Bypass or Anvil?

Felco hand secateurs are available with two different types of cutting blades: bypass and anvil.

The most popular and generally-used blade is the bypass blade, which functions similarly to a pair of scissors. These blades make a slicing cut by having the upper blade slice past the lower, while the lower holds the branch in place. This type of cutter produces a very clean cut and is best used for tender stems and living plants. Use a bypass blade on roses and for cut flowers unless you are simply cutting off dead branches. The Felco Model No. 2 is the most popular bypass secateur in the world.

An anvil blade works like a knife and chopping block. The upper blade cuts down onto the non-moving, non-cutting block. Cutting with a dull anvil blade can produce a crushing-type cut. A tool with an anvil blade is best used for cutting dry, hard or dead wood.

Notice that the non-cutting blade (or hook) on a bypass secateur is also called the anvil blade: this can be a little confusing.

Which Secateur is Best for You?

Hand secateurs are appropriate for annuals, vegetables, small tree branches and shrubs.
A hand pruner can usually cut a branch up to 3/4 inch in diameter. Some, like the Felco Model No. 13 two-handed bypass pruner, can cut branches over 1 inch diameter.

The Felco Model No. 2 is the most popular bypass pruner. Unlike the other Felco models, the lower blade (the hook or anvil blade) is strongly attached with rivets. This makes a powerful pruner, but replacing the lower blade (though rarely necessary) requires riveting.

The Felco Model No. 6 and Felco Model No. 12 bypass secateurs have a smaller cutting head for easier reaching into tight, densely-branched areas. These models also have a slightly smaller grip and may be more suitable for those with smaller hands.

Professionals, people with joint problems, or those who use secateurs for hours at a time may prefer a pruner with ergonomic features. The Felco Model No. 7, Felco Model No. 10 (left-handed) and Felco Model No. 12 are bypass secateurs with rotating handles to ease wear-and-tear on the wrist and fingers. The Felco Model No. 8 ergonomic pruner and Felco Model No. 9 (left- handed) have a specially-angled bypass cutting head that helps avoid angling your wrist while pruning.

For left-handers, the Felco Model No. 9 and Felco Model No. 10 are mirror-images of the Felco Model No. 8 and Felco Model No. 7respectively, allowing true left-handed pruning.

The Felco Model No. 11 bypass pruner is exactly like the popular Felco Model No. 2, but has a more easily replaced anvil blade (also know as the hook: the lower, non-cutting blade on a bypass pruner). The lower blade is attached with screws instead of rivets like the Felco Model No. 2.

The Felco Model No. 30 anvil secateurs are so sharp that they cut as cleanly as a bypass blade. The Felco Model No. 30 cutting blade is beveled on both sides for clean-cut pruning and the unique brass anvil-cutting block is non-stick for easy cleaning.

The Felco Model No. 100 cut-and-hold pruner has special attachments the bypass blades. These hold on to the cut piece. It's perfect for cutting roses or other flowers from your garden.

Loppers

Loppers are typically used for branches 3/4 inch to 2 inches diameter. The longer handles on loppers give you extra reach and greater leverage for added cutting power. Loppers are great for vines, small trees and shrubs. Loppers are especially useful for pruning prickly plants and branches that are hard to reach.

All Felco loppers are manufactured with solid, cast aluminum-alloy handles for low weight and high strength. Guaranteed for life by the manufacturer, we have never seen a broken Felco lopper handle.

The Felco Model No. 22 is the king of loppers. Immensely strong handles with a large, super-sharp cutting blade, these loppers can slice through hard-wood branches nearly 2 inches in diameter.

Pruning Saws

Use a pruning saw for cutting any branch above 2 inches in diameter. Felco saws also work well for smaller branches. Most pruning saws have a high tooth pitch (3 to 4 mm) for cutting green wood or branches. Pruning saws with a smaller tooth pitch (1 to 2 mm) are used for cutting hard wood or dead branches.

All Felco pruning saws have durable, non-slip handles and taper-ground, hard-chrome plated blades with each tooth individually sharpened.

The Felco 600 folding pruning saw is handy, safer to carry and works when a hand pruner or lopper won't do. Its securely locking fold-out 6-inch blade cuts branches up to 4 inches diameter.

For larger branches in tight spots, the Felco 620 pruning saw is a perfect fit. It comes complete with it's own protective holster for attachment to your tool belt, so you can take it anywhere. The 9-inch blade can handle branches up to 6 inches in diameter.

The largest Felco pruning saw, the Felco 610 prunning saw is a great saw for cutting the largest branches - its 12-inch blade with cut limbs up to 9 inches in diameter. The Felco 610 also has it's own protective holster with belt attachment.

Sharp Blades are Important

Make sure your tool of choice has a sharp blade. When blades are clean and sharp, they produce straight, smooth cuts. This type of cut promotes a natural healing with the formation of calluses. This is similar to the formation of a scab on human skin.

Dull blades can tear the tissue and leave a jagged cut, which can become infected with diseases and pests. Felco 903 diamond sharpening stones are easy to use and can sharpen almost any blade including Felco pruners, snips, and loppers. Replace a blade that has deep nicks or is chipped. Most Felco tools have convenient replacement blades; a reasonable alternative to replacing the tool.

Tool Care and Repair

Make your job easier and more enjoyable and keep you tools in tip top shape with Felco accessories and Felco brand spare parts.

Felco makes a number of quality accessories that you'll love. Treat yourself to a genuine leather Felco holster for your pruner and lopper. These handy holders are an excellent quality product that will help you keep track of your tools and you'll look cool wearing them too!

Keep your tools clean and free of debris. After each use, spray your tool blade using the Felco 980 universal lubricant and wipe clean with a soft cloth. It protects all types of metals against corrosion and provides an effective waterproof coating. This protects your tools and helps prevent the spread of disease from plant to plant.

During tool maintenance and at the start and end of each season, apply a dab of Felco 990 grease. This will help protect your tool against wear and tear on moving parts and the special formula is designed for optimum protection against corrosion.

Felco owners agree, that one of the most important features about Felco tools is the freedom and convenience to replace virtually any piece of a tool as a regular part of maintenance. Lost a spring? Chipped a blade? Ripped a handle cover? Worn out shock absorbers? No problem, the Felco Store stocks all the parts you'll need to keep your Felco tools working like new.

Now You Know

Choosing the right pruning tool for your project is easy if you know the cutting capacity and the intended purpose of each tool. Protect yourself, your tools and your plants by not going beyond the recommended cutting capacities. Help your plants heal quickly by choosing tools with sharp, clean blades. Purchase quality tools with a reputation for long-lasting sharpness and durability - Felco tools are all you'll ever need.