1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Fiskars Softouch Spring Action Grass and Boxwood Shears. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use, maintenance, and care of your new gardening tool. These shears are designed for precise fine and topiary cutting of boxwood and yew, as well as for pruning small hedges, bushes, and shrubs. They are suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
This image displays the Fiskars Softouch Spring Action Shears, highlighting their overall length of 26 cm and blade length of 8 cm.
2. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when using any gardening tool. Read and understand all safety instructions before operating the shears.
- Sharp Blades: The blades are extremely sharp. Handle with care to prevent injury.
- Keep Away from Children: Store the shears in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear appropriate gardening gloves and eye protection when using the shears.
- Inspect Before Use: Before each use, inspect the shears for any damage or loose parts. Do not use if damaged.
- Proper Grip: Maintain a firm grip on the handles during operation.
- Engage Safety Lock: Always engage the safety lock when the shears are not in use or during storage.
3. Setup
The Fiskars Softouch Shears require minimal setup before first use.
Unboxing and Initial Inspection
- Carefully remove the shears from their packaging.
- Inspect the shears for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping.
- Ensure all components are present and intact.
The product packaging for the Fiskars Grass Shear, showing the tool securely packaged.
Releasing the Safety Lock
The shears are equipped with a safety lock mechanism to keep the blades securely closed when not in use.
- Locate the orange safety lock button on the handle.
- Push the button forward (away from the blades) to release the lock and allow the blades to open.
- To engage the lock, push the button backward (towards the blades) until it clicks into place, securing the blades closed.
A detailed view of the shears, pointing out the comfortable Soft Grip handles and the integrated safety lock mechanism.
4. Operating Instructions
The Fiskars Softouch Shears are designed for comfortable and efficient pruning.
General Use
- Ensure the safety lock is disengaged before use.
- Position the blades around the stem or branch you wish to cut.
- Apply steady pressure to the handles to make a clean cut. The spring mechanism will assist in opening the blades after each cut, reducing hand fatigue.
- For best results, cut at a slight angle to promote plant healing.
- These shears are ideal for precise shaping and trimming of delicate plants, small hedges, and topiary.
A user demonstrates the precise trimming capability of the Fiskars Softouch Shears on a dense boxwood plant.
This image shows the Fiskars Softouch Shears being used to prune a conifer shrub, illustrating their versatility for various plant types.
Ergonomics and Features
- Softouch Handles: The comfortable, non-slip handles are designed for reduced hand strain during prolonged use.
- Spring Mechanism: The integrated spring ensures smooth and easy opening of the handles after each cut, enhancing cutting efficiency.
- Ambidextrous Design: The shears are designed for comfortable use by both right- and left-handed individuals.
- Adjustable Blade Tension: The blade tension can be adjusted using the adjusting screw for optimal cutting performance.
This image presents graphical icons illustrating key features such as ease of use for gardening, soft grip comfort, efficient cutting, and suitability for both left and right-handed users.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of your Fiskars Softouch Shears.
Cleaning
- After each use, clean the blades to remove sap, dirt, and debris. Use a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary.
- Dry the blades thoroughly to prevent rust.
Sharpening
- The high-steel blades are designed for longevity but will require sharpening over time to maintain optimal cutting performance.
- Sharpen the cutting blade using a suitable sharpening tool, such as a diamond file (Fiskars maintenance kit item no.: 1001640, available separately).
- Follow the sharpening tool's instructions carefully to maintain the correct blade angle.
Storage
- Always engage the safety lock before storing the shears.
- Store in a dry place to prevent rust and corrosion.
6. Troubleshooting
Refer to the table below for common issues and their solutions.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blades not cutting cleanly or require excessive force. | Dull blades or accumulated sap/debris. | Clean blades thoroughly. Sharpen blades as described in the Maintenance section. |
| Safety lock mechanism is loose or does not engage properly. | Wear and tear on the plastic locking component. | Ensure the lock is fully pushed into position. If the issue persists due to material wear, contact Fiskars customer support for assistance or consider replacement. |
| Blades feel stiff or do not open smoothly. | Accumulated dirt, rust, or incorrect blade tension. | Clean and lubricate the pivot point. Adjust the blade tension screw if necessary. |
7. Specifications
Key technical specifications for the Fiskars Softouch Spring Action Grass and Boxwood Shears.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fiskars |
| Model Number | 1000557 |
| Overall Length | 26 cm (10.2 inches) |
| Product Dimensions (L x W) | 8.66"L x 3.15"W |
| Weight | 131 g (0.29 lbs) |
| Blade Material | High-Steel / High Speed Steel |
| Handle Material | Plastic |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Included Components | Grass and boxwood shears |
8. Warranty and Support
Fiskars products are known for their quality and durability. For specific warranty details regarding your Fiskars Softouch Spring Action Grass and Boxwood Shears, please refer to the warranty information provided with your purchase or visit the official Fiskars website.
If you require technical support, have questions about product use, or need to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Fiskars customer service through their official website or the contact information provided in your product packaging.