Shears are like big scissors. They are helpful for cutting plants and branches and other growth that is thin in diameter (and los of it). We often use shears to cut greenbriar and multiflora rose, mostly to get the thorns out the way so we can to the "real" target for removal.

• Don’t try to use them on anything thicker than a ¼ inch or so - you will be wasting energy and stressing your joints. Switch to a lopper.
• Buy shears that can be sharpened and/or have replaceable blades.