Quick answer
Choose a bypass lopper for clean cuts on live green wood up to 1.26 inches. Choose an anvil lopper with ratcheting action for dead or thick branches up to 1.77 inches, especially when you need extra leverage.
Cutting action and branch condition
Bypass loppers work like scissors: two curved blades slide past each other for a clean slice. This preserves the cambium layer, helping green wood heal faster. Anvil loppers use a single blade that presses against a flat anvil, crushing the branch slightly. That crushing action works well on dead wood but can damage live tissue.
Reach and leverage
Longer handles give you more leverage but add weight. The 28" Bypass Lopper has a steel handle for durability, while the 37" Ratcheting Anvil Lopper uses an aluminum handle to keep weight down. The ratcheting mechanism multiplies force, letting you cut thicker branches with less effort.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Bypass for live green wood: The 28" Bypass Lopper makes clean cuts that heal quickly. Best for pruning fruit trees, roses, and other live shrubs. Choose bypass if you mostly prune living plants and want minimal damage.
- Anvil for dead or tough wood: The 37" Ratcheting Anvil Lopper crushes dead branches cleanly. The ratchet mechanism lets you cut thicker wood (up to 1.77 inches) with less force. Choose anvil if you often remove dead limbs or need extra cutting power.
- Handle material and length: Steel (bypass) is heavier but very durable. Aluminum (anvil) is lighter, reducing arm fatigue during extended use. Longer handles give more leverage but can be unwieldy in tight spaces. Consider handle weight and length based on your reach and strength.
Product facts
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28" Bypass Lopper: Maximum cutting size of 1.26 inches with a steel handle and TRP Grip. Ideal for live branches up to about the thickness of a broom handle; the steel handle adds durability but makes the tool heavier.
28" Bypass Lopper
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37" Ratcheting Anvil Lopper w/ Telescoping Handles: Maximum cutting size of 1.77 inches with an aluminum handle and ratcheting action. Handles thicker dead or dry branches; the aluminum handle reduces fatigue, and the ratchet lets you cut in stages with less hand strength.
37" Ratcheting Anvil Lopper w/ Telescoping Handles
Which lopper fits your garden?
Best for
- Gardeners who prune live branches and want clean cuts that promote healing
- Users with smaller hands or less strength who need a ratcheting mechanism for thicker dead wood
Not for
- Heavy-duty clearing of large dead branches (consider a pruning saw or chainsaw)
- Precision cuts on very small twigs (use hand pruners instead)