How to Choose the Right Felco Pruner for Your Hands
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn on qualifying purchases
🌿 Introduction: Your Hands Are Your Most Important Gardening Tools
Quality garden pruners don’t just make cuts — they help prevent hand injury, arthritis flare-ups, tendon strain, and joint pain. Drawing on ergonomic principles and my experience as a physical therapist and master gardener, I’ll help you choose the right Felco pruner for your hand size, dominant hand, and pruning needs.
This article builds on the tool-selection principles I discussed in my guide to the best gardening tools for seniors — from handle diameter to grip force and joint-friendly design. (In the Garden Sue)
📏 How Felco Classifies Their Hand Pruners
On the official Felco site, pruners are organized by:
Hand size (small, medium, large)
Hand orientation (right, left, or universal)
Pruning task or environment (gardening, arboriculture, vineyards, trees) (FELCO North America)
Understanding these categories helps you match the tool to your hands, strength, and pruning goals — just like choosing seats, grips, and weights in your tool guide for gardeners with weak hands. (In the Garden Sue)
🧠 Ergonomic Factors I Consider as a Physical Therapist
From both a clinical and gardening perspective, the ideal pruning shears:
Have a handle diameter and grip span that match your hand size
Reduce grip force through effective leverage and shock absorption
Minimize wrist deviation and repetitive strain
Are lightweight enough to reduce muscle fatigue — especially for seniors, arthritis, or weak grip strength (In the Garden Sue)
🌟 Quick Reference Guide: All Felco Hand Pruners (Highlighted Amazon Options)
*Amazon availability varies by retailer and stock.
✂️ Detailed Felco Model Breakdown
Felco F2 – The Classic All-Around Pruner
A flagship model with forged aluminum handles built for durability and strength. Designed for larger hands and everyday garden pruning.
Why it’s great: Balanced weight, classic bypass action, and lifetime serviceability.
Consider if: Your hands are medium to large and you want a do-it-all tool.
Felco F5 – Budget-Conscious Pick With Steel Handles
A more economical version of the classic with solid all-steel handles. Good for occasional pruning or as a backup tool.
Why it’s great: Durable and affordable.
Consider if: You want reliable quality without premium pricing.
Felco F6 – Ergonomic Favorite for Medium Hands
One of Felco’s most popular ergonomic models designed for medium hand sizes. Lightweight design reduces fatigue during repetitive cuts.
Why it’s great: Balanced feel, less hand strain.
Consider if: You have medium hands or enjoy frequent pruning.
Felco F8 – Ergonomic Comfort for Larger Hands
Features molded handles for a comfortable grip and excellent shock absorption. Great for prolonged pruning sessions.
Why it’s great: Cushioned handle feedback.
Consider if: You want comfort with power.
Felco F9 – Left-Handed Ergonomic Choice
Engineered specifically for left-handed gardeners with angled head and ergonomic grip for comfortable extended use.
Why it’s great: Left-hand optimization.
Consider if: You prune mainly with your left hand.
Felco F11 – Universal Anvil Pruner
An anvil-style shear with a wide universal fit, suited for tougher wood and larger branches. Why it’s great: Robust cutting on dense/dry wood.
Consider if: You tackle hard-to-cut stems.
Felco F12 – Rotating Handle Helps Reduce Strain
Features a rotating handle that reduces gripping force and overall strain — useful for those with arthritis or hand fatigue.
Why it’s great: Reduced wrist and hand strain.
Consider if: You have joint pain or weak grip strength.
Felco F14 – Small Hands, Big Comfort
Designed for small hand sizes, lightweight and maneuverable.
Why it’s great: Excellent fit for small hand gardens.
Consider if: You need precision with comfort.
Felco F13 – Extra Reach + Multi-Use
Heavy-duty pruner with a longer reach, suitable for larger hands and heavier branches.
Why it’s great: Extended reach and multi-task capability.
Consider if: You want a hybrid pruner/lopper effect.
Felco F16 & F17 – Left-Handed Compact Options
Left-hand-oriented choices with ergonomic designs, ideal for medium or smaller left hands.
Why it’s great: Customized for left-hand efficiency and comfort.
Felco F31 & F32 – Heavy-Duty Anvil Pruners
These models are excellent anvil pruners built for hard wood and tough garden jobs, with robust cutting blades and universal right/left handling.
Why they’re great: Top choice for dry wood, dead stems, and larger cuts.
Consider if: You do heavy pruning or need an anvil style.
🧓 Linking Back to Tool Selection for Seniors
Just as I emphasized in my Best Gardening Tool Guide for Seniors, reducing grip force, choosing the right handle diameter, and minimizing strain are essential for long-term hand health. (In the Garden Sue)
Ergonomic pruners like the F6, F12, F14, F16, and F31/32 help distribute force more efficiently and can significantly reduce joint compression and fatigue.
🛠️ Final Thoughts: Choose for Your Hands, Not Just the Garden Task
The best pruner for you isn’t simply the most expensive or classic model—it matches your hands, your health, and your gardening routine.
Whether you’re a weekend gardener looking to avoid hand pain or an experienced horticulturist tending roses and shrubs daily, matching hand size, orientation, ergonomic design, and task type will help you garden longer and pain-free.
More Articles just for YOU:
Review of the 5 Best Garden Stools for Seniors
Review of 3 Best Garden Kneeler Seats for Seniors
The Best Hand Pruners for Arthritic Hands: A Review
How to Sharpen and Maintain Hand Pruners:
Exploring The Best Long Handled Pruners for Senior Gardeners
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn on qualifying purchases