Left handed gardeners are not that common. There are a few rare cases where a lefty does exist, but they usually lack quality garden equipment. That doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for one to find quality left handed gardening tools. There are some things you can look out for and buy when shopping for gardening equipment. You will also learn about some of the things lefties should never be allowed to use.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any garden tools or cutters specifically made for the lefties. An old theory about the lack of proper garden tools is that lefties don’t use pliers and so couldn’t use the proper kind of garden tool. While it’s true that lefties are not as likely to use regular pliers, it’s not true that they can’t use small garden tools. The main point is that they should be warned that they may have trouble using some larger garden tools, like secateurs, for several reasons.
First of all, if you buy a set of left handed secateurs, don’t be surprised if after years of owning it the handles break. This is because the weak plastic grips used by lefties are easily broken by the handles, which are designed to grip the blade with a little bit of pressure. This pressure makes the handles break, eventually. You should buy a set of lifetime guarantee handles if you buy a pair of secateurs with these weak grips.
Second, don’t be surprised if after many years of owning your left handed secateurs you decide to replace the handles. It’s easy to do. Simply take the knife, or shears, or secateurs, to your local kitchen arts and craft stores (ask for replacement handles first) and ask them for a replacement handle. If they have no one in stock, or if it’s clear they don’t have any in stock, then go online and look for one. You may find that you have a wide selection of left handed knife shears from which to choose. In fact you may even find replacement blades made with different handle designs than you would normally find.
Third, you may also want to replace your left handed secateurs with better ones. Of course, if the knife or shears are very worn, you’ll probably want to choose ones with a better grip. To be able to do that, check the blade height, and make sure that you get a good comfortable grip on your left hand. Also check the length of the blade; lefties with shorter blades tend to be weaker than those with longer ones.
Fourth, keep in mind that the high quality hardened steel used in making your left handed secateurs will eventually dull over time. You can prolong their life by properly maintaining them. First, check the condition of the handles. If they have rust or corrosion on them, or if the metal itself has become rusty, have them removed and replaced with new ones. It’s also important to keep the sheaths maintained and clean, so they’ll keep the steel working properly.
Fifth, the best way to maintain your left handed secateurs is to purchase some replacement handles. If the ones you already have are worn or if you simply prefer the more modern design, then you can purchase a set of replaceable handles. These are a little more expensive than ordinary handles, but if you value the comfort and the look of your shears then it makes sense to spend a little extra money for a comfortable grip and a durable design. The benefits of replacing your old sets of left handed secateurs with replaceable handles are:
Finally, if you want to really enjoy the pleasure of owning left handed secateurs, why not buy a set of lifetime warranty extensions. This not only gives you peace of mind that your left handed secateurs will work for a lifetime, but also gives you the opportunity to extend their life. With the warranty extension you’ll receive a free pair of replacement sheaths that are made of a strong, durable and comfortable grip material. They’re easy to use – just remove the sheath from the handle and slip it over the blade for instant access to the best cutting position. You won’t need a second set of hands to perform your tasks any more, you’ll just need to be able to turn the handle in either direction.