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What are the different types of secateurs?
Secateurs either use a “bypass” or “anvil” mechanism. Bypass secateurs are similar to scissors, with two blades that glide past each other. They’re suited to caring for delicate, living plants and saplings, as well as fully grown shrubs. A good, sharp pair of bypass secateurs should be able to cut through thicker branches and solid wood too.
Anvil secateurs, on the other hand, make a “crushing” action, like a knife on a on chopping board. They should only be used on very thick branches or for dead wood, as the cutting blade comes into compressing contact with metal, which can bruise the plant tissue.
Slightly less popular are ratchet pruners which are more powerful and better for cutting through thicker branches. They require less pressure on the handles because they have small springs and mechanisms to ease the efforts. Ratchet secateurs are an excellent option for gardeners lacking wrist strength.
According to topiary expert Darren Lerigo, most gardeners will find bypass secateurs to be the better bet, because they make for a cleaner cut.
How do I care for the blades of my secateurs?
Smooth blades all have their limits, says Jake Hobson. Steel is hard and sharp, but it can chip if abused. Try not to cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material. Even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots, burrs and dead wood, can damage steel edges.
Do not twist or apply uneven pressure: try to cut branches diagonally, not straight across. Blades may chip or crack through misuse and bad luck, although damage can be ground out with a file. Clean the blades after use, oil them with a light oil occasionally (Lerigo is a fan of scentless camellia oil), and store with blades closed to protect the blades (and you).
How do you sharpen secateurs?
Sharpen with a whetstone. Leave the whetstone in water for about five minutes until soaked through, then gently rub a blade against it to sharpen.
What do I do if the blades of my secateurs jam and the stems get caught between them?
According to Telegraph gardening expert Helen Yemm, secateurs usually jam because of a build-up of dried sap and general garden grot on the blades. A good clean, followed by a wipe with an oily rag, sorts the problem out. Presumably you have tried that.
Alternatively, it could be time for a thorough service, she says. “Burton McCall, which only services Felcos, no other brand, will send them back looking like new for £25, with a replaced blade.”
