Scissors are at the top of the list of obligatory gardening tools. Purchasing it could be so easy if it weren't for the distinction between bypass and anvil mechanisms. This guide explains how it works in a practical way with tips on the advantages and disadvantages.
Bypass shears (shown here) and anvil shears look very similar
Bypass scissors - this is how the mechanism works
The bypass scissors work with two sharp blades. Place a twig between the blades and they slide past each other, cutting through the plant tissue. The following overview summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the bypass function:
| bypass scissors | benefits | disadvantage | suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| precise cut | greater effort when cutting | soft, thin wood | |
| no crushing of the tissue | wrist fatigue | Roses, sticks, green waste |
The precise, clean cutting of bypass shears primarily speaks 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-handers with and without telescopic handles, we recommend trying out your favorites before you buy them.
Anvil shears - how it works in a nutshell
The anvil scissors only work with a sharp cutting edge. This blade cuts through the wood and meets a blunt counterpart, the anvil. Since there are hardly any lateral forces with this mode of operation, the anvil shears score points with better power transmission than the bypass shears. You can find out the advantages and disadvantages of the anvil mechanism here:
| anvil shears | benefits | disadvantage | suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| no canting | Danger of bruises on the drive | dry and hard wood | |
| little effort | less precise cutting | Thinning out dead wood | |
| Less wrist fatigue | frayed edges of the wound on the soft wood |
The better power transmission of anvil shears speaks for use on branches with a thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters. Technical refinements minimize the effort required for cutting, such as long scissor arms, a built-in gear or a gradual ratchet mechanism.
tips
The specific advantages of the bypass and anvil mechanisms only come into their own in the long term if you regularly maintain and sharpen the scissors. Thoroughly clean dirt from your secateurs and pruning shears after each use. At least once a season you should sharpen the blades with a whetstone to always leave clean cuts on your trees.