OT: Which Loping Shears to Buy

[drivadesl]

I've got a light duty pair of LS that I got at home cheapo. They are OK at best, and I'm thinking I'd like to upgrade to something a little heavier duty. Not sure which is best, you've got the type that uses an anvil, where one blade pushes down on the anvil to cut, and the type that cut like scissors, both blades cutting. Some rotate around a single pin, and others have a force mulitplying mechanism to increase cutting power. Not sure how the latter would hold up. Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions on ones they've used, or can school me on what works best. I'd like to spend less than $75 if thats realistic. Thanks.

 

[Scooby074]

My lopers are Snap Cuts . Ive been really happy. They will cut a pretty big branch. The snap cuts have metal handles which are good. I like the gear head vs. the bypass

I also have a set of bypass Corona's. There alright, but not as good as the Snap Cuts.

These have the same head as mine, but have wooden handles, my exact models are no longer made. Snap-Cut Professional Lopping Shears

http://www.gilmour.com/Pruning-Tools/Loppers/Gear-Driven-Loppers/Maximum.aspx

 

[Bird]

If you go to the thread Does anyone use a machete to clear walking trails?, you'll find it also includes a good bit of discussion about lopping shears. I think jinman was first to mention Fiskars as being very good. I've only got some cheapies myself, but I recently looked at some of the Fiskars at Home Depot, a little more expensive, but well within your stated budget and they looked good to me. I think the force multiplying mechanism will hold up just fine, although I've not owned any myself.

 

[ToadHill]

As a retired arborist I can vouch for Fiskars, I used them for years and found nothing better.

My second choice are Carona.

 

[Oldtrout]

Fiskers,we use them and abuse them in our landscaping business,haven't found anything better,except fot the bush saw or power saw.

 

[studor]

Have a loook at this site. I have the mammoth loppers listed and the big "professional"bypass loppers -- both work great and I have had them for quite a while. My wife uses a set of ratcheting fiskars -- I personally don't like them compared to the big leverage of long handles -- JMHO

Lee Valley Tools - Item Search

 

[Bird]

Let's see if I can post a link that will take you directly to pictures of their loppers.

Lee Valley loppers

 

[Scooby074]

Hmm, bird your link didnt work either. Maybe ill have more luck Professional Bypass Loppers - Lee Valley Tools

 

[studor]

Strange -- all three of the links work for me? -- something not working?
regards

 

[Bird]

Strange? Yep, I reckon so. The original link took me to the company website, but then I had to use the search function there for "loppers" to see what they had. So I posted a link that works for me to all their loppers, and of course, you can see the two mentioned in the original post, in addition to some others. Now the last link posted takes me directly to the one style. So, yes, all 3 links work for me.