Carry on Gardening : Tools : Cutting : Secateurs

Introduction
The important issue when choosing secateurs is the size and ease of use. The best quality manufacturers tend to produce the same model in a range of sizes. Using a size that is too big will cause excessive strain. Take care to check the safety catch to see if you can operate it properly, especially if you have poor dexterity or are left-handed. There are left-handed models available but the same effect can be achieved by having the safety catch on the top for use with your thumb.

Ratchet action secateurs
To gain a mechanical advantage, and to make pruning easier a number of secateurs have been designed with ratchet mechanisms. Most ratchet secateurs work very well but do require a different technique for use. All ratchet secateurs have anvil type blades and cannot cut a stem at an angle, as usually recommended in books. This makes little difference to your plants but the benefits to you of using less force are considerable, especially if you have arthritic hands. The important thing when using ratchet secateurs is to press and release the handle, and not to try and force the tool in one squeeze. When you release the handle the mechanism will click, and it is ready for another squeeze. A number of models are available and the following have been tried and tested by the author.

Newly developed for 2002 this high-tech and high-quality tool offers a simple
alternative to a ratchet secateur. It is easier to use than a ratchet secateur, is more robust, but gives a similar mechanical advantage on smaller stems. The PTFE coated blade is available as anvil or bypass and the tool has 10 year guarantee.

Especially good for people with arthritic hands and people who have a weak grip.

Lightweight plastic ratchet secateurs
This type of tool has been in production for many years and is extremely good value. It is sold by many companies. The quality may vary, so buy a well-known brand if you can. The blade is Teflon coated, can be easily sharpened with a diamond whetstone and will slice through 20mm stems with ease. The handles open quite wide so if you have small hands you may want a different model.

Especially good for people with arthritic hands and people who have a weak grip.

Heavy duty plastic ratchet secateurs

Similar to the tool above, this model is more sturdily made and will cut stems up to 20mm. It is slightly larger and heavier but still light when compared to most secateurs.

Especially good for people with arthritic hands and people who have a weak grip.

Anvil or bypass secateurs?
Anvil is best for hard woody stems and is less likely to jam. Bypass is more suited to delicate stems or prize plants; either way there is not much in it.

Cut and grip secateurs
These top quality steel secateurs have plastic handles and the ability to hold on to the stem that has been cut off. The advantage of this is that the stems can be put straight in a bucket or barrow rather than dropping onto the ground to be picked up later.

Especially good for people who use wheelchairs, people who have difficulty bending and people who use one arm.

Left-Handed Secateurs
These are good quality bypass secateurs with a bright orange safety catch on the right side for left handed users. The cushioned grips are comfortable and non-slip.

Variable size bypass pruner
Well designed and easily available these secateurs come in different sizes to exactly suit your hand. The top mounted safety catch means they can be used equally well by left or right handed people. This range of secateurs come with a 15 year guarantee and is branded as Wilkinson Sword classic bypass pruners.

Especially good for left or right handed use and people with small hands - model 400215.

Variable size "comfort fit" pruner"
The improved ergonomics on these secateurs is especially usefull to reduce strain to your wrist. These are top quality secateurs, available in 3 sizes and a choice of anvil or bypass.

Especially good for people who have to use their left arm and people with small hands - models RR-S and RS-S.

Variable size secateurs for different hand sizes

If you share secateurs with someone else then the adjustable mechanism on these quality secateurs will enable all users to obtain the ideal width for your particular hand. Another good feature is the safety catch located on the top that enables easy access for both left and right handed users. The flexibility offered by this tool makes it ideal for couples or commercial enterprises where a number of people share the same tools.

These pruners are available with bypass blades for soft live stems or an anvil blade more suitable for dead wood up to 27mm (model 617)

Weight	275g
Cutting diameter	variable up to 25mm
Price	£19.99
Model	Comfort secateurs 607
Supplier	Gardena UK Ltd

Also available, Anvil Model 617

Suitable for people with small handspan or restricted hand movement, left and right handed users and multiple users.

Finger Loop Pruners

If you have problems gripping hand tools then these sturdy little secateurs may be the answer. They are made from strong plastic and have a soft grip on the top handle and a finger loop on the bottom. The finger loop makes it easy to hold the tool and may also protect your fingers from scratches. The bright orange safety catch is easily visible and located on both sides so it is accessible to left and right handed users. The finger loop also makes it possible to use both hands when cutting if you need to apply extra force.

These pruners are available with bypass blades for soft live stems or an anvil blade more suitable for dead wood. There is also a version with a long scissor like blade suitable for cutting plastic sheet, wire and thin metal.

Finger Loop Pruners (Anvil Model as shown)

Weight	154g
Cutting diameter	15mm
Price	£13.99
Supplier	Fiskars UK Ltd
Model	Finger Loop Anvil Pruner (product no 221135)

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Also available, Bypass Model 221235 and Multipurpose cutter Model 221105

Especially good for people with arthritic hands or weak grip who want to cut small stems.

Professional secateur
The rotating handle on this top quality secateur helps to reduce strain to your fingers and is kinder to your skin if you cannot wear gloves. The safety catch is not easy to use but a left handed model is available.

Especially good for people who have to use their left arm (Model 10). People with sensitive skin and people who have a weak grip.