Loppers: - some insights
Some might say that garden loppers are just long handled secateurs - but in reality they are different class of tool altogether.
They are indeed long handled and therefore provide extra leverage which when combined with larger blades allow the user to cut through thicker wood with less effort.
But many loppers also feature gearing which multiplies the effort to cutting ratio making them even more efficient and effective.
Some may feature telescopic handles, which when engineered correctly are a major boon, allowing both extension of reach and extra leverage from the longer handles. The drawback of telescopic handled loppers though is that in order to open the blades wide enough you have to open the handles to the full and the longer the handles the wider that distance is, which can be awkward, especially in tight locations.
N.B. beware of cheaper telescopic handled loppers as they will most likely use lower quality materials and perhaps not employ the optimum design which can mean that they cannot take the strain when fully extended and have been known to break more easily.
Bypass Blades: these are best for green wood as they slice through the wood and then cross over as per scissors.
Anvil Blades: this design features one cutting blade and an 'anvil' backstop blade. Here the cutting blade does not pass the opposite anvil but stops on top of it. This is a cleaner action as there can be no residue trapped in between the blades. This style of lopper is best for old and dry wood.
Care of Loppers: after use always wipe both blades with meths (or bleach) to kill any diseased residue that may be attached - this is vital to stop disease spreading throughout your garden. It is also good to finally wipe them over with a lightly oiled rag to keep the blades in tip-top condition.
Coated Blades: Some more expensive loppers may have 'non-stick' coated blades - these are good as they keep residue from blocking the cutting action - though it is still neccessary to wipe them with meths after use (and a little lubrication also never goes astray.
Pricing: you'll notice a significant difference between the cheapest and most expensive garden loppers - with the best tools being designed and manufactured in Europe. These 'old school' brands employ the highest quality materials combined with optimum design based on decades of experience. These tools also tend to be hand-made, drawing on the skills of generations of tool makers.
As with all things in life 'the pleasure of the quality lasts so much longer than the pain of purchase'.