Secateurs, which type?

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by Sheal, Aug 5, 2013.

  1. Sheal

    Sheal Total Gardener

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    I need to buy new secateurs, do members have any preference as to the type of cut as I can't make up my mind, your help would be appreciated please. Anvil or bypass?
     
  2. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I use bypass, got an old pair if Sandvic ones.
    They have done well for me, must be 10 or more years old.
    Dont think you can buy them anymore.
    Felco are supposed to be the best I think.
     
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Anvil are only for the heavier applications aren't they? I have bypass secateurs for most uses, and have Wolf Garten anvil cutters for tree pruning etc.

      They do a range of secateurs - if the rest of their kit is anything to go by, the quality will be fantastic.
       
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      • Sheal

        Sheal Total Gardener

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        Thanks Pete. I'd like to have Felco's but can't afford their price tag right now.

        FC, I have the anvil type at the moment and use them for everything, I don't think these or the bypass ones are for any particular use, but I may be wrong. :)
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          You've got me thinking about this now - the anvil types should give a straighter/cleaner cut as their principle of operation is that one blade cuts all the way through the stem and stops when it meets the flat face of the anvil side.

          The bypass ones have two blades that cut toward each other, shearing the stem off at the pinch point in the middle - in theory, this could give a slightly less accurate cut, but you are in hair-splitting territory methinks.

          Now, whilst I am splitting hairs, I reckon that the bypass type would require less effort to operate, due to the action of the two blades working toward each other - how significant the difference is however, I have no idea.
           
        • Sheal

          Sheal Total Gardener

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          Interesting thoughts FC! Obviously the bypass type have a scissor type action and cut and I'm just wondering how clean they will cut once they've worn in. I'm thinking about my roses here, they are one plant that really needs clean cuts right through the stem.

          Right now I'm leaning towards the anvil type which I'm used too using anyway. :)
           
        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          I'd reckon that the anvil types would give a cleaner more consistent cut for the woody stems of roses, and do so for longer too - especially if you sharpen the blade once in a while.
           
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          • Kristen

            Kristen Under gardener

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            Felco. Sizes to fit all hands - often there is a display board where you can try-for-size (and then shop around online, if you like).

            Easy to take to bits to maintain / sharpen. Spares available. Adjustable. Will last a lifetime.
             
          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            Kristen..... I'm on a tight budget at the moment so Felco's are out of the question sadly. My question wasn't actually about the make though, it's whether anvil type secateurs are better than bypass.

            FC.......after all the years I've had them, I took a double take on mine today and they are bypass, :doh: it must have been the previous ones that were anvil and now I'm back to square one! Which ones to go for. :dunno:
             
          • Fat Controller

            Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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            Perhaps bypass might be best then Sheal - mainly as you are used to them, and they are likely to require the least effort to use of the two?

            One thing is for sure, get the very best you can afford - I have learned the hard way with cheap tools a few times over the years; the better quality ones last longer and generally make life much easier when using them.
             
          • Val..

            Val.. Confessed snail lover

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            Bypass for general use, anvil for lopping at trees etc!! :)

            Val
             
          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            You're probably right FC. I'll 'weigh' them up when I'm out on Thursday. I think we all learn eventually that cheap is not the way to go, but I have no choice at the moment unfortunately.

            Val.....I've used my bypass for everything and they haven't protested in all the years I've had them, they don't owe me a penny! :) When branches have been too thick to use them on I've used loppers instead.
             
          • Kristen

            Kristen Under gardener

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            I've had mine for 20 years ... still going strong.

            Best quality is the cheapest ... must be able to find some at an affordable price?
             
          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            That's about the same age as mine Kristen, but the blades are really passed there best and this last week they've loosened off and aren't cutting properly. The parts are worn with age and it's time to scrap them. :)
             
          • Kristen

            Kristen Under gardener

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            Well, FWIW, just checked the Felco website and a new pair of Felco are £40 - £50. A new blade is about £10 - £15. Maintenance and dismantling instructions are all on their website, videos provided for every step, so should enable folk to be able to maintain them, even if that sort of DIY is not their strong suit :)

            For example maintenance of the Felco 2:
            http://www.felco.com/felco/pages/maintenance.page?name=FELCO 2&open=maintenance&video=1

            Felco 2 reduced from £60 to £43 here:
            http://www.worldoffelco.co.uk/secat...9fel001.html?gclid=CLjQ1_T96bgCFRMctAodwRMASg

            and on eBay for £40 (inc postage) e.g.
            http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FELCO-2-PRUNERS-BRAND-NEW-/231028254644
             
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