Fiskars Vs. Corona Pruners: Which Gardening Shears Are Better?

Garden pruners are an essential tool for any gardener. When it comes to high quality pruners, two of the top brands are Fiskars and Corona. But which offers the best pruners for general pruning tasks? Here is an in-depth comparison of Fiskars vs Corona pruners.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Fiskars	Corona
Blade Type	Bypass	Bypass and Anvil
Blade Coating	Non-stick	Non-stick
Handle Material	Composite, steel, aluminum	Composite, steel, aluminum
Ergonomic Design	Yes	Yes
Locking Mechanism	Yes	Yes
Cutting Capacity	5/8″ to 1″	3/4″ to 1″
Warranty	Limited lifetime	Limited lifetime
Price Range	$$	$$

Overview of Fiskars Pruners

Fiskars is a Finland-based company that manufactures a variety of cutting tools and garden tools. Their pruners feature the following:

• Bypass Blade Design: Fiskars pruners use a bypass blade design, which is preferred for clean cuts that heal quickly. The sharp blade passes by a blunt counter-blade.
• Coated Blades: Blades are coated to prevent sticking and reduce friction. This allows clean cuts without damaging plant tissues.
• Ergonomic Handles: Handles are designed for comfort and ease of pruning. Different handle shapes suit different hand sizes.
• Locking Mechanism: A locking mechanism keeps the blades safely closed when not in use.
• Cutting Capacities: Max cutting diameters range from 5/8″ to 1″ depending on pruner model.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Fiskars offers a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
• Price Range: Fiskars pruners cost between $20-$50 USD depending on model.

Some of their most popular bypass hand pruner models include:

• Fiskars PowerGear2 Pruner
• Fiskars Classic Bypass Pruner
• Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruner
• Fiskars Softgrip Bypass Pruner

Overview of Corona Pruners

Corona manufactures high quality gardening tools from their headquarters in California. Their pruners have these features:

• Bypass and Anvil Blades: Corona offers both bypass and anvil blade types. Anvil is better suited for dead growth.
• Non-Stick Coating: Like Fiskars, Corona applies a non-stick coating to reduce friction and sap buildup.
• Ergonomic Handles: Contoured handles provide a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue.
• Cutting Capacities: Max cutting capacities range from 3/4″ to 1″ depending on model.
• Locking Mechanism: A manual lock keeps the blades safely closed when stored.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Corona covers manufacturing defects with a limited lifetime warranty.
• Price Range: Corona pruners cost $20-$60 USD depending on model.

Some of Corona’s most popular models include:

• Corona BP 3180 Bypass Pruner
• Corona BP 3130 Bypass Pruner
• Corona BP 6865 Anvil Pruner
• Corona RazorTOOTH Pruner

Key Differences Between Fiskars and Corona

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into how Fiskars and Corona pruners compare across some key factors:

·         Blade Types

Fiskars exclusively uses a bypass blade design for their pruners. This creates clean, precise cuts that heal quickly. Bypass blades are ideal for live green growth.

Corona offers both bypass and anvil blade types. Their anvil design is better suited for cutting dead wood. Anvil pruners crush the stem between a sharp blade and a flat counter-blade.

For versatility, Corona provides more blade type options. But for clean cuts, Fiskars bypass blades are superior.

·         Cutting Mechanisms

Fiskars PowerGear models use a gear-assisted mechanism that provides up to 3X more cutting power compared to single pivot pruners. This makes cutting thicker branches easy. Their PowerGear tool-less pivot adjustment also helps optimize blade alignment over time.

Corona uses a traditional single pivot cutting mechanism. No gearing for added leverage. While robust and reliable, cutting capacity is limited to smaller branches. For cutting thicker wood, Fiskars power multiplying gears provide an advantage.

·         Handle Ergonomics

Both Fiskars and Corona design pruners with ergonomic handles to reduce hand strain.

Fiskars offers an array of handle shapes and textures tailored to different hand sizes and preferences. This includes oval, round, and softgrip handles. Their short handled pruners provide more precision and control.

Corona handles use durable dual-molded composite construction but in fewer shapes. The contoured design fits nicely in hand. RazorTOOTH models have extra long handles for extended reach.

For a wider range of comfortable grip options, Fiskars has an edge. Their ergonomic diversity suits more users.

·         Cutting Capacity

The maximum cutting diameter determines how thick of branches you can prune.

Fiskars bypass pruners can cut stems between 5/8″ and 1″ thick depending on model. Their PowerGear mechanisms boost cutting power for thicker branches.

Corona pruners have slightly lower capacities, cutting branches up to 3/4″ or 1″ diameter depending on blade length and handle design. Again, Fiskars gearing allows cutting larger diameters.

·         Weight

Pruner weight affects how comfortable they are to use for prolonged periods.

Fiskars focuses on lightweight materials like aluminum alloy, polypropylene composites, and fiberglass to reduce hand fatigue. Their pruners weigh between 5-8 ounces.

Corona uses similar lightweight metals and composite polymers. Weights range from 7-9 ounces depending on model. Very comparable to Fiskars.

·         Blade Coatings

Low friction blade coatings are important to prevent sap from sticking and building up.

Both Fiskars and Corona use proprietary non-stick coatings on their bypass style pruner blades. This allows them to glide smoothly through branches and resist sap adhesion.

Fiskars coats their PowerGear mechanisms for low friction operation. Corona does not appear to apply coatings beyond the blade.

·         Durability

Garden pruners need to stand up to years of use without failing.

Fiskars build quality is excellent. Their forged steel blades stay sharp. Components like the PowerGear mechanism and lock are durable. Fiskars also uses high strength composites that don’t crack.

Corona also has a reputation for reliability and robust construction. Their forged alloy steel blades retain their edge. Dual-molded composite handles resist breaking.

Both offer a lifetime limited warranty against defects showing their confidence in durability. For general use, Fiskars and Corona are closely matched for longevity.

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·         Maintenance

Basic maintenance is required to keep any pruners operating smoothly.

Fiskars recommends wiping sap and debris off frequently, drying after use, and applying lubricant yearly. Blades should be sharpened as needed.

Corona suggests similar cleaning, drying, and lubrication maintenance. Sharpening stones can refresh the blade edge when it dulls.

The maintenance regimen is comparable for both brands. Proper care promotes longevity.

·         Price

As premium pruner brands, Fiskars and Corona have similar price points.

Fiskars bypass hand pruners range from $20-$50 USD depending on model. Their PowerGear tools run $40-$60.

Corona prices are very aligned, with bypass pruners costing $20-$60 USD depending on size, blade length, and features.

While prices overlap across both brands, Corona anvil pruners are somewhat cheaper around $16-$30.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

When choosing between Fiskars vs Corona, you can expect excellent performance and longevity from both premium brands. Fiskars offers more innovative features like PowerGear and greater handle ergonomics across their pruning tool lineup.

But Corona provides added versatility with their dual blade types to suit different cutting needs. For clean cuts and comfort, Fiskars bypass pruners are hard to beat.

Yet Corona’s affordable anvil models also fill an important pruning niche. The ideal choice comes down to your specific gardening requirements. Either brand will serve a home gardener well for years of reliable use.