Pruning shears are handheld tools specifically designed for cutting live plant material, such as stems and small branches, in gardening and horticulture. These tools are often referred to as hand pruners or secateurs. They provide the leverage and sharpness necessary to make clean cuts up to about one inch in diameter. Maintaining plant health requires the removal of deadwood or the shaping of growth, and the right shears ensure this process is efficient and causes minimal damage to the plant tissue.
The Three Main Types of Pruning Shears
The differences between the main types of pruning shears lie in the mechanism by which the blades interact to sever the plant material. The most common type is the bypass shear, which operates much like a pair of scissors. It features two sharpened blades that glide past each other, creating a clean, precise cut that minimizes damage to live, green wood. The scissor-like action is preferred for cutting live stems because it avoids crushing the delicate internal plant structures, promoting quicker healing.
Anvil shears employ a different action, featuring a single, straight cutting blade that closes down onto a flat, stationary metal plate, known as the anvil. This mechanism works like a knife on a cutting board, generating a powerful, crushing force. Anvil shears are best suited for cutting hard, dead, or woody material, where a clean cut is less important than the power required to push through tough fibers.
The third main mechanism is the ratchet shear, which utilizes a gearing system to multiply the user’s hand strength. This tool makes the cut in a series of progressive stages, or clicks, as the handle is repeatedly squeezed and released. This staged cutting action significantly reduces the physical effort required, making the ratchet shear useful for users with limited hand strength or for tackling branches slightly thicker than a standard shear could handle.
Choosing the Right Shears for the Cut
Selecting the appropriate shear depends on the type of material being cut and the maximum size the tool can handle. Standard handheld pruning shears are designed to cut branches up to a maximum diameter of between one-half and three-quarters of an inch. Attempting to cut material thicker than the tool’s rated capacity can strain the tool, resulting in a ragged cut that damages the plant and prematurely dulls the blade.
Bypass shears should be chosen for precision work on live growth, such as pruning rose bushes, shaping fruit tree branches, or trimming delicate vines. The clean slice they provide is conducive to quick wound closure, which helps prevent disease entry into the plant. Conversely, anvil shears are the better option when removing dead ornamental shrub branches or cutting up tough, dried-out material, where the crushing action does not compromise plant vitality.
Ergonomics also play a role in tool selection, as a comfortable fit reduces hand strain during extended use. Features like rotating handles or cushioned shock absorbers are designed to reduce friction and minimize stress on the wrist and hand. When dealing with slightly thicker, woody stems that require more force, choosing a ratchet shear can make the difference between a clean cut and struggling through the material.
Essential Tool Maintenance
Proper maintenance is necessary to preserve the functionality and longevity of pruning shears. After each use, it is important to remove sap and debris from the blades, which can otherwise cause the blades to stick and transfer plant diseases. Wiping the blades down with rubbing alcohol or a mild detergent solution effectively cleans and disinfects the cutting surfaces.
Once the blades are clean and thoroughly dried to prevent rust formation, the tool requires lubrication. A drop of lightweight machine oil should be applied to the pivot point and the spring mechanism to ensure the smooth opening and closing of the handles. This simple step reduces friction and prevents the moving parts from seizing up over time.
Regular sharpening of the cutting edge is also necessary, as dull blades require excessive force and create jagged cuts that are slow to heal on the plant. Sharpening the blade with a stone or diamond file maintains the precise cutting angle required for clean slicing. By routinely cleaning, oiling, and sharpening the shears, their performance remains consistent for years of garden work.