Loppers are like big pruning shears with long handles. I use them to cut thick branches that my regular pruners can’t handle. They have two main parts, the cutting head and the long handles. The cutting head has sharp blades that do the actual cutting, while the handles give me the leverage I need to slice through tough wood.
Key Takeaways
- Loppers are large pruning tools with long handles for cutting thick branches
- Main types include bypass, anvil, compound action, and ratchet loppers
- Important factors when choosing loppers: cutting capacity, handle length, weight, and materials
- Common uses: pruning trees/shrubs, removing dead wood, shaping bushes, clearing overgrowth
- Proper technique involves angled cuts, supporting branches, and cleaning blades between uses
Types of Loppers
In my garden shed, I have a few different types of loppers.
- Bypass loppers – These are my go-to for most jobs. They work like scissors, with one blade passing by the other for a clean cut.
- Anvil loppers – I use these for dead wood. They have one blade that cuts against a flat surface, kind of like a knife on a cutting board.
- Compound action loppers – These are my heavy-duty helpers. They have extra pivots and levers that give me more cutting power.
- Ratchet loppers – When I’m dealing with really tough branches, these are my secret weapon. They let me cut in stages, ratcheting down with each squeeze.
Choosing the Right Loppers
When I was picking out my loppers, I considered a few things.
- Cutting capacity – How thick of a branch can they handle?
- Handle length – Longer handles give more reach and leverage, but they’re heavier.
- Weight – I wanted something I could use comfortably for a while.
- Materials – I choose aluminum handles for a good balance of strength and weight.
I also made sure to get loppers with comfortable grips. Trust me, your hands will thank you after a long day of pruning.
Using Loppers
Loppers are my go-to for several garden tasks.
- Pruning trees and shrubs – I use them to remove branches up to 2 inches thick.
- Cutting out dead or diseased wood – This helps keep my plants healthy.
- Shaping bushes and hedges – For when I need to make bigger cuts than hand pruners allow.
- Clearing overgrown areas – They’re great for reclaiming space from unruly plants.
When I’m using my loppers, I always make sure to.
- Cut at a slight angle just above a bud or branch junction
- Support the branch with my free hand to prevent tearing
- Clean the blades between cuts, especially if I’m dealing with diseased plants