Secateurs

• What is the difference between bypass and anvil secatuers? Bypass secateurs work like a pair of scissors whereas the anvil type could be likened to a knife with a chopping board.
• Which type of secateur is best for old wood? The anvil type is best to use to cut dead wood.
• Books recommend a slanting cut can the anvil type secateur be used? No since the cut will be at right angles to the anvil.
• Which type is best for cutting flower stems? Generally the bypass secateurs give the cleaner cut
• What is the maximum secateurs can cut? This will vary on design, manufacturer, strength of user, and how sharp the secateurs are, but around 18mm (3/4"). Consider buying or using loppers for material any thicker.
• Are secateurs for left- handed people made? Yes left-handed secateurs can be purchased and some are designed to be used by either hand.
• I end up getting scratched by thorns, what can I do? Best advice is either protective gloves or use a pair of loppers so you can keep your distance.
• Why is there a notch in the blade of some secateurs? This is so that small wire can be cut saving the need to carry pliers or wire cutters.

Secateurs can appear blunt due to sap that as collected, so regular cleaning will help. Cleaning after cutting diseased material away will prevent the spread to healthy plants.

There are many sharpening tools on the market that can be used on secateurs when they do become blunt. Bypass secateurs have a smaller, often thinner blade and this is the one to sharpen. The anvil type requires the top blade sharpening only. Where chips on the blade are apparent it is perhaps time to consider a blade change on some of the expensive secateurs or buying a new pair.

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