Secateurs

About Secateurs

Secateurs, also known as pruning shears or hand pruners, are essential handheld cutting tools designed for precision work on branches, twigs, vines and plant stems. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of secateurs from leading manufacturers including ARS, Bahco, Gardena, and Kew Gardens, catering to both professional gardeners and DIY enthusiasts who demand reliable performance and clean cuts.

There are two main types of secateurs available: bypass secateurs feature two blades that pass each other like scissors, delivering clean, precise cuts ideal for living stems and general pruning. Anvil secateurs use a single sharpened blade that crushes material against a flat anvil surface, making them better suited for dry, dead wood and thicker woody stems. MyToolShed also offers specialist options including left-handed models, rotating grip designs, and locking mechanisms for enhanced safety and control.

Applications

Secateurs are indispensable tools for a wide range of gardening and horticultural applications:

• Professional gardeners and landscapers – routine pruning, hedge maintenance, and plant care
• Arborists – selective branch removal and tree maintenance work
• Horticulturists and nursery workers – plant propagation, deadheading, and cultivation
• Fruit growers and viticulturists – vine pruning and fruit tree management
• Parks and grounds maintenance teams – general pruning and plant health management
• Home gardeners – roses, shrubs, perennials, and general garden maintenance
• Allotment holders – vegetable plant management and seasonal pruning tasks

Choosing The Right Secateurs

When selecting secateurs from the MyToolShed.co.uk range, consider these key factors:

Cutting mechanism: Bypass secateurs provide cleaner cuts for live, green stems and are best for general use. Anvil secateurs excel at cutting dead wood and thicker branches up to 25mm diameter but may crush delicate living tissue.

Hand size and comfort: Ergonomic handles reduce fatigue during extended use. Look for models with cushioned grips and consider whether standard or left-handed designs suit you best. Rotating grip models reduce wrist strain significantly.

Blade material: Hard-chromed or carbon steel blades maintain sharpness longer and resist sap build-up. Premium models from brands like ARS and Bahco feature replaceable blades for extended tool life.

Cutting capacity: Match the maximum cutting diameter to your typical tasks – most secateurs handle stems between 15-25mm, whilst snip secateurs suit lighter work under 10mm.

Additional features: Single-hand locking mechanisms improve safety during storage and transport. Consider models with wire-cutting notches if you also work with plant ties and garden wire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between bypass and anvil secateurs?

Bypass secateurs work like scissors with two blades passing each other, providing clean cuts ideal for living plants. Anvil secateurs have one blade crushing against a flat surface, better for dead wood but potentially damaging to living stems.

How often should I sharpen my secateurs?

Sharpen your secateurs at the start of each growing season or whenever you notice ragged cuts rather than clean slices. Regular cleaning after use and occasional light sharpening maintains optimal performance throughout the year.

Can secateurs cut wire as well as stems?

Many quality secateurs feature a wire-cutting notch near the blade base for cutting garden wire and plant ties. However, avoid using standard cutting edges on wire as this will quickly dull the blades and reduce cutting performance on plant material.