Small Hand Tools

Although most of us can manage with a good pair of secateurs (pruning shears or pruners), long-handled pruners (loppers or lopping shears) and hand shears, there are times when more specialist tools are required.

BYPASS SECATEURS (Pruning shears)

Good secateurs (pruning shears) are suitable for a range of pruning jobs. Bypass secateurs have a broad concave or square blade that cuts against a narrower, hooked blade that holds the branch while the cut is made.

ANVIL SECATEURS (Pruning shears)

These have a straight blade that cuts against a flat anvil, often with a groove cut in it through which sap can drain away. Ensure that the blade is sharp to avoid crushing the stems.

If you have a weak grip, ratchet shears may be more appropriate. The ratchet device enables you to cut through the stem in several small movements that require less effort.

Most secateurs will cut stems up to 1cm (½ in) thick.

LONG-HANDLED PRUNERS (Loppers or lopping shears) 

These can be used to cut through stems that are too thick to be cut with secateurs. They are useful for reaching high or low, congested branches.

TREE PRUNERS (Tree loppers or pole pruners) 

For tall shrubs, these will make the job easier. Long-handled pruners do not reach as high and can be tiring to use above shoulder level.

The mechanism by which these work varies with the make: they may be operated by rope, metal rods, or fixed or telescopic handles. The small lever mechanism in the handle transfers the cutting action to the cutting head. The hooked end makes it easier to position and steadies the tool.

PRUNING KNIFE

These knives have a curved, folding blade that ensures the blade cuts into the shoot as you cut towards yourself with a slicing motion.

Because of the temptation to use the thumb as an anvil, such knives must be used with great care.

SHEARS

Mainly used for hedge trimming, shears can also be used for cutting through branches on shrubs and trees that are too thick for secateurs or loppers, provided there is a notch at the base of the blades. They can also be used to trim low-growing shrubs. Some models have blades with wavy edges that help trap and hold the shoots while cutting.

Choose shears of a weight you feel comfortable with; cutting a hedge by hand can be tiring work.

Gardener's Tip

lb prolong their life, clean tools after use by wiping their blades with an oily rag. Keep them sharp by plunging the blades into a mixture of sand and engine oil.