Join me as I buy (with my own money) and test some of the most popular
Our Best Lopper Competitors
In this test, we have the Gruntek telescopic anvil
Watch The Video Review
Our Winner: Stanley FatMax
- Forged steel blade with titanium carbo-nitrade (TICN) coating provides strength and retains sharpness
- Oversized ergonomic control grip
- Sync drive technology creates More cutting force with reduced effort
- Shock absorbing bumpers
Coming out number one in our test was the Stanley FatMax
The FatMax
They use a geared cutting head, unlike the other two
The Test
So let’s get to cutting. Luckily I have a garden clearance job on at the moment, which has left me with plenty of prime candidate trees and bushes to test these
I start out here with quite a big cut, really pushing the

Now we come up against a big thick branch, which I don’t expect the
Time now for something a little more suited to

I go get there eventually by stopping the cut, opening the
Then we have another thick tree branch to again really put these

Our Runner Up: GRÜNTEK Telescopic Anvil Loppers
- SMART-CUT drive SYSTEM thanks to the lever ratio and the gear, the gardener achieves a multiple increase in the cutting performance and provides easy cutting of fresh and dry wood and branches
- SHARP upper blade made of high quality TOOLSTEEL, special anti-stick coating and PRECISION cut. The round aluminum lever arms with convenient 2-component ANTI-SLIDING handles and rounded corners minimize stress during extended use
The German Gruntek XT 940 telescopic
Again these are telescopic
Third Place: Spear & Jackson W213 Razorsharp Anvil Lopper
The spear and Jackson razor-sharp anvil
Unlike the FatMax
Loppers Buyers Guide
So what exactly should you be looking for when it comes to
The Cutting Blades
There are two different types of
On the other hand, anvil
Picking Blades
Most lopper blades are made from steel for the durability they provide. It’s also a lot easier to work with when sharpening the blade. The best-quality blades are typically made from hardened or carbon steel. This makes them last much longer than typical steel and are less likely to bend, scratch or generally become damaged with general use. These are the most common materials that blades are made from and anything less usually means that it won’t last a long time or might not offer a clean cut. It might also be harder to maintain and sharpening the blade could result in more damage than actually sharpening the blade.
It’s also important to look at the blade’s cutting mechanism itself. The closer the blades are when you close and open the
Cutting Mechanisms
There are three main types of
Geared
Ratcheting hoppers latch as you squeeze and release, meaning they cut in steps as opposed to one clean motion. This can be handy for thicker branches, but do remember that each looper is rated to cut only a certain diameter of the branch and it’s not recommended to go above it.
Lastly, compound action
Handle Styles
Loppers come in a range of different lengths. Choosing the right one should be based on your personal needs, but do keep in mind that it can also affect the leverage and weight. For instance, a shorter handle means less material and lighter weight. This means that you have a bit more control over the lopper itself, but it also means that there’s less power behind your cuts. This usually isn’t a problem unless you’re dealing with very thick branches.
On the other hand, a long handle means that you have a lot more leverage and can reach branches that are further away. They tend to be a little more difficult to work with because of the extra weight, but if you’re comfortable handling it, it can actually be a very good option.
Alternatively, there are
Grip Styles
loppers come with basic plastic or silicon grips, while others offer an ergonomic shape that is designed to fit your hand. Some also offer impact-dampening qualities to reduce the strain on your hands when you cut a branch. If possible, try out the lopper you plan to buy to see if the grip is comfortable enough for you.
Loppers also have bumpers close to the grip that prevents the two handles from colliding when you make a cut. This should be able to dampen any impact while also absorbing any shock that might put a strain on your arms.
Weight Considerations
It’s also very important to consider the weight of the lopper. We’ve alluded to this a few times in this article, but we’re going to dedicate an entire section to it.
For a lighter lopper, you’re typically going to get slightly worse build quality but it’s going to be easier to handle. You won’t strain your arms using it and they won’t feel uncomfortable after a while. These lightweight
For heavier
Maintenance and Support
Lastly, consider the maintenance options available and the support offered by the company itself. If the manufacturer is known for offering a warranty and excellent support, then it’s worth picking a product from that company just for the support alone. This is where buying from a well-known brand name can either backfire or be a fantastic option. It’s worth looking at the reviews of a product before purchasing it to see if the support is any good.
And you should also take a look at the replacement parts available, namely the blades. It’s completely possible to purchase a whetstone so you can sharpen the blades when needed and adjust the distance between them, but this can take a lot of work and some people would much prefer just replacing the blades. However, if you want to get a bit more use out of your
FAQ
Which lopper should I use?
It depends on what you’re using the lopper for. If you are pruning tree branches, then one with a sharp blade that offers clean cuts is preferred. In this case, look for a bypass lopper. If you’re only using a lopper to clean up deadwood and thick branches, use an anvil lopper for its cutting power.
How do I prune with loppers ?
There are a few tips to follow:
- Make sure the blades are sharp before use.
- Use bypass
loppers for a cleaner cut - Line up the blade with the cutting area and remember that the blades pass each other, meaning that the cutting area shifts a little
- Open the
loppers wide so you can get a deep cut instead of snipping at the branches - Use one fluid motion to make the cut so that it’s clean and promotes healthy growth
How do I hold loppers ?
Unless you’re cutting a branch far away, make sure your arms are at a comfortable handle and tightly grip each handle. If you extend your arms, you’ll get tired very easily. When using bypass
How do I maintain my loppers ?
Make sure they’re cleaned on a regular basis to remove any residue and dirt. Scrub them with a brush if there is dirt caked onto the blades. You can also sharpen the blades if they are getting dull by using a whetstone, but be careful not to shave off too much of the blade unless you have a mechanism to tighten the blades. After a gardening session, make sure you clean the blades.
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