What kind of pruner do I want?!

 

OK, here is a beginner question to get you guys amused: What is the
difference between various pruner types, e.g., Anvil and Bypass? What
kind does a serious beginner want, which is not an overkill but also
won't need replacing next year?

 



Fiskars.  I bought this one at Home Depot.  The thing I like about it is
that it has gears on the jaws which multiply the action, making it a lot
easier to cut with.  They are stout, and I've had this one for about five
years.  I've cut some pretty hard and large stuff with it.  The gearing is
where it's at, because the others just use leverage, and if you are stronger
than the shears, they will break.

Steve

visit my blog at http://cabgbypasssurgery.com

 

On 8/12/10 9:36 PM, Steve B wrote:

I happen to prefer hook-and-blade (bypass) over blade-and-anvil.
However, this is really a matter of taste.

Contrary to Steve B, however, I recommend against any hand shears that
use levers or gears to magnify the cutting force.  Any branch so large
or tough that magnified force is required should be cut instead with
lopping shears (long-handled shears) or even with a pruning saw.  The
same recommendation applies to lopping shears; I would not buy them if
they have levers or grears to magnify the cutting force.

--
David E. Ross
Climate:  California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening diary at <http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary>

 

On 8/13/10 12:13 AM, in article 120820102313544801%rps@null.void, "RPS"


Are you talking hand or long handle? I generally prefer bypass on all but
the tiniest branches in hand pruners. I've had a set of blade and anvil
style long handled pruners and HATED them. Stick to the bypass for long
handled ones

You should consider buying a set of each in a moderate price range and
deciding which you like better.


And get a pair of shears/scissors too - come fall clean up, those will gets
lots of use.

Cheryl

 



It mostly depends on *what* you're cutting.  For delicates like
flowers and rose bushes bypass hand pruners are best, they don't crush
stems like anvil types.  For heavier jobs like clearing brush where a
lot of dead wood is also encountered anvil type pruners/loppers work
well.   After years of experience I've learned to buy the very best
tools, they last and are much less fatiguing. always remember "cheap
is expensive"... with that choose the lightest weight tool that will
do the job, heavy weight loppers will wear you out in short order.
Nowadaya I think Fiskars makes the best pruners, loppers, and
especially pruning saws... their PowerGear tools are excellent.
http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Yard-and-Garden