What gardening tasks require anvil pruners?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Anvil pruners are suitable for specific gardening tasks that other tools cannot accomplish, and their unique crushing action creates a powerful tool for tackling tougher materials. When large branches litter my property after a storm, I rely on my anvil pruners each time. Recognizing that they have a very specialized purpose means I will not damage the tool or waste energy trying to accomplish other jobs beyond their specialized purpose.
The primary job of anvil pruners is to remove dead wood. They are designed to handle dead twigs and plywood, such as oak and maple; bypass blades would chip when attempting to do this. For example, I can remove winter-damaged limbs to my heart's content, without straining my hands, confident that they can handle the various cuts.
Anvil pruners are a versatile and easy-to-use tool for storm debris cleanup. I can quickly cut down fallen branches up to 2 inches thick after high winds, etc. Ratchets give you additional leverage over heavier material. It is efficiencies like this that I find most advantageous when clearing a path or driveway immediately, rather than piling up, after a significant weather event.
Capacity Guidelines
- Maximum 2-inch thick deadwood
- Use loppers beyond this limit
- Stop when blades bind
Safety Protocols
- Wear gloves against splinters
- Clear debris before cutting
- Disinfect after diseased material
Maintenance Routine
- Lubricate pivot monthly
- Inspect anvil block annually
- Replace worn springs immediately
Hardwood cutting demonstrates the capabilities of anvil pruners. A very mature shrub, such as a lilac, develops woody stems that are resistant to bypass blades. The crushing strength of the anvil can power through the hardness of these stems without chipping. I can quickly manage hedges that have not been trimmed and kept back, all while preserving my tools through proper use.
Be mindful of key boundaries. Anvil pruners can crush live tissue, so be sure to use them only for dead material. I noticed a change in the health of my plants after writing things down in my gardening journal and following up by using specific tools for specific jobs. Using the tools correctly will ultimately increase the lifespan of the tool integrity and improve the long-term health of your garden.
Read the full article: Bypass vs Anvil Pruners: Key Differences
