Reasonably priced Secateurs

Mee

Hi!
I've offered to tidy an elderly couples front garden this weekend, but think I may need a pair of Secateurs. Any suggestions on where I can buy a reasonably priced and reliable Secateurs, welcomed.

Davesnave

If you are only going to garden occasionally, then investment in posh secateurs is probably unnecessary. I would go to somewhere like Wilko to see what they have. Expect to pay no more than about £5.

As an aside, I have all kinds of secateurs, including a couple well over 50 years old. The oldest ones are lovely, but hurt or pinch hands, and some of the flashy modern ones, received as gifts, have all but disintegrated. The ones I most enjoy using cost £3 on a market stall!

sobie

Best thing to do is try them out. We're only a small garden centre yet we sell 4 different brands and at least 6 different types from each brand.

As you're not going to be using them frequently weight and balance might not be an issue but if you plan on using them a lot in one day (and are not used to them) then go for a soft or molded grip so you don't get blisters.

do you have a good grip? if not then go for anvil type. if you go for anvil type then you want a ratchet type (rather than one that just squeezes).

Look at the springs on bypass types as some brands are prone to 'pinging' open.

ideally you want to be able to adjust the blade opening width so that you can prune different size twigs. you want something that will allow you to cut at least pencil sized twigs (and larger and you'll need loppers rather than secateurs)

Most brands will have at least 1 year guarentee with them, some have 10 years or even lifetime guarentees.

Mee

Thanks all. Will try out a few pairs as suggested.