Loppers, or long-handled pruning shears, are used to prune woody plants. The handles can be 1 to 3 feet long, and the cutting blades can be the anvil or shear type. This tool is meant to cut intermediate-sized branches up to 1 inch in diameter. The long handles increase the cutting strength of the tool through leverage and extend the reach of the operator. If you buy loppers, get a pair with rubber shock absorbers (just below the blade), which make extensive pruning less tiring.
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For which pruning job would I use a lopper?
Last Updated: May 15, 2008
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