Carry on Gardening : Tools : Cutting : Loppers

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Secateurs
Loppers
Long reach pruners
Tools for trimming
Power tools for trimming

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Introduction
Telescopic Loppers
Aluminum Telescopic Loppers
Mini Bypass Loppers
Lightweight Plastic Ratchet Pruners
Fiskars Large Gear Action Lopper

Introduction

These V shaped tools are generally used for cutting the larger stems and branches that are too big for secateurs. As with secateurs two types of blade exist. Anvil and bypass. Loppers also come with ratchets and gearing mechanisms. Firstly for people with some weakness in their hands or arms small loppers can be used as an alternative to secateurs because using two hands can halve the strain and therefore double your cutting power. The smallest loppers are very light and can be manoeuvred into awkward places. For cutting larger branches you may be tempted to buy the biggest and longest loppers or even get ratchet loppers. My advice after testing dozens is to buy a good quality pair of conventional loppers. Well-designed small tools will cut through large stems more easily than some large ratchet versions. Ratchet loppers require a special technique, which involves less strength but considerably more arm movement.

Telescopic Loppers For extra reach telescopic loppers can be ideal and easier to use if you have long, strong arms. Until recently most telescopic tools were made from round section tubing that was prone to bending or strain that caused the mechanism to jam. Operating this type of telescopic handle involves twisting and locking one tube against another. On tools like loppers that take a lot of strain I think that this mechanism is unsuitable and unreliable.

Recently manufacturers have started using oval section tube that is much stronger and easier to adjust. Some adjust by undoing flip out levers and some use a knobs on the end of the handle that are twisted to release and lock the handles.

Aluminum Telescopic Loppers

New in 2004 these quality loppers have oval section adjustable handles locked by twisting a knob at the end of each grip. They have PTFE coated blades for cleaner cutting and a 10 year warranty. Available in anvil or bypass and also with a ratchet mechanism for extra cutting power.

Length	460-720mm
Cutting width	42mm
Weight	1.5kg
Price range	£30
Supplier	Spear and Jackson
Model no	8080RS anvil 8070RS bypass

Especially good for people with strong arms who cannot reach into shrubbery or do not like bending.

Mini Bypass Loppers
These small loppers are very easy to use and excellent value. The simple but clever design saves energy and is easy to maintain. For people with weak arms these may be a good alternative to secateurs.

Length	420mm
Cutting width	25mm
Weight	680g
Price range	£11
Supplier	Darlac Products
Model no	DP521 Bypass

Especially good for people with upper limb weakness. People with arthritis and people with weak wrists.

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Lightweight Nylon fibreglass Ratchet Pruners
If you lack strength in your arms there is nothing better for easier cutting than a ratchet lopper. This one is the lightest and very reasonably priced. Using any ratchet tool requires a careful technique that seems strange at first. After a little practice you will be able to cut through quite large branches by holding one handle steady and "pumping" the other one.

Length	430mm
Weight	466g
Price range	£19
Supplier	Darlac Products
Model no	DP 873

Especially good for people with upper limb weakness.

Fiskars Large Gear Action Lopper
The planetary gear action on this tool provides extra cutting power but is simpler to use than a ratchet. Not particularly light but very powerful and simple to use and maintain. 10 year guarantee.

Length	670mm
Cutting width	45mm
Weight	1.1kg
Price range	£30
Supplier	Fiskars
Model no	220133

Especially good for people with upper limb weakness.