Choosing anvil secateurs
Before you buy, there are many factors to consider, including what you are pruning, how often you use them and what is most comfy for your hands
K Are they powerful and comfortable? Cutting through hard wood requires secateurs with power and a good grip. Check their weight, size and balance (some brands offer the same secateurs in different sizes) and look for rubber, plastic or gel on the handles to help you hold them comfortably. This will also ease strain after prolonged use. A strong blade will help, too, by making cuts more efficiently and easily. Steel comes in different grades – those with a high carbon content are stronger. SK5 is a Japanese strength steel that is particularly hardwearing and needs less sharpening and maintenance. Many also have a non-stick coating, which makes cleaning easier and stops them getting gummed up with plant resin.
Is the blade easy to sharpen?
Anvil blades must be kept really sharp or they crush rather than cut, so you need to be able to access or remove the blade easily to do this. Secateurs with a wider cutting width offer easier access but also look for those that come apart easily. Being able to take your secateurs apart to sharpen or replace worn or broken blades will save money in the long run. Note that ratchet secateurs have more moving parts, so need a little more care and maintenance than more simple pruners. Many higher-end brands offer replacement parts, while some may provide servicing and support – you send your secateurs back to them and they sharpen, mend and replace parts for a cost.
Which extra features would be useful? Some brands have useful features that can help sway your choice. The safety catch, which holds the blades closed when the secateurs aren’t in use, should be easy to reach, and it should open and close smoothly. Those that are easy to flick on and off with one hand or against the thigh are best. Centrally located catches often allow both right- and left-handed use. Brightly coloured handles will help you spot your secateurs easily if lost.
Do you need top quality?
If you only have a small garden with few plants to prune, opt for a cheaper but robust pair. But if you prune regularly, it is worth investing in a higher priced pair made from quality materials. Look after them well, keeping them clean and sharp, and don’t cut things you shouldn’t, then your secateurs should last a long time. Warranties can also vary, lasting from one year to a lifetime, so check this before you buy.