1. Introduction
The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are designed for precise and clean cuts on live, green plant material. Featuring sharp, rust-resistant steel blades and comfortable non-slip grips, these shears are an essential tool for maintaining your garden and plants. This manual provides guidance on proper usage, maintenance, and safety to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your pruning shears.
Image 1.1: Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears, showcasing the overall design.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions when using your pruning shears:
- Keep Blades Sharp: Sharp blades cut cleanly and require less force, reducing the risk of injury.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate gardening gloves and eye protection to prevent cuts and debris from entering your eyes.
- Handle with Care: Blades are extremely sharp. Avoid touching the cutting edge.
- Engage Lock When Not in Use: Always engage the easy-open lock mechanism when the shears are not actively being used or when stored.
- Keep Away from Children: Store shears in a secure location out of reach of children.
- Inspect Before Use: Before each use, check the shears for any damage or loose parts. Do not use if damaged.
3. Setup and Initial Use
Your Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are ready for use with minimal setup:
- Unpack: Carefully remove the pruning shears from their packaging.
- Inspect: Check the shears for any signs of damage from shipping.
- Unlock: Locate the orange easy-open lock mechanism (refer to Image 3.1). Slide the lock to the "OPEN" position to release the blades.
Image 3.1: Key features of the Fiskars Bypass Pruner, including the easy-open lock.
4. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps for effective and clean pruning:
- Identify Target: Select the branch or stem you wish to cut. These shears are designed for live, green growth up to 5/8 inch in diameter.
- Position Shears: Place the branch between the bypass blades, ensuring the cutting blade is closest to the part of the plant you wish to keep. This ensures a clean cut that promotes plant health.
- Make the Cut: Squeeze the handles firmly and smoothly to make a clean cut. Avoid twisting or forcing the shears through overly thick material.
- Utilize Bypass Action: The bypass design allows the blades to glide past each other, providing a scissor-like action ideal for delicate stems and preventing crushing.
- Self-Cleaning Sap Groove: The integrated sap groove helps prevent sticky sap from gumming up the blades, ensuring smoother operation.
Image 4.1: Demonstrating a clean cut on a branch using the bypass pruner.
Image 4.2: Diagram illustrating key features like low-friction coating, self-cleaning sap groove, and non-slip grip.
Image 4.3: Visual representation of the 5/8 inch cutting capacity.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures your shears remain in excellent working condition:
- Clean Blades: After each use, clean the blades to remove sap, dirt, and debris. A damp cloth and mild soap can be used. Ensure the blades are thoroughly dried to prevent rust. The self-cleaning sap groove assists in this process.
- Sharpen Blades: Periodically sharpen the blades using a suitable sharpening tool to maintain their cutting edge. Refer to specific sharpening instructions for gardening tools.
- Lubricate: Apply a light coat of lubricating oil to the pivot point and blades to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.
- Storage: Always engage the lock mechanism and store the shears in a dry, safe place away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blades stick together or gum up. | Accumulation of sap or debris. | Clean blades thoroughly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Ensure the self-cleaning sap groove is clear. |
| Cuts are ragged or require excessive force. | Dull blades or attempting to cut material exceeding 5/8 inch diameter. | Sharpen blades. Ensure you are cutting within the specified capacity. |
| Lock mechanism is difficult to engage/disengage. | Debris in the mechanism or lack of lubrication. | Clean the lock area and apply a small amount of lubricating oil. |
7. Specifications
- Brand: Fiskars
- Model: 91095935J
- Cut Capacity: 5/8 inch
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Handle Material: Alloy Steel
- Blade Type: Bypass
- Product Dimensions: 9.07"L x 2.47"W
- Item Weight: 10.2 ounces
- UPC: 046561191092
Image 7.1: Product dimensions of the Fiskars Bypass Pruner.
8. Warranty and Support
Fiskars tools are designed for durability and are guaranteed to maintain exceptional performance. This product includes a Lifetime Warranty.
For detailed warranty information and support, please visit the official Fiskars website:
Image 8.1: Fiskars Lifetime Warranty emblem.
