Telescopic Garden Bypass Ratchet Loppers

[gl556tr]

Hello, I am looking a pair of ratchet loppers, but find the range of prices for virtually the same device floors me. Can there be technical differences in the ratchet system? Also, can anybody please enlighten me just what is meant by the term "Bypass"? Many thanks.

[jomifl]

bypass cutters work like scissors, as opposed to those that don't :o)

[boxtops]

Look here for an explanation of Bypass, it means the blades pass each other like scissors. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruning_shears

[woofgang]

ratchet means that you can cut halfway through something, open the handles and squeeze again, Bypass means that the blades cut against each other by passing each other like scissors, the alternative is anvil in which a blade presses against a flat, often soft, base to cut.
I have got these, bought them in May last year, very pleased with them, they are heavy but go through branches like a hot knife through butter
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Old_Geezer]

As I understand it bypass tends to be used to softer stem like stuff, anvil for the harder branches. If you are looking for ratchet I suspect you probably would need anvil.

[woofgang]

not sure about that OG, my bypass ones shove a sharp blade into both sides of the branch at once, how is anvil better than that?

[alavahalf]

OG is right ... bypass with their scissor like action are for softer stems, where a neat cut is required.
The anvil type give a crushing action.
The ratchet action means you have more leverage for less effort.
I would avoid the cheap ratchet type because you will find the blade has so much pressure on it due to the extra leverage available with the telescopic handle, that it will soon let you down, with the blade skewing off as you try to make a cut.
Same old story ... you get what you pay for. Buy some cheap ones made in China... or pay the extra and get some Swedish ones.

[Chipchopper]

I would choose the Bypass loppers every time!, they give a cleaner cut and much less effort.
I think the 'Rachet System is a bit of a gimmick, I used to work with volunteer groups and the rachet loppers soon became the least popular.

[woofgang]

I like the ratchet type,both in secateurs and loppers..I guess its a matter of personal preference.

[Old_Geezer]

Should say I prefer a ratchet as it allows me to tackle thicker stems/branches than I really ought. That said some are not sturdy enough for it.