Loppers are basically scissors with long handles that allow you to reach higher and farther branches. They have two main parts: the blades and the handles. The blades can be either bypass or anvil type. Bypass blades have a curved shape that slides past each other like scissors, creating a clean cut. Anvil blades have a straight shape that meets at a single point, crushing the branch between them. Bypass loppers are better for green wood, while anvil loppers are better for dry wood.
The handles can be either fixed or telescopic. Fixed handles have a set length that cannot be adjusted, while telescopic handles have a mechanism that allows you to extend or retract them as needed. Telescopic loppers are more versatile and can reach higher branches, but they are also heavier and more expensive than fixed loppers.
Some loppers also have additional features such as ratchets, gears, or compound levers that increase their cutting power and reduce your effort. These features make it easier to cut through thicker and harder branches, but they also add weight and complexity to the tool.
Best Loppers
1. Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper
This is our top pick for the best lopper because it has a large cutting capacity of 1.5 inches and a fully hardened steel blade that stays sharp longer. It also has a low-friction coating that prevents rusting and gumming up of sap. The handles are made of durable aluminum with soft-grip covers that provide comfort and control.
2. Spear & Jackson 8290RS Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Lopper
This is our best pick for telescopic lopper because it has an adjustable length from 15.75 inches to 31.5 inches and a ratchet mechanism that multiplies your force by four times. It also has an SK5 carbon steel blade with PTFE coating that resists corrosion and cuts smoothly through dry wood up to 2 inches thick.
3. TABOR TOOLS GL18 Bypass Mini Lopper
This is our best pick for value because it is affordable yet effective at cutting green wood up to 1 inch thick. It has a sharp carbon steel blade with non-stick coating that reduces friction and makes cleaning easy. The handles are made of strong steel with rubberized grips that offer comfort and stability.
4. Wolf Garten Telescopic Lopper
This is our best pick for ease of use because it has an ergonomic design that minimizes strain on your hands and arms. It has a patented dual-pivot system that increases leverage by 50% without increasing weight or bulkiness. It also has an adjustable length from 25 inches to 37 inches and a bypass blade with non-stick coating that cuts cleanly through green wood up to 1 inch thick.
5. EZ Kut Lil G Ratchet Tree
This is our best pick for compactness because it is lightweight yet powerful at cutting dry wood up to 1 inch thick. It has a compound lever system that amplifies your force by three times without adding much weight or size to the tool. It also has an SK5 high carbon steel blade with non-stick coating that resists wear and tear.
FAQs
Q: How do I sharpen my lopper blades?
A: You can sharpen your lopper blades using a file or a whetstone following these steps:
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Clean your blades with soap and water to remove any dirt or sap.
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Clamp your blade securely in a vise or hold it firmly with gloves.
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File or whetstone along the edge of your blade at an angle of about 20 degrees until you see shiny metal.
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Repeat on both sides of your blade until they are evenly sharp.
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Wipe off any metal shavings with a cloth.
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Apply some oil or wax on your blade to prevent rusting.
Q: How do I maintain my loppers?
A: You can maintain your loppers by following these tips:
- Clean your loppers after each use with soap and water to remove any dirt or sap from the blades.
- Dry your loppers with a clean cloth before storing them to prevent rusting.
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Lubricate the joints, bolts, and blades with mineral oil, grease, WD40 or a multipurpose type lubrication oil to reduce friction and improve performance.
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Sharpen your loppers periodically with a file or a whetstone by filing along the edge of the blade at an angle of about 20 degrees until it is sharp enough.
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Don’t overuse your lopper or cut branches that are too thick for it as this can damage the blade or the mechanism.
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Invest in a good pair of loppers that are durable, comfortable, and suitable for your pruning needs.
Conclusion
Loppers are great tools for pruning your trees and shrubs and keeping them healthy and beautiful. They can cut through thick branches that are too large for hand pruners, but too small for saws. However, not all loppers are the same. You need to consider the type, size, and features of the lopper before buying one.
We have reviewed some of the best loppers on the market and given you our top picks based on different criteria. We hope this article has helped you find the best lopper for your garden. Happy pruning!