Are you interested in buying Loppers for pruning, but don’t know what the BEST Loppers are for your gardening need?
Are you interested in learning more about the different types of loppers and how to use them?
After hours and hours of research, I have created the article, 10 BEST Loppers for Gardening.
The list below is sorted most expensive to least expensive.
And scroll down to the bottom of this article to find answers to the 8 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Loppers!
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10 BEST Loppers for Gardening
1. Fiskars PowerGear Bypass Lopper
- Type: Heavy
- Length: 32 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 2 inches
- Warranty: lifetime
- Type of Pruning: Fruit Trees, Thick Vegetables, Small Tree Branches
The Fiskars PowerGear Bypass Lopper is made with patented technology that allows you to leverage three times more power on every cut than competitors.
This means you can cut through thick branches easier than traditional loppers and pruners.
This lopper comes with ergonomic handles, a corrosion-resistant and non-stick blade that reduces friction and makes cutting easier.
Also, this is made with reinforced fiberglass composite material that allows for a lighter handle that reduces wrist strain, while maintaining its strength and durability.
2. Tabor Tools GL18A Bypass Lopper
- Type: Lightweight
- Length: 20 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 1 inch
- Warranty: lifetime
- Type of Pruning: Small Branches, Twigs, Rose Bushes, Vegetables
The Tabor Tools GL18A Bypass Lopper is made with a hardened, precision-ground bypass blade that makes pruning easy.
If you are looking for a clean-cut that preserve the health of medium size jobs then look no further.
Also, it is made with a comfort grip and is only 20 inches long making it the perfect lopper for gardeners of all strengths.
Best of all is that these loppers feature an uncomplicated storage option that allows you to store them almost anywhere on your property.
#3. Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Lopper
- Type: Heavy
- Length: 30 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 2 inches
- Warranty: lifetime
- Type of Pruning: Small Fruit Trees, Fruit Bushes, Rose Bushes, Small Flowering Trees
The Tabor GG12A is considered the King of Loppers! It quickly and efficiently cuts through dry and hardy wood. It was specifically made with professional application, but is the perfect lopper for all gardeners!
This lopper is made with a sharp hardened carbon steel blade that will not dull and will last forever! If you are an elder gardener this is perfect for you!
Not only this, but it comes with 22-inch handles and with a comfortable handle making it incredibly easy to use for the type of heavy-duty pruning you will be using it for.
And best of all is that it comes with a free book of pruning tips and tricks!
- Related: How to Prune Roses Effectively
- Related: How to Prune Figs Effectively
#4. MLTools Easy Cut Bypass Lopper
- Type: Extendable
- Length: 39.5 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 1.75 inches
- Warranty: lifetime
- Type of Pruning: Vegetable, Herbs, Small Flowering Trees
The MLTools Easy Cut Bypass Blade comes with a high carbon blade that has unbeatable ratcheting mechanisms.
What separates this lopper from its competitors is that it can extend up to 39 and 1/2 inches making it perfect for those far to reach branches.
Not only this, but it is made with lightweight handles with non-slip technology.
This is the perfect lopper for anyone looking for a reasonably-priced pruning tool.
#5. Spear & Jackson Anvil Loppers
- Type: Extendable
- Length: 31 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 2 inches
- Warranty: 10 year
- Type of Pruning: Vegetable, Herbs, Small Flowering Trees
The Spear & Jackson Lopper comes with a carbon steel blade that never dulls and ratchet action that allows for easier cutting in fewer steps.
With this lopper, you can get a product that has been produced by a company that has been making gardening tools for over 100 years!
Not only this, but this pair of loppers come with a coated blade for rust resistance and a locking latch for safe storage.
Like its competitors, it also comes with non-slip, lightweight handles for easy use.
#6. Corona Compound Anvil Loppers
- Type: Heavy
- Length: 32 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 1.5 inches
- Warranty: 10 year
- Type of Pruning: Vegetable, Herbs, Small Flowering Trees
Corona Compound Anvil Loppers is made with non-stick, high-carbon steel that stands up to daily wear and tear and cut through almost anything.
If you are looking for a professional-grade of loppers then look no further.
This pair of loppers extends to 31 inches, has handles made of fiberglass and has a 4 bar compound linkage that triples the output power.
Best of all is that is comes with a replacement blade and anvil!
#7. Gartol Garden Bypass Loppers
- Type: Lightweight
- Length: 26 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 1.5 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
- Type of Pruning: Vegetable, Herbs, Bushes, Hedges
The Gartol Bypass Loppers are a great choice for gardeners who want to prune their bushes, hedges, and small flowering branches with precision.
This pair of loppers have a blade made with high carbon steel that will not bend, break, or warp.
In addition, it comes with shock-absorbing bumpers that will allow you to will work longer and stronger without fatigue.
And best of all is that it comes with 24-hour customer service that can help with any questions and provide a money-back guarantee.
#8. Fiskars Bypass Lopper
- Type: Lightweight
- Length: 28 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 1.5 inches
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Type of Pruning: Vegetable, Herbs, Bushes, Hedges
The Fiskars Bypass Lopper is ideal for cutting green, living growth like tree branches.
It has a fully hardened, precision-ground blade that stays sharp through heavy use. Also, it has a non-stick, rust-resistant coating that allows the blade to glide through sap and debris.
Best of all these pair of loppers was created to help you get tough, awkward angles that other loppers just can’t manage to reach or cut.
#9. Gnome Garden Power Bypass Loppers
- Type: Lightweight
- Length: 25 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 1 inch
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Type of Pruning: Vegetable, Herbs, Flowers, Bushes
The Gnome Garden Bypass Loppers have a blade made of premium-grade steel that makes trimming branches easy. Also, this lopper’s blade is curved to help prevent slippage when pruning branches.
What you’ll love about this lopper though are all the benefits it comes with at a reasonable price.
Expect longer durability of the lopper’s blade than competitors due to it being treated by heat
And it is gear driven to help increase the amount of power you have with the least amount of resistance.
#10. Tabor Tools GB19A Anvil Lopper
- Type: Lightweight
- Length: 19 inches
- Cutting Capacity: 1.5 inches
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Type of Pruning: Vegetable, Herbs, Flowers, Bushes
Tabor Tools makes unbelievable gardening products and their lopper should be one of their products you have.
The Tabor Tools GB19A Anvil Lopper is made with a hardened carbon steel blade that will stay sharp and is great for heavy-use.
What makes this product stand apart is the technology Tabor Tools makes loppers with.
The anvil blade, the 19 inches of length, and the lightweight, strong aluminum handles make this an easy lopper to used for all gardeners.
8 Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What are Loppers Used for?
Loppers are most commonly used for pruning and trimming trees, bushes, and plants.
Gardeners use loppers instead of pruning shears for larger branches and thicker diameters.
Loppers are extremely lightweight and are created in a way to use minimal power making it perfect for reaching branches and plants that are tall or far away from reach.
There is not a universal type of loppers that should be used. Instead, use lightweight loppers for smaller diameters and plants closer to you, heavy-duty loppers for thick branches and plants, and extendable loppers for branches out of reach.
#2. How do I use Loppers?
- First, open your loppers all the way and place the blades on the branch as far into the blades as possible.
- Next, squeeze the handles together. Move the blades through the branch. Once you feel increased handle tension, stop squeezing.
- Then, open the handles slowly until you hear a clicking sound. Stop opening the blades.
- Finally, squeeze the handles again.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary to cut/prune completely.
#3. How do I Maintain Loppers?
If you want to increase the longevity of your loppers then you should perform the following routine maintenance techniques:
- Always wipe your blades with alcohol or peroxide after each use. This will reduce the spread of disease and potential rust.
- Always store them in an area that is protected from water, weather, and dampness. This will decrease the likelihood of rust.
- Provide lube to your loppers if they become hard to move or begin to stick
- Use your loppers the right way. Don’t cut extra large branches and use according to the instructions provided.
- Sharpen your loppers on an annual basis to increase the longevity of your blade.
#4. How do I Store Loppers?
In order to increase the durability and longevity of your loppers you should store them as follows:
- After each use, properly clean, dry them, and then store them indoors
- Keep them indoors and away from rain, dampness, and sun during the offseason and when not in use
- If possible store in a dry bag or container to help minimize exposure to air or water.
#5. What are the different types of Loppers?
3 Types of Loppers
A) Bypass Loppers
Bypass pruning shears are the most popular type.
It is also the type of loppers I recommend.
I recommend this type because it is easiest to use for ALL gardeners, is easy to find replacement parts, and is most reasonably priced.
The Bypass have a cut that is clean from two curved blades that move past each other like scissors. One blade is sharp and one is dull.
Bypass are perfect for tight areas, live spaces, and gardeners who do not have a strong wrist.
2) Anvil Pruning Shears
Anvil are another great option for most gardeners around the world.
The anvil have one straight blade that cuts as it closes onto a flat edge, giving it a similar motion like a knife on a chopping board.
Anvil typically are bulkier but have much more power. This is perfect for dead branches, larger branches, and someone who has a strong wrist.
C) Ratchet Loppers
Ratchet is the third type of pruning shears but is also the least popular.
As you squeeze the ratchet pruning shear, the shears latch so you can release and squeeze again performing the cuts in easy steps, rather than one motion.
This type of pruning shear is good with someone who has little wrist strength or thick, live stems that need to be cut.
#6. What Should I Consider When Buying Garden Loppers?
1. Pruning Blade
The most important feature you should consider when purchasing pruning loppers is the blade itself.
High-Quality blades require less sharpening and have less of a chance to damage or kill live plants.
The best should be made of high-quality steel. This can be hardened steel, titanium, or carbon steel.
Also, these blades typically are non-stick to resist sap and sticking material.
And the best pruning shears should allow you to adjust the tightness of the blades.
2. Ergonomic Design
I have run into very few novices or expert gardeners who spend only a few minutes pruning their plants.
Because of this, the best ones are made with an ergonomic design.
Ergonomic design reduces wrist strain, requires less pressure to work, and is easier to use.
When purchasing a pair of ergonomically designed ones pay close attention to the handles and your grip, the opening width of the handles, the strength required to close the blade, and the weight and size.
3. Availability of Parts
Higher-quality should come with replacement parts or provide you with a way to purchase additional parts.
Average to low-quality will not provide replacement parts. Because of this, it is easier and cheaper to purchase another pair of average or low-quality.
4. Size and Weight
If you plan on using one of the best loppers more than just a few free minutes then I recommend paying extra close attention to the following:
- The weight. While heavier ones have more power, most gardeners will find the weight too burdensome to use consistently.
- How they fit in your hands. No matter what I or anyone recommend, if you don’t like how they fit in your hands then don’t purchase them! You want to be comfortable!
5. Easy to Disassemble
If you want to purchase one of the best and want it to last a lifetime then you want to make sure it is easy to disassemble.
Easy to disassemble ones will allow you to quickly and easily clean your pruning shears.
Cleaning them will extend its life and will allow you to prevent to spread of disease to plants.
#7. What Lopper Brands Should I Buy?
The type of brand you buy is just as important as the lopper itself.
When buying a pair of loppers make sure it is a recognizable brand, such as Fiskars, Corona, or Tabor Tools. These brands are reputable, have been in business for years, and specialize in pruning tools.
Not only this, but the best brand of loppers back their product with warranties. While you most likely won’t need it, a lifetime warranty is a great way to know that you will have a quality product that will last forever.
#8. How do you Safely Use Loppers
Over the years it has been well documented the amount of accidents that have occurred from using loppers.
Always point your loppers downwards when you are not using them.
Also, never try to use loppers to cut things you shouldn’t, such as wiring, fencing, extra thick branches, etc.
It is also a good idea to use a pair of heavy-duty gloves to help prevent blisters and other potential hand and finger injuries.
And finally, you may want to buy a case covering for your loppers when they are not in use or when you are climbing and moving with your loppers.
Conclusion
By now you should have a great idea of what to look for in the best loppers, what the best loppers are for your needs, and how to properly care and maintain them.
As a reminder, you will want to purchase loppers that:
- Have high-quality steel or titanium blades
- Are ergonomically designed to increase the amount of time without fatigue and to prevent injury
- Is easy to disassemble and comes with replacement parts
You will also want to make sure that your loppers are:
- powerful and high-quality steel for fruit plants
- powerful and ergonomically designed for time-intensive vegetable plants
- are lightweight and have sharp blades for herb plants
- are lightweight, easy to use, and ergonomically designed for flowers.
And finally you will want to make sure:
- You clean your them regularly
- You sharpen them every other year
- And remove dirt from the handhelds regularly
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