Fiskars PowerGear Bypass Pruner - An Essential Garden Tool
Use Bypass Pruners to Deadhead Lilacs
Fiskars PowerGear Bypass Pruner - Model #7937
Another Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use Commendation Fiskar Tools
Fiskars PowerGear Bypass Pruner - Model #7937 - Makes a Great Gift for Gardeners with Small Hands
The perfect gift for gardeners that 's sure to be appreciated, especially for those with arthritis or hand muscle weakness, is the Fiskars PowerGear Bypass Pruner - Model #7937. The cost of these pruners is under $30 not costly enough to break the bank, but a significant investment as a gift for yourself or your favorite gardener.
Here is why these bypass pruners have become one of the staple tools in my garden bag.
Arthritis and gardening both run in my family. One is most probably a genetic heritage while the other is definitely cultural. In recent years as my hands became more knurly and achy after a pruning session, I started to hunt for the "perfect" pair of bypass pruners.
Finally, I found a pair of bypass pruners that not only fit into my small hands, but which can frankly be dubbed "the gardener's best friend."
These are PowerGear Bypass Pruners, a product of Fiskars, the oldest company in Finland. These fantastic pruners incorporate a PowerGear mechanism that increases leverage to make cutting three times easier than with single pivot pruners.
They have rolling handles which reduce hand fatigue by complementing natural hand motion. I found that this motion takes a bit of getting used to, but is worth the effort.
And replacement parts, infrequently necessary, are available at the Fiskars website.
The greatest blessing for these pruners comes from the Arthritis Foundation which has awarded them and several other similar Fiskar tools their Ease-of-Use Commendation.
A look into my garden shed amounts to a look into the history of pruning equipment. The oldest pair of pruners is German, designed to prune roses; the most expensive is Swiss-made for professionals; and the cheapest, from a discount store, predictably have broken down, rusty and hard-to-operate hinges.
Do I store my Fiskars PowerGear bypass pruners in the tool shed? No way! These pruners hold pride of place in my bag of tricks (work bag) and are used almost every day during gardening season. They are truly this gardener's best friend!
Read my sticky notes below to learn about what nakes a great pair of bypass pruners.
Pruning Photo: Courtesy of Fiskars
Form and Function
"Form and function are a unity, two sides of one coin. In order to enhance function, appropriate form must exist or be created."
Dr. Ida P. Rolf
Rolph spent her life exploring the healing possibilities held within the human mind and body.
Ease of Use Commendation Logo
The Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use Commendation
The Arthritis Foundation created a program to both encourage manufacturers to design user-friendly products and packaging and to help those with hand problems to easily find these products.
The program works by having manufacturers submit their product(s) for testing by an independent lab experienced in the design and evaluation of products that are useful for people with painful limits from arthritis in using ordinary and customary products. In addition, Ease-of-Use sponsors make an annual contribution to the Arthritis Foundation to support its mission.
A list of products and packaging that have received a favorable review and carry the Arthritis Foundation Ease-of-Use Commendation is found on the Arthritis Foundation website. Current products are updated quarterly.
Another member of the Fiskar pruner family
Pruners vs. Loppers
Pruners (hand shears or secateurs) are used with one hand; loppers are larger that require both hands for use.
Bypass Pruners
Have top blades that sweep past the lower jaws; are used primarily on green, living wood that affect health of the plant; make sharp, precise cuts; need to be kept razor-sharp.
Anvil Prunners
Top blades close against an anvil on the lower jaw; anvil is made of a softer metal than the blade; crushes rather than precisely cutting material; used where cleanliness of cut is not as important as removal.
The AHS pruning guide makes a delightful and useful gift addition
Fiskars Company Provides Many Ease-of-Use (Arthritis Foundation) Tools for Garden Projects
Another Fiskar pruner for hard-to-reach branches
Neat and healthy gardens require upkeep and maintenance. Most do-it-yourself gardeners usually prefer one chore more than others. Tell us what you like to do be
What is Your Favorite Garden Project?
Olavi Linden Director, Research & Development - Fiskars Brands - demonstrates the PowerGear ® Bypass Pruner
Share some information with me... Was this lens helpful in teaching you about powergear pruners? Was it helpful in finding comfortable hand tools for gardeners with hand problems? Do you have any other comments or suggestions about arthritis and gardening, or this lens? Thanks for stopping in to visit!
