Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears are engineered for efficient and clean cutting of stems and light branches. Designed with user comfort and plant health in mind, these pruners feature adjustable blade tension and an angled cutting head to reduce wrist fatigue and ensure precise cuts. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and care of your pruning shears.

Image: Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears, showcasing the ergonomic design and sharp blades.

Key Features

• Bypass Blade Design: Provides clean, precise cuts essential for healthy plant growth, ideal for live, green stems and branches.
• Adjustable Blade Tension: Allows customization to match your hand strength and the density of the material being cut, enhancing control and reducing effort.
• Angled Cutting Head: Ergonomically designed to minimize wrist fatigue, facilitating comfortable pruning even at awkward angles.
• Maximum Cutting Capacity: Capable of cutting branches up to 1 inch in diameter.
• Durable Blade: Features a fully hardened, precision-ground steel blade that retains sharpness over time.
• Low-Friction Coating: Helps the blade resist rust and reduces friction during cutting, making pruning smoother and easier.
• Built-in Sap Groove: Prevents sap from sticking to the blade, ensuring smooth operation and reducing cleaning frequency.
• Ambidextrous Handle Design: Suitable for comfortable use by both left and right-handed individuals.

Image: The pruning shears demonstrating their 1-inch cutting capacity on a wooden branch.

Setup

Before first use, ensure the pruners are properly unlocked and ready for operation.

1. Unlocking the Pruners: Locate the orange locking mechanism on the handle. Push this button forward to release the blades. The blades will spring open, ready for use.
2. Inspecting Blades: Check the blades for any debris or protective coatings. Clean if necessary before first use.

Image: A close-up view of the pruning shears, highlighting the orange locking mechanism and handle.

Operating Instructions

Follow these guidelines for effective and safe pruning:

1. Identify the Cut: Determine which stems or branches need to be removed. For live plants, aim for clean cuts to promote healing.
2. Positioning: Place the branch between the bypass blades. Ensure the cutting blade is on the side of the branch that will remain on the plant, and the dull blade is on the waste side.
3. Cutting Angle: For optimal plant health and faster healing, make cuts at a 45-degree angle, just above a bud or branch collar.
4. Apply Pressure: Squeeze the handles firmly and smoothly to make a clean cut. Avoid twisting or forcing the blades through overly thick branches to prevent damage to the tool or the plant.
5. Maximum Capacity: Do not attempt to cut branches exceeding 1 inch in diameter. For larger branches, use appropriate loppers or saws.

Image: A person demonstrating the use of Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears to trim a branch, showing proper hand placement and cutting technique.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Fiskars Professional Bypass Pruning Shears.

• Cleaning: After each use, especially when cutting sappy plants, wipe the blades clean with a dry cloth. A built-in sap groove helps reduce sap buildup, but regular cleaning is recommended.
• Oiling: Periodically apply a small amount of lubricating oil to the pivot point and blades to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.
• Sharpening: The precision-ground steel blades can be sharpened as needed to maintain cutting efficiency. Use a suitable sharpening tool designed for pruning shears.
• Storage: Always engage the locking mechanism (push the orange button backward) when not in use to prevent accidental injury and protect the blades. Store the pruners in a dry, protected area, away from the elements, to prevent rust and corrosion.

Troubleshooting

• Blades Not Cutting Cleanly: This may indicate dull blades or excessive sap buildup. Clean the blades thoroughly and sharpen them if necessary.
• Blades Sticking or Difficult to Operate: Clean any sap or debris from the blades and pivot point. Apply lubricating oil to the moving parts.
• Locking Mechanism Issues: If the lock is difficult to engage or disengage, ensure no debris is obstructing the mechanism. Apply a small amount of lubricant if it feels stiff.
• Blade Misalignment: In rare cases, heavy use may cause slight blade misalignment. While the adjustable tension helps, if persistent, consult the manufacturer's support.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

Fiskars tools are designed for longevity and guaranteed to maintain exceptional performance season after season. This product includes a Lifetime Warranty. For detailed information and support, please visit Fiskars.com/USWarranty.

Image: A graphic indicating the Full Lifetime Warranty provided by Fiskars.