Secateur review
young codger
Posts: 543
Purchase date March 2015
Item: Secateurs
Brand: Felco
Website: http://www.felco.com/felco/pages/product.page?name=FELCO 7
Model. No7
Price paid: £44.95
Retailer: ebay seller.
Purchased based on reputation of brand.
Bypass type blade (where one blade slides past the other) as opposed to the anvil type blade. Holding up the secateurs to the window, no light could be seen between the blades, which created the impression that they were a well-engineered precision tool.
After using continuously for about 40 minutes, the concertina spring between the handles would not allow the handles to spring apart naturally. In fairness I had made in excess of 300 cuts of up to 20mm (mainly green) blackberry stems (in to 3 inch long pieces for the compost heap). A quick spray with WD40 remedied the issue temporally. However, after only another 10 minutes of continuous use another spray of the lubricant was needed. If it happens next time, I will try oil on the spring instead. I am going to fall short of describing this as a fault as I feel sure the spring will bed in. It is a good fit between the blades and I could not imagine it dropping out.
While on the subject of “sticking“, it is worth mentioning that there was no problem at all with the small catch that holds the handles together when not in use. Once released the catch remained out of the way. I mention this because many people have highlighted the issue with other brands that they have tried.
The seceteurs were sharp. The specs states that they will cut up to 25mm (1 inch) thick. I did not try this for the following reasons. I want to keep a good edge on the blade. I don’t want to strain my finger joints. Finally, if you need to cut 25mm thick wood you should be using loppers. Remember, there is no leverage with short handled tools. (Try digging with an 18 inch spade to understand what I mean)!
I bought the No7 model because it is recommended for large hands, and the handle opens very wide (ok for me). The other new feature that is on the No7 (and a few others) is the swivelling handle. I found this to be a little disconcerting and mildly annoying. Imagine using some hedge-clippers and one of the handles is rotating in your hand. I’m sure you get the picture.
Are they value for money?
They are a quality item with a lifetime guarantee. But, for £45 I could buy 3 pairs of Spear & Jackson secateurs from Tool station and still have a bit of change. (Prices of S&P range from £11.30 up to £14.10, max cut 20mm).
Am I pleased with my purchase?
I’m 80% pleased. I can keep the oil can nearby for the spring issue, but I may not get used to the rotating handle.
Notes: Spare parts are available for Felco secateurs on eBay & Amazon etc.
Felco have a wide range of secateurs available
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Posts
I've got Felco 2 , which I've had for 30 years which are my everyday secateurs, and Felco 8 which I find better for finer things like deadheading.
I have two pairs of Felcos, one since 1989. Only bought the second pair cos daughter lost the first one a couple of years ago. They turned up in the compost heap a year later and now need a new blade which I will get around to ordering one of these days. My Felcos have outlasted all cheaper pairs bought by friends who constantly have to replace theirs so have ended up spending more over the years.
I use Wolf loppers or a Wolf pruning saw for bigger stems.
I've had Felco secateurs for years too and never had any problems.
I have two pairs as well but prefer the No 8's for everyday use. My second pair of No 7's has a nasty habit of springing open in my pocket because no matter what I try the catch won't keep them closed.
Could anyone advise on sharpening Falcos please? can I do it myself or do I have to take them somewhere?
You can use a sharpening stone following the curve of the top blade. I bought one that is a little like a pen that is retractable. The trick with anything sharp, is little and often, if you give them a couple of minutes every week or so, they are always sharp!