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Hand grass shears are available in various designs, each tailored for specific trimming or grass cutting needs when working in a garden.
They are some of the most popular between the pruning shears and the grass shears, as pruning shears can trim small branches and stubborn weeds, even bushes. At the same time, grass shears can easily cut along edges or small patches of grass where a mower cannot access.
The most appropriate type of hand grass shear for a job in any given garden will depend on the type of grass or plants that need cutting and the area of the garden that needs cutting.
These variations include:
Bypass Grass Shears
Bypass grass shears resemble the action of a pair of scissors and have a blade that passes over another, like a sharpened claw. This design makes it suitable for clean cuts on grass and plants, making bypass shears ideal for trimming delicate flowers and other plants that cannot be grossly cut.
Anvil Grass Shears
Constructed with one sharpened blade and one flat "anvil" edge, anvil grass shears work by pressing the grass or plant against the flat blade. This type is better for thicker stems or branches since it provides more force with each cut and is helpful for cutting tough or woody plants. However, the crushing action can damage soft foliage.
Spring-loaded Grass Shears
Cutting requires less effort with spring-loaded shears, as a spring mechanism returns the blades after each cut. This feature reduces hand strain, making these shears ideal for extended use. They are widely used for trimming grass since the grass does not take much effort to cut.
Edging Shears
Edging shears have long, curved blades made to trim and define edges along sidewalks, flower beds, and other borders. Their shape allows for precise control when making clean, defined edges, which makes them necessary for landscaping and maintaining tidy borders in any garden.
Manual Grass Trimmers
However, a trimmer is not a shear. It is a tool whose head is located some distance from the handle, and trimming can take place by cutting grass and weed using a line and blade, making it very useful for large areas of grass. Manual grass trimmers employ either a thin nylon line or a metal blade for cutting, providing the flexibility to manage various types of vegetation effectively.
Blade Material and Maintenance
The blade material determines the sharpness and durability of hand grass shears. Generally, high-carbon steel or stainless steel is preferred due to their ability to cut well and resist rust over time. To maintain the blades, users should regularly clean them after use, especially when moving between different areas of the garden, to avoid transferring pests or disease. Further, the high-carbon steel trimming blades may be sharpened with a sharpening stone or metal file and should be lubricated with oil to prevent rusting frequently.
Handle Material and Ergonomics
Handles can be made from wood, plastic, or metal. Wooden handles are known for their strength but may require periodic sanding or treating to prevent splintering. Plastic handles are lightweight and afford a comfortable grip, but they may wear or crack after prolonged use. Metal handles, generally aluminum or steel, offer great durability but may become uncomfortable in the hands without padding. Further, the design of the handle matters because the handles are designed differently so that a different amount of pressure may be applied or held by hands. It is also important to select a type that will not give one blisters after a long period of use.
The Length of the Blade
Blade length is an important specification as it determines the width of the cut. Shorter blades, by contrast, should be better for precise work in tight areas, while longer blades are better for making quick cuts through large patches of grass. One's choice of blade length should depend on the tasks required, as one would need precision on details and more on mere efficiency.
Sharpening Tools
Sharpening one's grass shears is important to the performance of the tools. Grass shears should be sharpened regularly to keep them from becoming dull and to make them easier to use. Stone, metal files, or special sharpening jigs will do the trick. Trimmers will also need sharpening because the line or blade used with manual grass trimmers also needs to be replaced or sharpened after some time - the frequency largely depends on the type of grass being trimmed and the quantity being trimmed.
Storage
Grass shears should be kept dry to prevent rust-avoided exposure to direct sunlight-so as not to damage the handles due to heat or moisture. Further, one should keep trimmers handy and out of reach of children but avoid keeping them within easy reach of children. Storage solutions may include storage cabinets, storage racks, or storage sheds in the garden, where the tools may be kept orderly with other gardening tools and equipment that will be easy to find when needed.
Regular Cleaning
Clean the blades with a damp cloth after each use to remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris. This prevents rust and ensures smooth cutting. Avoid using water directly on the shears.
Sharpening the Blades
Dull blades tear rather than cut grass, which can damage the plant and make it more vulnerable to diseases. Sharpen blades with a sharpening stone or file. Always follow the original angle of the blade for the best results. This will avoid having the cuts jagged rather than having clean cuts that can be effective.
Lubrication
Regular lubrication of moving parts, including the pivot and springs, reduces friction and wears. Use a light machine oil or barter oil after cleaning and sharpening. Avoid oiling the blades directly, but ensure oil gets into the working parts.
Storage
Store shears in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Consider using a protective cover to prevent accidental damage. Avoid leaving shears in damp conditions, which cause rust and deterioration of the handles.
Handle Maintenance
Check handles for any signs of wear or damage. Wooden handles may require sanding and sealing to prevent splintering. Wipe plastic or metal handles with a clean cloth to ensure they remain debris-free. Further, one should ensure that the handles remain intact because if a handle has become loose, it should be fixed immediately. Tighten any loose screws or bolts as soon as they are noticed. For damaged handles, consider replacing them or using repair adhesive for minor fixes.
Repairs
Small repairs can prolong the life of hand grass shears. For broken springs, consult the manufacturer for replacement parts. However, certain shears may require a professional repair service to fix them. Cracked wooden handles may be repaired with wood glue, although it may not be as secure as it once was.
Type of Grass
When selecting which grass shear to use for their business, buyers first need to understand the type of grass commonly grown in residential yards. They should advise their customers to use bypass shears on delicate grasses to create a clean cut. In contrast, tougher grasses may demand anvil shears to cope with the deadly cutting.
Blade Material
Buyers should select grass shears with blades made of high-carbon or stainless steel, with the former being highly durable and capable of being sharpened often, while the latter is rust-resistant and ideal for humid environments. The blade also needs to be long enough to cut down grass quickly without making several cuts.
Handle Design
Furthermore, for comfortable cutting, buyers need to look for shears with ergonomic handles, especially those with cushioned grips, as they will be used for long hours. Also, buyers need to consider the length of the handles to ensure that their customers will have a proper grip, especially if they are buying shears for customers with small or large hands.
Weight and Balance
Buyers should go for lightweight shears with good weight balance since they guarantee ease of use for any kind of customer. Further, seeking out options with spring assistance will be ideal since they reduce the force needed to cut the grass, especially for customers with weaker hands.
Maintenance
Finally, buyers should seek out grass shears that are easy to maintain, such as those with rust-resistant coatings and easy-to-follow maintenance instructions like oiling the blades. Buyers also need to look into the availability of sheaths to protect the blades from rusting when they are being transported from one location to another.
Yes. Hand grass shears are simple to operate, requiring no special training. Most models are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
Only bypass-type grass shears are appropriate for cutting small branches. For larger branches, other tools like pruning shears should be used.
Grass shears are mainly for cutting grass and edging work. In contrast, pruning shears are designed for trimming and shaping plants, trees, and shrubs.
Using shears with ergonomic handles, taking regular breaks, and switching hands when appropriate can help reduce strain during extended use.
Edging shears are specially designed to trim grass along edges and borders, making them ideal for landscaping tasks involving sidewalks and garden borders.
Cleaning the blades after each use is recommended to prevent rust and ensure the shears remain in good condition. It also helps the shears last longer.