The Tabor Tools GG12 Compound Anvil Lopper is the best anvil lopper based on the value you get from it.
As a gardener, there is one thing that you need to do from time to time to ensure the health of your plants and trees. And that activity is called pruning.
Trimming branches so that your plants and trees are free from disease, can grow more branches, flowers, and fruits, and can get the desired shape and beauty.
But cutting through the hard or dead wood of small branches can be a tiring job if you use a saw. The best tool that you can use for pruning such type of wood is an anvil lopper.
So let’s know more about this useful tool and how you can choose the best anvil lopper money can buy.
What is an anvil lopper?
When you want to prune branches that are about 1 to 2 inches thick then the best tool for the job is a lopper.
And there are two types of loppers you can get: bypass lopper and anvil lopper.
A bypass lopper has two blades where one blade bypasses the other one. This is similar to the blades of a scissor. The advantage of such a lopper is that you can make clean and precise cuts in the branches. So they are useful for pruning live stems and branches so you can make clean cuts that can heal faster without damaging the plants and trees.
An anvil lopper has two blades where one of the blades is an anvil and the other blade can hit it when closed. Such a lopper is useful for cutting hard or dead wood that would be difficult to cut with a bypass lopper. It’s not good for cutting live plants and branches because it crushes them and so you won’t get the cleanest cuts. This can tend to cause more damage to the plants and slow down the healing process.
Do you need an anvil lopper?
You need an anvil lopper if you end up cutting a lot of hard or dead wood from plants and branches. They will make your job a lot easier than using a pruner and you won’t get tired from all the cutting.
What are the different types of anvil loppers?
Anvil loppers come with a variety of cutting mechanisms that can make your cutting a lot easier.
Regular anvil lopper
A regular anvil lopper is the simplest type that has one cutting blade and the other is an anvil that the cutting blade falls on to. It is simple without many moving parts which make its use and maintenance simple.
Geared anvil lopper
The geared anvil lopper uses a gear mechanism that can make the pruning up to three times easier than a regular anvil lopper.
Compound action anvil lopper
These loppers make use of a compound action mechanism. This uses some moving parts to create a mechanical leverage that makes the cutting a lot easier.
Ratchet lopper
A ratchet lopper makes use of a ratcheting mechanism that is supposed to give five times more cutting power than a regular anvil lopper. With such a lopper, you stop applying cutting pressure once you feel resistance. Then open the lopper a little till you hear a click sound. Then you can squeeze the handles again and continue with the cut. Such as step by step cut allows the lopper to generate more cutting power.
How to choose an anvil lopper
There are a variety of anvil loppers that you can choose from but knowing some of their characteristics can help you make the best buying decision.
Length
You can get anvil loppers that range from 18 inches to 32 inches in length. There are some loppers that have telescopic handles so you can adjust the length as you need.
The longer the handles, the more leverage you can get while cutting hard branches. So you need to spend less effort while cutting them.
Long handles can also help to increase the reach so you don’t need to overextend yourself when cutting long branches.
However, the longer the anvil lopper, the more can the weight become. So make sure to check whether you’re comfortable with both the length and weight of the lopper before buying them.
Cutting diameter
You are choosing an anvil lopper because you want to prune branches. But if you’re going to be pruning branches less than 1 inch thick you’re better off with pruners because they are lighter and more suited for the job.
However, for any hard or dry wood between 1 to 2 inches thick you are better off with an anvil lopper. This thickness that the anvil lopper can cut is the cutting diameter.
So just take a calculated guess on the thickness of the branches you’ll be cutting and choose an anvil lopper that has the appropriate cutting diameter.
Blade quality
The blades of your anvil lopper will be taking the brunt of the cutting. So they need to be of good quality if you want them to cut well and last for a long time.
Most blades are made of high carbon steel which is durable and of high quality. You should also get anvil loppers with less-friction blades because they make the cutting easier and won’t allow resin and sawdust to stick easily to the blade.
Blades do tend to rust over time so try to choose an anvil lopper that has blades with an anti-rust coating on them.
Cutting mechanism
You can use a regular anvil lopper to do all the cutting and it works just fine.
However, if you want to ease your cutting a bit more then choose one that comes with an advanced cutting mechanism.
You can get anvil loppers that are regular, geared, compound action, and ratchet action.
A regular anvil lopper is just a standard one with two blades where one is the cutting blade and the other is the anvil.
A geared anvil lopper comes with a gear mechanism that increases the leverage and you’ll be able to get cutting power three times that of a regular anvil lopper.
The compound action anvil lopper will give you the same cutting power but it uses a compound mechanism that is a complex mechanical arrangement to give you more leverage.
Or you could choose a ratchet anvil lopper that uses a ratcheting mechanism to give you great leverage where the cutting power is five times that of a regular anvil lopper. With such a mechanism, you cut till you have to apply more pressure. Then release the lopper till you hear a click and continue with the cutting allowing a great deal of cutting power.
Handle
If you’re going to do a lot of cutting with anvil loppers the handles need to be comfortable.
Choose ones that come with a good ergonomic grip so your hands won’t get tired and they won’t slip out of them. Good quality handles will also prevent your hands from getting blisters.
If you need to reach for some tall branches then you can choose an anvil lopper with telescopic handles that can extend or retract as required.
Also, make sure the handles have a bumper stop between them because it will help lower the vibrations during the cuts. This will reduce the amount of fatigue you feel during cutting.
Weight
Cutting with a heavy tool for long periods of time is not a good experience. You’ll feel tired and pain in your wrists.
If you’re someone who can’t carry heavy objects for a long time then make sure to go for a lightweight anvil lopper.
Some of them come with aluminum or fiberglass handles that make them very lightweight.
Replacement parts
If you’re buying an expensive pair of anvil loppers you should ensure that you can get replacement parts with ease.
If you’re buying a budget version then you don’t need to worry as much because it’s cheaper to get a new one instead of searching for replacement parts.
Price
Like many things that you buy, the higher you can pay the better quality anvil lopper can you get.
I would recommend that you spend a few more bucks and get a high-quality one because it’s worth the price. It will last longer, give you good and comfortable cutting power and you won’t have to worry as much about maintenance.
Precautions when using an anvil lopper
There are some precautions you should take before, during, and after using an anvil lopper.
- Before using the lopper make sure the blades are clear of any rust, resin, and sawdust. You can use orange oil or vinegar and clean it with a cloth.
- It is important to be safe when using any kind of cutting tool and that holds for anvil loppers as well. Make sure to use eye protection and safety gloves while cutting.
- Anvil loppers will help you cut branches that are 1 to 2 inches thick. Don’t try to use them to cut branches thicker than 2 inches because you will damage the blades.
- When using the loppers, make sure to put the branch deep into the blades to get the best leverage possible. This also helps protect the blade from damage that is caused if you use the tip of the blade.
- If the blades of the lopper have become dull then you need to either sharpen them or get them replaced. Don’t try to cut with dull blades as it’s not good for your hands or for the lopper.
- After you’re done with the cutting, clean the blades to remove any resin or sawdust on it. Then apply some oil and store it in a safe place away from children.
How to use an anvil lopper
The anvil lopper is a simple cutting tool that is relatively easy to use once you get the hang of it.
- Make sure to place the blade on the exact spot of the wood that you want to cut.
- Don’t use the tip of the blades to cut the wood. Place the wood deep inside the jaws of the lopper before you start cutting. This will give you faster cuts with minimal effort while improving the life of the lopper.
- Once you’ve placed the blades and the branch in the right position, make the cut with a smooth closing of the blades.
Maintaining your anvil lopper
It’s quite simple to maintain your anvil lopper because the most important thing you need to take care of are the blades.
- Before using the lopper make sure that the blades are free from resin and sawdust. If you find some then you can clean it up with some orange oil or vinegar.
- If the blades have become dull, you need to sharpen them up with a file or get some professional help. You can even replace the blades if that is possible.
- After using the lopper, you have to clean any resin or sawdust collected on the blades. Then oil the blades before you store the lopper.
Reviews
- CHOPS THROUGH ⌀ 2” BRANCHES effortlessly. This 30” lopper will allow for fast removal of dry and woody growth and is the ideal tool for preparatory cuts and cut-to-length work. The lopper is designed and built for professional-grade applications and makes cutting dramatically easy through extra leverage and compound action power!
- SHARP BLADE WITH STRONG ANVIL. Anvil pruners have one straight blade that cuts as it closes onto a flat edge or ‘anvil’ - think about it like a knife on a chopping board. This makes an anvil pruner an excellent tool for trimming back live wood before making a final, clean cut with bypass scissors. Suitable for harder and dryer wood. Replacement cutting blades available.
- COMFORT GRIP AND EXTRA LEVERAGE. This 30” model will allow you to work with some extra leverage and to efficiently navigate around higher limbs. It locks on various lengths in between. The ergonomic handles are designed for optimal grip and the anti-shock rubberized grips on the handles provide extra comfort.
Last update on 2024-04-27 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Tabor Tools GG12 is a compound action lopper which makes use of a compound mechanism that can give you cutting power three times more than a regular anvil lopper.
This lopper will help you cut dry or dead wood with easy because of the leverage that the compound action provides.
It comes with hardened carbon steel blades that will make your loppers last for a long time. The blades have a low-friction surface which will not allow resin and sawdust to stick to them easily. It’s also good that the blades have a rust-free coating that will prevent rust from ruining them.
The handles are rubberized and the ergonomic grip will help you make the cuts without feeling tired or losing your grip on them. The length of the lopper is about 30 inches which give you some pretty good leverage for cutting thick branches.
The weight of the Tabor Tools GG12 anvil lopper is about 3.6 pounds. Considering its length it is a pretty decent weight and you should not have problems carrying them around. But if you’re looking for something lightweight then this might not be the best for you.
I like the Tabor company because it provides a customer satisfaction guarantee which means that if you have any problems with their tools you can get a refund or a replacement.
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Fiskars 15 Inch PowerGear Anvil Lopper
The Fiskars 15 inch PowerGear anvil lopper uses patented gear technology to give you cutting power three times better than regular anvil loppers.
These loppers make cutting so easy that they have been given the Ease-of-Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.
These are small loppers and the branches you can cut with these should be maximum 1.25 inches in thickness.
The Fiskars PowerGear lopper comes with a lifetime warranty which is a good thing to have.
The handles of this lopper are made from reinforced nylon which makes them pretty lightweight. These loppers weigh just 13 ounces which means you can use them for long periods of time without feeling fatigued. They are also great for older people who can’t use heavy loppers and don’t have the strength to exert while cutting thick branches.
The high-quality blades are made of stainless steel which can rust but thanks to the rust-resistant coating you will not have that problem.
While using these loppers, you do need to open the handles wide when trying to cut thick branches. It might cause a problem when trying to cut branches in hard to reach places.
Also, there is no replacement blade available so in case you mess one up you’ll have to buy a new one.
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Last update on 2024-04-27 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Fiskars Ratchet Drive anvil lopper makes use of ratchet design so that you can get a lot of cutting power without spending much effort. This can help you cut branches up to 2 inches thick with ease.
The blades are made of precision-ground steel which is highly durable and should last you a long time even with several cuts.
The Fiskars branded tools come with a limited lifetime warranty which is a very good thing to have.
The length of this anvil lopper is 27 inches which add to its cutting leverage. It weighs about 3.4 pounds which is not the most lightweight lopper but it’s pretty decent considering its length. You might feel a bit tired if you use this lopper for cutting branches overhead.
The ratchet mechanism of this tool does take time getting used to but once you do cutting thick branches will be easier.
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- 1 1/2" CUT CAPACITY: 4 bar compound linkage triples your cutting power.
- 32" DURABLE FIBERGLASS HANDLES: Extra long 8" non-slip foam grips.
- PTFE NON-STICK COATED HIGH-CARBON STEEL ANVIL BLADE: Blade is resharpenable. Blade and anvil are replaceable.
Last update on 2024-04-27 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Corona FL3420 is an anvil lopper that uses compound action mechanism to give you three times the cutting power of a regular anvil lopper
The length of this lopper is 32 inches which give plenty of leverage to cut branches up to 2 inches thick with ease. But sometimes the length of the Corona FL3420 anvil lopper can make it hard to get into tight spots.
The blades are made of hardened steel and have a non-stick coating that will prevent resin and sawdust to stick with them. It’s good to know that the blade can be sharpened and it’s also possible to get a replacement in case you need one.
The handles are made of fiberglass and have non-slip foam grips which will prevent it from slipping from your hands while cutting especially after long sessions.
Considering it’s 32-inch length, the Corona FL3420 is relatively moderate in weight weighing about 4 pounds. If you want a heavy duty anvil lopper then this one is for you. But if you want something lightweight and small then it should not be your choice.
It comes with a limited lifetime warranty which is backed by the Corona brand. Corona has been manufacturing cutting tools since the 1920s so you know it’s going to be a high-quality tool.
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- Ratchet action gives easy cutting in short steps - ideal for cutting thicker, harder branches
- SK5 carbon steel upper blade for lasting sharpness
- PTFE coated blade for rust resistance
Last update on 2024-04-27 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
The Spear and Jackson 8290RS is an anvil lopper with a ratchet mechanism that can provide five times higher cutting power than a regular anvil lopper. This makes it easier to cut through hard or dead wood and it can cut branches up to 2 inches thick.
The lopper has telescopic handles which means the length can be extended from 18 inches to 31.5 inches. This gives it additional leverage to cut thick branches. They come with a non-slip grip so that you don’t have problems holding them while cutting for a long period of time.
The blades are made of high carbon steel which makes them very durable and last for a long time. They come with a rust-resistant coating so that they can avoid getting rust on the steel.
This lopper weighs about 4.17 pounds which makes it moderately heavy. You will feel tired when using this lopper for a long period of time especially with overhead cutting.
The ratchet mechanism takes a bit getting used to so your cutting may be a bit slower at the start as you learn to use the tool.
The Spear and Jackson 8290RS comes with a limited 10-year warranty that is backed by the Spear and Jackson company. This company has been making tools since the 1760s so you can be assured of high-quality and innovation in their products.
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Conclusion
With this information, I hope you can make the right buying decision and get a good pair of anvil loppers that will meet your needs.
Because choosing a good anvil lopper will help you prune hard or dead wood in your garden and free your plants from disease. And you’ll be able to do that without getting fatigued thanks to the awesome cutting power that an anvil lopper can give you.
The best anvil lopper that you can select is the Tabor Tools GG12 Compound Anvil Lopper because it will give you good cutting power and durability without costing a lot of money.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
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