Buying a Pair of Loppers

When it comes to cutting thick branches, pruning shears and hedge clippers just aren’t up to the task. That’s when a good pair of Loppers is essential. Loppers are essentially pruners with longer handles, allowing you to cut through branches up to two inches thick or more. They’re designed to make clean cuts and to be easier to use than hand pruners.

The best pair of loppers will have ergonomic, comfortable grips. These will help reduce slippage and arm fatigue. The handles should also be sturdy enough to withstand repeated, forceful cuts. Some loppers have built-in shock absorbers that will cushion the blow of each cut, making them less likely to cause injury to your wrists and arms.

You can find a wide range of sizes available for loppers, ranging from 24 to 32 inches long. The longer loppers provide more reach, and some offer enhanced power with a compound lever design that multiplies your leverage. However, a pair of loppers with telescoping handles can be easily reduced to a more manageable length for working at waist height or below.

Some loppers have blades that are coated for better rust resistance, but these should not be removed or used on live wood. The coating should not cover the blade’s edge, and it’s important to regularly sharpen your loppers to prevent damage to the cutting mechanism. If your loppers are not properly maintained, they will quickly become dull and difficult to use, and they may even start to break.

There are also a number of different styles of loppers available, including bypass and anvil loppers. Bypass loppers have a rotating blade that slices through the stem of the branch to be removed, while anvil loppers have a stationary base (anvil) with a groove in which a movable blade presses against the anvil to make a cut. Anvil loppers are great for trimming dry, brittle branches and dead stems but aren’t ideal for cutting soft green growth.

Whether you choose anvil or bypass loppers, it’s important to make sure your loppers are sharp. A sharp blade is more effective at cutting through tough material and is safer to use than a dull one. You can sharpen your loppers at home using a metal file, and some loppers come with a handy tool to help you do this.

In addition to sharpening, you should also regularly clean your loppers and keep them in good working condition. This includes wiping down the blades to remove sap residue, cleaning and lubricating the cutting mechanism, and checking that the handles are secure. Proper storage is also important for extending the lifespan of your loppers. You should store them in a cool, dry place that’s safe from rain and other moisture.

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