Loppers come in different sizes and designs and vary in levels of efficiency. No other gardening tool can take on the role of a lopper, so it’s important to have one handy so you can prune those taller and heftier branches.
If you’re looking to purchase the best loppers on the market, we’ve got you covered. We created a guide to help you pick among five of the best loppers available, with all the features you desire and more.
The Best Loppers on the Market
There are lots of things to consider when buying a pair of gardening loppers. Luckily for you, we’ve reviewed tons of loppers and made a short list of five of our favorites. These options are the absolute best based on functionality, durability, ergonomics, cost, and public reviews.
Here are our top recommendations:
1. Tabor Tools 19-Inch Anvil Loppers
Tabor Tools can always be relied on for effortless trimming and pruning. These 19-inch anvil loppers are great for cut-to-length work and are quite versatile in application. They’re made from hardened carbon steel and are ever-sharp, even after lots of use.
What we love about them is the low-friction, non-stick coating on the blades that makes them easy to use, as well as the comfortable, ergonomic handle that can be wielded even by elderly gardeners with arthritic wrists.
The aluminum handles are corrosion-resistant and sturdy, and the compound power technology of the blades optimizes the cutting mechanism for use on the toughest branches.
Specifications
- Manufacturer – Tabor Tools
- Weight – 1.75 pounds
- Dimensions – 19 x 7 x 1 inches
Pros
- Sharp carbon steel blades
- Can chop through branches up to 1½ inches in diameter
- Comfortable, ergonomic design
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum handles
- Compound action technology optimizes power
Cons
- May be too short for some users
- Shorter length limits leverage
2. Tabor Tools 30-Inch Anvil Loppers
If you’re looking for a tool that has the advantage of both strength and reach, then the Tabor Tools 30-inch anvil loppers are perfect for you. They’re designed for professional use and leverage the power of hardened carbon steel and a rubberized grip.
This 30-inch model has all the length you need to reach the highest, toughest branches and cut through them with ease. The compound action system has multiple pivot points that play an essential role in increasing the force applied to your blades.
Imagine 3 times the original force applied with a firm grip on an ergonomic handle! This means it will take much less effort to cut through stubborn branches, leaving you with all the confidence and energy you need to take on any gardening activity.
Specifications
- Manufacturer – Tabor Tools
- Weight – 3.68 pounds
- Dimensions – 30.71 x 10.63 x 0.98 inches
Pros
- Can cut through branches up to 2 inches in diameter
- 30 inches long for extra reach and leverage
- Compound action system for 3 times the force
- Geometrically accurate anvil blade for clean cuts
- Superior performance
- An Amazon’s Choice product
Cons
- The handles may become uncomfortable after a while
- More length means heavier weight
3. Felco 24-Inch Straight Loppers
These straightforward, straight-edge loppers don’t come with any complex features, so what you see is what you get, and what you get is an exceptional look and feel! They’re made by the renowned Swiss brand of Felco. Felco uses a spare parts system, so users can swap out the blades for ones that best suit their needs.
The straight blades that come with these loppers are ever-sharp, and the handles give you 24 inches of cutting leverage made from firm aluminum-alloy with a nice rubber grip. You don’t have to be an expert to be able to handle this tool perfectly well, and you’ll never have to worry about finding the right tool for pruning again!
Specifications
- Manufacturer – Felco
- Weight – 1.6 pounds
- Dimensions – 13.78 x 5.91 x 1.98 inches
Pros
- Adjustable blades and parts
- High-performance Swiss product
- 24 inches of reach
- Extremely sharp, straight-edge blades
- Lightweight for their size
- An Amazon’s Choice product
Cons
- Aluminum may not be as strong as steel
- Most expensive loppers on the list
4. Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Anvil Loppers
We certainly can’t have a list of the absolute best loppers without taking the time to mention the Razorsharp Anvil Loppers by Spear & Jackson. Their ratchet action system allows for stronger cuts and is perfect for cutting through the thick, tougher branches that may be problematic for regular loppers.
The upper blade is made of Sk5 carbon steel for long-lasting sharpness, and the PTFE coating ensures protection from corrosion. The telescopic aluminum handles are sturdy and allow you to extend the length from approximately 15 to 30 inches.
What else could you possibly want in garden loppers?
Specifications
- Manufacturer – Spear & Jackson
- Weight – 4.17 pounds
- Dimensions – 27.97 x 9.46 x 1.26 inches
Pros
- Made of hard carbon steel
- Lasting sharpness
- Rust-resistance coating
- Highly efficient for cutting thicker branches
- Extendable telescopic handles
- An Amazon’s Choice product
Cons
- Heaviest loppers on the list
- Ratcheting mechanism may take time to get used to
5. Felco 24-Inch Curved Aluminum Loppers
At a length of 24 inches, these relatively lightweight aluminum loppers by Felco stand out as one of the best buys on the market. Like the straight-edge model, these curved-blade loppers have replaceable parts, so rather than having to buy an entirely new pair, you can just swap out the single malfunctioning part.
The blades are made from hardened steel of the highest quality, and the handles are made of lightweight, shock-absorbing aluminum. They have a non-slip coating as well, so you don’t have to worry about losing your grip.
It doesn’t matter if you’re new at gardening or an expert, this tool is extremely easy to use. Its design is quite simple too, so you won’t have to deal with any unnecessary complexities. It just gets the job done.
Specifications
- Manufacturer – Felco
- Weight – 1.76 pounds
- Dimensions – 23.62 x 7.87 x 1.57 inches
Pros
- All parts are replaceable
- High-performance Swiss product
- Very sharp, hardened steel blades
- Ergonomic, shock-absorbing handles
- Lightweight for its size
- 24 inches of reach
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Aluminum may not be as strong as steel
Buyer’s Guide for Loppers
There are so many gardening tools with unique features and applications. Loppers are one of those indispensable tools that you simply cannot work without – that is, if you’re looking for absolute perfection. If you aren’t familiar with loppers, then an introduction is in order.
What are Loppers?
Loppers vaguely resemble large scissors and are gardening tools that are used for pruning taller twigs and branches. They’re similar to shears, but they differ with their much longer handles and shorter blades.
Loppers are typically operated with both hands at the same time, and their handles vary in length, but they’re usually between 12 and 35 inches to provide leverage and balance. Some loppers also have special features like telescopic handles that you can extend to give you that added advantage, and then reduce the length for easy storage.
Types of Loppers
There are two types of loppers, and the type you purchase should largely depend on the kind of wood you’ll be cutting: either dead wood or live wood.
Bypass Loppers
These loppers have blades that are specially designed for cutting and pruning living plants. You might be able to get away with using a bypass lopper on dead wood, but you’ll risk chipping or denting your blade in the process. Bypass loppers, however, remain more flexible in usage than the other type of lopper.
Anvil Loppers
Anvil loppers often make rough cuts, which is why they’re more suited to the cutting of dead, dry wood. Their cuts have a sort of crushing action and would likely cause damage to a living plant.
Choosing the Right Loppers
Whether you’re new to gardening or a long-time enthusiast, it’s normal to get overwhelmed when trying to find a new tool or replace an old one. The following is a quick breakdown of a few features you should consider before making a purchase.
Lopper Blades
The blades’ material is one of the most essential aspects to look at before choosing loppers. Every material has its own pros and cons.
Stainless steel – Softer than some of its counterparts, stainless steel may become dull faster than other materials and may be more easily damaged, but they’re resistant to rusting due to their chromium oxide coating.
Hardened steel – This material Is also called high-carbon steel and is one of the strongest kinds of steel. It is heat-treated and can stay sharp for a very long period of time. However, it tends to rust easily and requires cleaning and maintenance to avoid corrosion.
Titanium – Titanium is not as heavy as steel, but is often just as strong. When strength is the priority, some may consider steel, but when weight is more important, titanium is the better choice.
Lopper Coating
After you’ve decided on what material works best for you, the coating is another aspect that should be considered, as it often determines durability. Let’s look at three different coatings for loppers.
Sap repellent coating – This type of coating ensures that the blades won’t be stained or jammed due to the debris and plant sap that may accumulate on them.
Titaniumcoating – This coating provides high-level resistance to corrosion. It also improves the strength of the blade and is resistant to staining. It’s usually the most recommended form of coating.
Anti-friction coating – This type of coating reduces friction on the blades, allowing them to pass over each other without resistance or jamming.
Lopper Handles
No matter what the blades are made out of, if the handle doesn’t give you a good grip and isn’t comfortable, then it’s a poor choice for you. Let’s take a look at some factors that make up a great lopper handle.
Grip – Grips often come in different shapes and sizes. The material is usually made of rubber or plastic with varied levels of thickness. The better grip is generally a matter of preference. What matters is that the handle is firm enough to give you a good grip, rather than sliding off when your palms get wet or sweaty. Secondly, it should be comfy enough to hold for long periods without fatigue.
Length –The obvious truth is that longer handles offer the best advantage for loppers, not just for an easier cut, but also for reaching branches that are higher up. Shorter handles are not as efficient, but are easier to store or pack while on the go. This is why telescopic handles were made – they give you the length advantage and can be shortened for storage.
Lopper Safety
This is the final, most important feature to consider. Some loppers come with safety features such as locking mechanisms for storage and handle bumpers to protect your hands when the blades lock. These features should always be kept in mind to help prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Loppers are an essential gardening tool to have, especially if your garden has taller and thicker bushes and trees that need pruning. With our top five picks and recommendations, you should now have everything you need to know in order to find the best loppers out there. Keep in mind the blades, coating, handles, and safety features, and good luck with your search!