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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.
Item Details
Buyers Guide - Secateurs
ILC Reference NO 71:18:002
Item sourced from ILC NSW database
Short Description
Secateurs are small pruning shears designed to cut thin stems and branches. They may be used one handed to cut through soft stems of any thickness or woody stems up to 1 cm.
More Details
There are 2 main types of secateurs: anvil or bypass.
Anvil secateurs have one blade that closes onto a flat surface like a guillotine. Anvils are said to be better for cutting thicker, woodier stems and less likely to jam. They are recommended only for dead or dormant wood. They can crush the part of a plant that is meant to be kept.
Many people find that anvil secateurs require less wrist and hand strength to operate however a jolt may be felt at the end of each cut. Blades must be kept sharp to prevent the stems being crushed by the anvil.
Bypass secateurs work like scissors and are more common than anvils. The stem rests on the curved bottom blade and is cut by the sharper top blade. Branches can be cut right against the stem. They are good for hard to reach spots. Bypass secateurs do not damage the plant and give a cleaner cut.
Features
A ratchet mechanism provides a mechanical advantage that requires less force making pruning easier. It works by squeezing the handle several times to make a cut. The important thing when using ratchet secateurs is to press and release the handle and try not to force the tool in one squeeze. When the handle is released the mechanism will click, ready for another squeeze. This allows thick cuts in several stages, useful for small hands or weak grasp. A disadvantage is that ratchet style secateurs cannot cut a stem at an angle as usually recommended.
The parrot - beak style blade has two sharpened blades that curve together trapping the stem between them to make a clean cut. They are only suitable for narrow stems and therefore better for delicate pruning.
Some secateurs have the ability to hold onto the stem after being cut. This allows stems to be put straight into a bucket or wheelbarrow rather than dropping on the ground to be picked up later.
A finger loop on the bottom handle can make it easier to hold and may also protect fingers from scratches. It also makes it possible to use both hands when cutting if extra force is needed.
Secateurs with a rolling handle are ergonomically designed to offset the top handle so the cutting edge is an extension of your arm unlike the traditional types that set the blades at right angles to your arm. They are effective in reducing the strain and wrist soreness caused by repetitive action. The rolling handle also reduces friction on the hand if gloves cannot be worn.
Factors To Consider
Size and ease of use is the most important issue. Many manufactures produce the same model in a range of sizes. Using secateurs that are too big will cause excessive strain or blisters.
Always try secateurs before buying to ensure they fit comfortably in your hand and they are easy to operate. You should be able to open and close them repeatedly without pain. The amount the handles open and the strength required to close them varies greatly between models. Even some of the same models will have springs and actions that are looser than others.
Blades may be made from stainless steel, carbon steel or coated steel. Stainless and carbon steel stay sharper longer while coated steel is easier to clean. Any blade made of stainless steel should be relatively rustproof as long as it is taken care of.
Ensure the safety latch can be operated properly especially if you have poor hand function or are left handed. Left handed models are available but models with a safety latch located on the top enables easy access for both right and left handed users. Ensure it cannot be flicked off accidentally yet easy enough to work with one hand. A lever catch that is loose or sticks out from the handle too far can accidentally engage during use.
Avoid blades that have sharp points that stick out at the end. They're generally unnecessary and you could accidentally cut yourself.
Handles may be made from plastic or plastic coated metal. Avoid metal handles as they are cold to the touch.
Brightly coloured handles are easier to find if they are dropped in a pile of cuttings.
Often a relatively inexpensive pair of secateurs is quite adequate for cutting soft stemmed plants. However a more heavy duty pair is best for pruning trees and shrubs with woody shoots.
High quality expensive secateurs should be able to be taken apart for cleaning easily and should have replaceable blades.
If cutting flowers is the primary use, consider buying a flower gatherer instead. These hold the flower stem once it has been cut.
As branches get thicker, two handed shears or a pruning saw may be required.
Maintenance
Keep tools clean and sharp to extend their life.
Keep the blades of secateurs sharp to prevent ragged or crushed stems as this may promote disease in the plant. Blunt blades can be sharpened on a small oil stone.
Replace cutting blades every couple of years.
Always clean the blades after use to remove dried sap. Rub them with an oily rag before putting them away.
Store secateurs indoors.
Occasionally pull secateurs apart and oil the moving parts including the pivot (the bolt holding the two blades together).
Standards
Specific Australian Standards or other Standard(s) may be applicable for materials, manufacturing processes, or installation of some types of equipment. Compliance with relevant Standards is indicated by written certification that a product has been tested and assessed as compliant with specific Standards. Purchasers are advised to check with the supplier or manufacturer of this item as to its compliance with relevant Standard(s).
Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
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