Customer Reviews

Ames True Temper Pruning Solutions Forged Bypass Pruner 2343130

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Ames True Temper Pruning Solutions Forged Bypass Pruner #2343130

I've had one of these tools for many years. We stopped using it long ago, but had forgotten why. To refresh the old memory, I just did a small trimming job, alternating between this tool and a Fiskars Traditional Power-Lever Anvil Pruner #9110.

Pros:

- I agree with the first reviewer (Peggy) that these pruners are nicely made and economical.

- The Ames also has a replaceable blade, although why this is desirable on a ten buck tool is beyond me, even if you could find a replacement.

Cons:

- The Ames pruner has a hook to hold the handles together against the spring, which otherwise, pushes the handles apart. The hook feature allows you to store or carry the tool with the jaws closed. Unfortunately, that hook moves so freely, it often swings into the lock position on its own, while pruning. This is maddening, as you have to unhook the darn thing every time that happens. A rubber band or tape wrapped around the hook stops that from happening, but then, you have to remove the band/tape to store or carry it.

- In actual use, the Ames pruner takes more effort to cut, then does the Fiskars pruner. The Ames blade is much thicker than the Fiskars, and the Ames is not a compound action device. By contrast, the Fiskars' compound-action (power-lever) design increases cutting leverage, and opens the jaws wide at the rear, allowing branches to be close to the pivot point. (The blades of both pruners in my test were equally sharp.) That added effort isn't important for a small job, but otherwise, I would tire quicker using the Ames.

Summary:

My advice is to buy the excellent Fiskars anvil pruner, which Amazon sells for about the same cost as the Ames model.

I have a friend that likes all things blue, so originally I bought one for her just for that reason. When I saw how nicely made they were for such an economical cost, I bought myself one as a back up for when I misplace my other ones, which I seem to do more frequently these days. It's rare to find such a great gardening deal, so take advantage.