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Manual Hand Pruners - Bypass and Anvil © 2009There are two basic types of manual hand pruners - anvil and bypass. |
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The anvil hand pruner cuts using a sharp blade which presses down on a blunt edge. The sharpened blade cuts easily through woody stems and is best used for that purpose. Pruning shrubs and cutting small tree limbs is what this type of pruner is best used for. It can crush soft plant material, so it may not be the best tool for cutting flowers for bouquets and taking cuttings. Some of these type of pruners feature a rachet mechanism, which makes it easier to cut heavy duty material. Some are coated with a non-stick material which allows the blades to pass through plant material quickly. A bypass pruner cuts like a scissors, two sharpened blades pass by each other, cutting soft plant material. These type pruners are best for soft plant material, like cutting flowers, taking cuttings and pruning annual plants. They will not work quite as well on harder, woody plant material. Some of these pruners have extra features built in, like thorn strippers and stem crushers to increase water absorption in freshly cut flowers. It is best to study the many different types of pruners available to determine the best one for you. Most gardeners will have both an anvil and a bypass pruner in their tool box. Look for comfortable handles and other features which will make your pruning chores easier. |
