Dramm Model #18012 Hand Pruners

When stepping out to work in the garden, a pair of hand pruners (shears) is the first tool in my pocket or belt pouch. A good pair of pruning shears is indispensable to snip off old spent flowers and stems from perennials such as hostas, daylilies,  peonies, etal; shrubs like rhododendrons, lilacs, hydrangeas; to clear away encroaching vegetation from a path; remove dead, pest ridden, and diseased twigs or small (1/2 inch diameter) branches.

Over the years I’ve owned a number of pruning shears from top manufacturers. My requirements for a good pruning shears are as follows:

• Blades forged from high grade stainless steel, less likely to rust and stay sharp longer
• Comfortable hand grips, less prone to cause calluses after heavy use
• Colorful hand grips so pruners are not easily lost in the garden
• Trustworthy locking mechanism that, when engaged, the blades close and don’t reopen in a pocket or belt pouch. Cutting action does not lock up by a faulty locking clip
• Sharp, stay sharp longer, and cut almost effortlessly
• Scissor cut and not anvil type

The Dramm model #18012 is the newest hand pruners in my garden tool shed. Dramm, Inc. is a 75 year old company from Manitowoc, WI, best known for their line of premium watering products for the garden. The model #18012 is a lightweight pruning shears that fits comfortably in a small hand. It is designed for cutting small ¼ inch diameter wood and soft green stems. It is not designed for cutting through thick woody branches, but is fabulous for everyday small tasks.