What works are they used for?
Each model of pruning shears will be convenient for a specific type of work. This does not mean that you need to have a lot of tools. But it is advisable to acquire several pruning shears for specific purposes, so it is more convenient, and the tools will last longer.
Flowers
Floristic secateurs are made as scissors. Most of the flowers are annuals. Their stems are soft enough and do not need a force mechanism. Therefore, flat pruning shears are fine.
Roses
Rose growers will need at least two tools. One of which is suitable for stems, and the second for green young shoots. The first is cut with a contact pruner, and for the second, a planar one is suitable.
Contact pruning shears for roses must have a ratchet or power mechanism, otherwise they may not cope with sufficiently hard and dry stems. This is especially true for tall or climbing rose bushes.
Expert opinion
Vasily Kuznetsov
Preference should be given to secateurs with holders. It is easy to work with thorny plants with such a device, since they fix the stem well during pruning.
Grape
You can conveniently care for your vineyards by purchasing three types of pruning shears: flat pruner, contact pruner and delimber. The first to comfortably take care of the grapes in the summer, when there are young shoots.
In autumn and spring, ripe and frostbitten vines are pruned with a contact pruner. Power tools or ratchet tools work best. They are more versatile.
Expert opinion
Vasily Kuznetsov
Mature and perennial stems are effectively removed with flat loppers. This pruner should be purchased for a vineyard over 6 years old.
Bushes
Dead wood and perennial bushes are cut with a contact pruner. And with the help of a flat one, you can easily form a bush. It is also used to care for fruiting shrubs such as raspberries or blackberries.
Ornamental plants are formed with special long-handled garden shears.
Trees
For the crown, they use pruning shears - loppers with a power mechanism. The tallest branches of the apple tree are trimmed with long-handled tools that allow you to reach them.
Loppers usually come with flat blades that can easily handle live branches. It is better to use a saw to remove dry ones.
Secateurs blades
First of all, the blades must be sharp and strong. They should be securely connected, with minimal clearances, but at the same time, their movement should not be too tight. The material of the blades plays an important role, as a rule, it is indicated in the instructions or description of the secateurs.
The most commonly used steel for making blades:
Carbon hardened - strong and hard enough, due to which it holds well the factory sharpening. To increase corrosion resistance, it is coated with special compounds.
Others are distinguished by low strength and anticorrosive properties; they are mainly used in inexpensive models of tools. Pruners with blades like this won't last long.
The shape of the blades is important. For work requiring high precision, pruning shears with straight blades should be used.
If accuracy is not an important factor in the work, then it is more convenient to use a tool with a curved blade.
An additional plus for the selected tool will be the presence of notches on the lower (support) blade of the secateurs.They hold back the branch to be cut and allow you not to bend over again to harvest it.
A special groove on the anvil blade allows the sticky sap of cut plants to be removed, which makes it possible to clean the instrument less often.
Views
Based on the purpose and tasks, several types of pruners are used.
- Flat ones are used to cut young shoots and flowers, as they accurately cut without damaging the structure of plant branches. They are equipped with two cutting surfaces, so you can hold them as you like.
- Contact tools are used to cut dry branches and twigs. The blade cuts, and the stop provides support, distributing the force of impact. It is necessary to use pruning shears skillfully, taking into account the root direction of the plant: a sharp blade - to the root, which will help protect it from stem splitting.
Depending on the mechanism, flat and bypass pruners are divided into several types.
- With a traditional mechanism. These secateurs, or, as they are also called scissors, are considered the simplest and most affordable among others. They are suitable for cutting fresh young stems and branches.
- With lever or lever drive. These secateurs help to cut fairly thick branches with the least amount of force, which thanks to the pneumatic device allows you to distribute the load evenly on the hand.
- With ratchet mechanism. This powerful tool cuts fairly thick branches and branches in three steps.
- Power-driven. The universal reinforced pruning shears remove everything in one go. They can perform multifunctional tasks.
There are also electric pruners. It is clear that the specificity of these tools does not allow them to be used over the entire garden area. They are quite demanding and can be used on a fairly dense array. They differ from conventional secateurs by the presence of an electric drive. It is required to observe safety precautions when working with electricity.
To understand the purpose of secateurs with different mechanisms, you need to know what to use them for. Secateurs are divided into several types according to their purpose.
- Flower garden pruners have a second name for floral scissors. They really look like large scissors with flat cutters, devoid of any reinforced mechanisms. It's easy to work with them, because you have to cut off young annual plants.
- Secateurs for roses have their own specifics. Often these are two or more types of tools, including both bypass and flat pruning shears, one of which is necessarily equipped with a ratchet mechanism. Working with garden roses, as well as grooming, is considered the most specific task for gardeners. Roses are not simple flowers, they are often shrubs with thorns. Among them, there are both young and perennial varieties, so you often have to deal with dense lignified stems. There are specially designed flower secateurs with holders to protect against thorns.
To do this, you need to stock up on at least three sectors, such as:
- flat pruning shears need to be pruned in the spring and summer, removing stepchildren, forming a vine and cutting off fruit clusters;
- a contact tool is needed to cut off an adult vine; it does not injure or split the trunk of the plant even after winter frosts;
- the lopper easily removes large stems, with its help they form a vine, removing perennial branches; plane pruning shears of this type will only be needed in the seventh year of the plant's life.
- Bush pruner, as a rule, is contact. With its help, both perennial green growth and dead wood on bushes are removed. This pruner forms the crown of berry bushes such as raspberries and blackberries.For ornamental shrubs, another type of this tool is used - garden shears with long telescopic handles, specially designed for cutting and caring for large shrubs.
- Pruning shears for shaping and crowning trees are always planar loppers with power devices. Some of them are equipped with extra long handles so that you can easily reach the farthest heights.
In conclusion, I would like to add that the result largely depends on the quality of the instrument itself, as well as on the correct choice in accordance with its purpose.
It is worth paying attention to such basic criteria as:
- for large branches, it is better to use a secateurs with a reinforcement or a ratchet;
- to cut live, small stems and twigs, it is advisable to use a flat tool;
- old dead woods and branches are cut off with a contact tool;
- wood branches are cut with loppers.
Description
Typically, Fiskars products have a distinctive design, namely, they are all made in black and orange. Despite all the variety of pruning shears models, they are distinguished by some similarities. The assembly uses parts such as:
- blades;
- springs;
- lever;
- fixing nut and bolt;
- locking mechanism.
All pruning shears are made from high quality materials. Now let's talk in more detail about each of the components and their features. Fiskars tool blades are made from expensive grades of carbon steels and high alloy steels. Their advantage in anti-corrosion properties, moreover, they are covered with an anti-friction layer, and this, in turn, allows you to extend the service life of the product.
Fiskars' manufacturers have made sure that their products can meet the needs of the most demanding customers. You can pick up tools with different types of mechanisms, large and small, simple and telescopic. There is even a separate series for left-handers among the range of products. The blades in such an inventory allow them to work with maximum comfort without losing speed and productivity due to this feature.
The pruning shears have anatomically shaped handles and are made from high-tech materials such as polyamide. To give them even more strength and avoid cracking, it is added to the handles and fiberglass. This reinforcement of the structure helps to significantly extend the life of the tool - products can last for decades. In addition, the mixed composition of the part makes the pruner as comfortable as possible for the hand, as it does not slip out of the palm.
For example, if you get to the trunk, dense branches of a tree or thickets of shrubs interfere. Also, the handles are of different sizes. This indicator corresponds to the length of the product, which, in turn, determines the size of the owner's hand. Based on this parameter, everyone can choose the most convenient Fiskars pruner model for him. This indicator can vary between 18-19 cm for women and up to 23 cm for men.
Type of
Based on the features of the pruning shears, they are divided into 2 main types of blade work, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- contact;
- planar.
Their fundamental difference is the feature of the blades. Let's talk about each of them in more detail.
Contact
The second name for this type of secateurs is persistent. The lower blade provides support when working as it helps to hold the plant in place. In this case, the top takes over the main work. Thanks to the sharpening on both sides, it cuts well and, when completely cut off the shoot, lies on the supporting one. Thus, the work of such pruners occurs according to the principle of conventional cutting with a knife on a board.
Planar
It is also called a bypass pruner. In it, both blades have a cutting function. When working with young fresh shoots, such a design is much more convenient than a contact one, and it is simply irreplaceable for grafting work.Each plate plunges into the stem and does not chew it, but quickly cuts off the excess. Bypass blades work in the same way as scissors.
Pruners are classified according to the type of blade:
- lever;
- with power drive;
- ratchet products.
Lever
These Fiskars products have a way of working that everyone understands. When you press the lever, the blades move towards each other.
Power driven
This is a slightly more complex mechanism. When working with such tools, the pressing force is distributed due to the transmission gear mechanisms. Such secateurs are good for their ability to work in more adverse conditions.
Ratchet
These models began to be actively sold right now, when improved operating principles are replacing old technologies. Fiskars has similar secateurs in the Power Step range.
That is, after the first light press, they enter the plant and take its original position, after the second they bite it and again stand back, and the blade remains in place. Finally, with the third push, the branch snaps to the end and falls off.
Despite the apparent length of the description, the cutting process with such pruners is very fast, which allows gardeners to save time. The innovative development especially pleased the fairer sex, since it is possible to work with this pruner, practically without wasting energy.
Design features of secateurs
Depending on the device, all pruners are divided into flat and contact. The movement of the blades of tools of the first type occurs in the same plane. Their blades move towards each other like scissors.
Contact pruning shears have one blade (top), because the second (lower) was replaced with a kind of platform. During the cut, the plant is pressed with a blade to the site and cut.
Contact tools are conventionally divided into bypass and secateurs with a persistent system. In pruning shears with a thrust system, the upper blade during cutting rests against the lower stop, in the bypass shears it passes alongside.
You can better understand the design features of secateurs by looking at their photos.
Classification of secateurs
By design, all pruning shears are divided into planar and contact.
Flat pruning shears
The design of flat pruning shears is quite simple - two blades, between them an expanding spring, a locking device is located on top, preventing the pruning shears from unclenching in a compressed position. Flat pruning shears are designed to work with thin live branches.
Contact secateurs
This type of tool is distinguished by the presence of a ratchet mechanism, with the help of which the force applied to the handles is multiplied several times. In addition, the special shape of the blades does not cut, but practically cuts the thick branch caught in the grip. The result of this is the ability to cut branches with a diameter of 2-3 centimeters. As a rule, secateurs of this type have a higher mass relative to flat ones. The main purpose of the contact pruners is to cut out thick, dried branches.
Secateurs of both types can have different lengths, on budget models the handles are made of plastic, premium models have rubberized handles made of polymer materials.
In terms of cost, pruning shears are divided into household and professional. Professional pruning shears are made of alloy stainless tool steel, can be supplied with a cover and replaceable blades, often sold in a set with a special sharpener.
For the manufacture of household models of the tool, materials of lower quality are used, the handles of the tool are made of more rigid plastic, fastening joints and springs withstand lower loads. The metal of the blades keeps sharpening worse, rusts when in contact with moisture.
Rating of firms producing secateurs
There are many different firms that produce garden tools on the Russian market.The bulk of the tool is made by little-known factories in the PRC, but there are several manufacturers whose products will delight their owners with their work year after year. The main difference between a good tool is the quality of the steel of the cutting blades, the presence of a sliding Teflon coating on the blade, well thought-out mechanisms, ergonomic handles that do not irritate the gardener's hands.
The best secateurs are produced by the following companies:
- BAHCO has specialized in professional hand tools for almost 150 years. The range of their products includes more than seven thousand items. The tools of their production are ergonomic, perfectly keep sharpening, and have a long service life. The disadvantage is the high cost.
- The Finnish company Fiskars has been manufacturing hand tools for over 350 years. The range of garden tools includes professional equipment and budget models of various sizes and capacities.
- GARDENA has over 50 years of experience in the manufacture and sale of garden tools. All tools are designed and manufactured in Germany; the range includes both expensive professional pruners and budget models. All products are covered by a 25-year warranty.
- Brigadier is the largest international concern for the production and sale of hand tools. The assortment of types and varieties of pruning shears of their production is quite diverse. All of them are united by good quality and low cost.
- The Russian company Tsentroinstrument has been specializing in the design and production of various hand tools for more than 15 years. The production of the company is located in Taiwan. The company's motto is a quality tool at a low price.
Auxiliaries to make your work easier
If you have a large amount of work to cut plants or thick branches, then it makes sense to think about purchasing the following products:
Ratchet pruning shears - a lever system creates a force to cut through thick branches. One cutting takes place after several clicks on the handles, with fixation after each pressing of the cutting depth.
We hope this article will help you choose the best pruning shears for your garden. In conclusion, we add that the leaders in the production of these tools are Italian, German and Japanese enterprises.
Purposes of different types of secateurs
When choosing a pruner, it should be borne in mind that it is more convenient to use different models for different jobs. True, there is a universal tool on the market, but it is better to acquire several types designed for specific purposes.
Garden shears - Similar to regular shears. Their upper and lower blades are sharpened, they move in opposite directions. Most often they are used for cutting flowers or young shoots up to 15-20 mm thick. They can be used for cutting grass in places where the lawnmower is not accessible. They can be used when harvesting vegetables, fruits or grapes.
For thorny plants - their handles or blades are elongated, which eliminates the need to pick up thorny branches.
Grafting secateurs - equipped with knives of different shapes. It is convenient to use them when making a cut of the same shape on grafted and hooded plants.
Shrub pruner - its handles are lengthened and the blades are reinforced. This makes it possible to work with thick branches of large shrubs.
Pruner - a pruner with retractable bars, allows you to cut knots high above the ground (or in hard-to-reach places) without the use of ladders and other devices.
Views
Due to the fact that all types of plants have different rigidity, thickness and texture, the types of secateurs are also different in their purpose.
Therefore, it is so important to know what types of these tools are, for what work they are used. The right tool makes the gardener's job easier
A poorly chosen pruner will complicate the task. It will take more time and effort to work. In addition, there is a possibility of damaging the plants.
Plane
Plane pruner 1720
They have a curved counter blade and a straight cutting insert. They work by positioning a sharp blade towards the part of the branch that needs pruning. Their working part is made of steel and coated with a special coating.
Flat pruning shears are available in different lengths of handles and blades. The length of the smallest types of this tool is no more than 18 cm. The shape, length and thickness of handles and blades depends on their intended use. For example, light and thin pruners are suitable for cutting bushes and flower stems. Longer, more powerful flat, bypass pruning shears with loop-shaped handles are ideal for tending raspberries.
Expert opinion
Vasily Kuznetsov
This type of tool is suitable for cutting living plant parts up to 22 mm thick.
Contact
WIPRO Pruner contact "Bulldog"
They differ from the previous model in their shape and location of the counter blades. It is the control part that is offset to the side relative to the cutting element and is located at the bottom. The sharp blade enters the stem to be cut and abuts against the curved plate. This pruner is mainly used for dry twigs. Due to the anvil, the pressure at the cutting site increases, due to this, it is easy to achieve an even cut with a minimum of effort. With this tool, you can cut branches up to 25 mm.
Bypass
Pruner bypass 215mm ULTRA (5021132)
More powerful secateurs have a ratchet mechanism. Thanks to it, branches with a diameter of about 30 mm can be cut in several stages. With a ratchet mechanism, there can be both flat and contact pruners.