Design
— One-handed. Tools designed to be held in one hand while working. Thus, the second hand remains free, which is important in some situations — for example, when working at height, when you need to hold on to something just in case. Another advantage is portability: the tool is light and compact, many models can be easily carried in your pocket. The main drawback of the one-handed design is the relatively small force on the blades and, accordingly, the low efficiency when working with thick branches. Because of this, models with a maximum cutting diameter of more than 25 mm are extremely rare among such tools. The same applies to
high cutters — for them, a two-handed layout is technically more convenient.
— Two-handed. Models designed to be held with two hands during operation. Usually, these are rather large instruments with long handles; the latter allows you to achieve high force on the blades and even cope with fairly thick branches without problems. The specific thickness limitation may, of course, vary; however, for example, all loppers are by definition two-handed. The disadvantages of this design are considered primarily bulky and rather significant weight, but they are offset by high efficiency. But a more critical point may be that during operation both hands of the user are busy: this, in particular, makes it difficult to work in an unstable position, especially at height.
Max. cutting diameter
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.
Blade length
The length of the blades provided in the tool. Usually, the characteristics indicate the working length of the blades — from the tip to the rotary axis.
Both long and short blades have their own specifics, advantages and disadvantages. So, the long length is optimal for working with relatively thin branches: it allows you to cut several of them at a time, and also makes it possible to reach into hard-to-reach places. At the same time, short blades are more compact and provide more force for the same length of handles, which is convenient when working with thick branches. More detailed recommendations on choosing the length of the blades for a specific situation can be found in special sources.
Blade thickness
The thickness of the working blades of the tool; indicated by the thickest part, usually in the region of the butt.
It makes sense to pay attention to this parameter if you plan to use a tool for thick branches — from 20 mm or more. At the same time, we note that models with the same maximum cut diameter may have different blade thicknesses. In such cases, the thicker the blade, the better it endures high loads and emergency situations (for example, hitting a hard knot), but the greater the weight and price of the tool as a whole.
Blade lock
The ability to block the blades while the tool is not in use.
Blade locking can be carried out in different ways, but the principle of its operation in all cases is the same: a special mechanism holds the blades in place, preventing them from opening and preventing unwanted contact of the cutting edges with surrounding objects. This provides additional security during storage and transportation.
Spring
The tool has a special spring that opens the blades. Thus, the user only has to apply force to close the blades during the cutting process; to open them, it is enough to relax the hand, allowing the
return spring to perform its function. This noticeably speeds up and simplifies the work, especially when you have to make many small and frequent movements — for example, when cutting numerous small shoots. At the same time, the power of the spring is low, and its resistance when closing the blades is almost imperceptible against the background of the overall cutting force. And so that the blades and handles of the tool do not diverge during storage and transportation under the action of a spring, a special lock is provided in the design.
