Garden shears for cutting grass: choosing a tool for all seasons
Cutting grass by hand is a complex process. It takes a lot of time and effort to trim bushes, grapes, vines and other areas of the garden. It’s even more difficult when you use garden shears to cut low-quality grass.
In our article we will tell you in detail how to choose mechanical scissors for cutting grass, their varieties and features of working in a summer cottage and garden. Go!
The content of the article
What are the scissors for trimming bushes called?
Mechanical garden shears are the most common device on counters and in everyday life. The working basis is blades with various sharpenings (there are variations with a serrated or wavy edge). They help you grab a bush or vine and not let go while cutting to get a straight line.
Some hedge trimmers have a small anvil. It works for young shoots and small bushes. In such options, the handle is lighter than usual, which tightens the grip and puts less stress on the hands.
Models with several blades can be used for trimming flower beds or young shrubs. The name of such a system is bypass.
One of the options for hand scissors is a pruner. Outwardly, it resembles ordinary bush shears - there are several blades. The pruner differs in that the blades have different purposes: the first is for cutting weeds, and the second is for stopping.Also, pruning shears are stronger and more reliable than the cutting blades of hedge trimmers. And the ratchet mechanism allows you to increase the maximum thickness of the cut and the size of the branch.
The next option is a lopper. It differs from other models in its handles. They are telescopic and can be extended depending on the cutting distance. The lopper is used for processing tall bushes, creating hedges and other gardening and decorative work.
Another type of garden shears is specifically for grass. They can replace an expensive lawn mower or electric trimmer because they work on lawns in any plane. Even where the fishing line and lawnmower blade simply cannot be reached (under a fence, between stones and other places).
What is the difference between electric garden shears?
The main purpose for which electric models of hedge trimmers are purchased is to trim flower beds and shrubs. Mechanical work takes a long time and is physically difficult to do. And with electronics, the whole process is accelerated several times.
The scissors model has a knife with several toothed rows. They work on the principle of a saw - only on small bushes. That is why they are so actively used in landscape design.
Using electric scissors, you can create extraordinary figures from green vegetation. There will be much more decoration for your garden.
Adjusting the position of the knives allows you to “orient” the hedge trimmer in the required direction: how to cut, how much vegetation to separate, etc.
A small drawback is the need for constant power supply from a 220 Volt network. It happens that the extension cord may not be enough. Yes, and using it is a risk for yourself. Therefore, you can replace a conventional electric hedge trimmer with a battery-powered one.
When choosing electric shears for the garden, consider the following basic characteristics:
- Device power.
- Cutting thickness of branches and grass.
- Dimensions of the blade itself and the ability to customize.
The more powerful the device, the more work it will do per unit of time. The rule only works if you already know how to operate the tool. Otherwise, don’t blame the device!
Cutting branches depends on the distance between the teeth of the knife. The larger it is, the thicker the branches will fit under the cut. The length of the knife can be either adjusted or in static mode - then you will have to purchase additional attachments for other tooth sizes.
For simple work, a blade on a large metal blade is suitable. For landscape design, cutting out figures - small and neat teeth.
Rules for using any garden shears
Most people have the mistaken opinion that there are no rules for working with garden shears. He took it and started cutting it. However, the operating rules affect not only your personal safety (believe me, the blades are very sharp and you need to be extremely careful), but also the operating life of the device itself.
A few rules will help you master the instrument and make it more durable:
- Use the tool only for its intended purpose. Secateurs and scissors with several blades - for large and thick branches; a small canvas - for figures, hedges, etc.
- Blades need to be sharpened regularly. The rule works for all materials, except for Teflon-coated blades (it does not require sharpening). A file, a whetstone or a professional machine - choose what is more convenient for sharpening and what you have at hand.
- Clean instruments after each use. Regular cleaning of scissors will increase the service life of your device. Also, the need for regular sharpening is reduced. The Teflon coating additionally protects the blade from loss of sharpness.
Another tip: if you want to maximize the time you spend with your scissors (without breaking, reworking, etc.), do not leave the blades wet or soak them. There is a practice that if the blade is immersed in water overnight, it will cut better. Believe me, this is not true!
Water is the main enemy of the metal base of garden shears. If you actively use the tool, wipe it with a cloth to remove moisture. You can also lubricate the work areas with machine oil or an anti-corrosion substance. This way your scissors will last longer and will not rust.
What life hacks with garden shears do you know? Tell our readers in the comments. Your experience will become a theory for beginners and garden art lovers!
