Ratchet Pruners For Arthritis & Weak Hands: What To Know Before You Buy

Gardening Shouldn't Be a Pain—Literally

You love your garden—that's the fun part. But if your hands ache every time you prune, or thick stems seem impossible to cut through, it might be time to rethink your tools.

Standard pruning shears can take a lot of force to use, and not everyone's hands are built for that. If you've got arthritis, carpal tunnel, smaller hands, or just want to avoid the strain, traditional tools can turn gardening from relaxing to downright frustrating.

Why Everyone's Talking About Ratchet Pruners

Here's where ratchet pruners come in. They work a little differently—using a clever multi-step mechanism that gives you more cutting power with less effort. Instead of slicing through a branch in one big squeeze, the blade closes in stages. That means dry, thick, or stubborn stems become way easier to handle.

And it's not just hype. The manual pruning shears market is expected to hit $765 million by 2029, and ratchet-style tools are a big part of that growth. Gardeners love the combo of comfort, control, and serious cutting power—especially when tools offer both ratchet and single-squeeze modes.

What to Look for in a Good Ratchet Pruner

Shopping for one? Here are a few features to keep in mind:

• Can it handle up to 1-inch-thick branches with no fuss?
• Does it have comfy, non-slip handles?
• Is it light enough to use for a while without tiring you out? (Aluminum frames and steel blades are a great combo.)
• Are there useful extras like a safety lock or sponge attachments for easy cleanup?

These little details go a long way—especially if you're after a tool that saves your hands without skimping on performance.

Design That Makes a Difference

The team at The Gardener's Friend knows firsthand how important the right tool can be. The founders created their first ratchet pruners after dealing with their own hand mobility challenges. The pruners feature a three-step cutting system, sharp steel blades, and comfy ergonomic handles.

More Joy, Less Effort

Gardening should feel good—not wear you out. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with arthritis, or just want tools that work with you (not against you), ratchet pruners are a small switch that can make a big difference.

If you're curious about a more comfortable way to garden, The Gardener's Friend is a great place to start.