Perhaps I received a faulty unit, but there was a rivet that partially stuck out from the pully mechanism that would constantly rub against my finger. The blades made with Ultra-fine Polishing Technology and teflon or titanium coating, very sharp and prevent tree pulp adhesion caused by rust on the blades.

Hand pruners work best if the wood or stem you are cutting is placed as deep into the jaws of the device as possible. What I liked most about Gardener’s Friend pruner was that you didn’t always have to rely on the ratcheting system.Their diverse colours, delicate beauty, and intoxicating fragrance make them a favourite amongst UK gardeners. However, if we kept up with daily maintenance through sharpening and cleaning the blades, the pruners were durable and stayed sharp. Their red and white handles make them hard to lose in the garden, both during the day and at night and although the safety catch, which is at the end of the handle stakes some getting used to, once mastered, it's a breeze. Budget brands were cheaper, but if you are concerned about repairing your tools and are more eco-conscious, then repairability is a big feature to consider.

Read the product details and make sure the pruner has a hardened steel blade, ideally “high-tempered carbon steel. Cutting: Looked at the qualities of the blades, including their material, strength and opening widths, as well as their manoeuvrability and cutting efficiency.You’ll pay a little more for the gonicc Steel Blade Anvil Pruning Shears, as it comes with a pulley design and spring-loaded mechanism that require the user to exert less force. Cushion Stops - These rubber stops reduce jarring and excess force from causing musculoskeletal problems. Fortunately, Felco pruners have both the reputation of lasting a lifetime and offer a limited lifetime warranty.

The gardeners at Great Dixter put 10 popular models to the test to help you make the best selection. Although there is no battery level indicator, you can audibly hear the pruner slow down when the charge is low. Blade Catch - This holds the blades shut when not in use, to make sure they're safe when transporting and storing.Bypass Secateurs have two blades, which cut like a pair of scissors with a sharpened blade crossing over a thicker metal platform. The SK-5 in the name refers to the very sharp high-carbon steel blade that easily cut through 100 dead sticks of all sizes up to ¾” thick.