Content
- Bypass or anvil scissors? - How to make the right choice
- Bypass scissors - this is how the mechanism works
- Anvil scissors - how it works in a nutshell
- Tips
Bypass (shown here) and anvil scissors look very similar
Bypass or anvil scissors? - How to make the right choice
In the list of obligatory garden tools, scissors ranked in the upper places. The purchase could be so easy if it were not for the distinction between bypass and anvil mechanism. This guidebook explains the practicalities with tips on the advantages and disadvantages.
Bypass scissors - this is how the mechanism works
The bypass scissors work with two sharp blades. Place a branch between the blades, slide them past each other and cut the plant tissue. The advantages and disadvantages of the bypass function are summarized in the following overview:
The precise, clean cut of bypass scissors speaks primarily for use on shrubs and perennials with thin shoots up to a thickness of 2 to 2.5 centimeters. Since there are small and large scissors for left and right handed people with and without telescopic handles, we recommend trying out the favorite before buying.
Anvil scissors - how it works in a nutshell
The anvil scissors work with only a sharp edge. This blade cuts the wood and hits a blunt counterpart, the anvil. Since hardly any lateral forces occur with this mode of operation, the anvil scissors scores with a better power transmission compared to the bypass scissors. Which advantages and disadvantages of the anvil mechanism brings with it, you will find out here:
The better power transmission of anvil shears suggests that it can be used on branches 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters thick. Technical refinements minimize the force required by the cutting guide, such as long scissor arms, a built-in gearbox or a gradual ratchet mechanism.
Tips
The specific advantages of the bypass and anvil mechanisms will only be effective in the long term if you regularly maintain and sharpen the scissors. Carefully clean your garden and pruning shears of dirt after each use. At least once per season you should sharpen the blades with a whetstone to leave smooth cuts on your shrubs.