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12 Best Grass Shears (Review) In 2021

Written by:
Adrienne Wild
Adrienne Wild
Adrienne Wild

Adrienne started her professional life as a gardener at her local parks department and went on to train at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh where she was the first female student on the prestigious and world-renowned horticultural course run by the Botanic garden. An experienced and award-winning garden writer and past editor of some of Britain’s favourite gardening magazines, Adrienne has for over 30 years, inspired gardeners with a breadth of gardening know-how plus creative and decorative ideas. One of her main aims is to make gardening accessible, even to the smallest green fingers, with her clear advice and straightforward step-by-step instructions. Adrienne loves to travel and has visited, given talks and met ordinary home gardeners in far flung places like China, South Africa, Philippines and Caribbean as well as the UK.

Last Updated: February 18, 2021
Best Choice
FLORA-GUARD-26
FLORA GUARD 26" Extensible Hedge & Grass Shear
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Best Value
Sun-Joe-2-in-1-Cordless-Grass-Shear-+-Hedger-image
Sun Joe 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger
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Premium Pick
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Bahco P74 Lawn Shear - Horizontal Blades
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Show Contents
Contents
  • 1. FLORA GUARD 26" Professional Extensible Hedge & Grass Shear
  • 2. Fiskars Small Power-Lever Grass Shear
  • 3. WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Shrubbery Trimmer
  • 4. Berger Anti-Stick Coated Blade Grass Shear
  • 5. Sun Joe 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger
  • 6. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear
  • 7. Bahco P74 Lawn Shear - Horizontal Blades
  • 8. Fiskars 36" Long-Handle Swivel Grass Shear
  • 9. GoPlus Cordless Grass Shear with Wheeled Extension Pole
  • 10. Corona Classic Cut 4.5" Handheld Grass Shear
  • 11. Sun Joe Cordless 2-in-1 Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer
  • 12. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer Combo
Award
Brand
Rating
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Award:

Best Choice
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Brand:

FLORA GUARD 26" Professional Extensible Hedge & Grass Shear

Rating:

10
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Award:

Premium Pick
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Brand:

Bahco P74 Lawn Shear - Horizontal Blades

Rating:

9
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Award:

Best Value
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Brand:

Sun Joe 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger

Rating:

8
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Award:

Multi-Purpose Pick
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Brand:

Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer Combo

Rating:

7
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Award:

Budget Pick
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Brand:

Fiskars Small Power-Lever Grass Shear

Rating:

7

The Best Grass Shear

For a neat and tidy garden, there are many tools the avid gardener might have in his or her shed. You might have power tools like a hedge trimmer, a pole saw, a leaf blower and of course, there's your favorite lawn mower and there's always a set of secateurs and grass shears in that garden storage area too. Grass shears can differ in use and also the way they are built, from long to short-handled, angled, and rigid. Some shears are used for manually cutting leaves and branches in hedgerows and ornamental plants, they are made for this reason. Some shears are specifically designed for cutting grass from a standing position and there are some that are designed like scissors so you can get down close to the grass that needs trimming. Lawn shears make little mess and help to edge the parts that your mower can't quite reach. With a little maintenance, they can last for years.

There are a number of features to consider if you are in the market for buying a new set. Perhaps those old wooden handles are a bit worn and cause calluses or the blades on your 20-year-old set of shears have been sharpened so many times there's no life left in them. Maybe you've got your first home with a yard that needs some upkeep and you don't know which garden shears are best? The Unclutterer team has reviewed twelve of the best grass shears available this year that we think are worth looking at. We've gone through blade size, design, ease of use, quality, heavy-duty or lightweight - and we've even looked at cordless lithium ions versus manually operated options too. Here are our real reviews from a real gardening enthusiast.

1. FLORA GUARD 26″ Professional Extensible Hedge & Grass Shear

Best Choice
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Key Features

    Long-handled

    26″ to 34.6″ handles

    9″ blades

    Weighs 2.64lbs

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FLORA GUARD 26″ Professional Extensible Hedge & Grass Shear
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Typically styled the FLORA GUARD 26″ Professional Extensible Hedge & Grass Shear is comfortable to use. The wavy style blades ensure that it grips when cutting through leaves and stringy stems. Rather than using a power tool to hack away at your hedgerows or ornamental plants, this manual tool allows you to carefully prune and trim to the exact point that you need, allowing you to get into the tree or hedge with precision. The handles are made of strong aluminum and we liked that it’s easy to tighten/loosen the blades using a simple built-in notch. We chose this model as our best choice for our 2020 review list.

    Pros

    Lockable extending ability

    Shock absorbing

    Non-slip grip handles

    Easy action

    Cons

    A bit sturdy

2. Fiskars Small Power-Lever Grass Shear

Budget Pick
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Key Features

    Handheld

    Left or right-handed

    5″ blades

    Weighs 1lbs

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Fiskars Small Power-Lever Grass Shear
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If you are looking to cut at grass level, you’ll either have ornamental grass that you really need to get down to manicure beautifully, or you have paving slabs or paved edges you want to trim around, then the Fiskars Small Power-Lever Grass Shear is a fine idea. The handheld grass shears use a scissor action but aren’t built like scissors, they are for grass and made for either left or right-handed users and only one hand is needed. The sharp blades cut all the way to the tip for precision and accuracy. We like these and as our budget pick, we think you’ll like the price too. You will need to wipe the blades during use to get rid of sticky grass dew.

    Pros

    Non slip grip

    Lifetime warranty

    Scissor action

    Cons

    Unbranded – unsure on Fiskars genuity

    Blades need dry wipe during use

    Quite awkward to grip

3. WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Shrubbery Trimmer

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Key Features

    7.2v cordless

    1100 RPM

    2x blades

    Weighs 1.04lbs

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WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Shrubbery Trimmer
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Using just a one-handed operation, the WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Shrubbery Trimmer offers combined grass clippers with a hedge trimmer. Two blades are supplied and the unit has been designed so that it’s easy to change between blades. This little beauty is perfect for small garden areas so you can tidy up the lawn along with tree/hedge/shrubbery branches (up to 10mm) easily. It’s also an ideal cordless grass shear as an extra to a lawn mower that can’t reach into awkward spots. A great little cordless lithium-ion powered grass shear tool.

    Pros

    Battery and charger included

    Easy to change blades

    Best suited to small/light areas

    Lightweight

    Cons

    Could be better build quality

    Low battery life

4. Berger Anti-Stick Coated Blade Grass Shear

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Key Features

    Handheld

    Metal built

    4.7″ blades

    Weighs 6.4oz

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Berger Anti-Stick Coated Blade Grass Shear
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Your lawn edges should be treated to some TLC and what better than some handheld grass shears that are easy to use. The Berger Anti-Stick Coated Blade Grass Shear has been designed in full metal, yet they’re still lightweight, making them easy to clean and extremely strong and sturdy. The blade length is important when tending to grass and the high-quality blades are smooth and sharp and will last a long time if cleaned after each use. Although they look simply designed, the handles are built at the perfect angle so you can hold them comfortably while the blades cut horizontally.

    Pros

    Anti-adhesive blades

    Don’t jam up

    Good quality

    Cons

    Long term investment

    Fittings may rust & loosen over time

    Fairly pricey if only occasional use

5. Sun Joe 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger

Best Value
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Key Features

    7.2v cordless

    1250 RPM

    2x steel blades

    Weighs 2.5lbs

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Sun Joe 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger
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The Sun Joe 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger is our choice for the value pick and actually does have the same look and similar design as the quality WORKPRO cordless grass shears as we reviewed 3rd on our list. There are differences though – the price, this is almost half the price, and the weight almost double. The RPM rating is higher. Differences might end there though. The design is spectacularly similar and they are both multi-purpose. There are two blades, one for grass and one for hedge trimming. It’s easy to change from hedge to grass and vice versa and ideal for small areas or for when manual shears or the lawn mower can’t reach into awkward or delicate spaces. This company is also known as Sun Joe and you’ll see that version at no.11 on our list below. Works on a lithium-ion battery which is included.

    Pros

    Dual action

    Grass cutting or hedge trimming

    Battery and charger included

    Good battery life

    Cons

    Plastic built

6. Makita 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear

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Key Features

    18v cordless

    2500 RPM

    Dual blade

    Weighs 3.69lbs

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Makita 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear
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As far as cordless grass shears go this is a sturdy well-built and offers up to 200 hours run time, although the battery is not supplied when you buy this device. The dual blade cutting technique offers a professional finish and we like the way that the height can be adjustable so you really can perfect your grass and have it just as you need it. The Makita 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear will cut around awkward spaces such as around the patio and paved edges and walls. It is a powerful machine and we found that it’s sturdy, well built and is a great addition to any garden shed. Just remember to purchase your battery when you buy this so you can get to work right away – you can get up to a 5.0aH battery for faster charge time.

    Pros

    Lightweight

    Adjustable cutting height

    Easy to use

    Cons

    Battery not included

    Industrial look

7. Bahco P74 Lawn Shear – Horizontal Blades

Premium Pick
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Key Features

    Long-handled

    35″ handles

    8″ blades

    Weighs 3.6lbs

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Bahco P74 Lawn Shear – Horizontal Blades
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The Bahco P74 Lawn Shear with Horizontal Blades is long-handled grass shear that is built for cutting whilst in a standing position. They are high quality – they’d have to be at this price – and extremely well built. These manual shears are easy to use and we’ve made them our premium pick for 2020. The long round steel tube handles are covered with black plastic so that they’re easy to grip and the blades have been angled so that you can edge your lawn where it meets the patio or wall – anywhere that a lawn mower finds it difficult to reach.

These are tough shears with a no-frill attitude. This type of garden shear has been used for decades by avid gardeners and professionals alike, which is why we think that these quality shears are a great investment – they will far outlast any cordless grass shears or lightweight handhelds. They’re a no-go though if you’re on a tight budget!

    Pros

    Good quality

    Long-lasting

    Lightweight

    Eco friendly

    Easy to use

    Cons

    Price

    Poor % 4* & 5* reviews

8. Fiskars 36″ Long-Handle Swivel Grass Shear

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Key Features

    Long-handled

    36″ handles

    5″ blades

    Weighs 2lbs

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Fiskars 36″ Long-Handle Swivel Grass Shear
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Number 8 on our review list is Fiskars 36″ Long-Handle Swivel Grass Shear manual grass shear which is similar in size to the Bahco premium pick, above. If you aren’t able to stretch to the premium price of the Bahco shears then this model might be a better choice. The huge difference here is that these grass shears give you a better advantage over rigid cutting. The blades are adjustable and can rotate through 360 degrees which is, we think, a fantastic idea. You can cut at any angle instead of trying to get into an awkward position. This means if you are cutting on a slight incline or shaping grass over a bumpy area, you get right onto it using them in a comfortable standing position. Although you simply squeeze the mechanism at the top with one hand, the other hand is needed to control the length of the pole.

    Pros

    Lifetime warranty

    Swivel at 360 degrees

    Rust resistant

    Lightweight

    Affordable

    Cons

    May not last long

9. GoPlus Cordless Grass Shear with Wheeled Extension Pole

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Key Features

    7.2v lithium-ion battery

    1200 RPM

    36″ handles

    4″ & 8″ wide blades

    Weighs 26.5lbs

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GoPlus Cordless Grass Shear with Wheeled Extension Pole
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This is a brilliant all-round kit with full gear included for multi-purpose use around the garden. The GoPlus Cordless Grass Shear with Wheeled Extension Pole model comes with a shrub/grass cutter and hedge cutter blades and works on wheels. It’s such an invention that it might seem unusual that it works like a mini mower so you really can concentrate on cutting grass in awkward places. You may like that the battery is built-in so the charger simply needs to be plugged in and promises to provide you with up to 2 hours of running time. If you need power behind your cutting tool this little gem is easy to maneuver and prevents you from bending over with its extendable pole though you can convert it to a handheld too. The blades can be changed over easily. Being cordless and having a blade shield makes it safe to use it.

    Pros

    Great quality

    Converts into hand tool

    Head angles for convenience

    Portable

    Easy to use

    Cons

    Only good for small projects

    Might prefer separate tools

10. Corona Classic Cut 4.5″ Handheld Grass Shear

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Key Features

    Handheld

    Super sharp forged blades

    4.5″ blades

    Weighs 1.3lbs

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Corona Classic Cut 4.5″ Handheld Grass Shear
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With stainless steel blades and vinyl-coated handles this little high-quality set of shears for grass trimming, bush tidying, and work on ground cover too. As far as ease of use goes, the Corona Classic Cut 4.5″ Handheld Grass Shear is simply controlled using two hands. They are priced affordably and the blades can be resharpened so they continue to provide you with a smooth cut.

    Pros

    Easy to use

    Durable

    Lightweight

    Cons

    Not the ideal brand name

11. Sun Joe Cordless 2-in-1 Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer

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Key Features

    2 in 1 cordless grass shear

    7.2v

    1250 RPM

    2x steel blades

    Weighs 2.5lbs

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Sun Joe Cordless 2-in-1 Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer
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The Sun Joe Cordless 2-in-1 Grass Shear & Hedge Trimmer is similar, as mentioned before, to the Sun Joe we reviewed above. It’s a little more expensive and there are barely any differences, really just the color and the price. The mechanics and build style are the same but who’s to say the motor isn’t a different type? The dual action offers a blade so you can use the Sun Joe as grass shears, and a hedge blade for the obvious. It works on a lithium-ion battery and it is easy to change over the blades. It’s ideal for small areas only, or as an additional tool to your mower so you can trim grass where it can’t reach. The Sun Joe is a great quality hedge trimmer with the option to carry out cordless grass shear projects too. We think it’s good quality, affordable version of a cordless lithium-ion powered grass tool.

    Pros

    Battery included

    Portable

    Cons

    Questionable blade sharpness

    Not heavy duty

    Very short handle

12. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer Combo

Multi-Purpose Pick
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Key Features

    2 in 1 cordless grass shear

    7.2v

    1250 RPM

    6.5″ & 4″ wide steel blades

    Weighs 1.6lbs

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Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer Combo
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This dual-action unit allows you to use it as a hedge trimmer and a cordless grass shear tool. It’s similar to two we have listed above but looks far better than the similar 2 in 1 Snow Joe and Sun Joe versions we have featured. We do think you could spend just a few dollars more on this Scotts Outdoor Power Tools Cordless Grass Shear & Shrub Trimmer Combo if you prefer a well known, solid brand and cordless grass shears that are lightweight. This looks and feels more sturdy too. It’s a powerful cordless lithium-ion battery-operated machine, the battery is built-in and just requires charging up with the charger supplied. The hedge saw can cut branches up to half an inch thick and if you use it to shear grass you will like that it gives you an accurate cut. The pivoting head is a useful addition, you can trim and shear away comfortably and safely.

    Pros

    2 year replace and fix warranty

    Good lithium-ion battery life

    Cons

    Might prefer more power for hedger

Features To Consider With Grass Shears

A hedge or grass trimmer is perhaps one of the most widely used gardening tools found in sheds across the country. They help cut, prune and trim hard to reach areas and keep lawns, hedges, and bushes neatly trimmed all year round. The most important features as well as comfort and safety are perhaps their durability and the amount of care needed to make them as long-lasting as possible. Other features include ease of use, blade length, batteries needed, and the material they are made from. We've covered some main features below to help you when you start researching the best grass shears to suit you and your upcoming gardening projects. Buying your own tools will not only save you money but give you the excuse to get outdoors instead of watching someone else do it for you. Enjoy your outside space.

the best grass shear

Blade Length

The important thing to consider is the layout of your garden. If you find it hard to maneuver a standard-sized lawn mower then lithium-ion grass shears are a good idea in a very small grassed area. If your space is medium to large you will still benefit from shears, whether manual or electric, as they can help tidy edges and get into corners that the mower can't. So, the blade.

In basic terms the longer the blade will determine how much an area you can cover each time you sweep over it. Long blades, however, might not be easy to maneuver in very tight spots of the garden.

Most cordless and manual grass shears will come with between a 4 inch to 6-inch blade. Some blades work using electrical power and the manual ones mean that you can prune and trim precisely. Most can also be used on small bushes too.

Electric or Manual

Electric grass shears are usually very handy, light to use, and mean that they don't need the same pressure or force from you that a manual set will. Lithium-ion grass shears are the most popular. They are cordless, come with a built-in rechargeable battery. You aren't limited with a power cord but you do need to charge up regularly. Make sure you consider the battery life and charge time when you consider an electrical unit as you might not want to return to a powerpoint if you are trying to do a full day's work. Self-powered sets have good 'ease of use' levels especially if you have difficulty with fingers or limbs. They can also reduce the time and energy it takes to maintain your garden. While there isn't a best cordless shear per-se, there is a good one that suits YOU.

Manual shears are, clearly, eco friendly and well worth investing in. But be aware of frills as often in the garden the simpler the tool the easier it is to get used to, and the less likely it is to break. They are designed to work like scissors with opening and closing blades but you do still need to put the effort in. Good design and durability is key here. Heavy-duty might look sturdy but they'll need lots of energy and stamina. Those with a long handle might be handy if you can't bend over, and handheld versions will allow you to get on your knees and get right down to see the grass you are cutting, giving you an overall accurate cut.

Either way your gardening tools collection should definitely include grass shears, whichever type suits you.

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Efficiency

Simply put, the efficiency of any gardening tool depends on a couple of things. How you intend to use it, as in what type of jobs you want to do, how sharp the blades are, and whether it is powered by electricity or by you. Oh, and if you use the tools in the right conditions. What this means is that they're only as efficient as they are built to be provided they are used for the right purpose in the right way. For instance, if you try and use any type of blade on wet grass it's only going to bend it and won't cut no matter how much you try. If you have a large job then electric powered shears are going to be quicker, but is efficiency over care a better way to get a perfectly healthy garden?

Handle Length

Short handles are great at cutting up close and for pruning bushes and cutting curving grassy edges too. A long handle design will allow you to trim the edges in a standing position which is great if you find it difficult to bend. Some have blades that are built at right angles to the handles and some blades are in line with them. Some people describe two-handled versions a little like loppers but they're easier to use if you hold one part still with one hand, and bring the other handle (the one controlling the uppermost blade) in and out in a snipping action.

the best grass shear

Weight

Just how much your shears weigh is important, not so much if they are long-handled and designed for use while you're standing up as you don't need to hold their weight. They should be lightweight if they are multi-functional though, for example, if they are electric and come with blades for use both on the grass and for your bushes as you'll still need some control. Consider the weight if this is going to be an issue for you, especially as most gardening jobs aren't going to be two-minute wonders!

Grass Shear FAQ

Q: Can grass shears also cut through small roots and branches?

A:

Generally, grass shears are built for slicing through very thin slices as they have fine and ultra-sharp blades to make a quick cut. Thicker blades couldn't do the job but grass shears will cut through small tendrils and roots, plants, and very slim green branches. Don't expect to cut through woody plants though.

the best grass shear

Q: How long do electric, cordless shears last?

A:

It's quite safe to say that this depends on the battery you will be using but in the majority of cases, you will find a fully charged cordless shear unit will last anything from 40 minutes on continuous operation. Different models use different batteries and different motors so you will find more information in the manual provided by the manufacturer. It does of course depend on how hard the work is that you are doing. If you are working the shears hard then the battery will drain faster.

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