In the list of mandatory garden tools, scissors rank high. The purchase 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 or anvil scissors – which one is better for which branches?
When choosing between bypass or anvil pruners, bypass pruners are suitable for precise cuts and soft, thin wood, while anvil pruners are better for dry, hard wood and thinning out dead wood. Cutting precision, effort and the material of the branches are crucial.
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:
| Bypass scissors | Advantages | Disadvantages | suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| precise cut | higher effort required when cutting | soft, thin wood | |
| no bruising of the tissue | rapid wrist fatigue | Roses, cuttings, green cuttings |
The precise, clean cutting of bypass scissors primarily speaks for their 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 your favorite before purchasing.
Anvil scissors – how they work in a nutshell
The anvil scissors only work with a sharp cutting edge. This blade cuts through the wood and hits a blunt counterpart, the anvil. Since hardly any transverse forces occur with this mode of operation, the anvil scissors score points with better power transmission than the bypass scissors. You can find out what advantages and disadvantages the anvil mechanism has here:
| Anvil Scissors | Advantages | Disadvantages | suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| no tilting | Danger of crushing the shoot | dry and hard wood | |
| low effort | less precise cutting | Thinning out dead wood | |
| less signs of wrist fatigue | frayed wound edges on soft wood |
The better power transmission of anvil shears speaks for their use on branches with a thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters. Technical refinements minimize the effort needed to make the cut, such as long scissor arms, a built-in gear or a gradual ratchet mechanism.
Tip
The specific advantages of the bypass and anvil mechanism only come into play in the long term if you regularly care for and sharpen the scissors. Carefully clean your garden and pruning shears to remove dirt after each use. You should sharpen the blades with a whetstone at least once a season to always leave smooth cuts on your trees.
