The Best Ratchet Lopper

A ratchet lopper is a manual gardening tool that is used for snipping twigs and branches. The long handles provide good leverage with minimal exertion to cut through tough wood, while the ratchet mechanism enables you to apply less force with each turn. Typically, it’s best to use ratchet loppers on wood that has a diameter of at least one inch. For smaller pieces of wood, you can use one-handed pruners.

When it comes to blades, there are two main kinds of loppers. A bypass lopper has a single-edged blade that cuts the wood as you close the lopper. An anvil lopper has blades that slide to the center of the wood. These are less accurate but can help you exert a higher amount of force. They are perfect for thicker pieces of wood.

Whenever possible, trim branches during the winter months, as this is one of the best times for this task. Ensure that the bevel of the blade faces away from the trunk of the tree. The wood is thicker at the base and will push your blade away from the trunk, which will actually make it easier to chop the wood. If you face the bevel of the blade towards the trunk, the blade might actually bend as it gets pushed back on itself.

When cutting, attempt to make as clean a cut as possible. An unclean or jagged cut takes longer to heal and can result in infections for the tree, and slow the rate of regrowth. The area on the branch that is closest to the tree trunk is called the collar. It is designed to protect the tree from infection. Do not cut the branch at the collar as that may harm the tree. Instead, cut the branch away from the collar.

• When you’re searching for the right ratchet lopper for you, be sure to pay attention to the diameter of the wood you need to cut most often. This will impact the kind of ratchet lopper you need. If you’re frequently cutting wood that is upwards of two inches, you will need a stronger lopper than if you mostly cut branches that are about one inch in diameter. Review the cutting capacity or cutting power of the ratchet lopper before buying. The numbers will be the diameter of the branch it is best suited for cutting.
• The construction of the blades is an important feature to pay attention to. You don’t want to get a ratchet lopper where the blades bend easily or aren’t sharp enough for the task at hand. Aim for hardened carbon steel or aluminum blades that stay sharp after heavy use. You can find ratchet loppers with blades that have a non-stick coating that helps to reduce friction while cutting.
• Next to the blade, the handles are one of the most important features to focus on. Not only do the handles need to provide superior control, but they also have to provide comfort for your hands. Ergonomic handles ensure that they are easy to grip for long periods of time, without adding a strain on your hands. Having a rubberized end on the handles adds to the comfort and grip. You’ll also want to look at the length of the handles to make sure they provide the height you need to snip tall branches.
• Be sure to check the weight of the ratchet lopper so that you don’t buy one that is too heavy for you to carefully maneuver. If the lopper weighs too much, you won’t be able to safely use it for long periods of time.