Secateurs are a special brand of pruning shears that is designed to trim back plants to desired levels. They come in both plastic and metal blade styles, which have their own sets of features. Their best-known use is to cut back hedges and borders, but they can also be used for small shrubs and even trees. In this article we’ll take a look at the best brands and models, their pros and cons, and their price ranges.
Steel blades. The steel pruning secateurs have a lifetime warranty. Combined with their strong steel design, it’s no wonder why they offer a great value and a good quality product.
Plastic or glass blades. Although plastic or glass garden tools don’t offer a lifetime warranty like their steel counterparts, they do offer a much shorter working life. You need to replace your plastic or glass garden clippers every two to three years. This shorter operating life makes them less expensive over time, but the trade-off is that they are less stable and tend to break more easily.
Sk-5 steel. Unlike plastic or glass garden tools, the blade of a sk-5 steel pruning shears is not easily damaged. This means that you can leave them in your garden for many years with little worry. They are designed to clean cut, so if you want to bring out the full design of the pruning shears, you don’t need to. They also tend to be a bit heavier than other plastic or glass garden tools, which makes them more stable as you cut. They can be cleaned easily with soap and water, but they should not be exposed to oil or latex.
Both blades of pruning shears can break on impact, but the shears with the steel blade are likely to do so at a greater rate. You should not try to clean the steel blades by shining a bright light directly on them. This could potentially scratch the surface. If this happens, the blade may become badly damaged, requiring replacement. The better quality of steel on these products will last longer, so look for shear ratings to determine a good overall quality of the product.
Anvil secateurs. Anvil secateurs are designed to be used in wet or moist conditions, where regular secateurs would buckle or discolor. They are very strong and sturdy, making them ideal for trimming bushes or smaller branches. These are typically more expensive than other types of pruners, and it can take practice to become proficient at using them. They are great for pruning, cutting through twigs and branches, but anvil secateurs often require sharpening, which can be challenging to do on some kinds of tree. They make a great garden tool, but they might not be the right choice for extensive tree care projects, as they tend to be a little less forgiving when it comes to cut edges.
There are plenty of excellent resources available to help you find and purchase the appropriate equipment for your gardening projects. Many suppliers offer a wide selection of high quality secateurs and other equipment, including information about general price ranges. It is important to compare different brands and models, to get an idea of what is out there, so that you are able to make an informed buying decision.
With a little practice and a lot of patience, even a beginner can easily master the art of secateurs. But if you plan to work in wet or moist conditions, you should invest in some quality equipment. Steel blades provide more strength and durability, and the width of the blade is usually referred to as the “face”, while the length refers to the distance between the center of the blade and the handle. The best cutting blades will also have a good balance and be well-balanced. You may also want to check to make sure that the secateurs are sharpened, because the sharpening process will add more wear and tear on the steel, which will affect their long-term cutting performance.