Ratchet Secateurs

I've had a pair of ratchet secateurs for about 3 years – mine look similar to the one at the bottom of your photo. I bought it on impulse on a market stall, and to begin with thought it was a ‘gadget’ that might never get used but in fact I use it all the time.

I like mine, there is a knack to using it and I’ve leant it some people who can’t get the hang of it. If you are snipping lots of smaller twigs/stems then a normal set will be more comfortable for prolonged use. However where there is a mixture of small and thick branches to be pruned then I find it very useful, saves carrying two tools around.