Oksakääride

Oksakääride are handheld cutting tools used for pruning small- to medium-diameter branches on shrubs, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. In English they are commonly called pruning shears or secateurs. They are designed for one-handed use, though some models are built for two-handed operation, and are essential in home gardening, horticulture, and landscape maintenance. Typical cuts are clean and precise, which helps promote healthy growth and reduce plant damage.

There are two main blade configurations. Bypass pruners have two curved blades that pass by each other, producing clean cuts on living wood. Anvil pruners have a single blade that cuts against a flat, stationary surface (the anvil) and are often favored for tougher or dry wood. Some oksakääride include a ratchet mechanism to ease cutting through thicker material, a locking mechanism to keep the blades closed during transport, and ergonomic grips to reduce hand fatigue.

Materials and construction vary. Blades are commonly made from high-carbon steel or stainless steel, offering different balances of edge retention and corrosion resistance. Handles are typically aluminum, steel, or reinforced plastic, with rubber or other non-slip coverings for grip. Regular maintenance—cleaning sap after use, sharpening or honing blades, lubricating the pivot, and keeping the tool dry and properly tensioned—extends life and preserves performance.

Safety and proper use are important. Use the tool within its intended cutting capacity, cut away from the body, support the branch to avoid tearing, and wear gloves to protect hands. For larger pruning tasks, a corresponding tool like loppers or a pruning saw may be more appropriate. See also secateurs, pruning saws, and loppers.