reach places. Use your best judgement when deciding which type of shears to purchase. If you care for succulents and cacti in a range of sizes, it can be helpful to have different types of shears on hand just in case.

Shears are perfect for taking cuttings from large or tough succulents and cacti. Their sharp blades and ergonomic design make it easier to chop through spines and stems. However, they aren’t great for delicate jobs. The blades are usually too large and cumbersome to be able to cut small and delicate plants without crushing or damaging them in the process. Shears with bigger blades can also be difficult to maneuver in crowded gardens or containers.

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For cutting projects that involve delicate or petite plants, you may want to get out your favorite pair of scissors. If you’re taking cuttings from your mature Prickly Pear Cactus, you may find that shears will do a better job. Which type of tool you use will depend on the size of the plant you are cutting and your own personal preferences. Many average sized succulents can be cut with either a sturdy pair of scissors or gardening shears so don’t be afraid to try different types of cutting tools to see what works best for you and your garden.

Whether you’re maintaining your gorgeous garden or starting a new and exciting project, having a variety of tools on hand will help you be prepared no matter what challenges you encounter. If you asked ten experienced gardeners what their favorite tool is, you may get ten different answers, so feel free to experiment with both scissors and shears to see which one you prefer.