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Handheld pruning shear are great for nipping off narrow-minded stems and branches up to ½ column inch in diam , but for pruning thicker branch up to 2 or 3 column inch , loppers are often a better convulsion . fundamentally , loppers are the beefed - up version of pruning shears , offering more reach and cutting power . Garden center and online retailer pop the question a wide regalia of loppers , with many of them billed as the best loppers for home landscaping projects .
While some of these tools are excellent , others are just so - so . We test several pruning hook from various top manufacturing business to find out which unity live up to their reputations . We certainly put them through their paces — snipping , nipping , andpruning the trees and shrubsin the yard .
Photo: Glenda Taylorfor Bob Vila
We also contact Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree care experts to get their opinion on specific aspect shopper will require to look for before make a purchase . in front , find out what to look for when rat for this landscaping tool and learn about the pros ( and gyp ) we reveal when testing the following landscape gardening pruner .
How We Tested the Best Loppers
We tested each set of pruning hook extensively and analyse the answer . We found that the amount of cutting big businessman the tool could generate and whether it was designed to reduce deadwood ( incus ) or green wood ( bypass ) were crucial . We tally each pruning hook on performance , blade sharpness , ease of habit , and durability .
We test each set of pruning hook on various branch size and remark the dimension of the thickest arm we could well cut . While some of the loppers extend ratcheting action , which is a wonderful gain for its bold cutting power , each pruning hook has a point of accumulation to what it will cut base on both the breadth of the blades when fully open and the strength of the user . Did their maximum thinning force want superhuman strength ? Were the handles comfortable ? These were only a few of the thing we considered as we tested each lopper .
The loppers were also evaluated for comfortableness , whether they come with padded or nonslip grips , and whether the arms were ergonomically plan to maximize a user ’s limb strength . We constitute that a slight inward curve ball at the clench section of the handles allowed us to generate more leveraging . Safety also factored in , especially with ratcheting pruning hook that will tear shut on a final ticker of the hold .
Photo: Glenda Taylorfor Bob Vila
Our Top Picks
We tested each of the following loppers to determine what type of branches they were best suited for pruning ( deadwood or light-green wood ) and to determine how well the handles were designed in relation to the brand assemblies . Find out how each one make out to watch if one is the right pick for yourlandscaping tool ingathering .
Best Overall
Kings County Tools Double-Ratcheting Anvil Lopper
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct behave our brand ’s highest stage of passport .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the house and DIY mathematical product that impress us most in our substantial - world testing and that illustrate core value of the Bob Vila brand , including craft , innovation , and note value for the dollar mark . Winners of this designation come recommend by our professional review team and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.3/5
Photo: amazon.com
The first thing we comment when the Kings County Tools loppers arrived was their heavy - tariff construction . These tough loppers come with a sword head and forged aluminum arms . When we first pass around the handle , the brand snap to its encompassing jaw position , and it take four pumps of the handle to come together it completely . The ratcheting action generates more cutting pressure with each ticker of the grip .
The telescope hold were effortless to adapt — we just depressed the white buttons on the upper grip and slide the extension arms out . The arms have five individual set lengths about 3 inch asunder , so we could lengthen them just a scrap or telescope them all the way out to 40 inch to reach high leg . We were capable to trim offset that antecedently required resist on a ladder to hit .
If you necessitate the convenience of a mid - length pruning hook most of the sentence but the reach of a longer tool some of the time , these anvil loppers are a desirable pick . We were impressed by the tough blade of carbon - coat sword — it did n’t dull or nick even with the hard ironic ramification . The instrument is rated to cut branches up to 2.5 inches stocky . We could only edit through a dead branch that was just more than 2 inches in diam with average pressure level , but with spare effort we could cut through one that was nearly 3 in in diameter .
Photo: amazon.com
The King County Tools loppers earn the Best Overall smudge due to their versatility — they can be lengthened quickly ; they declare oneself knock-down ratcheting trim back force ; and they come with ergonomic , nonslip handles .
Get the power County Tools loppers atAmazon .
Best Bang for the Buck
Fiskars 28-Inch Bypass-Style Lopper
Our valuation : Ergonomics4/5 ; Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Performance4.3/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.7/5
For reasonably priced cutlery that do n’t sacrifice performance , these Fiskars beltway loppers are a self-coloured option . The rust fungus - resistant stainless brand brand are hardened and precision solid ground , meaning they ’ll continue their edge over an lengthened period . The low - friction software allows the blades to cut through wood easily and results in less sap rest . We found these Fiskars pruning hook easy to expend on green branches and the cutting action to be supersmooth . We did n’t spot any tearing of the limbs or ragged cuts , which run to make a tree more susceptible to disease .
These 28 - inch cutters are suitable for living immature increase with a cutting capacitance of leg up to 1.5 inches thick . seismic disturbance - absorbing bumpers make the tool easier to use , and padded grips offer extra comfort . While these loppers are n’t the light on the listing , they still weigh a low 2.9 pounds , so they ’re not difficult to use when cutting overhead .
Photo: amazon.com
After testing , we find that the coat nonstick blade pass over clean with just a balmy cloth . This is crucial because other ringway loppers can be unmanageable to clean , requiring scrubbing with brand fleece and a lubricant . All loppers used to cut off green wood will get slightly wet and may become incubate in sticky sap , so being capable to wipe the blade white is a big asset . Those look for a timber cutting tool at a reasonable price wo n’t be disappointed with these Fiskars loppers .
Get the Fiskars 28 - in loppers atAmazon , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Expert Recommended
Felco 22 Two-Handed Pruning Shear Lopper
Our Ratings : Ergonomics5/5 ; Ease of Use4.5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
These sturdy ringway pruning hook are a serious upgrade in functioning and bioengineering . In fact , they ’re a favorite stigma of Kaustubh Deo , the owner and CEO ofBlooma Tree Experts , a Seattle - base tree care caller featuring ISA - endorse arborists and 17 + years of experience . He say , “ We recommend Felco as a brand for loppers and other pruning equipment because they produce high - timber equipment that is trusted by professional crews . ”
The indurate carbon - steel blade are Swiss made and designed for defecate uncontaminating , precise cut . drug user can also resharpen the blades as needed . Everything about these pruning hook screamsquality . They ’re made to last , and all of the parts are replaceable , so this may be the last lopper you ’ll ever purchase .
Photo: amazon.com
The mold - aluminium handgrip are smooth to the touch . However , the tool weigh in at 4.4 dog pound , so it ’s not for the swoon of heart . With a 33 - column inch length , these loppers can hand up to trim eminent leg . We obtain it most comfortable to cut branches at waist level or lower . After trimming a few overhead branches , some radiocarpal joint and weapon system tiredness begin to set in .
The grips on these cutter are nonslip with a svelte inward angle , allowing you to exert military group while maintaining a more comfortable arm position . Built - in blow absorber on the handles protect the arms and wrists — so they ’re well suitable for intense , time - consuming landscape gardening tasks . This is a lopper for the serious tree surgeon , and it make acute , clean snub on green wood .
Get the Felco loppers atAmazon , The Home Depot , A. M. Leonard , Big Frog Supply , orFelco .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Compact
Woodland Tools Compact Duralight Lopper
Our military rank : Ergonomics4/5 ; relaxation of Use5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.1/5
matter less than 1.5 pound sterling and about 16 inch from end to ending , this Woodland Tools lopper is the most stocky , lightweight model we tested . It may not reckon like much , but it shew to us that it is well built for the project of take away hardened dry branches .
We used the Woodland Tools Compact Duralight pruner to remove the branches from a numb and down apple tree diagram . It made quick oeuvre of anything that would match inside the leaf blade , up to about 1.25 inches thick . The handle grips are soft and comfy , and the short grip made it easy to move around and work among dense branches .
Photo: amazon.com
The ratchet help gave us sundry results : On one manus it truly help oneself increase cutting personnel for cutting grueling branches , but it ask a wider handle spread to to the full spread out the blade , which occasionally is not possible when working in a tree canopy . Still , to us , the benefit of the shortsighted handle duration and increase cutting force outweigh the occasional lack of room to scatter the handgrip .
Although the creature does not have a formal bumper guard to keep the grip from knocking together at the end of a cut , the unique U - shaped design maintain adequate separation to protect the user ’s knuckles . This tool offers a mountain of usefulness and only one casual drawback that we uncovered . It ’s a smart option for work out on smaller branches in sloshed spaces .
Get the Woodland Tools loppers atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Menards , orWoodland Tools .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Comfort Grip
Corona Tools DualLINK Bypass Lopper With ComfortGEL
Our valuation : Ergonomics5/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Performance3.9/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
The ComfortGEL grip on these Corona loppers felt so salutary , we did n’t even consider wearing gloves when using them . Our hands did n’t slip , so we did n’t have to worry about blister . The grip volunteer just the veracious amount of cushioning while remaining solid , and the slightly kink physical body meet nicely in our hands .
The compound action loppers are well suitable for cutting thick-skulled branches . We were capable to remove with ease an undesirable outgrowth on an apple tree diagram that was more than 1.5 inches in diam . The longsighted aluminium arms make it potential to generate a pile of leverage . The additional compound radio link magnifies cutting military force and reduce the necessary work , while sturdy steel handles negociate the extra power . At 3.8 lbf. , the Corona loppers are hard than some of the ones we try out , but they ’re not quite as heavy as other ratchet models .
Photo: amazon.com
These cutters have a narrow steel curtain raising , so they ’re good for receive at hard - to - reach tree limbs . When we first examined the lopper , we were disappointed at what appear to be a plastic link on the scuttle mechanism . While it is pliant , it ’s in reality a bumper guard duty — an very steel data link on the backside is the actual opening mechanism , so the charge card work as more of a stabilizer .
Get the Corona Tools DualLINK loppers atAmazon , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , Walmart , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best for Greenery
Corona Tools 32-Inch Super-Duty Bypass Lopper
Our military rating : Ergonomics5/5 ; Ease of Use3/5 ; Performance3.5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3.9/5
The curving oral sex on these bypass loppers is large , and the leaf blade is razor - acute . Our first imprint was that the loppers would be out of Libra the Balance , given the large top dog size , but they only weigh 2.8 pound . They do n’t come with compound action mechanism but rather with monolithic blades and long grip for leverage . We were able to tally a 2 - in green Empress tree arm between the blades and lop it right off . Oak of the same size of it was tougher but doable .
At 32 inches long , the Corona Tools super - duty lopper are cracking for reaching branches overhead . These manual pruner total with cushioned grip for more comfortable functioning , and the press cutting blade can be resharpened as require .
Photo: amazon.com
A squeamish upside to these loppers is the brand - natural spring bumper located in the opening mechanics that keeps users from mob their hired man together after making a tough cut . We appreciated the bumper when putting excess superpower into cutting through a green ramification that seemed challenging but short gave way . The bumper absorbed the shock , and our arms did n’t .
Get the Corona Tools super - duty pruning hook atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Forestry Suppliers , orCorona Tools .
Best for Dry Wood
Tabor Tools GG12A Compound Action Anvil Lopper
Our Ratings : Ergonomics5/5 ; relief of Use5/5 ; Performance3.8/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
At first , we wondered if the Tabor Tools Anvil loppers would cut through stiff drained branches since they do n’t come with ratcheting activity . We need not have occupy — the pruning hook instead boast compound - slew action via a inadequate pivoting arm locate at the fulcrum of the blades that increase cutting power .
The producer advertises the loppers as being able to foreshorten through dry branches up to 2 inches thick . We did n’t quite pull that off , but we were able to geld through a dead branch on an elm Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that was 1.5 inches heavyset .
Photo: amazon.com
We were exceedingly impressed with the adhesive friction on this set of loppers — they’re sonant and slightly aggrandise , which allowed us to exert pressure without our custody slipping . At 30 in long , the sizable arms allow us to increase purchase on the branches . A shock - absorbing bumper would have been a nice addition , but this is a nice set of pruner for cutting dry wood . At 3.5 pounds , the Tabor Tools pruner are well suited for overhead use without too much wrist joint and arm tiredness for an average drug user .
Get the Tabor Tools lopper atAmazon , Walmart , orTabor Tools .
Best for Broken Branches
Spear & Jackson Heavy-Duty Telescopic Anvil Lopper
Our evaluation : Ergonomics4/5 ; Ease of Use3/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
We trimmed by several dead willow branches that were damage in an deoxyephedrine storm earlier this year with the Spear & Jackson loppers . Willow is hard when ironical , but the ratchet action of these pruning hook increased the cutting force , and with just a flimsy pumping action , we were able to cut through dead branch as tumid as 1.5 inches thick .
These lopper can take a small getting used to ; when we first circulate the hold , the blades did n’t open until the handles reached their maximum spread , and then the vane head snap open . It took four pumps of the blade handle to cut completely through a offset from that point . With each pump , the ratchet legal action increased the cutting force on the branch until it cut through .
While we tested a couple of other sets of telescope pruner , this one was the simplest to align while cutting . We were able to start a stinger on a branch , and while the leaf blade headland was firmly gripping the branch , we could twist the bottom of the handgrip and then draw out to lengthen it . This is an excellent lineament for those who bulge out a baseball swing and decide they need more leveraging from retentive handles . At 4.2 pounds , these lopper are on the lowering side , so we had to take a few breaks , but they offer a whole lot of cutting big businessman .
Get the Spear & Jackson loppers atAmazon .
Best Pole Lopper
Fiskars Pruning Stik Extendable Tree Pruner
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; Ease of Use4/5 ; Performance3.7/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3.9/5
When it comes to pruning crape myrtles , Holly , and other trees , climbing a ladder is one of the most dangerous character . The Fiskars Pruning Stik extendable tree lopper tolerate you to prune branches as eminent as the 2d story window without break off out mounting gear . We used it to shape up a 20 - substructure - grandiloquent cherry laurel .
The Pruning Stik features an articulating pruner that is controlled by a slide handgrip at the base of the celestial pole . The lightweight aluminium perch extends and locks in any position between 7.9 and 12 metrical unit long , take into account most users to reach offset 15 feet up the tree or higher . The lopper can hold branches up to 1.25 inches buddy-buddy , and you have the option to attach the removable pruning saw blade for thicker branches up to 6 inches duncical .
The perch adjusted quickly and securely with a lever tumbler ignition lock to any height between 7.9 and 12 feet . The cutting head also adjusts 90 degree , from direct in crinkle with the pole to a 90 - point slant , which make it easy to access and veer the branches from the most commodious direction . We really appreciate how soft it was to reach through “ respectable ” branches and selectively remove others high up the tree . Unlike a pole byword , the stocky cutting head of the Pruning Stik rarely becomes snagged on dense branches .
When we had to remove larger branches , it only took a few seconds to attach the saw brand : One wing nut secures the vane to the magnetic pole and another one holds the steel at the desire slant . If a tree branch has to be removed and you ca n’t do it with this tool , it ’s believably a job for a professional .
Get the Fiskars Pruning Stik loppers atAmazon , Acme Tools , orForestry Suppliers .
Also Consider
Wolf-Garten RR900T Telescoping Bypass Lopper
Our rating : Ergonomics5/5 ; Ease of Use5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability3/5 ; Value4.3/5
Right out of the boxwood , the Wolf - Garten lopper are telling looking with their smooth white-haired German steel blades , silky Al handles , and contrast red grips and trim . Their cutting power was just as remarkable .
These quality beltway loppers open and confining so swimmingly , it ’s like glide — nothing stick , nothing has to be forced . They feature razor - needlelike beltway blades that slice through fleeceable outgrowth with ease . We were able-bodied to cut through a green arm almost 1.75 inch thick without the blades getting sting . That ’s pretty impressive for pruner that do n’t come with ratcheting action . We appreciate the bumper guards that maintain the handles from love together — they made cut virtually seismic disturbance - liberal .
If we could ask for one improvement to the Wolf - Garten lopper it would be different arm - annexe mechanisms — we would have preferred steel over plastic levers — for long - term durability . We were able-bodied to set the length of the handles by get down the jaundiced levers on the interior and then pulling or push the handles to the desired length . At 3.8 pounds , these are n’t the lite loppers we tested , but their newspaper clipping ability is exceptional , and that alone made them deserving the higher cost .
Get the Wolf - Garten pruning hook atAmazonorWolf - Garten .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Loppers
At first glance , loppers all look pretty much the same — with two handles that open up wide to wangle their scissorlike blades . But there are substantive dispute between models .
Type
lopper are categorized based on their blade , either anvil or beltway . Each type works better on different type of stem turn and branches .
Anvil loppersfeature a stationary foundation ( anvil ) with a groove . They have a movable sharpened steel that presses into the groove when trimming branches . Anvil loppers are suitable for cut dry , brickle branches and dead stems , snapping them in half with relief . They ’re not optimal for trim soft green branches because they run to crush and tear the limb rather than make a clean cut .
ring road lopperswork much like scissors hold ; two taper steel overlap one another to make a clean cut . Bypass pruning hook are well for making abrupt cuts on soft , green arm . But cutting through stiff , stagnant branches with bypass pruning hook can dull the blade or even leave nicks . take a shunt lopper for trimming back green growth , such asshaping an overgrown shrub .
Blade Material
Like manypruning shear , pruner blades are made from blade , but not all brand is the same . Some pruning hook arrest a coat to protect the blade , preserve its edge , and to allow easier cleanup .
Nothing resist staining and rust quite as well asstainless brand . However , it ’s not as durable as atomic number 6 steel and tends to stoop if used on hard , teetotal branches . Stainless steel blades issue forth at a higher price and are n’t easy to sharpen once they become dull .
The toughest lopper blades are made fromcarbon steel , and they do the best caper of cutting thick branches . On the other hand , these tools corrode more easy than stainless steel , so the leaf blade should be wipe clean after every use . you may well point dull atomic number 6 - brand blade with a basic sharpening stone or a carbide file cabinet .
ATeflon or atomic number 22 coatingoffers a mensuration of rust protection to carbon - steel blades . The coating makes it prosperous to clean sap balance that results from cutting light-green tree branches . Coated blades keep back their sharpness longer , but they too eventually become dull . The coating does n’t cover the blade ’s bound , so sharpening should not take the coat .
Expert advice : Kaustubh Deo says that “ a common misunderstanding folks make when using hand prick like pruning hook or hand saw is they start using more and more force as the blades get dull . This can lead to safe accidents when a branch finally gives room and you misplace control of your tool accidentally due to the amount of force you ’re apply . ” He goes on to say that “ just like a kitchen tongue , [ pruner ] are usuallysafest when the prick is sharp . ”
Cutting Action
Deo order that “ each slash is a moment of trauma for the plant life , so you want it to be precise and quick to limit unwitting damage . ” With that in mind , it is important to know that pruner motley in their cutting natural process , which affects their operation and suitability for specific undertaking .
Length and Weight
To learn suitable length and weight for pruning hook , the trick is to know your own intensity and cut penury . The shortest loppers measure about 15 inches from the remainder of the hold to the tip of the cutting blades , and they can count as little as 11 Panthera uncia , which is a dependable length and free weight for pruning narrow branches .
Lengthier pruning hook , measuring 32 column inch or more , are handier when you postulate to reach high branches without having to stand on a ladder . long pruner are dense , with some weighing more than 4 pounds , so they ’re more potential to cause arm fatigue .
A long lopper offer more reach and often enhance big businessman if it apply compound action . But if you ca n’t make clean-living cuts with it , opt for a forgetful distance . Some models have telescoping handgrip that you may extend or bowdlerize as necessary . Some of the models we tested were relatively large and heavy , and were better suitable to trimming branches at or below waist stage .
Grips
Many loppers come in with padded rubber or froth grips design to reduce slippage , hired hand fatigue , and bulla . The softest foam handles feel corking in your hands , but they ’re also more prostrate to dent and tears . If you project on using the lopper extensively , view a duo with mould rubber grips that will hold up to the additional work .
While lard grips make pruning tasks more comfortable , it ’s still important to weargardening gloveswhen using this tool . It did n’t take long during my hand - on test to discover that a pair of suitable leather mitt was also helpful in keeping blisters at bay .
FAQs
A quality couple of loppers is an arborist ’s or home landscaper ’s expert friend , but dozens of set are available , and user want to fuck whether they ’re getting a good deal for the damage . A few questions are to be expected for those looking to endue in a Seth ( or two ) of loppers .
Loppers serve multiple landscaping intention , from pruning shrubs to cut the limbs of numb trees . Loppers are like pruning shears with extended handles , and bothgardening toolsrequire manual military operation .
Loppers want two hands to mesh and are designed to reduce midsize stem and branch . Pruners are smaller and more intimately resemble scissors hold . Pruning shears require only one hand to operate and are intended for cutting small stems and limb .
The most suitable pruning hook for you count on intended employment , budget , arm speciality , and preferences related to material and comfort . Bypass vs. incus blades : Bypass loppers are suitable for reduce live plants , like unripe tree branch and shrubbery , while incus blade are salutary at handling dry , brickly branch . Cutting action mechanism : Basic manual framework work best on narrow branches ; ratchet cutter are more effective for thicker stems ; and compound - action lopper are intend for use on cut thicker branch . These tools often own the most cutting power . Blade textile : Stainless steel resists rust and stains , in the main requiring less maintenance equate to carbon blade . Blades arrest carbon copy blade do not have these characteristics unless they ’re treated with a protective coating . atomic number 6 blade is more rigid , less expensive , and more easy sharpen . distance : of course , long loppers ( 33 inches or more ) are best for pass on to cut high branches and shrub leaves . Models with a telescope handle are various and some provide significant length allowance . Ergonomics : Cutters with cushioned grips made of gumshoe or foam are more comfortable to use . If subdivision fatigue and radiocarpal joint infliction are business organization for you , go with lopper that count less than 3 pounds and have shock - absorbing handles .
This depends on the types of branch and stem you plan on dilute . Bypass loppers are more suitable for sharp cuts through balmy , living plants like overgrown shrubs . These blade may pall when used on hard , dead ramification . Anvil loppers are more suitable for this type of project , while they tend to crush and buck softer greenery .
A heavy - responsibility incus pruning hook is capable of cutting numb outgrowth up to about 3 inches thick . Some large - head pruning hook , such as theCorona Tools Super - Duty loppers , can cut immature branch up to 3 column inch thick .
TheSpear & Jackson loppersare one of the good pecker for dealing with thicker dead outgrowth with an adjustable length between 18 inches and 30 inches . For telescoping action in a bypass lopper , take theWolf - Garten loppers .
pruner with carbon - steel blades generally expect more sustainment . Unlike stainless steel , this material is susceptible to rust and brand . rub carbon brand blade clean after each exercise . Additionally , components of the cut chemical mechanism should be lubricated to observe smooth cutting carrying into action .
Meet the Testers
Glenda Taylor is a merchandise tester and author specializing in the building , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her hubby own a general contracting company , and Taylor is experience in both residential and commercial-grade building applications . She tests a wide mountain range of power cock as well as other dwelling house advance , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product quizzer with a background in the nursery and landscape gardening industry . For more than 20 years he mowed , edged , implant , rationalize , cultivated , irrigate , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and write reviews about the late outdoor world power equipment , hand prick , lawn - concern product , and other outdoor - living trade good .
extra research leave by Mark Wolfe .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll aid you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few lot on your patio , a raise bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and pick out the ripe plants for your grunge and region .
