Trimming scissors are the one tool you will hold for hours at a stretch, and the difference between a good pair and a cheap pair is measured in hand cramp. Buy several pairs rather than one expensive pair – resin gums blades within an hour, and swapping is faster than cleaning mid-session.
What to look for
Spring-loaded. The spring reopens the blade for you. Over a few thousand cuts that is the difference between a sore hand and an injured one. Non-negotiable for anything beyond one plant.
Blade shape. Curved blades get into tight spots and follow the contour of a bud. Straight blades are better for bulk work and larger leaves. Most people keep both.
Non-stick coating. Titanium or PTFE coating slows resin build-up noticeably. It does not stop it.
Blade length. Short blades (around 2in) for precision, longer for speed on big fan leaves.
Handle size. Match it to your hand, not to the price. This is the spec people ignore and regret.
Keeping them working
Resin is the enemy and it sets. Keep a jar of isopropyl alcohol and a cloth on the table, and clean blades every 20-30 minutes rather than at the end. Once resin hardens in the pivot the action goes stiff and the blades stop meeting cleanly, which tears rather than cuts. A stiff pair of scissors damages the crop as well as your hand.
How many pairs?
Three is the usual answer for a home grow – two in use, one soaking. For a bigger harvest with several people trimming, one pair each plus spares.
Bigger cuts
Scissors are for trim work. For taking branches down and cutting stems, use pruners or secateurs – forcing trim snips through a thick stem misaligns the blades permanently. See grow room tools.
We are a hydroponics shop in Croydon and we trim by hand every cycle. Come in and hold a pair before you buy – handle fit is the whole thing. Discreet UK and European delivery, and excellent customer reviews on Trustpilot.
