For first time this year I really needed hand pruners. I hunted hemlocks and could have used a good pair. I will be hunting those hemlocks again next season. Also with turkey season this spring they will get heavy use.
Something light and handy that will tackle a solid branch if need be and don't make too much noise when in use. Thanks guys!!
I have a pair from Primos that has worked pretty well. They can't handle anything too big though so not sure if they will work for you but they have done what I have needed for the most part.
Funny you should ask. Funnier yet I can answer.
I carry a pair of Fiskars. Plastic handles for lightness but a ratcheting jaw so it cuts 1" sticks.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/DSCN0737.jpg)
Also good for squirrel & bunny leg bones when skinning. Great for chopping up kindling for a fire as well. When bunny hunting in milli-flori rose I have cut my way free more than once with these.
I also carry a light folding saw with a lock-blade. Useful enough to justify the weight & space.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v169/Stumpkiller/Bowhunting/DSCN1080_zpsaeb5ab82.jpg)
I have used Felco #2 hand pruners for years in my landscape work. They are pricey but I've had the same pair for over 20 years. Every part on Felco pruners are replaceable. They have a holster with a belt clip. I also use a Felco folding pruning saw for bigger branches.
I use the Felco as well, agree with all the attributes above.
I also have a Browning fold up saw about the size of a Xlarge folding knife. That combo seems to handle all comers.
Fiskars is what's always in my pack I love me!
Thanks for help guys! I will be looking into those brands.
The comment about having to cut your way out while bunny hunting is funny and so true! I have had many times I turned my back tucked my arms and head and started plowing to get out only to end up on my arse in a tangled mess wondering how I was going to get out!! Lol
fiskers
got 2 pair for Christmas
Nice a compact
I often attack mine to a carabineer or retractable cord to my belt loop
That way there is no searching for them when needed.
EZ KUT
I have a cheap pair of no-name ratcheting pruners I've carried in my fanny pack for years. I gave a dollar for them at the Hardware store close out table.
They will cut a branch up to say 5/8" or so. Bigger than that the folding saw comes out.
bretto
Florian 701 Ratchet-Cut Hand Pruner are great pruners. The ratchet makes it easier to cut thicker limbs. They are made in the USA and have a lifetime repair or replacement warranty.
I also have the Fiskars. They work well but feel a little flimsy. I've only had them for one season so durability on this pair is yet to be determined. Those Florian pruners look great.
Another vote for Felco. It's what most vineyard folk use all day long.
Ez-kut. Watch this video
http://www.ezkutproducts.com/products.php
I've had a pair of anvil cut Fiskars for over 10 yrs. and still like new..even better than the new ones I got this yr. for a spare.
EZ-kut works great!
The Florian Ratchet-Cut Hand Pruner has been working for me for many years. I haven't found anything better for the size and weight. I own 5 of them and keep one in each pack,2 to use around the house and one in the truck.
I have a pair of Fiskars that are geared, gives one three times the cutting force.
Ratchet pruners work well but make a good bit of noise. The deer I hunt will be in the next county with the first abnormal "click".
Got the EZ Kut this fall based on TG reviews. No doubt quality. I do not like the noise it makes when ratchet mech slips. I suspect all ratchets are prone to this. I am back to the drawing board for a non-ratchet so I can control how it cuts and keep it quiet.
By the way- I also saw a friend's Fiskar's handle break off. Not impressed with quality there.
Dan in KS
I have been using Stihl Pruners for a couple of years-- very solid.
I am watching this thread. I lost my pruners this year, so I need some more. I have been set up with a great distributer and I will be adding items to our line-up as I can. Pruners/saws will be coming soon. I can't get all that have been mentioned but I can get some of them.
Corona makes a set of ratchet pruners that also work very well.. They cost around $15 ..
E-Z cut, more than one pair, one for home, one for hunting and one, just incase i misplace one of the others.
Florian ratchet
I did a lot of research on this subject and bought a pair of Florian ratchet pruners a few years ago. They are more expensive but worth every penny!
My shoulder bag has a small pouch on the back that I carry ratchet pruners and a small folding saw in. Carry a piece of duct tape in the pouch and you can cut a sapling and make a serviceable extension saw if you're working on a tree stand. I find I use both the saw and pruners equally and it's best to get high quality on both-they'll work quicker and quieter and be a sound investment for many years.
I've had some Gerber pruners for years, still in great shape. Have to clean pine sap off once in a while, but no biggie. If I forget my saw, I can also cut bigger stuff with the pruners by squeezing and turning the blades around the limb like a tubing cutter. I make a lot of brush blinds and these are a great little light weight tool.
EZ Cut for me. Mine have been in use for 10 years now. If the blade gets bad I send them back and get a free replacement.