This usually removes most of the terminal buds and results in lots of growth on the outside edges of the plant. Shearing is only advised for formal hedging. Pinching is used to encourage new growth. Occasionally, this new growth will have to be thinned later. Find out the natural form of your plant, then work with the plant's natural habit instead of against it.
Pruners are available with either long or short handles.
Often long handled pruners are called loppers and short-handled pruners are called shears. Pruners are even available mounted on a pole to extend your reach. On some pruners, the blades pass by each other, like a scissors. These are called bypass pruners. Anvil pruners work more like wire cutters, with the sharp blade pinching the branch against a wider, flat surface.