With regular use secateurs can become gummed up with sticky plant sap and debris, which needs to be removed for the blades to cut cleanly so that the plants being pruned are not left with ragged cuts that can lead to infection. If soil and grime get into the moving parts, they will cause excessive wear and allow rust to develop.
Precision-ground surfaces
Bypass cutting-action blades should be wiped after each use with an oiled cloth but, over time, the secateurs will tend to lose their edge and need sharpening. These are good-quality blades, precision ground by machine to form two edges that pass one another closely to cut using a scissor action.
For this reason, these two surfaces should be cleaned using an abrasive that does not damage the metal, and never cleaned with a file. If the precision-ground surfaces are damaged, this will impair the cutting action.
Denne historien er fra December 11, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra December 11, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters