I prefer the ones that have one of the handles that rolls when you use it. I've explained this very badly but they are a lot less tiring if you have a lot of pruning to do. Mine are Wilkinson sword I think but not sure (black and orange) and they don't stick.
Dear Hostafan1 - I know this thread is old but in ALL my searching, you're the only one with any solution to the thumb lock problem. I just wanted to say a big THANKS!
Solution to locking is regular oiling! Grease isn't suitable but a monthly oiling with 2 in 1 solves locking problems. Why no one had mentioned it I don't know. It's a simple solution.
The problem I have with locking secateurs is not that they lock as in seize up, which as you say Dave should be prevented by regular lubrication, but that the little catch just moves up and engages after every cut, and has to be disengaged before the next cut - infuriating.
This seems to happen with every pair I've ever had, so I get the screwdriver out and remove the catch.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
A bit like you Dove - the thumb catch is a nuisance sometimes. I bought a new pair this summer and they're quite stiff, which I find tricky because of my useless wrists. Have to use the other hand to undo it. I often use the old, blunt Wilkinson Sword ones instead
I give mine a quick squirt of WD40 every time I put them away which stops them locking.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks Dovefromabove. Glad it's not just me! No, oiling them makes it worse - the catch then moves more freely to the locking position! LOL. The action of moving the handles together to cut something just moves the lock to close. I have found a sort of solution - open the lock as far open as it will go (almost 360 degree turn) - that seems to stop the ****** closing! You would think after all these years someone could design something better......
We must remember this thread and others like it, so that when we get those regular queries from the design students we can point them in the right direction
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
Dear Hostafan1 - I know this thread is old but in ALL my searching, you're the only one with any solution to the thumb lock problem. I just wanted to say a big THANKS!
Bisquick1
Solution to locking is regular oiling! Grease isn't suitable but a monthly oiling with 2 in 1 solves locking problems. Why no one had mentioned it I don't know. It's a simple solution.
The problem I have with locking secateurs is not that they lock as in seize up, which as you say Dave should be prevented by regular lubrication, but that the little catch just moves up and engages after every cut, and has to be disengaged before the next cut - infuriating.
This seems to happen with every pair I've ever had, so I get the screwdriver out and remove the catch.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
A bit like you Dove - the thumb catch is a nuisance sometimes. I bought a new pair this summer and they're quite stiff, which I find tricky because of my useless wrists. Have to use the other hand to undo it. I often use the old, blunt Wilkinson Sword ones instead
I give mine a quick squirt of WD40 every time I put them away which stops them locking.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks Dovefromabove. Glad it's not just me! No, oiling them makes it worse - the catch then moves more freely to the locking position! LOL. The action of moving the handles together to cut something just moves the lock to close. I have found a sort of solution - open the lock as far open as it will go (almost 360 degree turn) - that seems to stop the ****** closing! You would think after all these years someone could design something better......
Those who experience the need are too busy gardening to design tools - hence all the inefficient tools on the market
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I have a £5 pair of ebay and they do great, you must remember to oil/grease em regularly !
We must remember this thread and others like it, so that when we get those regular queries from the design students we can point them in the right direction
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.