Which of the following is a common tool used for pruning?

Shears are commonly used for pruning because they are specifically designed for cutting and shaping plants, shrubs, and trees. Their sharp blades effectively slice through stems and branches, making it easier to manage plant growth and maintain a healthy garden or landscape. The design of shears allows for precision and control, enabling the user to make clean cuts that promote healing and growth in the plant.

In contrast, other tools listed, such as hammers, wrenches, and drills, serve entirely different purposes and are not suitable for the delicate task of pruning plants. Hammers are used for driving nails or breaking objects, wrenches are designed for gripping and turning nuts and bolts, and drills are meant for creating holes or driving screws. None of these tools would provide the necessary functionality required for effective pruning. Hence, shears are the appropriate choice for this task.