Hand pruners, also known as pruning shears, are essential gardening tools designed for cutting small branches and stems. They typically feature a pair of sharp blades that can easily slice through plant material, making them ideal for tasks like trimming flowers, shaping shrubs, and maintaining fruit trees. These tools come in various styles, including bypass and anvil pruners, each suited for different cutting needs. Bypass pruners have two curved blades that slide past each other, providing a clean cut, while anvil pruners have a single blade that presses against a flat surface. Proper use and maintenance can enhance their longevity and effectiveness.