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Best tool for pruning thick rose stems?

Magpie-MaidenMagpie-Maiden Posts: 42
in Tools and techniques
I'm just thinking ahead to pruning my shrub roses and wondering if I need to invest in a new tool.  Usually I just use some Spear & Jackson Razorsharp secateurs, which I was happy with provided I kept them sharp (I have anvil and bypass versions which I bought in a set)  
I've had my roses a few years now and last year there were a few thicker stems I struggled with - around 25 - 30mm in diameter.
I was going to buy some ratchet secateurs, but am just wondering what other people think is the best tool for pruning thicker rose stems.

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I use loppers for thick pruning, sometimes a pruning saw


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I use loppers, the long handled big secateurs. Mine are old, forgotten the make, OH has Fiskars. For really thick stems I have a small pruning saw, the blade folds into the handle when not in use.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I usually use loppers for thick rose stems but did notice last year they rather crushed the stems so this year, I'm going to use my small pruning saw instead like Busy-Lizzies.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Magpie-MaidenMagpie-Maiden Posts: 42
    Thanks for your help.  Looks like I need to buy loppers, not ratchet secateurs. 
    I'm sure I have a folding saw in the back of the shed so I'll look that out too - didn't even think of that for roses as I've only ever used it for proper tree branches.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    A good pair of bypass loppers work well for thicker stems.
    I use Wolf loppers

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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