Telescopic Hedge Shears for Flexible Garden Maintenance
The Fiskars SmartFit HS86 telescopic hedge shears are designed for trimming and shaping hedges, bushes and shrubs at different heights. Their adjustable handles extend from 68 cm to 93 cm, allowing the tool to be shortened for close, controlled work or lengthened when extra reach is needed.
This adjustable design is useful when moving between low shrubs, wide hedges and taller sections of growth. The longer setting helps gardeners reach across deep hedges and work on upper areas without leaning too far forward, while the shorter setting provides greater control when refining edges and corners.
Benefits of the SmartFit HS86
These hedge clippers combine the control of a manual cutting tool with the flexibility of adjustable handles. The two-handed design supports steady movement across leafy growth, making it easier to maintain an even hedge line and tidy areas that have become overgrown.
The tool does not require fuel, batteries or access to electricity, so it can be used for quick trimming tasks without additional preparation. Manual operation also gives the gardener direct control over the amount of growth removed with each cut.
Key benefits include:
- Adjustable handles for close and extended-reach trimming
- Easier access to the tops and backs of wide hedges
- Non-slip SoftGrip handles for comfortable control
- Steel blades suited to routine hedge maintenance
- A non-stick upper blade that helps reduce friction
- Manual operation without cables, batteries or fuel
The HS86 forms part of Fiskars’ wider hedge shears range, which includes tools designed for shaping bushes, shrubs and established hedges.
Garden Shears for Hedges, Bushes and Shrubs
These garden shears are suited to routine shaping, seasonal tidy-ups and the removal of uneven leafy growth. They can be used to straighten the sides of a hedge, neaten the top and maintain ornamental shrubs within their intended shape.
Extending the handles provides additional reach when trimming taller plants or working across a hedge that is difficult to access from one side. Shortening them makes the tool easier to position when shaping smaller shrubs or completing more detailed work.
The SmartFit HS86 can be used as part of a broader collection of plant care tools for maintaining stems, branches, shrubs and trees throughout the garden. Different tools remain important for different types of growth, as hedge shears are intended primarily for foliage and lighter stems.
Adjustable Features Explained
The telescopic handles can be adjusted between 68 cm and 93 cm to suit the position of the hedge and the gardener’s preferred working stance. This gives the user more flexibility than fixed-length garden hedge shears, particularly in gardens containing plants of different sizes.
SoftGrip sections on the handles provide a secure, comfortable surface for both hands. A reliable grip supports smoother opening and closing movements and helps the gardener maintain control during longer trimming sessions.
The longer handles also provide useful leverage when cutting through leafy hedge growth. This can make repeated cutting feel more manageable while helping the blades move steadily across the plant.
Manual Hedge Trimming with Greater Control
Using a manual hedge trimmer allows each cut to be positioned carefully. This makes the HS86 useful for shaping corners, correcting uneven sections and maintaining smaller areas where a powered trimmer may remove more growth than intended.
Manual shears are also practical for quick touch-ups between larger seasonal trimming sessions. The tool can be taken directly to the hedge without preparing cables, charging batteries or managing fuel.
The HS86 is best used on foliage and lighter stems. Thick, mature or woody branches should be removed separately using loppers for thicker branches before the remaining leafy growth is shaped with the shears. Using the correct cutting tool helps reduce unnecessary pressure on the blades and handles.
Steel Blades and Durable Construction
The blades are made from steel to provide a durable cutting surface for regular hedge and shrub maintenance. The upper blade has a non-stick coating that helps reduce friction as the blades pass through plant material.
Cleaning the blades after use can prevent sap, moisture and garden debris from building up around the cutting surfaces. Wipe the blades dry before storage and keep the shears in a sheltered area away from prolonged exposure to damp conditions.
The adjustable handle mechanism should also be kept free from soil and plant material so that it can continue extending and locking smoothly. Regular cleaning and appropriate storage will help maintain the tool’s cutting action and overall condition.
Who the SmartFit HS86 Is Best For
The Fiskars SmartFit HS86 is suited to home gardeners who maintain a mixture of low shrubs, wide bushes and taller hedges. Its adjustable length is especially useful when one pair of shears needs to handle both close-range shaping and areas that require additional reach.
It is also a practical option for gardeners who prefer the control and simplicity of manual tools. The shears work well for regular hedge maintenance, seasonal shaping and smaller touch-ups where precision matters more than cutting speed.
Gardens with several hedge sizes may benefit most from the adjustable design, as the handles can be adapted as the user moves between different plants and working positions.
