[mrs bouquet]

What is the difference between bypass and anvil loppers.  I have just broken mine trying to cut a couple of inches branch.  Any advice on what to buy would be most helpful.    But remember I am old    they do not need a life-time guarantee.   Thanks,  Mrs Bouquet

[Growster...]

Anvil loppers are the ones where a blade comes down at right angles onto a steel pad, so you are in effect just cutting with one blade. By-pass cutters are two blades, like a pair of scissors.

Our loppers are the latter, and they are very efficient, but wouldn't be able to tackle a 2" branch, that needs a pruning saw, which is a one-handed tool, usually bowed, and with which you can fairly easily locate a place on the branch and give it a severe haircut in no time!

Most DIY places will stock them, and a quick check shows that an extending pair from B and Q costs less than £20.00.

[jezza]

hi try wolf they do bypass and anvil there's extendable handle models good site on the net is World of Wolf at sunshine garden centre  jezza

[Yorkie]

I agree that it's worth getting a pair with extendable handles - they need not be expensive, but it gives you that extra degree of height.

[Growster...]

I agree that it's worth getting a pair with extendable handles - they need not be expensive, but it gives you that extra degree of height.

Absolutely, Yorkie, and also a lot more leverage as well.

[hasbeans]

Anvil loppers are more suitable for chopping fallen branches.  Having only one blade means the cut isn't as clean and can damage the branch.  Waste of time in my view unless you want multiple pairs of loppers. 

Loppers aren't much use for larger branches, I used to break mine every couple of years until I was given a Silky saw for Christmas.  Vicious things but cut through larger branches in no time.  Probably not suitable if you are accident prone or don't have a generous friend/relative! 
 

[JayG]

Some tools are so good to use you almost wish you could find more jobs to do with them - these loppers are a bit pricey, but have a ratchet mechanism which makes light work of cutting through even quite thick branches (OK, sounds a bit like an ad but I have no connection with S&J other than living in the same city.  )

Spear & Jackson 18-30" Telescopic Ratchet Bypass Lopper

[Mr Dog]

I had a play with some Jardin de France ratchet loppers at a flower show and was quite impressed by them. However, at £125 decided they were a bit too pricey for me (even with a pair of secateurs thrown in).