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Secateurs review

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Last updated: 13 May 2022
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Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers, verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

Secateurs are an essential tool for most gardeners, but there are hundreds of models out there, costing anywhere from $3 to up to $120 (or more). We put bypass secateurs (the most common type) to the test to see which ones will comfortably cut the rose bushes.

Our tests are done by a panel of four testers (men and women, left and right handed) with plenty of gardening experience. Our secateur reviews will tell you:

  • which models cut easily and effectively through both soft and hard wood
  • which ones feel most comfortable in the hand.

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Our interactive comparison tool lists other useful specifications and features for each model to help you quickly figure out which secateurs are right for you. And our Recommended list tells you which models come out on top.

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Brand

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List of brands we tested in this review.

    Price

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    Recommended or typical retail price.

    enter value/s in increments of 1 between 3 and 120

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    Ambidextrous design

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    Ambidextrous design means the safety catch is positioned centrally so that it can be easily accessed no matter which hand you use to hold the secateurs, and the handles are not specifically shaped to fit one hand in particular. Most models have ambidextrous handles but several have the safety catch on the left side of the secateurs, to be operated by the right-hand thumb.

      Maximum cutting diameter (mm)

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      The cutting diameter is the thickest branch the secateurs claim to cut. This is usually for green or soft wood – with hard, dry wood, they might only manage smaller diameters.

      enter value/s in increments of i between 10 and 25

      Included in this review

      Members-only access
      • Overall score
      • Non-stick coated blade
      • Can be dismantled
      • Recommended
      • Performance score
      • Ease of use score
      • Good points
      • Bad points
      • Price
      • Replaceable blade
      • Adjustable handle
      • Ambidextrous design
      • Maximum cutting diameter (claimed, mm)
      • Weight (g)
      • Warranty (years)
      • Country of origin

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