How to Buy Loppers

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Some of the best pruning work can only be done with loppers. Take some time to choose the right loppers and you will have a trusty garden tool that will last you for years.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Decide where you need to use your loppers. You may need loppers with longer handles, bigger blades or a different configuration to help you with your garden project. If you aren't sure about what kind of loppers you will need, ask a garden center representative.

Step2

Find loppers made of sturdy materials. Most loppers are made of metal, which is much better than loppers with wooden handles. Loppers with plastic or metals that rust easily should be avoided.

Step3

Test prospective loppers before you commit to buying a pair. Some loppers can be too heavy for you to handle when holding them above your head to trim a bush. Test your strength by picking up the loppers and mimicking their use in the store. If you aren't able to use those loppers, find ones made of light aluminum.

Step4

Feel the handles of the loppers. Unless you're using gardening gloves, the handles of the loppers will rub directly on your skin. Choose loppers with rubber-coated handles or a crosshatch design to make sure you can hold onto them during long gardening jobs.

Step5

Test the sharpness of the loppers. Sharp loppers are key to good gardening. If you aren't able to test the loppers on a bush at the store, test them on a pencil or a piece of paper to get an idea of how sharp they are.

Tips & Warnings

Buy loppers in your size. While many loppers are one-size-fits-all, some are too large for those who are petite. You can tell the loppers are your size if you are able to open and close them without your arms going past your shoulders during the test. If you can't find loppers in your size, consider buying loppers with telescopic handles.
Think about purchasing loppers with ratcheting action for thicker roots and bushes. While it may cost more to buy them, it will save you stress on your joints because you won't be hacking away on one branch.
Don't buy loppers that can't be sharpened. Since it is so important to have sharp loppers, you will need to have them sharpened occasionally. If you can't find a pair of loppers that can be sharpened but need a pair immediately, purchase a cheap pair until you can find quality loppers.