04-19-2007, 09:42 AM
I thought that it would be good to have a tools thread. Maybe it could be even more specific, like "weedwhackers", or "chainsaws". But here's a start.
Loppers: I haven't tried a lot of different types, but ACE Hardware has a bypass model with telescoping handles to increase reach and leverage. Model #7094378. Handles go from 18" to 31" [handles only, not including the blade and hinge] with simple twists of the grip. It doesn't twist all that easily, so that you are not likely to unlock it.
"Bypass" means it has two cutting blades, like a scissors, and "anvil" means there is one blade with an opposing flat surface against which the blade cuts which tends to partly crush the branch. I've come across bypass design that cut and prune up to 1.25" - 1.5" diameter branches and trunks. Anvil designs cut up to 1.25" to 3" diameter branch/trunk range. Bypass are better for finer, sharper cuts; anvil are meant for roughly knocking down branch lengths and cutting larger diameters. You can find designs with "racheted power gearing" and geared fulcrums instead of simple hinged fulcrums. A racheting cutter actually cuts in several closures of the blade, each closure of the blades cutting further through the branch. You can find pin-locked extension handles instead of twist-locked or fixed handles. You can find extension handles that go from 28 to 42" [not sure if this is a full-length measure or a handle-only measure]. You can find models with replaceable or teflon-coated blades. If you lack strength or don't do a lot of yard work, you may want more shock-absorbing handles with a geared hinge (means more leverage, I think), a racheting cutting mechanism, or longer handles. I've seen these options on the web, don't know how much is available on-island.
Here are a couple of good websites with more info on other pruning tools:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_jou...73501.html
http://blueandwhitecrew.org/resources/tools.php
Weedwhackers: I got a gas-powered Shindaiwa on recommendation from my experienced uncle. You can get models of whackers that have swappable blade & monofilament cutters. There are different grades of monofilament to choose from, too. The right tool will depend on what you're going to cut with it. A bladed weedwhacker may cut small shrubs easily, but may not be as good as a chainsaw for cutting heftier branches and trunks. Gas weedwhackers seem to be more tempermental than mowers, but this one works like a charm!
Gas-powered lawnmowers: I have a gas-powered Toro bought from Doc Stanley's. I don't know the model number, but as advertised, it always starts. This is the first gas mower that I have owned and it is easy to use! [I've only used push mowers before... which may tell you how long it's been since I've mowed lawns.] I was told by a friend who has more than a half acre of lawn on this one acre lot in HPP to mow that this is the brand he ended up with after wearing out a couple of cheaper mowers.
Where to get power gardening tools: I highly recommend Doc Stanley's on Manono in Hilo. You get good advice and, presumably, good service here. It may cost more than at a mega-hardware store, but you get what you pay for. I was referred here by my good friend with the large HPP lawn and my 88 year old uncle in Mountain View, who still weedwhacks his own yard.
Loppers: I haven't tried a lot of different types, but ACE Hardware has a bypass model with telescoping handles to increase reach and leverage. Model #7094378. Handles go from 18" to 31" [handles only, not including the blade and hinge] with simple twists of the grip. It doesn't twist all that easily, so that you are not likely to unlock it.
"Bypass" means it has two cutting blades, like a scissors, and "anvil" means there is one blade with an opposing flat surface against which the blade cuts which tends to partly crush the branch. I've come across bypass design that cut and prune up to 1.25" - 1.5" diameter branches and trunks. Anvil designs cut up to 1.25" to 3" diameter branch/trunk range. Bypass are better for finer, sharper cuts; anvil are meant for roughly knocking down branch lengths and cutting larger diameters. You can find designs with "racheted power gearing" and geared fulcrums instead of simple hinged fulcrums. A racheting cutter actually cuts in several closures of the blade, each closure of the blades cutting further through the branch. You can find pin-locked extension handles instead of twist-locked or fixed handles. You can find extension handles that go from 28 to 42" [not sure if this is a full-length measure or a handle-only measure]. You can find models with replaceable or teflon-coated blades. If you lack strength or don't do a lot of yard work, you may want more shock-absorbing handles with a geared hinge (means more leverage, I think), a racheting cutting mechanism, or longer handles. I've seen these options on the web, don't know how much is available on-island.
Here are a couple of good websites with more info on other pruning tools:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_jou...73501.html
http://blueandwhitecrew.org/resources/tools.php
Weedwhackers: I got a gas-powered Shindaiwa on recommendation from my experienced uncle. You can get models of whackers that have swappable blade & monofilament cutters. There are different grades of monofilament to choose from, too. The right tool will depend on what you're going to cut with it. A bladed weedwhacker may cut small shrubs easily, but may not be as good as a chainsaw for cutting heftier branches and trunks. Gas weedwhackers seem to be more tempermental than mowers, but this one works like a charm!
Gas-powered lawnmowers: I have a gas-powered Toro bought from Doc Stanley's. I don't know the model number, but as advertised, it always starts. This is the first gas mower that I have owned and it is easy to use! [I've only used push mowers before... which may tell you how long it's been since I've mowed lawns.] I was told by a friend who has more than a half acre of lawn on this one acre lot in HPP to mow that this is the brand he ended up with after wearing out a couple of cheaper mowers.
Where to get power gardening tools: I highly recommend Doc Stanley's on Manono in Hilo. You get good advice and, presumably, good service here. It may cost more than at a mega-hardware store, but you get what you pay for. I was referred here by my good friend with the large HPP lawn and my 88 year old uncle in Mountain View, who still weedwhacks his own yard.
at Garden Exchange. It is an aluminum handled one with oak knobs and a nice long scythe blade. They don't have the grass catcher attachments so if you find those anywhere, let me know.