By Savannah Sher | Updated Sep 22, 2021 11:39 AM

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Grass shears are a handy landscaping tool for trimming areas that a lawn mower can’t reach. They’re ideal for corners and the areas around flower beds, driveways, pathways, and tree trunks.

For increased versatility, grass shears can be either manual or electric, with electric shears being further categorized into cordless and corded models. While corded shears must be plugged into an outlet, battery-powered cordless grass shears provide optimal mobility. While brush cutters, string trimmers, and cordless trimmers are a good choice for large lawns, grass shears are the best choice for precision work involving not only grass but also shrubbery.

While choosing cordless grass shears to add to your landscaping arsenal might seem like a simple decision, there are actually a number of considerations to weigh. This guide will explore several important features to look for as you shop and then offer choices by category for some of the best cordless grass shears to maintain the surrounding landscape.

While it’s easy to assume all cordless grass shears offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality, including blade type and size, battery and power capacity, ease of use, availability of additional features, and more. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best cordless grass shears for landscaping your yard.

Grass shear blades are typically made from stainless steel or high-carbon steel and may feature a nonstick coating.

The length of the blades dictates how wide an area they can trim at once. Cordless grass shears typically have 4- to 6-inch blades. Shorter blades are best for very tight areas and precision work, while longer blades allow the user to more quickly cover a larger area but may prove difficult to maneuver in small areas.

Cordless grass shears are powered by rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries are the most common type for use in cordless lawn tools. While nickel-cadmium batteries are less expensive to produce, they tend to lose charging capacity over time. Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are used in higher-end appliances and typically charge more quickly. Cordless grass shears usually have a battery capacity between 3.6 and 20 volts. While a battery with a higher voltage rating will hold a charge longer, it will also result in heavier shears.

The power capacity of cordless grass shears is typically measured by blade speed in either rotations per minute (RPM) or strokes per minute (SPM). RPM and SPM are often used interchangeably and are both indicators of power capacity in a number of household power tools. RPM and SPM are generally expressed by their “no-load speed,” meaning the speed at which the blade moves when it’s not in contact with an object, like grass or a shrub. Look for no-load blade speeds of at least 1,000 RPM or SPM.

Most cordless grass shears on the market are designed to be handheld, with relatively short handles that require the user to kneel or bend over while using them. These short handles are great for detail work, offering the user precise control.

Some models, however, include telescoping extendable handles that allow users to trim grass and shrubs while in a standing position. This makes it easier for individuals with mobility issues, or for anyone who develops stiffness or pain after long periods of kneeling or bending, to comfortably use the shears. A longer handle also is beneficial for trimming more sizable areas of grass or shrubbery.

Handles are generally designed with ergonomics in mind for comfortable and more long-lasting use. They typically feature nonslip grips and are contoured to accommodate a natural hand position.

Given that they are handheld, cordless grass shears are light and easy to maneuver, ranging in weight from 1.5 to 5 pounds. Choosing a very lightweight model is especially a priority for shoppers who want to avoid wrist, arm, and shoulder fatigue and discomfort.

While the materials used to construct the shears do play a role, the most significant factor that contributes to the overall weight is the battery. While a larger battery with higher voltage ensures users can operate the shears for a longer period of time before being recharged, it also results in more weight. If weight is a primary concern, consider a model with a lower battery capacity.

While all grass shears include a short grass cutter that’s typically about 3 to 4 inches wide, many models include additional attachments. Shears that come with extra blades are designed with connection systems to make it easy to switch between several attachments.

Cordless grass shears may also offer a range of useful additional features.

The following recommendations take into account the abovementioned features to consider when shopping for the best cordless grass shears in addition to overall quality and value. Read on to discover some of the top options on the market in a variety of categories for a well-maintained landscape.

Worx’s cordless grass shears feature an ultra-powerful 20-volt battery, yet are still incredibly lightweight at just 2 pounds. The no-load blade speed is 1,100 SPM. This model includes two steel blades: a 4-inch grass shear blade and an 8-inch shrubbery blade that can also be used for trimming larger areas of grass. Switching between the two blades is easy and doesn’t require any additional tools.

The ergonomically designed soft-grip handle provides increased control and reduces hand, wrist, and arm strain, ensuring a comfortable user experience. The battery is also compatible with a number of other Worx tools in its Power Share platform.

SereneLife’s cordless grass shears include a 3-inch-wide grass cutter blade and an 8.46-inch shrub cutter blade. Users can easily interchange the two blades to quickly and conveniently alternate between landscaping tasks.

The built-in 3.6-volt battery takes 4 hours to charge. Despite the small battery, these grass shears boast a fast no-load blade speed of over 1,000 RPM. The compact body of the tool is made from Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is designed to withstand both frequent use and outdoor conditions. It’s lightweight at under 3 pounds, and a safety lock ensures the shears don’t engage when not in use.

While handheld grass shears are ideal for detail work, an extension pole can transform them into a tool for trimming larger areas of grass and taller shrubbery. The telescopic extendable handle of these cordless grass shears by Scotts Outdoor Power Tools makes it easier for users to trim grass without bending over and to access hard-to-reach areas.

The shears are powered by a 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery and weigh 2.6 pounds. They include two blades: a 4-inch grass blade and a 6.5-inch shrubbery blade. No additional tools are required to alternate the blades.

These cordless grass shears from Sun Joe offer the versatility of a 4-inch grass blade and a 6-inch hedge blade. An indicator light on the body of the shears displays how much life remains in the 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery before requiring a recharge.

The ergonomic handle and minimal weight of just 2.5 pounds make this model comfortable to use while still remaining durable. A safety locking mechanism ensures these shears won’t be accidentally powered on. As an added bonus, they are available in a variety of colors to add a touch of personality to landscaping tasks. Choose from dark blue, purple, red, and platinum.

Owners of other Ryobi power tools should consider these cordless grass shears, as the 18-volt lithium-ion battery is compatible with all of the brand’s other power tools. And the powerful battery charges in just 90 minutes. The 4-inch grass blade and 8-inch shrub blade are interchangeable in seconds, due to this model’s quick connection system.

The shrub blade on this product is longer than those typically included on other shears, making this tool especially handy for accessing hard-to-reach areas. Both blades boast a dual-action design to ensure users can quickly complete landscaping tasks. Due to the larger battery, this is a heavier model at 4.5 pounds.

Garden shears are helpful tools in a gardener’s arsenal, helping to trim grass and shrubs or hedges. The Worx is our top pick as an all-around, versatile trimming tool. Those who trim grass at least as often as they shear shrubs might prefer the Scotts long-handle shears to save on bending and back strain when shearing grass. This tool also easily flips back to short-handled hedge trimmers.

The best cordless shears can make quick work of landscape trimming tasks and save on arm fatigue. Cordless models might not be as powerful as corded trimmers, but there is no extension cord to get in the way. We looked at battery power (in voltage) and capacity for a number of cordless garden shears as a factor in choosing our top picks. We also considered blade sizes and types as well as handle lengths and ergonomics.

Most cordless garden shears weigh more than manual tools but less than 4 pounds; the lighter the model, the less fatigue to hands, wrists, and shoulders. We also considered additional features like a battery-life indicator or safety locks in choosing this list of the best cordless grass shears.

Ready to take on a landscaping task with your new cordless grass shears? Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these versatile tools.

Luckily, excess grass cuttings from using cordless grass shears provide nutrients to the grass, so it’s fine to leave them on the lawn.

After each use, remove the blade from the unit and thoroughly clean it with water and dish soap. Then, use an oil like WD-40 to lubricate the blade.

After removing them from the body of the shears, clamp blades down with a table vise, and sharpen them with a metal file.

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