Bypass Pruners: Types, Uses and Why Aussie Gardeners Love Them

what are bypass pruners?

Bypass pruners are a must-have pruning tool to stay on top of essential cutting tasks and to keep your garden thriving. They work similarly to scissors, using two curved blades to make clean cuts through living green stems.

Also known as bypass secateurs or bypass pruning shears, these hand pruners are a staple for Australian home gardeners. They’re essential garden pruning tools for keeping plants healthy, encouraging strong growth and making everyday pruning easier.

Why are bypass pruners a favourite among Australian gardeners?

Bypass pruners are preferred because they make neat, precise cuts without inflicting damage on your plants. They’re ideal for common Aussie plants, including roses, native shrubs, herbs, fruit trees and soft-stemmed ornamentals. Their scissor-like action protects stems from tearing or bruising, which supports long-term plant health.

Home gardeners choose bypass pruners because they offer:

  • Clean cuts that reduce plant damage
  • Greater control for pruning live and green stems
  • Easy handling for everyday garden maintenance
  • Encourages plant growth

Types of bypass cutting tools

There are several types of bypass cutting tools, each designed for different stem sizes and pruning tasks. Within the bypass family you’ll find snips, pruners and loppers, all working with the same scissor-style action but suited to different levels of wood thickness.

Snips are ideal for delicate trimming, pruners handle everyday live stems, and loppers provide the extra reach and power needed for thicker growth. As a guide, bypass pruners are best for small living stems up to around 25 mm, while anything larger is better managed with a bypass lopper for a clean, safe cut.

Popular Cyclone Bypass Cutting Tools

Floral Snips

For fine, detailed trimming of soft growth and herbs (up to 10mm)

Pruners

For routine shaping of live and green stems (up to 25mm)

Loppers

For tackling larger living branches that need more cutting force (up to 40mm)

How to use bypass pruners: a simple step-by-step

  1. Choose healthy stems and decide exactly where you want to cut.
  2. Hold the pruners with the sharp cutting blade on the plant side for the cleanest result.
  3. Cut on a 45 degree  angle to help water run off and reduce the chance of disease.
  4. Avoid forcing or crushing stems. If a branch feels too tough, switch to a stronger tool such as loppers.
  5. Wipe the blades after use to remove sap and prevent the spread of disease.
  6. Store in a safe dry place

Choose the right pruner for your gardening job

The right tool makes pruning easier, safer and more effective. Cyclone offers professional grade quality tools designed for Australian conditions.

Choose the tool that best suits your needs:

• Bypass cutting tools for everyday trimming – Cyclone’s Bypass Pruner for routine shaping of live and green stems
• Bypass loppers for extra cutting power – Cyclone’s Ratchet Bypass Loppers for thicker living branches that need more force
• Ergonomic bypass cutting tools for comfort – Cyclone’s Ergonomic Bypass Pruner for reduced strain during longer pruning sessions 

Cyclone tools are available at Bunnings Warehouse, Mitre 10 and leading independent garden retailers nationwide, making it easy to find dependable, Australian-designed tools for every gardening job.

Pruning Tools for Aussie Gardeners

Explore Cyclone's range of high-performance pruning tools.

After care: keeping your pruners sharp and your plants healthy

Good tool care makes pruning easier and keeps your garden healthier. Clean, sharp blades ensure every cut is smooth and minimise the risk of tearing or spreading disease. With a few simple habits, your pruners will perform season after season.

Maintenance tips:

  • Wipe blades thoroughly after each use
  • Sharpen blades occasionally for precise, safe cuts
  • Oil the pivot point to keep the action smooth
  • Store in a dry place to prevent rust

Bypass pruners are a must-have tool for clean, healthy pruning in any Australian garden. They help plants recover quickly, encourage stronger growth and make everyday garden maintenance easier all year round.

Whether you care for roses, natives or fruit trees, having a reliable pair of pruners helps you work with confidence and care. If you’re ready to upgrade your pruning kit, explore Cyclone’s range of bypass pruners built for durability, reliability and Australian conditions. 

Use the Cyclone store locator to find your nearest stockist and choose the right tool for the job.