Anvil Lever Pruning Shears Fiskars model L31 (MPN 112170)

Fiskars Anvil Lever Pruning Shears L31 are single‑cut anvil pruners with a lever mechanism engineered for cutting hard or dead wood. The anvil-style blade closes onto a flat surface to deliver controlled, powerful cuts that are useful when working with woody stems, tough branches and spent canes. Designed for home gardeners, these pruning shears are intended for routine garden maintenance tasks such as trimming shrubs, shaping roses and removing small branches in allotments and backyard beds.

Advantages

The lever mechanism increases cutting force while reducing the effort required from the user, making it easier to cut through thicker or harder material than with basic bypass secateurs. The anvil design provides stable contact between blade and anvil for single clean strikes and lower blade wear when processing dead or dry wood. The construction focuses on low maintenance and straightforward operation for frequent garden use.

Suitable for

• Cutting dead or hard wood on shrubs and small trees
• Pruning rose canes and woody perennials
• General trimming and shaping of garden plants
• Allotment and backyard maintenance where stronger cutting force is needed

When it may not be suitable

These anvil pruning shears are not intended for precise green pruning where clean, non-squashed cuts on live softwood are required; bypass secateurs are usually preferable for those tasks. They are also not designed for cutting large-diameter branches beyond their cutting capacity, which could damage the tool or result in incomplete cuts.

Key specifications

• Cut type: single‑cut anvil style
• Mechanism: lever assist to increase cutting force
• Application: hard and dead wood; shrubs, roses and small branches
• Intended users: home gardeners and allotment keepers

How to use

Position the anvil blade against the stationary side of the material and close the cutting blade using the lever action to make a single controlled cut. For thicker stems, place the blade close to the branch base and use steady pressure to allow the lever mechanism to assist the cut. Clean the cutting surfaces after use to remove sap and debris and store the shears in a dry place to prevent corrosion. Follow basic safety practices such as wearing gloves and keeping fingers clear of the cutting area.

What to consider before purchase

• Type of pruning needed: anvil shears are best for dead or hard wood rather than fine green pruning
• Maximum branch diameter you plan to cut and whether these shears meet that need
• Personal preference for cutting feel and required hand effort when using a lever mechanism
• Maintenance expectations: anvil blades can require occasional cleaning and sharpening

Usage recommendations

Use these pruning shears for routine removal of dead wood, shaping woody plants and cutting spent canes. For live soft stems and precision shaping, consider a bypass model. Regularly clean and inspect the blade and pivot to maintain cutting performance.