without a quality tool, and specifically without a pruner. But how to choose garden pruners? This question is worth sorting out in detail. The best secateurs imported from Italy, Germany and Japan. Unfortunately, modern domestic and Chinese production of these tools can not be called leading.
Professional sector
These professional secateurs are classified into three types:
- electrical;
- pneumatic;
- mechanical.
The tool on the electric and pneumatic drive for the dacha is definitely not suitable, these are models specifically for the gardener profession. Mechanical secateurs have several types and characteristics. This is not a whim, because for a certain type of garden work you need a suitable tool.
Which pruner is better to choose
Simple pruners are also called:
- Garden shears. This is a garden pruner for pruning tall trees and shrubs. The tool as sewing scissors with two edges or plates. The tool is convenient in operation, but there are dents on the edges of the branches, which is not always appropriate. The maximum thickness of the stem for processing up to 2 centimeters.
- Bypass scissors. Models of bypass scissors or secateurs are equipped with only one blade, the second part is a stop offset to the axis of the cut. Due to this design, deformation is possible only by trimming the plant. Upgraded bypass pruners can cut both dry and live parts of the plant due to the ratchet mechanism. Working with bypass secateurs is easier than with garden ones.
- Tool with resistant cutting surfaces. The design is similar to the bypass pruner. Also one blade and an emphasis, but in this device the cutting part rests against a plastic or iron stopper. The stop system( stopper) has a ribbed surface or recess.
Read also: Drill Bosch - an overview of popular models
Tips for choosing an pruner
Each gardener has his own requirements for tools, but there is one thing in common - ease of use. On this basis, experienced gardeners share their experience in choosing a tool:
- First of all, taking the tool in hand, the sharpness of the knives or the cutting surface is checked. If the pruner is not ground, then it will not be cut exactly, but only to crush the branch. Poor sharpening tools will lead to diseases in trees and shrubs.
- Refine the steel grade of the tool. Ideally, it is hardened steel, similar to a forged knife. Blade necessarily with the desired level of rigidity, moisture-resistant. Teflon coated samples are also gaining popularity. To it does not stick resin, dirt. Another teflon reduces friction. Also important is the thickness of the metal surface. A good blade of 3 millimeters or more.
- Hand pruner. Specifically, the material of its manufacture. Handles are wooden, polypropylene, fiberglass, steel and aluminum.
- Total tool weight and ergonomics. Lighter weight will ease the load. Performance also depends on individual comfort. In this case, it’s not worthwhile to focus on the price of a garden pruner, because each person’s palm has an individual size.
Manufacturers try to create more comfort in work and modify the tool, for example, before turning the knob.
Evaluating the convenience of the tool, choose a model with a belt return spring. Of course, the metal for the spring must be high grade.
How to choose a newbie pruner
A novice gardener is better to purchase a secateur with a closed handle or with a carbon fiber overlay. A less experienced gardener will keep his hands from calluses, cuts. Plastic handles are not suitable for long-term processing of plants, it is a budget tool.
Read also: Secateurs with Aliexpress: is it worth the quality of the goods waiting for delivery?
Before buying it is better to try a secateur in your hands. It is more correct to compare several convenient models. This will help you choose the most ergonomic copy. It is better for a man and a woman to buy this garden tool “for themselves”.
It is permissible to bring branches with you and test, a good seller will only be happy, because you will definitely buy something.
Worth thinking about the potential sharpening of the blade or blade. If the pruner is not disassembled for maintenance, then this is a big minus.
Imagine how the tool will be stored in the winter, if there is no lock for the closed position, it is better to abandon this model, because the spring should be in the clamped state during storage. Yes, and the accidental exposure of the blade can seriously hurt.
When evaluating each model, one should pay attention to the gap between the blades; there should also be no backlash on the central locking bolt( the blades are tightly attached to each other).
Review of pruners from different manufacturers
For comparison, manufacturers and models of tools often use practical tests on branches of the same diameter.
For a proper assessment, samples of the following companies were selected, and summed up:
- Pruner from RACO.Came in first place thanks to the easy operation of the device, high-quality cut. On the tested branches, the least damage was found. The minimum load on the joints of the hand.
- Gardena Comfort Secateurs. The most comfortable tool also handles branches with high quality, but there was no retainer on the model under test, and without this element the speed was not the same.
- Compact pruner Fiskars. Of the tested samples is the easiest tool. Due to this characteristic, it is pleasant to work as shears for a long time. Cut quality is inferior to RACO, but not essential for general use.
- Secateurs Centroinstrument. Convenient and reliable pruner, boldly cutting through branches with a diameter of more than 2 cm. The disadvantage is only in construction, but this does not affect the overall work.
- Model of the Brigadier pruner. Convenient and easy tool, but the quality of cutting thick branches is not at the highest level, it requires the efforts of two hands.
- Lux. Secateurs of this company - a classic consumer goods. For branches larger than 1 cm in diameter, two hands are also required.
- Pruner Grinda. Not bad handles simple twigs, but sometimes "chews" the material.
- Instrument since the USSR.Obvious unfinished tool, suitable only for a few minutes of work, then a substantial load on the brush.
Read also: Maintenance and proper use of a pruner
The price of a garden pruner from this list is from 110 to 1300 rubles. The first place for testing is taken by a model worth only 380 rubles. It should be noted that it is not correct to focus on the purchase strictly on the price, the test data confirms this.
Choosing a high-quality and convenient pruner - video
