Garden Scissors & Snips

About Garden Scissors & Snips

Garden scissors and snips are precision cutting tools designed for delicate gardening tasks where traditional secateurs would be too cumbersome. These versatile implements excel at harvesting herbs, deadheading flowers, gathering fruit and vegetables, trimming soft stems, and performing intricate pruning work in tight spaces. Unlike standard household scissors, garden snips feature specially designed blades with acute cutting angles, rust-resistant materials, and ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue during extended use.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of garden scissors and snips from leading manufacturers including ARS, Gardena, Wilkinson Sword, Spear and Jackson, and Kew Gardens. The selection encompasses everything from general-purpose garden snips for everyday trimming to specialist fruit harvesting scissors with angled blades for reaching into dense foliage. Modern designs incorporate advanced features such as non-stick coatings to prevent sap build-up, precision-ground stainless steel blades for clean cuts, and spring-loaded mechanisms that reduce repetitive strain.

Applications

Garden scissors and snips serve a diverse range of users across both professional and domestic gardening applications:

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers: Precision maintenance work, delicate pruning, and plant care across multiple properties
• Horticulturists and Nursery Workers: Propagation work, specimen preparation, and routine plant maintenance
• Florists and Flower Arrangers: Harvesting cut flowers and preparing stems for arrangements
• Allotment Holders: Harvesting herbs, salad crops, soft fruits, and tender vegetables
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers: Maintaining ornamental gardens, borders, and landscaped areas
• Home Gardeners and DIY Enthusiasts: General garden maintenance, container gardening, and small-scale cultivation
• Urban Gardeners: Small-space gardening where precision tools are essential

Choosing The Right Garden Scissors & Snips

Blade Type and Material: Look for stainless steel or high-carbon steel blades with rust-resistant properties. Premium models feature Japanese SK steel for exceptional sharpness and edge retention. Consider whether you need straight or angled blades – angled designs provide better access when harvesting fruit or working beneath leaves.

Cutting Capacity: Check the maximum stem diameter the scissors can comfortably cut. Most garden snips handle stems up to 6-8mm diameter, whilst heavier-duty models can tackle up to 12mm. Match the capacity to your typical tasks – herb harvesting requires less capacity than pruning woody perennials.

Handle Comfort: Ergonomic handles with soft-grip surfaces significantly reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Spring-loaded mechanisms reduce repetitive strain but may require slightly more grip strength. Consider the handle size relative to your hand for optimal comfort.

Special Features: Cut-and-hold mechanisms are invaluable when collecting cuttings or working above water features. Non-stick coatings extend time between cleaning and maintain cutting performance throughout extended work sessions.

Build Quality: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks reputable brands like ARS, Gardena, and Spear and Jackson that offer replacement parts and warranty support. Quality construction with reinforced pivot points ensures longevity and consistent performance over many seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between garden scissors and secateurs?

Garden scissors feature a traditional scissor action with two moving blades, making them ideal for precise, delicate cuts on soft stems, herbs, and flowers up to approximately 8mm diameter. Secateurs use a bypass or anvil mechanism designed for thicker, woody stems and branches. Scissors offer greater precision and control for intricate work, whilst secateurs provide more cutting power for pruning tasks.

How do I maintain my garden scissors to keep them sharp?

Clean blades after each use with warm soapy water, removing all sap and plant residue. Dry thoroughly and apply a light coating of tool oil to prevent rust. Periodically sharpen blades using a fine sharpening stone or diamond file, maintaining the original bevel angle. Check and tighten the pivot bolt if blades become loose, and replace springs when tension decreases noticeably.

Can I use garden snips for harvesting vegetables and herbs for cooking?

Absolutely – garden snips are excellent for harvesting edible crops. Ensure blades are thoroughly cleaned before use, particularly if you've previously cut diseased plants. Many gardeners keep dedicated scissors solely for edible crop harvesting to maintain food safety standards. Models with stainless steel blades are preferable as they don't react with plant acids and are easier to sterilise.