The Fiskars SmartFit Steel Bypass Pruner P68 is a classic, lightweight model of one-handed pruning shears, designed to perform a wide range of pruning tasks toward the easier-going end of the pruning spectrum.
These shears can delicately prune soft plants, remove dead flower heads, cut woody shrub branches, and – with a bit of effort – cut relatively thin tree branches. Do bear in mind that the P68 has a maximum cutting width of 5/8″, which will limit your options when it comes to pruning trees.
One of the key reasons to choose this pruner, rather than another pair of bypass pruning shears, is affordability. The P68 costs far less than high-performing alternative models such as the Felco No. 6 pruners, which we also reviewed here.
Despite their reasonable price, Fiskars pruners have some great design features that earned the brand a place on the list of the best pruners experts recommend. The blades on this particular pair of Fiskars pruners are made with hardened steel – ideal for long-term performance with minimal upkeep required. Meanwhile, the handles are made with a combination of durable, lightweight aluminum and soft-surfaced plastic, ensuring easy, comfortable usage.
We assessed this pruner by using it to perform a variety of pruning tasks around the yard. In keeping with the tool’s advertised capabilities, our test activities included deadheading, cutting soft plant stems, and pruning slender tree branches.
The UK equivalent to the P68 is the Fiskars Solid Bypass Pruner P121. The two models are similar in most respects, although UK readers should note that the P121 does not feature the “SmartFit” lever used to adjust the width of handle opening on the P68. A Fiskars P121 is shown in the testing photographs.
Pete has reviewed hundreds of gardening products for titles including Gardening Know How, TopTenReviews, Ideal Home, and the London Evening Standard – as well as writing articles on diverse topics for other publications such as The Guardian and BBC Good Food. A long-term contributor to the blog of leading scissors-maker Ernest Wright, Pete has in-depth understanding of the qualities and design features that go into a really good pair of shears.
Overview
Finnish brand Fiskars is one of the biggest-names in affordable cutting tools for the home and garden. Founded in 1649, the company has a remarkably long history of designing and making useful, accessible products – especially scissors and shears.
The SmartFit Bypass Pruner P68 continues Fiskars’ fine tradition, offering a great combination of effective design and economical manufacture. A good pair of bypass shears is one of the 3 types of pruners every gardener should have and these are a good beginner model.
It’s usually possible to get hold of a Fiskars P68 for less than $20, from big box retailers such as Lowe’s and Walmart. Readers in the UK who are seeking a similar option that’s available in their region can turn to the Fiskars Solid Bypass Pruner P121 on Amazon, for example..
(Image credit: Future)
Key Specs
|
Type |
Bypass pruner |
|
Cutting capacity |
5/8″ |
|
Blade material |
Hardened steel |
|
Handedness |
Left or right |
|
Accessories |
N/A |
Performance
The Fiskars P68 is designed for all-purpose pruning, from delicate tasks like deadheading to cutting relatively thin tree branches and twigs. So, our reviewer tested the shears by using them to perform a variety of tasks around the yard.
We started with the relatively tough task of cutting tree branches. The P68 proved capable of doing this type of work, although we had to put in a little more effort than was necessary when doing similar tasks with higher-spec bypass pruners. Nonetheless, the P68 cut a variety of tree branches effectively.
(Image credit: Pete Wise)
The P68 also proved capable of carrying out lighter pruning work, such as deadheading and cutting the stems of tender plants. We were satisfied with the clean, hygienic cuts the P68 made across the stems.
All things considered, the P68 is by no means the right pruner for every pruning task. However, this tool is a good option to cover most of the bases, from precision plant pruning to light tree pruning tasks.
This is an affordable model of pruner and you will usually get what you pay for, when it comes to product quality. The P68 won’t last you a lifetime, but based on our hands-on testing, these shears could indeed give you effective pruning in the short-to-medium term.
Should You Buy?
|
Attribute |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Price & availability |
Unbeatable, budget-friendly price. |
5/5 |
|
Design |
An effective design with comfy ergonomic handles. |
4/5 |
|
Performance |
Reasonably good performance across tree and plant pruning tasks. |
3/5 |
Buy It If…
Don’t Buy It If…
(Image credit: Pete Wise)
How Does It Compare?
While we would gladly recommend the Fiskars P68 to users who value affordability and versatility, some other readers will be better served with an alternative model.
The Felco 6 Bypass Pruner is similar to the P68. However, the Felco pruners give you better cutting performance, and far greater longevity thanks to their build quality and ease of maintenance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cult-favorite Felco pruners cost about four times as much as the Fiskars P68.
Fiskars
Bypass Pruning Shears
If you’re looking for a pruner that’s even more affordable, these shears from Fiskars are a crowd-pleasing favorite. At just $12, you really can’t get more budget-friendly. They are also steel and can cut up to 5/8″ like the P68, but they don’t have the ergonomic adjustable handles.
Greenworks
Greenworks 24v 6″ Mini Chainsaw Cordless
If you have lots of thick tree branches to prune, then we’d suggest looking at an entirely different type of pruner – not just a different model. For example, the Greenworks 24V 6″ Brushless Pruning Saw is our top-rated solution specifically for branch-cutting.
How We Tested
Our reviewer tested the Fiskars SmartFit Steel Bypass Pruner P68 by using it to prune various plants around the yard. He tested the shears on a wide range of plants, from marigolds with juicy stems to half-inch-thick crabapple tree branches.
