Keeping your plants and trees trim and proper is easy when you have the right tools. Here’s a selection for different pruning tasks we have been putting to good use this month
TELESCOPIC BYPASS LOPPERS
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With a precision ground non-stick blade made from high carbon steel and a 4cm (1½in) cutting diameter, these telescopic bypass loppers extend from 65-99cm (25½-39in). The lightweight aluminium handles have five lockable positions so the loppers are suitable for both easily accessible and harder to reach places.
WILKINSON SWORD TOOLS
www.wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk
TEL: ORDER ONLINE
PRODUCT CODE: 1111333W
PRICE GUIDE: £49.99
KG VERDICT
A very good, lightweight pair of loppers with a sharp cutting action. The handles have soft grips for comfort and can be extended for harder to reach stems and twigs. Extension is easy by simply pressing the buttons on the top of the handles and sliding the latter into one of five lockable positions. The locking mechanism is crisp and secure.
TOP PICK
MAINICHI SNIPS
These Japanese snips can be used for a number of purposes – harvesting, light pruning, dead heading or for using with cut flowers. Suitable for cuts up to 5mm, the blades are made from SK85 carbon steel. They have vinyl grip handles and a strong catch lock at the bottom for keeping the blades closed when not in use.
NIWAKI
www.niwaki.com
TEL: 01747445059
PRODUCT CODE: N/A
PRICE GUIDE £39.99
KG VERDICT
These are an excellent pair of snips – more heavy duty than the lighter flower snips you can get. The suitably contoured handles facilitate a comfortable grip and there is a firm catch lock at the bottom for when not in use. The blades are sharp and provide a clean cut and the spring is strong for repeated cutting action. Use it for a whole range of tasks such as harvesting peas beans, pruning herbs and cutting flowers. Clean after use with Crean Mate and Camellia Oil (available from Niwaki).
TOP PICK
X-SERIES™ BYPASS PRUNER M P921
For sharpness, these pruners have a fully hardened, precision-ground blade with a low-friction blade coating for rust resistance smoother cuts. It has a FiberComp™ handle designed to fit the natural shape of the hand and there is a sliding lock to close the blade when not in use.
FISKARS
www.fiskars.com
TEL: Go online for store locator
PRODUCT CODE: 1057173
PRICE GUIDE: £34.09
KG VERDICT
These are a slick, strong and very well-designed pair of secateurs. They sit very comfortable in the hand with a rolling lower handle that moves with the cutting action, making it easier and more fluid when pruning. The bypass blades are sharp and effective for a range of pruning activities. Locking is easy with the lock switch within easy reach of the thumb at any time.
