What Secateurs for arthritic hands?

Hi there,

I am looking to buy my mother some new secateurs for her upcoming birthday. She loves to garden but because she suffers from rheumatoid arthritis she finds it very painful after doing all the work.

I would like to find her some that do not require quite as much muscle power so that she can enjoy gardening even more.

Any suggestions for such products would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Laura

 

Would it not be best if you went and tried several yourself?

I know they don't do secateurs, but you may find this place of use

 

I would buy her some felcos, probably some felco number 6s or twos 2s. Keep them sharp and they will be the best option, a good pruning saw for anything large, preferably a silky.

http://www.worldoffelco.co.uk/products/Felco Secateurs/301/L75FEL004.html

http://www.stantonhope.co.uk/Tools_26_Equipment_041538_Silky_F180_Pruning_Saw_.asp

Dont be tempted by ratchet action secateurs, I have never found any that are any good, usually the blades are of poor steel and the mecanical advantadge of the ratchet lost, also the handles open tooo wide to be comfortable even for a bloke like me with comparitvly large hands.

 

I use Gardena secateurs, they're the easiest ones I've ever used.

 

"I am looking to buy my mother some new secateurs"

I suggest you give her an I.O.U., or take her for an outing to the garden centre, as I think it is crucial that she tries them for size.

I agree with Pro about the Felco brand.

 

Bosch do a battery operated pair - you only need to squeeze a trigger - no force needed. They will cut up to about 1/2" branches

I think you can buy them at Argos but probably £30 - £40

 

Thank you all for your replies, I will look into the Felcos and Gardena as well as the Bosch. I am not sure if I can take her in to a shop as I live 350miles away and would have to wait until I visit her, but I could be an option.

Thanks again