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Annoying `sticking` secateurs

PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
in Tools and techniques
I have a cheap pair of secateurs that `stick` in between each snip. I can't go `snip, snip, snip`, I have to snip, then take my fingers off the handle and push the handles apart to separate the blades before I can do the next cut. I was fed up, so bought a new pair, and they are doing the exact same thing! It is driving me potty - so inefficient, and makes my poor arthritic thumb hurt. I am as sure as I can be that it is NOT the safety locks slightly re-engaging, and I have tried washing them to no avail.

Any ideas??

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 25,231
    Is there a nut holding the blades together that you can loosen a bit?
    Did you buy the same kind twice?
    You should return them to the shop anyway  and maybe you need to spend just a little more on the next ones . 
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,284
    The only thing that I can think of is to give them a few drops of 3-in-1 oil on the moving parts or spray of WD40 - that usually frees things up.

    Or get a pair of quality snippers.
    I have Felco No.2 which are great, but I also have pair of these which are cheap and surprisingly good.
    I've had them about 4 years now they've never jammed and very sharp.
    I use them for most general pruning.
    https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ARS-190mm-Fruit-Picking-Shears/dp/B0007LRPVY/ref=sr_1_29?dchild=1&keywords=garden+snips&qid=1595317971&sr=8-29

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @B3 thanks, luckily I had enough common sense not to buy the same ones again, and I did spend quite a lot on what I thought was a good make. I will certainly contact them to see if there is something they can suggest.

    @Pete.8 thanks for the suggestion, I'll give these a go, and in the meantime get the lubricant out!
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 9,367
    Often when the blades jam it's for one of two reasons. Firstly it can be a build up of sticky sap on the blades so if they're not spotless after your cleaning you might need to use tar remover or wire wool on the contacting sides to make sure it's not that. Secondly it can be to do with blade damage where nicks in the blade or a bent tip are catching on the opposite blade. You should be able to close the secateurs very slowly while watching the cutting edge closely and you can feel when blade damage catches. If it jams at a certain point you should be able to see what's causing it and correct it.
    Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    Hi @wild edges yes, I thought it was sap build up on my old cheap ones. However, it happened with the very first snip with my new (more expensive) ones. I did what you suggested and looked very carefully, and I now take it back - it IS the safety lock slightly engaging when the blades are completely closed. I think I will try and get a refund and exchange them for some without the built-in lock. Thanks.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,284
    I had the same problem with my Felco secateurs.
    Almost every cut the lock seemed to have engaged.
    Solution - I unscrewed and removed the lock
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @Pete.8 Aha! bingo! Thanks. What a stupid design flaw!
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 9,367
    There are some pretty terrible safety lock designs out there. I use the leather belt sheath with my felcos so there's no need to have the lock on there as the sheath keeps them closed and safe. It's so much easier than fiddling about with the lock all the time.
    Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @wild edges yes, indeed! Well, I've learnt something today. Thanks for letting me vent my frustration.
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