Bypass Pruning Shears are a type of pruning tool used for cutting and trimming branches, stems and foliage. They are the preferred tool for shaping shrubs and trees. The blades of Bypass Pruning Shears have a ‘scissor’ type design with a sharp blade which makes a smooth, clean cut as it bypasses the stem.
The angled blade allows the user to easily grip, cut and move around branches of most sizes and thicknesses. Bypass Pruning Shears also remain more sharp and durable compared to other types of pruning shears.
Additionally, they require less force to make cuts and are best used for live growth and detailed pruning. The size of the Bypass Pruning Shears may vary depending on the size of the branches or stems.
Smaller shears should be used for smaller branches and larger shears for larger branches. They should always be used with proper safety tools and personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, work gloves, and long clothing.
Which is better anvil pruner or bypass pruner?
The best type of pruner to use depends upon the type of job you’re doing. Anvil pruners feature a single, heavy, sharp blade that comes down on a anvil surface when it is closed. Anvil pruners are best used for cutting hard, dead, or tough material.
Bypass pruners have two blades that bypass each other like scissors. They are best used for cutting living or green material, such as hedges and small shrubs, because they have a clean cut and will not crush or damage the plant like anvil pruners can.
However, some professionals prefer using a anvil pruner for general cutting as they can combine the power of the anvil and a scissor-like motion, allowing them to cut through both hard and softer materials.
Ultimately, it depends on the job and personal preference.
What are the two types of pruning shears?
There are two types of pruning shears commonly used in gardening and other gardening-related activities: bypass and anvil. Bypass pruners are the most widely used and traditional pruner type; they feature two curved blades edged like a scissor and are used to make clean cuts along plant stems or branches.
Anvil pruners are better suited for tougher branches, as they feature one sharp, curved blade that cuts on an anvil, or Flat surface beneath the branch. Anvil pruners are better served for those cutting hard, dry, and dead material, and can often be used to cut through thicker plant material that a bypass pruner couldn’t get through.
What is the difference between pruning shears?
Pruning shears, also known as pruners, secateurs, or clippers, are an essential tool for any landscaper and gardener. They are typically used for cutting back and trimming shrubs, bushes, and trees. However, the term “pruners” is used to refer to different types of shears that are designed for a range of tasks.
Here is a quick overview of the different types of pruning shears that are available:
• Anvil Pruners: Anvil pruners are one of the most common types of pruners. They have a single blade that has a flat surface called an anvil blade. The blade is pushed down against the anvil and the stems or branches being cut are trapped between the two.
Anvil pruners are typically used for cutting thicker stems and branches.
• Bypass Pruners: Bypass pruners have a curved blade that passes over and around a hook, much like scissors. The curved blade allows the pruner to then “bypass” the hook and cut stems or branches with a sweeping motion.
These pruners are best for cutting living, growing branches and stems.
• Ratchet Pruners: Ratchet pruners are designed for quick and efficient pruning of tough, dead, fibrous, and sap-filled branches. Like bypass pruners, they have a blade that is sharpened on one side and teeth that interact with a rack-and-pinion mechanism.
This mechanism allows the pruners to have various cutting positions and to lock in place, making multiple cuts easier.
• Long Reach Pruners: Long reach pruners are a must-have tool for anyone needing to access difficult to reach places. They come in different shapes and sizes and most feature a curved blade with a ratchet mechanism for cutting larger branches at heights.
Some of them even feature telescopic handles for reaching taller heights.
• Snip Pruners: Snip pruners are lightweight, small, and easy to carry. They usually have a single straight blade with two handles that are used for snipping off smaller stems and branches as well as making topiary shapes and other intricate cuts.
In summary, the different types of pruning shears are designed for a variety of pruning tasks. Anvil pruners are best for cutting thick stems and branches, bypass pruners are great for living, growing branches and stems, ratchet pruners are perfect for tough, dead, fibrous, and sap-filled branches, long reach pruners are ideal for difficult-to-reach places, and snip pruners are ideal for delicate and intricate cutting tasks.
Why is it called a bypass pruner?
A bypass pruner is a garden tool used for pruning hedges, shrubs, and trees. Its name comes from the fact that it has two curved blades which work together in a “bypass” fashion to cut branches. The two blades, or “jaws,” are made from hardened steel, and they work much like a pair of scissors.
The main blade is called the anvil, and it has a flat base which the sharpened, curved blade, or “skinner,” slices into. This cutting action is driven by a spring-loaded handlebar and lever, allowing for powerful and precise cuts without excessive strain on your hands.
The bypass pruner’s design is particularly useful when pruning dead, dying, or diseased branches. Unlike a straight blade, the curved edges of the blades allow them to slice the branch cleanly without damaging surrounding branches or bark, ensuring that the branch falls away completely and safely, reducing the possibility of branch splitting or cracking.
How do you sharpen bypass pruners?
Sharpening bypass pruners can be done manually with a file or with a battery-operated sharpener. To sharpen with a file, ensure the cutting parts of the pruner are clean of dirt or debris and free of rust.
Place the pruner horizontally against a sturdy surface or a clamp. Using a round file, push the file against the cutting blade in a forward and outward motion, then in a backward and inward motion. Do this for both sides of the blade until the cutting edge feels very sharp.
To prevent damage to the blade, filing should be done in a forward direction only.
For faster and more consistent sharpening, a battery-operated sharpener can be used. Place the sharpener over the blade and press the power button. Using the grooves on the sharpener, carefully grind the blade moving in a forward and outward motion, then backward and inward motion until the blade is sharp.
Again, when sharpening with a battery-operated sharpener, it is important that you only use a forward motion while grinding the blade. After sharpening, lubricate the pruner with a light oil or spray lubricant.
Can you use regular scissors to trim plants?
Yes, you can use regular scissors to trim plants. Regular scissors are great for small, minor pruning tasks such as removing dead or dying leaves and stems, trimming finer branches, and pinching back stems.
However, regular scissors may not be the best tool to use for larger pruning tasks such as cutting larger branches or shaping a hedge. For these jobs, you should use a pair of garden pruners, loppers, or a pruning saw, depending on the thickness of the branch you need to cut.
When using regular scissors, it is important to remember to always clean them after each use. This will help prevent the spread of diseases from plant to plant. Additionally, make sure the blades are sharp so the cuts are clean and accurate, and always cut to a point just before the leaf buds or nodes on the stem so the future growth is not damaged or hindered.
What are pruning scissors called?
Pruning scissors are sometimes referred to as secateurs (pronounced: seck-a-teurs). Secateurs are a specialized kind of hand shear used for pruning shrubs, trees, or other woody plants in horticulture.
They usually have curved blades and handles, with one blade being larger than the other. Secateurs typically have a locking system to keep them from opening when not in use. They are designed to allow precise, controlled pruning of branches and stems, with a neat cut that is less likely to damage the plant.
Pruning with secateurs is an important part of plant care and maintenance, and many gardeners also use them to prepare plants for show or competition.
What does bypass mean on pruners?
Bypass pruners are a type of hand pruners designed for cutting living stems and branches. Unlike anvil pruners which feature one blade that cuts down on top of a flat surface, bypass pruners feature two sharpened blades that slide past each other for a cleaner and more precise cut.
Bypass pruners are ideal for smaller branches as they produce a smoother cut, which helps promote a clean healing wound and reduce disease. They are also more efficient at creating thin stems that don’t split or splinter, making them a favorite of florists and gardeners who need to create neat and clean cuts.
How do you pick good pruning shears?
When picking pruning shears, there are a few factors to consider. You’ll want to ensure you are getting the right type of shears for the job. Most gardeners prefer a straight-handled anvil-style pruner for pruning small twigs and branches up to one-half inch in diameter.
For large branches, you may want to consider a bypass-style pruner, which can accommodate branches up to two inches in diameter. Also, look for shears that are easy to operate with one hand, as well as ones that are light and comfortable to hold.
Be sure to check that the blades are sharp and that the lock is secure so the shears stay closed. Additionally, high-quality shears should have non-slip handles for better grip and control. Finally, look for a pair of shears which come with a lifetime warranty should any failures occur.
With the right pair of shears, you can easily maintain your backyard without breaking a sweat.
Are Felco pruners bypass or anvil?
Felco pruners are a type of bypass pruners, which means the blades of the pruner overlap like a pair of scissors. Bypass pruners are generally considered to be better for fine pruning because they give a cleaner cut and don’t crush the stems of delicate plants.
Conversely, anvil pruners have a single curved blade that comes down onto a flat anvil, and are typically better for heavy-duty pruning and cutting of thicker, dead branches.
What secateurs does Monty Don use?
Monty Don, the famous English presenter and gardening expert, uses Bahco professional anvil secateurs. These secateurs are renowned for having an ever-sharp blade and an ergonomic design to provide maximum comfort.
They also boast an innovative ‘opening’ system which shuts the blades while they are being carried to keep them protected. This type of secateurs is made of high-grade steel with a non-stick coating to ensure that it can be used in all weather conditions, even in wet and harsh environments.
Monty Don has used these particular secateurs for years, and their durability and quality speak for themselves.
What is a compound Bypass lopper?
A compound Bypass lopper is a type of pruning tool used for cutting thick branches. It works by using a compound lever action that applies a mechanical advantage to the cutting blades, allowing for easier and faster cutting.
This type of lopper typically has a long handle and two blades shaped like scissor blades, with one blade sharpened near the tip and the other blade sharpened near the center. They often also have a spring-loaded handle to make them easier to open and close.
Bypass loppers are ideal for cutting live woody branches as they do not crush the bark like anvil loppers do. They are also useful for making precise cuts because the blades of the lopper slip past each other when closing them, which prevents them from crushing the stem.
Compound bypass loppers are robust, durable and less likely to fatigue the user, making them ideal for heavier pruning jobs.
Can pruners be sharpened?
Yes, pruners can be sharpened. Sharpening your pruners regularly will help them to stay in good condition for a longer period of time. Pruners should be sharpened at least once every season – or more often, if you notice that they aren’t cutting efficiently.
This is especially important for pruning dead wood, as dull blades will tear, rather than cut cleanly through the wood.
Sharpening pruners is relatively simple and there are a few methods to choose from. The traditional “manual” approach is to use a sharpening stone or file. Soak the stone in water for 10-15 minutes before sharpening, then start slowly and gradually increase the pressure and angle of the blade against the stone.
Sharpen each side of the pruner separately, working slowly and at a consistent angle until you see a nice clean edge.
Some people also use an electric tool, such as a Dremel or rotary tool with a small grinding bit. Once again, work on each side of the blade in slow, circular motions, being careful not to put too much pressure on the blade as you sharpen.
The final method is to use a commercial sharpener, either a hand-held single-blade sharpener, or a motorized multi-blade sharpener that can handle a variety of sizes and styles. Commercial sharpeners can be a bit more expensive than the other methods, but they are the most efficient and will sharpen your blades quickly and evenly.
No matter the method that you choose, always test your pruner on a small piece of wood before tackling any large pruning job, to make sure that it is sharp and ready for use.
What does anvil pruner mean?
Anvil pruners are a type of pruning tool used for cutting and trimming shrubs, trees, and other plants. They are generally two-handed tools consisting of two blades: a sharp upper blade known as the cutting blade and a flat lower blade known as the anvil blade.
The two blades meet together in a scissor-like fashion with the sharp cutting blade on top and the flat anvil blade as its base. The cutting blade is designed to slice through plant material cleanly and sharply, while the anvil blade supports the material and prevents crushing or tearing of the plant material.
Anvil pruners are an ideal tool when precision is needed in pruning work and can be used on a variety of plant types and sizes.
What is an anvil lopper used for?
An anvil lopper is a tool used for pruning trees and shrubs. It works by slicing through branches with a sharp blade while the anvil acts as a hard surface against which to cut, allowing the pruner to apply greater pressure before the branch snaps.
Anvil loppers are used for pruning branches that are too tough for a traditional bypass lopper. They have a handle that the user can grasp for a secure grip and a blade that is sharp and strong enough to slice through tougher branches.
An anvil lopper can handle anything from green stems to hard and dry dead branches. They are also used for making clean cuts on small-diameter branches and stems, allowing the user to get a clean, even cut every time.
Anvil loppers are especially useful for pruning live branches because they can prevent the branch from splintering when cut by the blade.
