The Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Lopper is the best bypass lopper based on the value it provides.

Every gardener needs to prune their plants and shrubs because it helps the plants become healthier, produce more fruits and flowers, get shape, and prevent disease.

However, there are different types of pruning tools available and you need to know which one is right for the job.

If you’re looking to prune branches more than 1 inch thick, a bypass lopper is the tool for you. Let’s take a look at the best bypass lopper you can buy for the money.

Product Rating Price
Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Lopper 1
Tabor Tools GL16 Bypass Lopper 2
Corona DualLINK SL 4364 Bypass Lopper 3
MLTOOLS Bypass Lopper L8230 4
Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper 5

What is a bypass lopper?

A lopper is a pruning tool that can be used to prune stems and branches that are 1 to 2 inches thick. A branch less than 1 inch thickness can be pruned with the help of a shear and a branch more than 2 inches thick will need a pruning saw.

A lopper can be either a bypass lopper or an anvil lopper.

A bypass lopper is one where the upper and lower part of the blade sweep past each other like the blades of a scissor. They are useful for cutting live stems and branches because they give clean and precise cuts without crushing the branch which allows the plant to heal faster. They are not good for cutting dry branches because they tend to jam and the blades can bend.

An anvil lopper is one where the lower part of the blade is an anvil and the upper part of the blade hits the anvil. Such a lopper is useful for cutting dead branches because it generates more power while crushing the branch. They are not good for cutting live branches because they damage the branch and slow down recovery.

Do you need a bypass lopper?

If you are someone who just has a few small plants to prune then you can be fine with a good pair of pruners.

But if you have several plants that have stems and branches more than 1-inch thickness, then it would be good to invest in a good pair of bypass loppers.

What are the different types of bypass loppers?

Bypass loppers come with a variety of technology that can ease the cutting of branches to a great degree.

Regular bypass lopper

A regular bypass lopper is the simplest type that is used for cutting branches up to 1.5 inches thick. It does not have many moving parts which make its use and maintenance quite simple.

Geared bypass lopper

These come with a gear mechanism makes pruning stems a lot easier than a regular bypass lopper.

Compound action bypass lopper

These loppers have a lot of moving parts and allow the blade to be opened wider to get the blades around a branch. This helps them to cut branches that are a bit thicker than the other types of loppers.

Ratchet lopper

A ratchet lopper makes use of a ratcheting mechanism that is supposed to give five times more cutting power than a regular bypass 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 a bypass lopper

There are a variety of bypass loppers that you can choose from but knowing some of their characteristics can help you make the best buying decision.

Length

Bypass loppers vary in length and you can get them ranging from 18 inches to 32 inches.

The length of the bypass lopper determines the leverage that you can get for the cut. This means the longer the lopper, the easier it becomes to cut thick branches and stems.

A longer bypass lopper also helps you to reach branches that are a bit higher without overreaching for them.

However, a longer bypass lopper also tends to make it heavier. So choose one that has a good enough length but does not feel too heavy in your hands while cutting.

Cutting diameter

The cutting diameter indicates the thickness of the branch that the bypass lopper can cut. Usually, bypass loppers are good to cut branches that are between 1 to 2 inches thick.

Anything less than 1 inch is better to cut with a bypass pruner. And for branches thicker than 2 inches, you’re better off with a pruning saw.

So when choosing a good bypass pruner make sure that it can cut branches that are at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick.

Blade quality

An important factor when choosing a bypass lopper is the quality of the cutting blades. You don’t want your blades to be bending, rusting, or getting dull fast. Make sure that the blades are made of high-quality steel so that they can last for a long time.

Many bypass loppers come with less-friction blades that make cutting easier and they don’t collect the resin and sawdust. They also come with an anti-rust coating that will keep the blades rust free and increase the life of your bypass lopper.

Cutting mechanism

You want a good pair of bypass loppers that does not make you struggle as you cut the branches. And the cutting mechanism of the lopper will determine how much effort you need to cut.

You can find bypass loppers that are regular, gear powered, compound action, or ratcheting.

Regular bypass loppers are the simplest and possibly cheapest of the lot where they just have regular blades to do the cutting.

Gear powered bypass loppers make use of gears to improve the leverage and reduce the effort required for the cutting. They can sometimes help make three times more efficient cuts than regular loppers.

Compound action bypass loppers make use of a four-bar compound linkage mechanism that gives three times the cutting power of a regular bypass lopper.

Ratcheting bypass loppers make use of a ratcheting mechanism while cutting the branches. This makes the cutting three to five times easier than with using a regular bypass lopper. As you cut the branch, this lopper latches on to them so you can release a bit and squeeze again. This helps you to cut in steps making it a lot easier to cut branches.

Handle

The handle of the bypass lopper plays an important role especially if you’re going to be using them for long periods of time.

You want the handle to be ergonomic so that the grip is comfortable as you cut. Otherwise, you will end up having blisters and we don’t want that.

If you want more leverage and reach higher branches, you can opt for telescopic handles that can extend or shrink as needed.

Also, make sure that the bypass lopper comes with a bumper stop between the handles. This will help it absorb the shock better and help reduce the fatigue in your hands during the cut.

Weight

You’re going to be using the bypass loppers for a while so make sure the weight of the loppers is not too much.

You should find them comfortable enough especially if you’re going to do the overhead cutting.

The blades of the bypass lopper are made of steel but the handles can be made of aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. If you can get a good quality pair that is made of aluminum, then go for it because usually, they tend to be the lightest you can get.

Replacement parts

No matter how good the quality of your bypass loppers, there will be a time when some parts may need replacement.

It would be good if you can choose a pair of bypass loppers that you can get replacement parts for. Usually, the high-quality bypass loppers that are expensive sell replacement parts as well. And the cheaper bypass loppers don’t because it’s much cheaper to just buy a new one.

Price

With most gardening tools that you buy, you’ll find that the best quality tools are the most expensive. And this is the case with bypass loppers as well.

But it’s always good to buy a high-quality bypass lopper because it will give you smoother cuts, need lower maintenance, and will last you a long time.

Precautions when using a bypass lopper

  • There are some precautions you should take before, during, and after using a bypass lopper.
  • Before using the bypass lopper, make sure the blades are clean and sharp. You can clean the blades with orange oil or vinegar.
  • Make sure to wear safety gear such as gloves and eye protection.
  • Make sure you are using the bypass lopper for its intended purpose. And that is to prune branches and stems that are between 1 to 2 inches thick. You can use them to prune thinner branches but it’s much better to use pruners because they are lighter and won’t make you feel tired.
  • Don’t try to use the bypass loppers to cut branches thicker than 2 inches. You might be able to do so but it will tire you. It will also risk bending the blades and it will dull the blades faster.
  • When using the bypass lopper, get the wood deep into the blades. Don’t use the tip of the blades like you would when cutting paper with scissors. This will make your cuts smooth and keep the blades sharp for a long time.
  • If you find that the blades have dulled, it is time to either sharpen the blades or replace them.
  • After using the bypass lopper to cut branches, wipe them clean, then apply some oil and store them in a safe place.

How to use a bypass lopper

  • The bypass lopper is a relatively simple cutting tool when compared to something like a chainsaw.
  • Make sure to place the blade on the exact spot that you want to cut. Remember that in bypass loppers the upper part of the blade is sharp and does the cut so align it correctly at the position of the branch you want to cut.
  • Open the blades of the bypass lopper and get the wood as deep as possible. You don’t want to cut the wood like you would cut paper using scissors. If you use the tip of the blades for the cut, you’ll need to exert more pressure and your blades will dull faster.
  • Once you have placed the blades in the right position on the branch and the wood is deep inside the blades, make the cut in a smooth motion.

Maintaining your bypass lopper

  • The bypass lopper is a relatively simple cutting tool if you compare it to something like a chainsaw. It does need some basic maintenance to keep it in good shape and last for a long time.
  • Before using the bypass lopper make sure that there is no rust on the blades and they are sharp. Cutting with a dull blade is not good for your hands as well as for the bypass lopper.
  • After cutting the branches, make sure to wipe the blades clean so that there is no sap or sawdust on the blades. And once done apply some oil on the blades and clean the excess amount with a cloth.
  • If the blades get dull after using the bypass lopper for a while, you can either sharpen them yourself, get professional help, or buy a new bypass lopper.

Reviews

Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper (32 Inch)

The Fiskars PowerGear2 lopper comes in a range of lengths like 18 inch, 25 inches, and 32 inches. So you can choose the one that best fits your needs with the length and weight.

This bypass lopper comes with a patented PowerGear technology that uses gears and cam mechanism. This helps you cut branches up to 2 inches thick with three times more power than a regular bypass lopper.

The blades of the Fiskars PowerGear2 are made of hardened steel so they will last you a long time. They also contain a low-friction coating that will help you cut smooth, avoid resin sticking to the blades, and lower the possibility of rust.

The handles are long and made with an ergonomic concept using Softgrip touchpoints so you will feel comfortable holding these loppers and cutting. And if you’re cutting a lot of branches in your garden, you won’t have to worry about getting blisters with these loppers.

It comes with a full lifetime warranty which is a very good thing to have. Fiskars is a well-trusted company that has been manufacturing high-quality cutting tools since 1649. So you can be assured of that you’re getting a good pair of loppers.

The weight of this bypass lopper is around 4 pounds which is not very heavy but at the same time, it’s not the lightest. Unless you’re a very small person or very old you should not have problems handling these loppers in your garden.

The Fiskars PowerGear2 lopper does cost a bit more compared to some budget ones. But considering the comfort, power, and durability that it provides, I think it is the best value for money bypass lopper that you can buy.

Pros Cons
  • High-quality lopper
  • Full lifetime warranty
  • Cuts three times faster
  • Low-friction coating
  • Ergonomic handle
  • A bit heavy
  • A bit expensive


TABOR TOOLS GL16A Bypass Lopper, Chops Branches...
  • POWER THROUGH 1.25" diameter thick branches with a quick chop and without struggle. This bypass lopper is designed for making fast and precise cuts that will preserve the health of your plants. PRUNING MADE EASY!
  • COMFORT GRIP WITH SHOCK GUARD. The rubberized grips on handles provide comfort and good grip. This longer 28” model will allow you the work with some extra strength and leverage and to efficiently navigate around tough limbs. The ergonomically 22-Inch handles are designed for optimal grip to ease the cutting of any branch. In addition, the shock-absorbing bumper stops all jarring vibrations and reduces arm and shoulder fatigue.
  • SHARP AND STURDY. The fully hardened carbon steel blades will stay super sharp, even after some heavy use! Low-friction coated gliding blade can be re-sharpened which will prolong the item's life! Overall, this is a lightweight and balanced tool that is easy to carry, even for the elderly gardener.

Last update on 2024-03-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Tabor Tools GL16 bypass lopper comes in the 20-inch version or the 28-inch version so choose one that fits your needs based on the length and the weight.

This bypass lopper can be used to cut branches that are up to 1.25 inches thick.

The handles have an ergonomic design and have a rubber coating which makes them comfortable to hold during the cutting sessions. There is also a bumper stop that will reduce the vibrations during the cuts and lower the fatigue that your hands and arms may suffer.

The blades are made of high-quality hardened steel which will make them last for a long time even with a lot of cutting. They also have a non-stick coating which means resin will not stick to them so they will last longer and your cuts will be smoother.

The Tabor Tools GL16 bypass lopper weighs just 1.23 pounds which makes it extremely lightweight and anyone young or old should be able to use these loppers with ease.

The Tabor Tools company has been making gardening tools since 1982 so they know what they are doing and you can be assured of a high-quality lopper in your hands.

The only thing I don’t like about this bypass lopper is that it is limited to cutting branches that are 1.25 inches thick. It would have been nice if they would be able to cut up to 2 inches.

Pros Cons
  • High-quality lopper
  • Very lightweight
  • Non-stick blades
  • Good cutting power
  • Ergonomic rubber handles
  • Only cuts up to 1.25 inches


Sale
Corona Tools | Branch Cutter DualLINK Extendable...
  • Handles are extendable: extends 27 1/2" To 37 1/2"
  • Cuts limbs up to 1 3/4": power Source cutting action
  • Durable: strong, Trapezoid Steel handles make for a long lasting tool

Last update on 2024-03-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Corona DualLINK SL 4364 bypass lopper can be used to cut branches up to 1.25 inches thick. The DualLINK makes use of a dual compound lever that makes it easy to cut through wood.

It comes with telescopic handles that can extend from 27.5 inches to 37.5 inches.

The handle is made of steel and have a trapezoidal shape that makes it comfortable to cut and last longer. It also has a ComfortGel grip and bumper stop that will help you cut foa r longer period of time without fatigue and blisters.

Corona has been making cutting tools since the 1920s so you can be assured of a high-quality tool when you buy the DualLINK SL 4364 bypass lopper. These loppers come with a limited lifetime warranty which is a good thing to have.

The bypass lopper weighs about 4.15 pounds which is a bit heavy. It’s not very heavy but if you’re a small or older person then you might get fatigued holding this lopper for a long time in the garden.

The DualLINK technology also tends to make this lopper a bit more expensive compared to regular loppers but it’s a price worth paying for the ease of cutting that it provides.

Pros Cons
  • Sturdy, high-quality lopper
  • Compound lever for easier cuts
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Telescopic handles
  • ComfortGel grip
  • Expensive
  • A bit heavy


Last update on 2024-03-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The MLTOOLS L8230 is a bypass lopper that uses a ratcheting mechanism. This means that once you feel resistance while cutting the branch you stop. Then extend the handles till you hear a click sound and then continue to cut. And the claim is that they should help you get five times more cutting power than a regular bypass lopper.

The blades are made of SK-5 high carbon steel and allow you to cut branches that are up to 1.25 inches thick.

It has telescopic handles that can be extended from 27 inches to 39.5 inches in length which means you should be able to have good cutting leverage and cut some hard to reach branches as well.

The handles are made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum which should reduce the weight a bit so you can carry them around for a while without fatigue. The handles also have an anti-slip grip so they don’t slip out of your hand while you are busy cutting.

This bypass lopper weighs about 3.6 pounds which is decent weight when you consider that the handles can extend up to 39.5 inches in length.

I like that the MLTOOLS L8230 comes with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. So if you’re not happy with the tool you can get a full refund or replacement.

These loppers are good for lightweight pruning work but they are not the best as heavy duty loppers and you may end up bending the handles if you drive them too hard.

Pros Cons
  • Telescopic handles
  • Ratcheting mechanism
  • Decent weight
  • Customer satisfaction guarantee
  • Anti-slip grip
  • Not made for heavy-duty work
  • More moving parts to maintain


Sale
Fiskars 28" Steel Blade Garden Bypass Lopper and...
  • IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: 28" Steel blade garden bypass lopper that glides through up to 1.5" thick branches for easy cuts; Works well for trimming tree branches to maintain your yard and garden, and to encourage overall plant health and appearance
  • MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; Non-slip grip handle allows for more control of clippers
  • LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning shears and tools are built to last and backed by a full lifetime warranty

Last update on 2024-03-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Fiskars 28 inch bypass lopper can be used to cut live branches and stems that are up to 1.5 inches thick.

The blade is made of precision ground steel. It comes with a low-friction coating that will make your cuts smooth as well as prevent resin to collect. The blade is also rust-resistant. So these features will make the blade last for a long time to come.

Like the other Fiskars loppers, this one comes with a full lifetime warranty which is a good thing to have.

The handles are lightweight, rubberized, and have a non-slip grip which is good for using this lopper for long periods of time.

Weighing just 1.93 pounds this is one of the most lightweight bypass loppers that you can find. So even if you’re an older person you can comfortably use these loppers in your garden without feeling fatigued.

One of the good things about this bypass lopper is the price. It’s very inexpensive and if you’re just someone who needs a good quality lopper for some occasional pruning then this is the tool for you.

These loppers work great for light pruning work but don’t expect to use them for heavy duty cutting or cutting thicker branches because they may break.

Pros Cons
  • Inexpensive
  • Comfortable handle
  • Lightweight
  • Full lifetime warranty
  • Low-friction coating
  • Only suitable for lightweight work
  • More effort to cut thicker branches


Conclusion

With this information, I hope you can make the right buying decision and get a good pair of loppers that will meet your needs.

They will help you keep your plants and shrubs healthy and free from disease. And being of good quality they will be a part of your gardening tools for a long time to come.

I would recommend that you buy the Fiskars PowerGear2 Lopper (32 Inch) if you’re looking for the best quality lopper when it comes to the cutting power as well as the tool quality. It will help you make some awesome cuts without spending a lot of effort.

If you have a limited budget and are just looking for a bypass lopper that is of decent quality but can get the occasional pruning job done then have a look at the Fiskars 28 Inch Bypass Lopper. It’s cheap, durable, and will help you cut those branches and shrubs in your garden with ease.