Pruning Equipment 



How to Select Good Pruning Shears 

 and Their Care 



PRUNING with dull tools is a thankless task — hard on both the 

 garden and the gardener. The same work done with good tools 

 is a pleasure and leaves smooth, clean cuts that look neat and 

 heal quickly. One can hardly emphasize the importance of having 

 efficient, sharp pruning shears as strongly as it should be emphasized. 

 They make all the difference in the world between good work and 

 bungling work; and hard work and pleasure. 



Now as to the equipment necessary. It need not be either extensive 

 or expensive. The first and most important item is a good pair of 

 pruning shears. With them, and your fingers, you can do probably 

 ninety per cent of the pruning to be done in your garden and about 

 your grounds. With ordinary good care they will last for years. 

 Therefore, get the best shears you can buy. 



Here are the points to look for in a good pair of shears: (1) 

 Efficiency; correct design, so that you can get a quick, clean, smooth 

 cut with a minimum of effort; (2) Good Material; insuring a long- 

 lasting cutting edge, and protection from rust — a rusty blade, even 

 if sharp, means poor work and blistered hands; (3) Adjusting 

 Device; the best of shears will "work loose" with wear, and unless 

 the blades can be kept tight against each other they will not do good 

 work, no matter how sharp and clean; the best shears have a ratchet 

 nut by which they can be kept perfectly tight; (4) Convenience; 

 select shears with a spring that can't come out; and with handles 

 that cannot close upon and pinch the fingers. See that the shears you 

 buy come up to these tests, and you will get pruning-shear satisfaction. 



In all but the smallest of gardens I would strongly advocate the use 

 of two pairs of shears; a large 9-inch pair for regular heavy work, 

 and a smaller 6-inch pair to be carried about constantly for every 

 day use and the little jobs which would be forgotten if not attended 

 to "on the spot" when they are seen. The shears that I use most are 

 six inches long and weigh four ounces. The fact that they were sold 

 as "Ladies' Rose Shears," or something of that sort does not make 

 them less useful. They can be carried about in a hip pocket or an 

 apron — never in the way — but always available! 



AH pruning tools should be kept in a dry place, and always rubbed 

 with rust-protecting oil or kerosene after being used. This is not alone 

 for looks, but is essential to good work. All joints and pivots, and 

 springs should be kept well oiled. The cutting blades should be kept 

 sharp, and free from nicks. 



Keep your pruning tools in good condition and your pruning will 

 take care of itself! 



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