The Best Loppers

When I encounter the need to trim substantial branches and tackle tangled overgrowth, I find that a regular set of pruning shears may not possess the necessary strength. That’s where loppers come into play. These tools, resembling oversized pruners, feature long handles and sharp blades capable of effortlessly slicing through branches up to approximately two inches in diameter. With loppers in hand, I gain a greater reach compared to traditional shears, enabling me to effectively tackle robust brush and foliage while benefiting from improved leverage.

What are Loppers and How Do They Differ?

Loppers are long-handled pruning tools designed to cut through branches and stems that are too thick for regular pruners or shears. They feature long handles for increased leverage and cutting power, along with a cutting mechanism that allows for efficient pruning.

Compared to other pruning tools, loppers stand out due to their extended reach and ability to handle larger branches. While pruners are suitable for smaller tasks, loppers excel in tackling medium-sized to thick branches with precision and ease.

Types of Loppers

There are three main types of loppers, each with its own advantages and ideal uses:

Bypass Loppers: These loppers feature a cutting mechanism similar to scissors, with two curved blades that bypass each other during the cut. Bypass loppers provide clean cuts, making them ideal for live branches and delicate plants.

Anvil Loppers: Anvil loppers have one straight blade that closes onto a flat surface called the anvil. This design is suitable for cutting through dead or dry wood, as the anvil provides extra support and helps prevent the blade from getting damaged.

Ratchet Loppers: Ratchet loppers utilize a ratcheting mechanism that allows for easier cutting through thick branches. They provide increased cutting power by employing multiple strokes to make the cut. Ratchet loppers are especially useful for users with less hand strength or when dealing with hardwood.

The Best Loppers

These exceptional loppers have garnered immense praise for their outstanding performance, exceptional durability, and remarkable user-friendliness, making them our top recommendations in the category.

Steelhead Heavy-Duty Adjustable Gear Bypass Lopper

• Dimensions: 10.5 x 2 x 28.1 inches
• Weight: 4.09 lbs
• Warranty: Lifetime

For a lopper that offers exceptional value, the Steelhead Heavy-Duty Adjustable Gear Bypass Lopper is worth the modest premium. With telescoping handles that extend up to an impressive 40 inches, you can effortlessly reach high branches. The compound ratcheting gear securely holds branches in place, providing adjustable leverage and power. Unlike many bypass loppers, this model excels in cutting both green and dry branches.

Crafted from high-quality Japanese steel, the blades effortlessly tackle branches up to 1.75 inches in diameter. The bottom blade features sturdy teeth that firmly grip branches, while the ratcheting system allows you to lock the lopper in position, enabling deeper and more robust cuts. The non-stick coating on the blades prevents debris buildup and preserves the steel’s integrity.

The telescoping handles provide versatility, allowing you to handle both low and high branches with ease. Additionally, they conveniently collapse for compact storage. With a simple push of a button, you can extend the handles to your desired length and lock them securely in place. The handles also feature overmolded grips at the bottom for enhanced control and shock absorption.

Pros:

• Telescoping handles extend to 40 inches
• High-quality Japanese carbon steel
• Compound ratcheting gear for more leverage and power
• Ergonomic overmolded handles

Cons:

• Ratcheting system can be difficult to get used to

Corona SL 4364 DualLINK Extendable Bypass Lopper

• Dimensions: 1.75 x 26 x 8.25 inches
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Warranty: 90 days

Experience unmatched versatility with the Corona SL 4364 DualLINK Extendable Bypass Lopper. Its unique telescoping handles offer adjustable reach, extending from 27 to 37 inches, and can be conveniently collapsed for compact storage. Designed for comfort, convenience, and power, this lopper boasts a two-zone cutting blade, a shock bumper, and cushioned handles.

The DualLINK line showcases blades with a revolutionary mechanism in the center, allowing you to customize the cutting size for precise snips on smaller stems and twigs, as well as tackle branches up to 1.75 inches in diameter. This mechanism also enhances leverage, making cutting effortless.

The independently adjustable handles provide flexibility in hand positioning and reach, catering to your specific needs. Between the handles, a shock bumper absorbs impact, reducing strain on your shoulders and minimizing fatigue. The gel grips on the handles provide additional cushioning, reducing impact and preventing blisters for a comfortable cutting experience.

Pros:

• Telescoping handles extend from 27 inches to 37 inches
• Two-zone blade for large and small cuts
• Shock bumper to absorb impact
• Soft gel grips

Cons:

• Blade is a cross between a bypass and anvil blade

Craftsman 28-inch Compound Bypass Lopper

• Dimensions: 28 x 8.5 x 2 inches
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Warranty: Lifetime

Experience effortless, clean cuts with the Craftsman 28-inch Compound Bypass Lopper. Highly regarded for its simplicity and effectiveness, this lopper is perfect for trimming live trees, shaping overgrown shrubs, and pruning flowering bushes. Plus, it comes at an affordable price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious gardeners.

Equipped with a compound action cutting mechanism, the pivoting arms between the blades provide extra force for effortless snipping through green branches. Crafted from heavy-duty carbon steel, the blades are sharpened to effortlessly glide through various materials, including fresh wood, stems, and twine. The non-stick coating repels sap, preventing jams and safeguarding against rust and corrosion.

Built to withstand tough tasks, the handles are constructed from durable steel that won’t bend or break. With a length of just over 22 inches, the handles offer ample reach for snipping medium-height branches and maneuvering through prickly bushes while keeping you clear of thorns. The soft-touch grips at the ends ensure a comfortable hold and minimize fatigue during prolonged use.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Carbon steel blade
• Compound action for more cutting force
• Soft-touch grips

Cons:

• Not as much reach as some other loppers

Tabor Tools GG11A Anvil Lopper

• Dimensions: 30.71 x 10.63 x 0.98 inches
• Weight: 3.68 lbs
• Warranty: 1 year

Experience the power and efficiency of the Tabor Tools Professional Anvil Lopper when tackling tough, larger branches. Designed with a flat anvil blade that provides stability and allows for preparatory cuts or swift slicing in a single motion. This heavy-duty lopper can effortlessly handle gnarly growth up to two inches in diameter, making it a go-to tool for demanding tasks.

Equipped with a hardened carbon steel blade, this lopper features a unique compound lever system with multiple pivot points that amplifies cutting force. Squeeze the handles, and the razor-sharp top blade effortlessly cuts through hard green wood or dead, dry material. The non-friction coating on the steel enhances gliding power while preventing sap buildup and rust formation.

Boasting 22-inch handles, the lopper grants extended reach for higher branches and improved leverage to tackle tough wood. The rubberized grips absorb shock and feature an ergonomic design for comfortable handling and enhanced control. These features are particularly important when dealing with overhead branches or working from a ladder.

Pros:

• Compound lever system for increased force
• Strong hardened carbon steel blade
• Low-friction coating for easier cutting
• Ergonomic grips for enhanced control and comfort

Cons:

• Anvil bolts can come loose

Spear & Jackson 8290RS Razorsharp Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Lopper

• Dimensions: 27.97 x 9.46 x 1.26 inches
• Weight: 4.17 lbs
• Warranty: 10 years

Experience the ease and efficiency of the Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Ratchet Anvil Lopper with telescoping handles for customizable reach. Designed with a ratcheting system, this lopper is a game-changer for individuals with limited hand strength. Apply increased force in small, manageable steps to effortlessly tackle hard, woody branches without straining your hands and shoulders.

The innovative ratcheting system allows you to secure the blades in place and gradually increase force with each reopening until you achieve a clean cut. The non-friction coating on the carbon steel blade ensures smooth cutting through tough and sticky materials. The serrated anvil blade prevents branches from twisting during ratcheting and cutting.

Crafted from lightweight yet durable aluminum, the handles can be extended from under 16 inches to 31.5 inches by simply twisting and locking them into place. You have the flexibility to extend the handles independently or together, allowing for various hand positions. The soft non-slip grips at the bottom provide comfort and a secure hold for optimal control during use.

Pros:

• Ratcheting system for applying more force in small steps
• Strong carbon steel blade
• Non-friction coating for easier cutting
• Serrated anvil blade prevents twisting
• Telescoping handles extend from 15.75 inches to 31.5 inches

Cons:

• Can be tricky to twist the telescoping handles with gloves on

Corona FL 3420 Compound Action Anvil Lopper

• Dimensions: 31.75 x 2 x 1 inches
• Weight: 2.67 lbs
• Warranty: 90 days

Experience the convenience and reach of the Corona FL 3420 Compound Action Anvil Lopper, measuring an impressive 32 inches. This lopper effortlessly tackles tall branches and hard-to-reach areas while maintaining a lightweight design of just 2.67 pounds. With ergonomic handles and a compound action system, your gardening tasks become a breeze.

The high carbon steel blade features a sturdy bottom anvil and a sharp, beveled top blade, enabling you to swiftly cut through tough, dry branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The compound action lever, with its four bars of linkage, amplifies your cutting power with a simple squeeze of the handles. To enhance the cutting process, the blades are coated with a non-stick finish.

The lightweight fiberglass handles make this lopper gentle on your hands. Moreover, the addition of extra-long contoured foam grips extending eight inches up the handles provides versatility in grip positions and lengths, granting you improved leverage and control.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• High carbon steel blade
• 4-bar compound lever system for extra leverage
• Non-stick finish for cleaner cuts

Cons:

• Foam grips can slide out of place

What to Look for in a Lopper

When selecting a lopper, it’s important to consider various factors that suit your specific needs. Here are key aspects to keep in mind when shopping for a lopper.

• Blade Type: Choose the blade type based on the materials you intend to cut. Bypass blades are ideal for clean cuts on live branches and flowering bushes, while anvil blades excel at dense, woody materials like dead branches.
• Cutting Mechanism: Loppers employ different cutting mechanisms to provide leverage. These include manual loppers with a screw for manual force, compound action loppers with multiple arms for increased leverage, ratcheting loppers for individuals with limited hand strength, and geared loppers for enhanced cutting power.
• Weight: Consider the weight of the lopper, ranging from one to four pounds, especially if you require a lightweight tool for extended use. Models with aluminum or fiberglass handles tend to be lighter.
• Length: For reaching tall branches or tight spaces, loppers with extendable or telescoping handles are recommended. Handles can extend up to 40 inches, but if you primarily work at ground level, a shorter lopper may suffice.
• Ergonomics: Prioritize loppers with ergonomically designed handles that minimize fatigue and strain. Look for padded handles to prevent blisters and ensure a secure grip. Non-slip grips enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Final Thoughts

A reliable lopper is an essential tool for maintaining your backyard and garden, efficiently removing both old and new growth. Optimal loppers boast a harmonious blend of durable materials, effective cutting mechanisms, and ergonomic design elements for effortless use. Before purchasing, it’s wise to conduct thorough research, ensuring you select a lopper that aligns with your specific requirements. This guide showcases exceptional models, providing an excellent starting point to find the ideal lopper for your needs.