Bypass vs. Anvil Pruners: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?

One of the most common questions we get from gardeners when shopping for pruners is,

“What’s the difference between bypass and anvil pruners, and when should I use each type?”

While they may look similar at first glance, anvil pruners and bypass pruners are designed for different jobs, and choosing the right one makes a big difference when it comes to the effectiveness and longevity of your tool.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between bypass and anvil pruners and when you should use each type. By the time you’re finished reading, you should have a good idea which tool you’ll need to tackle your pruning tasks.

Short on time? You can watch our short video guide for a basic overview, or keep reading for a more extensive breakdown.

Key Differences Between Bypass and Anvil Pruners

The main differences between these two types of pruners are the way they function and the type of cut they produce.

Bypass and anvil pruners both cut plant material, but they do it in different ways, which is why they suit different pruning jobs.

Bypass pruners are ideal for live stems and delicate growth, while anvil pruners work best on dry, dead or woody material. We’ll go into more detail below.

What Are Bypass Pruners and How Do They Work?

Bypass pruners make clean, precise cuts. Similar to scissors, this style of pruner features two curved blades that pass by each other as you squeeze the handle – one sharp cutting blade and a thicker counter blade. This slicing action is gentle on soft, living plants and is ideal for:

• Pruning roses and flowering shrubs
• Trimming soft, green stems on herbs and perennials
• Deadheading spent flowers
• Harvesting vegetables and cut flowers
• Pruning young fruit trees

What Are Anvil Pruners and How Do They Work?

Anvil pruners use a more aggressive crushing action. They have one sharp blade that closes onto a flat lower surface known as the anvil. Instead of slicing past another blade, the top blade presses the stem against the anvil until it cuts through. This makes anvil pruners stronger than bypass pruners and better suited for:

• Removing dead, dry branches
• Cutting back hard, woody stems at the end of the season
• Pruning old, thick growth on established shrubs

Think of anvil pruners as your end-of-season clean-up tool.

Some anvil-style pruners also feature a ratcheting mechanism that lets you cut through thick branches in stages, reducing hand fatigue. This Ratcheting Hand Pruner is an excellent example.

Which Pruner Should You Choose?

The pruners you choose mostly depends on how you intend to use them. If you’re looking for something that will help with general maintenance of trees and shrubs, or for harvesting flowers, bypass pruners are your best option.

For clearing thicker branches and brush, or cutting through dead wood, anvil pruners are a better choice. The strong crushing action of the anvil pruner can, however, damage live stems, so if you anticipate having to do both types of pruning tasks, consider investing in a pair of anvil and a pair of bypass pruners.

If you’re cutting branches thicker than your thumb, you should skip the pruners altogether and go with a pair of loppers.

Keeping Your Pruners Sharp and Ready

Whether you choose anvil pruners or bypass pruners, keeping your blades sharp will help make pruning a far less onerous task while also extending the lifespan of your tool. A dull blade can crush stems, tear bark and make it difficult to cut.

Bypass pruners especially rely on a keen edge to make clean, scissor-like cuts, while anvil pruners perform best when the blade meets the cutting surface squarely and without slipping.

If you are using your pruners regularly, sharpen the cutting blade at least every 6 weeks using a sharpening stone, diamond file or pruner sharpener, following the original bevel of the blade. For casual pruning, sharpening the blades once a year should suffice.

Here are a few additional tips for sharpening your pruners:

• Avoid over-grinding or changing the blade angle – a few steady passes are enough.
• On bypass pruners, sharpen only the bevelled cutting blade instead of the flat hook.
• For anvil pruners, always check that the blade edge is straight and not deeply grooved or damaged.

FAQs About Bypass and Anvil Pruners

Can I use bypass pruners on dead wood?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Dry, hard wood can dull or chip bypass blades faster. If you’re doing a lot of deadwood removal, an anvil pruner or ratcheting pruner is the better option.

Will anvil pruners damage my plants?

When used on live stems, yes. The crushing action can bruise the tissue around the cut, which slows healing and can invite disease. Save your anvil pruners for cutting dead or woody branches where you don’t need a clean cut.

What’s a ratcheting pruner and when should I use one?

A ratcheting pruner lets you cut through thick branches in several squeezes rather than one. It’s a good choice if you have reduced grip strength or are cutting a lot of heavy deadwood. The ratcheting hand pruner ($21.50 CA) from Lee Valley is an excellent option.

Do I need both bypass and anvil pruners?

If you can only buy one pair of pruners, make it bypass. Bypass pruners can tackle most of your garden pruning. But if you regularly deal with dead branches or end-of-season clean-up, you should consider adding a pair of anvil pruners to your collection to help preserve the lifespan of your bypass pruners.

Are Felco pruners worth the price?

Widely regarded as the benchmark for hand pruners, Felco pruners are made in Switzerland from hollow-ground hardened steel and are designed to cut cleanly and evenly without crushing wood.

All parts are fully replaceable as they wear, including blades, springs, handles and bolts. That means a single Felco pruner can last for decades with basic care, rather than having to be replaced every few seasons.

Should I invest in left-hand pruners?

Left-hand pruners aren’t just mirrored versions of their right-hand counterparts. They’re designed so the blade alignment and handle fit comfortably and feel natural when used with your left hand. The Felco #9 and Felco #10 are two excellent options for left-handed gardeners.

Find the Right Pruner for Your Garden

Before you start shopping for a new pair of pruners, here is a quick way to remember what each type of pruner is best for: Bypass pruners for the living, anvil for the dead, and if you want the right tool for every pruning task, choose both.

No matter which option you choose, Lee Valley carries an extensive range of pruners from Felco and other top-rated manufacturers. Browse our full assortment online or visit one of our stores and speak with one of our product experts for further guidance.