How to choose a garden pruner so that gardening is not a burden
It is impossible to put in order the vegetation in the country, it is impossible to process shrubs and trees well without a quality tool, and specifically without a pruner. But how to choose the right garden pruners? This question is worth examining in detail.
The best secateurs are imported from Italy, Germany and Japan. Unfortunately, modern domestic and Chinese production of these instruments cannot be called the leading one.
Professional sector
- electrical;
- pneumatic;
- mechanical.
An electric and pneumatic driven tool for a summer cottage is definitely not suitable, these are models specifically for the gardener's profession. Mechanical secateurs have several types and characteristics. This is not a fad, as a certain type of gardening requires the right tool.
Which pruner is better to choose
Simple secateurs are also called:
- Garden shears... This is a garden pruner for cutting tall trees and shrubs. A sewing scissor type tool with two blades or plates. The tool is convenient in work, but dents remain on the edges of the branches, which is not always appropriate. Maximum stem thickness for processing is up to 2 centimeters.
- Bypass scissors. Models of bypass scissors or secateurs are equipped with only one blade, the second part is a stop offset to the cutting axis. Due to this design, only deformation of the plant is possible. The redesigned bypass pruning shears can cut both dry and live parts of the plant thanks to the ratchet mechanism. Bypass pruners are easier to work with than garden pruners.
- A tool with a persistent cutting system. The design is similar to a bypass pruner. Also one blade and stop, but in this device the cutting part rests against a plastic or iron stopper. The thrust system (stopper) has a ribbed surface or recess.
Tips for choosing a pruner
Each gardener has different requirements for tools, but there is one thing in common - ease of use. Based on this, experienced gardeners share their experience in choosing a tool:
- First of all, taking the tool in hand, the sharpness of the knives or cutting surface is checked. If the secateurs are not sharpened, then they will definitely not be cut, but only crumple the branch. Poor sharpening of the tool will lead to diseases in trees and shrubs.
- Refine the steel grade of the tool. Ideally, this is a hardened steel similar to a forged knife. The blade is required with the required level of hardness, moisture resistant. Teflon-coated designs are also gaining popularity. Resin and dirt do not stick to it. Teflon also reduces friction. The thickness of the metal surface is also important. A good blade from 3 millimeters or more.
- Secateurs handle. Specifically, the material of its manufacture. Handles are available in wood, polypropylene, fiberglass, steel and aluminum.
- Total tool weight and ergonomics. Less weight will lighten the load. Performance also depends on individual convenience. In this case, you should not focus on the price of a garden pruner, because the palms of each person have an individual size.
Manufacturers try to create more comfort in work and modify the tool, for example, to a rotary handle.
When evaluating the convenience of the tool, choose a model with a tape return spring.Of course, the metal for the spring must be of high quality.
How to choose a pruner for a beginner
It is better for a novice gardener to purchase a pruner with a closed handle or with a CFRP overlay. A less experienced gardener will keep his hands free from calluses and cuts. Plastic handles are not suitable for continuous use. processing plants, it is a budget tool.
Before buying it is better to try the pruner in your hands. It is best to compare several convenient models. This will help you choose the most ergonomic piece. It is better for a man and a woman to buy this garden tool "for themselves".
It's okay to bring branches with you and test, a good seller will only be happy, because you will definitely buy something.
Potential sharpening of the blade or blades is worth considering. If the pruner is not disassembled for service, then this is a big disadvantage.
Imagine how the tool will be stored in the winter, if there is no lock for the closed position, then it is better to abandon this model, because the spring must be clamped in storage. And accidental exposure of the blade can seriously injure.
When evaluating each model, you should pay attention to the gap between the blades, and there should be no backlash on the central fixing bolt (the blades are tightly pulled together).
Overview of secateurs from different manufacturers
To compare the manufacturers and models of tools, practical tests are often used on branches of the same diameter.
For the correct assessment, we chose the samples of the following companies, and summed up:
- Secateurs from RACO. Came out on the first place due to the easy operation of the device, high-quality cut. The tested branches had the least damage. Minimal stress on the joints of the hand.
- Gardena Comfort pruner. The most comfortable tool, it also processes branches with high quality, but the tested model did not have a lock, and without this element, the speed of work is not the same.
- Fiskars compact pruner. The lightest instrument of the tested samples. Thanks to this characteristic, it is pleasant to work with a pruner for a long time. Cut quality is inferior to RACO, but not essential for general use.
- Pruner Centerinstrument. A convenient and reliable secateurs, boldly cutting through branches with a diameter of more than 2 cm. The only flaw is in the design, but this does not affect the overall work.
- Brigadier secateurs model. A convenient and lightweight tool, but the quality of cutting thick branches is not at the highest level, it requires the effort of two hands.
- Lux. The pruning shears of this company are a classic consumer product. For branches over 1 cm in diameter, two-handed efforts are also required.
- Pruner Grinda. Handles simple twigs well, but sometimes "chews" the material.
- Instrument of the times of the USSR. An obvious unfinished tool, suitable only for a few minutes of work, then a significant load on the brush.
Price for garden pruner from this list from 110 to 1300 rubles. The first place in testing is occupied by a model that costs only 380 rubles. I would like to note that it is not correct to focus strictly on the price when buying, the test data confirm this.