With tons of loppers available on the market, finding the best tool for cutting thick stems in your yard can be challenging.
I’ve researched genuine customer reviews and gathered the best expert advice to create a comprehensive list of the best seven loppers on the market. Applying my insight, I’ve compiled the most significant details about each lopper, so you don’t need to do the gritty research.
Whether you’re looking for anvil loppers, a durable tool, or extendable handles, there should be something for every gardener on this list.
- Designed with arthritic wrists in mind
- Cuts up to two inches thick
- Non-stick coating on the blade
- Shock-absorbing bumpers
- Low-friction blade coating
- Full lifetime warranty
- Contoured handles with foam grips
- 1.5-inch diameter cutting capacity
- Withstands wear and tear
- Extendable handle from 27 to 40 inch
- Cut branches up to 2 inches thick
- Lock system for added safety
- Anti-blister duragrip rubber handles
- Non-stick finish on blades
- 3x more force than other loppers
- Labor-saving lever design
- Ergonomic handles for comfort
- Sharp SK-5 blade for effortless cutting
- 15-inch handle keeps you in control
- Lightweight at only 1.36 pounds
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
Product Reviews
Let’s find you a tool to chop away all unwanted branches in your yard. After researching dozens of products, hundreds of customer reviews, and expert advice, I’ve created a list of the seven best loppers available. The analysis considered each lopper’s blade style and material, cutting mechanism and diameter, and length, amongst other features.
Dive into this accessible guide and reviews to help you find the right lopper for your garden.
Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Lopper
Best Anvil Lopper
This anvil lopper by Tabor Tools is one of the most renowned on the market, with thousands of happy customers.
If you’re in the market for an anvil lopper, this one is capable of cutting thicker branches than bypass anvils. That’s right — this tool has a two-inch cutting diameter!
These loppers are fantastic for pruning green growth and dry growth, making them a versatile choice. They also have a compound action system with multiple pivoting points. This increases the cutting force behind the blades, making it very easy to use.
Another excellent feature is the 30-inch ergonomic handles. These comfortable grips make it easier to tackle thick branches and reduce fatigue during use.
And what about the steel? The blades are made from hardened carbon steel that’s designed to remain sharp even after vigorous use. It even has a non-stick coating to reduce gunk sticking to the blades!
Pros
- Designed with arthritic wrists in mind for comfort.
- Removes fresh and dry branches up to two inches thick.
- Rubberized handles for comfortable grip.
- Non-stick coating on the blade for smooth, effortless cutting.
- Compound action system increases the cutting force.
Cons
- Not the cheapest option.
- Must apply force for cutting anything thicker than 1.5 inches.
- Blades aren’t very durable; some customers report that they snapped.
Product Specs
Blade Style | Anvil |
Blade Material | Carbon steel |
Cutting Mechanism | Compound action |
Length | 30 inches |
Cutting Diameter | Up to 2 inches |
Our Ratings
Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper
Best Lightweight Lopper
Loppers can be quite heavy, often exceeding four pounds. If you want something a bit lighter, you may like the sound of this 2.9-pound option from Fiskars. The lightweight design makes it easy to use for a while before experiencing fatigue.
Besides that, these are very handy for live branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter. The steel blades are hard and precision-ground, making them sharp and durable.
Customers love the shock-absorbing bumpers, which are a unique and sought-after feature. This makes the cutting experience much smoother and prevents the jarring sensation you may experience with other loppers. Overall, this provides a comfortable experience when cutting branches all around your garden.
As for the blades, they are rust-resistant, so even if you leave them outside in the rain by accident, there shouldn’t be any damage. The low-friction coating also ensures smooth cutting through wood without the nasty build-up of gunk, such as sap.
Pros
- Shock-absorbing bumpers make smoother cuts.
- Low-friction blade coating for smooth cuts.
- Full lifetime warranty.
- Budget-friendly, costing less than the average lopper.
- Only weighs 2.9 pounds.
- Cuts branches up to 1.5 inches thick.
Cons
- Not made for heavy use.
- Cutting edge dulls quite quickly.
- Handles may not always stay locked into place.
Product Specs
Blade Style | Bypass |
Blade Material | Steel |
Cutting Mechanism | Manual |
Length | 28 inches |
Cutting Diameter | Up to 1.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Corona Compound Action Anvil Lopper
Best Durable Lopper
Your loppers are going to put up with a lot in the garden. They need to withstand repeated cutting of various branches, as well as all the gunk that may come from the foliage. That’s why you need something durable, such as the Corona loppers.
These lopper handles are made with durable fiberglass, which many experienced lopper users swear by. The blades are high-carbon steel with a PTFE non-stick coating, making the design both heavy-duty and very easy to use.
More good news: you can resharpen the blade! So if it dulls, that’s not the end of the lopper’s life.
The blade and anvil are also replaceable. So, if anything goes wrong, you can purchase replacement parts instead of a whole new product.
Keep in mind that this product is specifically for dead, dry wood. That said, it does an astounding job on these types of branches. The compound action lever and carbon blade work well together to make strong and forceful cuts where you need them most.
Pros
- Contoured handles with foam grips for comfort.
- 1.5-inch diameter cutting capacity.
- Made for daily use; withstands wear and tear.
- Blade and anvil can be replaced if necessary.
- Compound action lever for making powerful cuts.
- Coated non-stick blade is easy to clean.
Cons
- Not designed for live branches.
- Foam grips on handles may slide or rip.
Product Specs
Blade Style | Anvil |
Blade Material | High-carbon steel |
Cutting Mechanism | Compound action |
Length | 32 inches |
Cutting Diameter | Up to 1.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Thanos Extendable Anvil Loppers
Best Heavy-Duty Lopper
You can use these Thanos loppers for heavy-duty jobs thanks to their SK-5 steel blade construction. It’s coated with Japanese Teflon, making it hard, sharp, rust-resistant, and non-slick. So you’ll find this glides beautifully through wood, time and time again.
I appreciate the extendable handle, which goes from 27 to 40 inches long with six different sections for measurements in between. There is also a safety release lock button, making it an efficient design. The extendable handle allows you to work flexibly and get into hard-to-reach areas.
This blade is designed to cut through tree branches up to two inches thick, making it more heavy-duty than many competitors.
It’s not a super heavy lopper, either. Weighing less than 3.4 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver but still sturdy. The rod is aluminum alloy, which is rust-resistant and comfortable to hold. Customers also love that the anti-slip rubber coating on the handle is ergonomic and reduces vibration.
Pros
- This lopper has many versatile uses.
- Extendable handle from 27 to 40 inches long.
- Suitable for both living and dead branches up to two inches thick.
- Lock system for added safety.
- Sharp and durable SK-5 steel.
- Only weighs 3.31 pounds.
Cons
- The handles aren’t durable and may slip out of place.
- Requires some effort to cut thicker branches.
Product Specs
Blade Style | Anvil |
Blade Material | SK-5 steel |
Cutting Mechanism | Compound action |
Length | 27-40 inches |
Cutting Diameter | Up to 2 inches |
Our Ratings
SteelHead Gear Bypass Lopper
Best Extendable Lopper
For many people, extendable handles are essential because they offer added flexibility. You can use these SteelHead loppers in hard-to-reach places to clean up and prune every inch of your garden. These loppers are easily extendable from 27 to 40 inches for generous versatility!
The design also allows you to cut back stubborn and thick shrubs and trees due to the compound-ratcheting-gear jaw. This combines three cutting mechanisms to create triple the force of some other loppers. This feature allows you to do more while experiencing less fatigue.
Despite the long handles and the somewhat heavy weight (4.03 pounds), these are comfortable to use. The ergonomic handles are easy to hold. They have a non-slip handle, which allows you to grip it well, no matter what size your hands are.
In terms of cutting, the capacity of these loppers is 1.75 inches, which is good for stubborn and thick branches. The lower jaw also grips hard, which prevents the branch from moving around while you’re cutting it, which is a handy feature to have.
Pros
- Japanese SK-5 steel for durability and hardness.
- Anti-Blister DURAGRIP rubber grips on handles.
- Non-stick finish on blades for preventing build-up.
- 3x more force than other loppers.
- Best for dry and dead branches.
- Lifetime Protection warranty.
Cons
- 4.03 pounds is a bit heavy for some people.
- Customers reported they don’t ratchet as expected.
Product Specs
Blade Style | Bypass |
Blade Material | High carbon steel |
Cutting Mechanism | Compound-ratcheting-gear |
Length | 27-40 inches |
Cutting Diameter | Up to 1.75 inches |
Our Ratings
Gonicc Professional Anvil Lopper
Best Ergonomic Lopper
If you’re looking for something comfortable and easy to use for long periods of time, consider these Gonicc loppers.
These loppers have ergonomically rubber handles with soft grips, which will allow you to comfortably hold and maneuver the loppers around your yard.
The loppers are also more lightweight than a few other options at 3.7 pounds. Despite the lighter weight, it’s still very sturdy. The handle is also rust-resistant, which is more durable and opens up your storage options.
This anvil lopper works on fruit trees, landscaping, potted plants, and many more areas. So, if you have a variety of foliage in your yard, these loppers may be just right. Moreover, the extra leverage system can increase the blade force and save effort.
These loppers are also heavy-duty, with the ability to cut branches up to two inches in diameter. The sharp, durable SK-5 blade allows you to cut through these thick branches effortlessly.
Pros
- Labor-saving lever design.
- Ergonomic handles for comfort.
- Durable multipurpose tool.
- Sharp SK-5 blade for effortless cutting.
- Two-inch cutting diameter.
Cons
- Higher price point for some customers.
- Requires effort for thicker branches.
- Plastic blade cover isn’t the most durable.
Product Specs
Blade Style | Anvil |
Blade Material | SK-5 steel |
Cutting Mechanism | Compound action system |
Length | 23 inches |
Cutting Diameter | Up to 2 inches |
Our Ratings
WilFiks 15-Inch Mini Bypass Lopper
Best Budget Lopper
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a good pair of loppers. The WilFiks bypass loppers are more affordable than the average pair of loppers, yet they have hundreds of happy customers.
They’re made with a sharp, forged carbon steel blade. This allows even and smooth cuts up to one inch in diameter.
Another awesome feature is that this is one of the lightest pairs of loppers on the market. They only weigh 1.36 pounds, so they’re easy to maneuver and use, especially for long periods. Despite the light weight, you can trust that the loppers are made from durable materials.
The handles also feature shock-absorbing bumpers to ensure a smooth cutting experience. Combine that with the gripped handles, the entire pair of loppers is comfortable and easy to use. The secure grips have a non-slip grip, so you can use them all day, rain or shine.
Pros
- Budget-friendly at a fair price point.
- Carbon steel blade.
- Very lightweight at only 1.36 pounds.
- Ergonomic non-slip handle.
- Suitable for branches, flowers, trees, and more.
- Fifteen-inch handle keeps you in control.
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty work.
- Limited cutting force.
- Shorter handle; not best for hard-to-reach places.
Product Specs
Blade Style | Bypass |
Blade Material | Carbon steel |
Cutting Mechanism | Manual |
Length | 15 inches |
Cutting Diameter | One inch |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Blade Style | Blade Material | Cutting Mechanism | Length | Cutting Diameter |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tabor Tools GG12A Anvil Lopper | Anvil Lopper | Anvil | Carbon steel | Compound action | 30″ | Up – 2″ |
Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper | Lightweight Lopper | Bypass | Steel | Manual | 28″ | Up – 1.5″ |
Corona Compound Action Anvil Lopper | Durable Lopper | Anvil | High-carbon steel | Compound action | 32″ | Up – 1.5″ |
Thanos Extendable Anvil Loppers | Heavy-Duty Lopper | Anvil | SK-5 steel | Compound action | 27-40″ | Up – 2″ |
SteelHead Gear Bypass Lopper | Extendable Lopper | Bypass | High carbon steel | Comlb-ratcheting-gear | 27-40″ | Up – 1.75″ |
Gonicc Anvil Lopper | Ergonomic Lopper | Anvil | SK-5 steel | Compound action system | 23″ | Up — 2″ |
WilFiks Bypass Lopper | Budget Lopper | Bypass | Carbon steel | Manual | 15″ | Up — 1″ |
Things to Consider
When selecting a lopper, it is important to know what features to consider in order to find the right one for your needs.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Loppers
Here are some handy tips for using your loppers safely and keeping them in good shape:
- Note cutting diameter: Don’t exceed the recommended diameter. If your loppers are made for cutting branches up to 1.5 inches thick, don’t cut two-inch branches.
- Position the branch: Situate the branch deep into the blade before cutting. This will make an effective cut and reduce fatigue.
- Don’t over-extend handles: Extending the lopper handles is handy, but it can increase fatigue. Only extend the handles when necessary.
- No twisting: Don’t twist the loppers, as this will make an unclean cut.
- Choose the right tool: Don’t use loppers where you could use pruning shears. It may be tempting to always reach for one tool, but pruners often suffice. If you overuse the loppers, they’ll wear out more quickly.
- Sharpen the loppers: Keep your loppers sharp by sharpening them when you can and ensuring you don’t misuse them, which can dull them down quickly.
- Blade maintenance: Keep the blades clean and dry, especially before storing them. Check out the user manual for other specific advice from the manufacturer, such as oiling the loppers.