How to Use Snapper Shears

Set the shears on a flat surface like a workbench. Place a metal file against the teeth of the blade and file at a downward angle until all the teeth have been sharpened.

Plug a long extension cord into the end of your shears and plug the other end into an outdoor electrical socket. Avoid using around puddles of water or while the sprinkler is running.

Hold the shears at a downward angle as you approach the bush or hedge. Place one hand on the throttle or trigger control and keep your other hand on the support bar at the base of the blade. This gives you greater control as you cut.

Step into the bush or hedge, bend down and angle the shears toward the base of the bush while holding the shears away from you.

Squeeze the throttle trigger to engage the blades and slowly cut upwards to trim the base of the hedge; and slowly work your way up the hedge. Stop cutting once you are about a foot from the top of the hedge or bush.

Move to the right, bend down to the base and begin cutting the hedge from the bottom up again. Continue doing this until you have cut all the way around the bush or hedge. Remember to leave about a foot all the way around the circumference of the hedge or bush so the top can be shaped.

Tilt the top of the blades of the shears slightly inward and move the shears to where cutting was stopped. Trim inward in short, angled thrusts. As the shears near the top, tilt the shears inward to shape a rounded top.

Unplug the shears and remove any pieces of shrub or debris from the blade.