If you love gardening, you know how important it is to prune your plants and shrubs regularly. Pruning helps them grow healthier, stronger, and more beautiful by removing dead or diseased branches, shaping them, and encouraging new growth. But to prune effectively, you need the right tools. And one of the most essential tools for any gardener is a bypass lopper. A bypass lopper is a type of pruning tool that has two curved blades that slide past each other like scissors when cutting green wood.
This creates a clean and precise cut that minimizes damage to the plant and prevents infections or diseases. Bypass loppers are ideal for cutting branches that are up to 2 inches in diameter and that are hard to reach with other tools. But not all bypass loppers are created equal. There are many models of bypass loppers on the market that vary in their size, shape, features, and quality. So how do you find the best bypass lopper for your needs? That’s what this article is all about. We have done the research and testing for you and selected the best bypass loppers of 2024 based on their performance, durability, comfort, and value.
We will review each of these models in detail and tell you their pros and cons. We will also give you a buying guide that will help you choose the best bypass lopper for your garden based on some key factors such as blade quality, handle length, handle material, handle design, and cutting mechanism. And finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about bypass loppers that you might have. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Our Choices
The following are our top picks for the best bypass loppers of 2024:
1. Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Lopper
This is our overall best choice for its patented PowerGear technology that gives you up to 3 times more cutting power than traditional loppers. It has a 32-inch length that can reach hard-to-access branches and a low-friction coating that prevents rusting and gumming. The handles are ergonomically designed with soft-grip touchpoints for comfort and control.
2. Corona Tools Extendable Bypass Lopper
This is our runner-up choice for its two-zone blade that can cut both small and large branches with ease. It has an extendable handle that can go from 21 inches to 37 inches, giving you more leverage and reach. The handles are made of strong steel with cushioned grips for comfort.
3. Gardena 8854
This is our best budget choice for its high-quality steel blades that can cut up to 1.5 inches in diameter. It has a lightweight aluminum handle that is easy to maneuver and a non-stick coating that reduces friction and prevents sap from sticking. The handles have soft components for a comfortable grip.
4. Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Bypass Lopper
This is our best premium choice for its SK5 carbon steel blades that are hardened and tempered for durability. It has an advanced ratchet mechanism that allows you to cut through thick branches with minimal effort. The handles are made of tubular aluminum with rubberized grips for comfort.
5. THANOS A1101 Extendable
This is our best alternative choice for its ratchet system that multiplies your cutting force by up to 5 times. It has an anvil blade that can cut through dead or dry wood without crushing it. The handles are telescopic and can extend from 27 inches to 40 inches, giving you more reach.
Best bypass loppers buying guide
When shopping for the best bypass loppers, there are some factors that you need to consider before making your purchase. Here are some of them:
-
Blade quality: The blade quality determines how well the lopper can cut through green wood without damaging it. You want a blade that is sharp, durable, rust-resistant, non-stick coated, and easy to sharpen or replace if needed.
-
Handle length: The handle length affects how far you can reach with the lopper and how much leverage you have when cutting thick branches. You want a handle length that suits your height and arm span as well as your pruning needs.
-
Handle material: The handle material affects how comfortable and sturdy the lopper feels in your hands. You want a handle material that is lightweight but strong enough to withstand repeated use and possible impacts or drops.
-
Handle design: The handle design affects how well you can grip and control the lopper while cutting different angles or positions. You want a handle design that has ergonomic features such as soft-grip touchpoints, cushioned grips, or rubberized grips that prevent slipping or fatigue.
-
Cutting mechanism: The cutting mechanism affects how much force you need to apply when cutting through branches of different sizes or hardnesses. You want a cutting mechanism that enhances your cutting power such as PowerGear, ratchet, or compound action systems that reduce the effort required by multiplying or distributing it evenly.
FAQs
Q: How do I sharpen bypass loppers?
A: To sharpen bypass loppers, you need a file, a clamp, a rag, and some oil. Follow these steps:
-
Clamp the lopper securely on a workbench or table with the blade facing up.
-
Use the file to sharpen the blade from the base to the tip, following its original angle and curvature.
-
File only on the downward stroke and avoid filing on the upward stroke as this can damage the blade edge.
-
Repeat on both sides of the blade until it is sharp and shiny.
-
Wipe off any metal filings with a rag and apply some oil to prevent rusting.
Q: How do I maintain bypass loppers?
A: To maintain bypass loppers, you need to clean them after each use, store them in a dry place, and lubricate them regularly. Follow these steps:
-
Clean the blades with a rag or a brush to remove any dirt, sap, or debris that can cause friction or corrosion.
-
If there are any stubborn stains or residues, use some mild soap and water to wash them off and dry them thoroughly afterwards.
-
Store the loppers in a dry place away from moisture and humidity that can cause rusting or warping.
-
Lubricate the blades and hinges with some oil or spray to keep them smooth and prevent squeaking.
Conclusion
Bypass loppers are essential tools for any gardener who wants to keep their plants healthy and beautiful. They are designed to cut through green wood with a clean and precise cut, minimizing damage to the plant. Bypass loppers come in different sizes, shapes, and features, so finding the best one for your needs can be challenging. That’s why we have researched and tested dozens of bypass loppers and selected the top models that offer the best performance, durability, comfort, and value. We hope this article has helped you find your ideal bypass lopper for your garden. Happy pruning!