Loppers

Some have telescopic handles which can be extended to a length of two metres, in order to increase leverage and to reach high branches on a tree.

Some of the newer lopper designs have a gear or compound lever system which increases the force applied to the blades, or a ratchet drive.

Anvil loppers have the disadvantage of tending to crush rather than cut, sometimes leaving an untidy wound, more vulnerable to infection.

Very hard or resilient branches can sometimes deflect a bypass lopper so that material either binds between the blades or even levers them apart, which can be dangerous both to the tool and the operator.

Anvil loppers usually have a screw for adjusting or detaching the plate, so that it can be moved to compensate for wear or replaced entirely.