Contents
- Types of secateurs
- Video “How to choose the right pruner”
- Selection options
- How to choose a pruner for a beginner
- The best secateurs for amateur gardeners
- Rating of professional secateurs
When deciding to go into gardening, the first step is to choose the right tool. To determine the best secateurs, we have compiled a detailed review based on the opinions of experts.
Types of secateurs
Secateurs are very convenient to trim the shoots of plants, bushes or trees, while spending a minimum of effort. In order not to harm the plant, the garden tool must be sharp, leaving a smooth mark without torn edges.
Video “How to choose the right pruner”
In this video, an expert will tell you how to choose the right pruner for your garden.
Gardening scissors
Blades for garden shears can be of two types: straight or curved. To better fix the branch, small teeth are sometimes applied to them. The tool is designed for green flexible shoots, no more than 2 cm thick.
Bypass
The pruner has two blades. When working, the thickened lower blade serves as a support for the branch, while the sharp upper cuts off part of the shoot. Suitable for pruning dry, woody and green shoots.
With an anvil
Model with resin base and one sharp top blade. The principle of operation is similar to the bypass secateurs, however, the thickness of the captured shoot is greater – up to 3 cm. It is used to cut off the dried branches of old trees.
Pole cutter
A pruning device on a long rod (up to 2 m) can have several working tools: a pruner, a hacksaw or a small chain saw. The pole pruner is designed for the care and formation of tree crowns.
Delimbers
Pruning shears with long handles for cutting thick branches. The maximum diameter that the tool can grip is 5 cm. Some models of loppers are also equipped with a reinforcing lever.
Grafting pruners
Special devices for grafting fruit trees. The blades are arranged so that the cut of the rootstock and scion coincides as accurately as possible. As a rule, three additional nozzles are included in the kit.
Selection options
It is necessary to choose inventory not only by the type of work for which it is intended. Of great importance is the material and mechanism of the garden tool.
Materials
The cheapest garden shears are made of ordinary steel. They are short-lived, quickly blunt and prone to rust. In order for the tool to last a long time, you should choose models from the following materials:
- high carbon (SK-5) or knife (65×13) steel;
- alloy 440A or AUS-6;
- titanium.
Movement
The simpler the mechanism, the more effort will be required from the gardener to cut the branch. Therefore, for each job you need to choose the appropriate tool:
- Scissor. The simplest device that works only from the force applied to it.
- Lever. The handles are parallel to each other, which significantly reduces the load on the hands.
- Khrapova. Equipped with an auxiliary mechanism consisting of a non-reverse wheel with teeth and a stopper.
- Power. Secateurs with a special drive, designed to cut thick branches.
springs
An equally important element, since the convenience of cropping depends on it. Depending on the type of spring, the tools are:
- wire (have a short stroke and a short service life);
- spiral (make the move tighter, but at the same time well regulated);
- tape (they are reliable, but the mechanism is often clogged).
How to choose a pruner for a beginner
Many beginners don’t know where to start before choosing a pruning tool. In order not to make a mistake with the purchase, it is enough to follow some rules:
- Try different mechanisms yourself. So you will understand what type of tool you are more comfortable working with.
- Pick a pruner for your hand. To avoid inconvenience during work, the inventory should fit well with the parameters of your brush.
- When buying a tool, be guided by the maximum cut diameter. While there are no skills for pruning large branches, the best option is 1,5–2 cm.
- Hold the inventory in your hand, press the handles. The spring should not be too tight or open easily. Also pay attention to the blades – they should be well fixed.
- Check the sharpness of the knives. To do this, it is enough to run the blade along a sheet of paper at an angle of 90 °. The cut must be even and precise, otherwise a blunt tool can harm your garden.
- If the inventory is good, there cannot be any bumps, roughness or grooves on the scissors.
- Choose blades made of durable steel. So the secateurs will last you longer, and the knives themselves will become less blunt.
- Do not buy copies with thin handles. Since they act as a lever, the handles must be thickened.
- In order not to lose a garden tool on your site, choose equipment with bright body elements.
- Don’t limit yourself to just one pruner. Remember that trimming tools vary depending on the type of work.
To protect yourself from injury, wear gloves before working, and keep garden tools in the correct position.
Author’s advice
The best secateurs for amateur gardeners
What is the best model? In addition to price and reviews, when buying, you should also compare factory specifications. Below we present the most famous secateurs among amateur gardeners.
GARDENA 08854
Key Features:
- mechanism – spring;
- working diameter – 2 cm;
- length – 24,6 cm;
- blades – stainless steel;
- handles are plastic.
The advantages of the model:
- a thrust plate that allows you to tightly hold the branch;
- knife holder;
- precision sharpening;
- Teflon coated to prevent debris from sticking.
No flaws were identified.
FISKARS SingleStep P26
Key Features:
- maximum cut diameter – 2,2 cm;
- length – 20,8 cm;
- blade material – anti-corrosion steel;
- handles – reinforced polyamide;
- manufacturer – Finland.
Advantages:
- knives are coated with anti-friction coating;
- the presence of a hole for fixing the contact cuff;
- ergonomic shape of the handle.
No flaws were identified.
Video «Fiskars Single Step P26 Secateurs Review»
From this video you will learn what is interesting about the Fiskars Single Step P26 garden pruner.
ZUBR Expert 40109
Model specifications:
- type – universal;
- drive – spring;
- working diameter – 2 cm;
- length – 20 cm;
- weight – 320 g;
- blades – stainless steel.
The main advantages:
- knives are coated with anti-corrosion coating;
- the blades are flat, equipped with a locking mechanism;
- suitable for pruning flexible shoots such as grapes.
No flaws were identified.
Grinding knife GRINDA 40232
Features:
- maximum cut diameter – 3 cm;
- length – 70 cm;
- weight – 1,4 kg;
- knives – carbon steel;
- handles are wooden.
Advantages:
- double-hardened curved blades allow for a clean, clean cut;
- The pruner is equipped with a special mechanism that locks the knives from accidental opening.
Of the shortcomings, one can only single out massiveness.
Video “Overview of the GRINDA 40232 Lopper”
From this video you will learn what is interesting about the garden lopper GRINDA 40232.
RACO 4208-53/138C
Key Features:
- type – one-handed;
- mechanism – spring;
- working diameter – 1,5 cm;
- length – 17,5 cm;
- weight – 150 g;
- blades – durable steel;
- handle is plastic.
The advantages of the model:
- the presence of a power drive with a return action;
- The tool is equipped with a blade locking mechanism.
Of the minuses – a wide grip.
Video “Overview of the pruner RACO 4208-53 / 138C”
From this video you will learn what is interesting about the RACO 4208-53/138C secateurs.
GARDENA 08855
Features:
- type – one-handed;
- cut diameter – 1,8 cm;
- length – 26,8 cm;
- weight – 240 g;
- blades – steel;
- handles – ergonomic plastic.
The main advantages:
- teflon coating;
- locking mechanism to prevent accidental opening of the knives.
No flaws were identified.
Video GARDENA 08855 Secateurs Overview
In this video, you will learn about the benefits of using the GARDENA 08855 Pruner.
Secateurs Centroinstrument contact 1393 PROFI
Model specifications:
- maximum cut diameter – 2,5 cm;
- blades – stainless steel;
- handle – ergonomic plastic.
Advantages:
- the tool is made according to the German SPITZ type;
- the blades have a displaced fastening center, which significantly reduces the load on the hands;
- precision sharpening.
No flaws were identified.
Secateurs Centrotool titanium contact 0233
Key Features:
- mechanism – ratchet;
- working diameter – 3 cm;
- length – 20 cm;
- knives are solid steel.
Advantages:
- due to the increase in cutting capacity, the load on the handles is noticeably reduced;
- the secateurs are equipped with a lock against accidental opening of the blades;
- The tool is suitable for cutting dry and damp branches.
No flaws were identified.
Video “Overview of the titanium pruner center tool 0233”
From the video you will learn what is remarkable about this domestic-made secateurs.
Rating of professional secateurs
Professional gardeners prefer the right garden tools. It differs from consumer goods in higher price and quality. In order not to doubt the advantages of such secateurs, we will study their rating.
FELCO F231
Model specifications:
- type – two-handed, anvil;
- mechanism – lever;
- maximum cut diameter – 4 cm;
- length – 80 cm;
- weight – 1150 g;
- blades – steel;
- handles are aluminium.
The main advantages:
- pruner is designed for cutting hard, thick branches of trees;
- tool knives are flat, covered with anti-corrosion coating.
The only drawback of the tool is its high price.
GARDENA 08710
Features:
- sight – cutting edge;
- working diameter – 4 cm;
- length – 70 cm;
- knives – stainless steel;
- handles are aluminium.
The advantages of the model:
- removable blades;
- the tool is equipped with a gear train and an angled cutting head, which reduces the load by 18 times.
No flaws were identified.
RACCO 4202-53/110-H10
Key Features:
- view – scissors for cutting grass;
- type – one-handed;
- length – 35,5 cm;
- knives – high-carbon steel of double hardening;
- handle – ABS plastic.
Advantages:
- the tool has a blade lock mechanism;
- it is possible to adjust the position of the knives;
- the presence of a return spring;
- The handle is equipped with a finger loop, suitable for left-handers.
Of the shortcomings – massiveness (450 g).
FISKARS PowerLevel GS53
Model specifications:
- view – garden shears;
- length – 89,9 cm;
- weight – 1380 g;
- blade material – hardened steel;
- handle – polyamide reinforced with fiberglass;
- country of origin – Finland.
The main advantage is that the model comes with a movable working head, which allows you to get to hard-to-reach places.
Of the minuses – the high price.
WOLF-Garten RR-VM
Features:
- view – high cutter;
- maximum working diameter – 3,6 cm;
- length – 30 cm;
- knives are solid steel.
Advantages:
- the blades are connected in a flat screw type;
- the working head has the ability to rotate 180 °;
- thanks to the block connection of the handles, the load on the hands is reduced by 45%.
Among the shortcomings – the model is more expensive than standard high cutters.
It is possible to use the tool in question with the Vario telescopic handle, which allows cutting at a height of up to 5,7 m.
BAHCO PXR-M2
Key Features:
- view – secateurs;
- cut diameter – 2 cm;
- length – 20 cm;
- weight – 350 g;
- knives – tool steel;
- handles – ergonomic plastic;
- country of origin – Sweden.
The advantage of the model is that the cutting head has the ability to change size, allowing the tool to adapt to any job.
No flaws were identified.
Video “Overview of the BAHCO PXR-M2 pruner”
In this video you will learn how the BAHCO PXR-M2 pruner looks like.
Telescopic rod center tool 0937
Features:
- sight – cutting edge;
- mechanism – cable;
- maximum working diameter – 2,8 cm;
- length – 3,6 m;
- Blades are chrome-plated steel.
The main advantages:
- the model is available with a telescopic aluminum bar, which allows you to cut branches from tall trees;
- the handle has a comfortable T-shape;
- The tool is equipped with a mechanism that closes the blades in any position.
No flaws were identified.
Video “Overview of the secateurs Centrifugal rod telescopic tool 0937”
From this video you will learn what is interesting about the domestic pruner.
STIHL Bypass Extrem
Model specifications:
- sight – cutting edge;
- cut diameter – 5 cm;
- length – 83 cm;
- weight – 1695 g;
- knives – anti-corrosion steel;
- handle – aluminum, plastic;
- country of origin – Germany.
Advantages:
- the model is available with replaceable blades;
- knives have a teflon coating;
- The tool is equipped with a double-sided shock absorber, which allows you to reduce the load on your hands.
Among the shortcomings is the high price.
Having briefly studied the rating of the best secateurs, you can safely make a choice in favor of one of them. The main thing is to remember that for each task there should be a tool.