The largest diameter (thickness) of a branch that the tool can handle.
The larger the maximum cut diameter, the more powerful this model, the lower the likelihood that a certain branch will be too tough for the tool. At the same time, note that to ensure high power, long handles and strong blades are needed, which accordingly affects the dimensions, weight and price. Therefore, it is worth choosing according to this parameter with a certain margin, but at the same time, this margin should not be too large.
As for specific figures, a maximum diameter
of 20 mm or less is considered relatively small, but it often turns out to be quite enough for simple work.
21 – 30 mm — the average value,
31 – 40 mm — above average, and in loppers the maximum thickness can
exceed 40 mm.
The presence of a
ratchet mechanism in the tool — a device known colloquially as a "ratchet". The principle of operation of such a mechanism is as follows: the blades of the tool can move in compression, but the reverse movement (in opening) is blocked by a gear wheel with a stop dog. This makes it easier to cut thick hard branches: the cut can be carried out in several stages, at each of them pressing the blades a few millimetres and not being afraid that they will move back. This way of working will be especially appreciated by users who do not have great hand strength. And in order to open the blades after cutting, you need to either unclench the handles with force, or vice versa, squeeze them all the way.
