This week, Value for Money compares four varieties of pruning shears.

Darby Small By-Pass Pruner

€16.92

This is a fine pruner although not without its flaws. It is lightweight, made with high carbon Japanese steel and comes with a 10-year guarantee. It cuts through fairly thick branches effortlessly and the catch at the bottom of the handle makes it very easy to open and close, and close securely too. There is another catch however. Where the handle meets the blade can and will pinch the palm of the hand which could lead to considerable pain and blisters.

Verdict: Good at a pinch

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Gardena Secateurs

€24.99

This plastic coated pruner is very light and fairly brightly coloured so it’s unlikely to rust or get lost should you leave it lying about in your bushes for days on end as Pricewatch is inclined to do. The locking mechanism, a switch in the thumb position, is excellent. It does open very wide so people with small hands may find it difficult to wield effectively. It is also the priciest of the products we reviewed.

Verdict: Dear and challenging

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Cavator By-Pass Secateurs

€6.99

This is the cheapest of the brands we tried and was very old school. It was, perhaps, unfortunate for this brand that the locking mechanism broke within seconds of us unscrewing it from its cardboard base (why it was screwed on is anyone’s guess). It does have a five-year guarantee although we couldn’t be bothered trying to get our €6.99 back, a feeling we suspect would be shared by many. The blade is good and sharp and, broken lock notwithstanding, it does work.

Verdict: Cheap and poor

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Tactix General By-Pass Pruner

€15.99

Tactix won an Australian design award for this product and we can see why: it is excellent. There is no way this pruner can pinch or catch the palm, it is lightweight without being flimsy and the blades are razor sharp so will slice through the most stubborn of shrubs. The spring mechanism is encased in heavy plastic so won’t rust. It will last many years as long as you don’t lose it, which you might well do as it’s very soberly coloured.

Verdict: Cutting edge

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