8290RS Razorsharp Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Loppers, Extendable 40 1/2" Handles, Ideal for Cutting Thick Hard To Reach Branches, Powerful Ratcheting Mechanism

We use for trimming tree and shrub branches. I easily cut 2 inch hardwood limbs with this tool. To extend the handle, twist the knob at the end of the handle and slide to desired length, then turn the knob back to original position. Works well. It is a ratchet system with plenty of leverage for large limbs. Once you start closing the jaw by closing the handles, each open and close of the handle advances to the next ratchet notch. To fully open the jaws again, the handles must be opened WIDELY to release the ratchet. This might be a bit awkward if working in tight quarters. Excellent quality all around

I've purchased many of these over the years and still love them!! I'm always giving them to friends and family! It takes a little getting used to because you don't just open them and cut, you open and rachet it down to the branch but well worth it! I've honestly cut branches that were way too large for this, but we get in a hurry and don't want to go get the chainsaw! lol And I have busted one of these... only one.... and I still ran back to buy another! This cuts like butter and everyone that works with me wants one! I'm a sexton in a cemetery and we cut branches and brush all the time. And I have never had a blade go dull! Never had to sharpen it either! It locks when you're not using it and the weight is comfortable and durable!

I was really surprised at how well these cut branches. When I unpacked them I immediately went out in the yard to test them out. I kept cutting increasingly thicker branches and saplings and nothing would stop them. Basically, if it's wood and it fits in the jaws, they will cut it. These have replaced my chain saw for cleaning up in the woods bordering my yard. One important thing to note is that since they are ratcheting loppers, they function a little differently than traditional loppers. Opening the handles fully releases the jaws to their full open position and then it takes four cranks of the handle to cut through a branch. Open the handles and the blade pops open, four cranks to close it back to the anvil. There's no other way to operate them, so they're not very useful for small branches where you don't need the power of the ratchet action. If you don't need to cut thicker branches, the three cranks to close down to cut a small branch will be frustrating. I bought a pair of small 15" loppers from the local orange store to complement these and use on the little stuff. Bypass loppers will serve many people better than these, but if you need the cutting force, these are awesome. Another great feature is the side plates that enclose the ratchet mechanism. I've used other loppers with an exposed compound gear action that often got hung up in the branches, especially when trying to chop branches to condense a pile of brush. With the mostly smooth outside surface of these loppers that hasn't been an issue. The extension handles allow you to reach higher branches, but again be aware that the handles must be fully opened to operate the ratchet, so it can be a stretch if you're trying to reach something very high. Fortunately the handle locks were easy to use and held securely without any issues. One more tip - since these are anvil loppers, the handle with the anvil remains stationary against the branch and the handle with the cutting blade moves toward it. This is different from bypass loppers where you squeeze both handles and both jaws cut through the branch to meet in the middle. When I adjusted the placement and the force on the handles to account for this difference in motion it made using them much easier. Overall, if you need the power these are hard to beat. If you're trimming a bunch of smaller branches a set of bypass loppers will work better.

I purchased this a year ago and it's, by far, the best and easiest loppers I've ever had. Previously I had a ratchet loppers and realized how valuable they can be. I found this through Amazon and saw good reviews. They were correct: this tool is great for cutting thicker branches and is sturdy. There is a small learning curve as you need to open the handles to engage the ratchet but is quickly learned and becomes extremely usable. The handles can be extended as well for those hard-to-reach branches. Well worth the money!

Only downside is the need to open to near 90 degrees to re-set the jaw/ratchet. A problem inside branches cutting.

As a woman, these are the best investment in loppers I've ever made. Their razor sharpness and rachet design makes it possible for me to trim 2" branches I could not have otherwise done with regular loppers. They were not heavy for me to use and they make a clean cut.

Used for 2 years trimming pine, palm, sweet gum, etc. Always performed above expectations. Retired several other loopers.

I'm very pleased with these loppers. I bought a similar pair many years ago from Lee Valley, and these seem to be just as sturdy and well-made. The only difference is the handles -- the Lee Valley ones had click stops on the extension where these have twist and lock positioning. Both options work well, but the twist and lock feature is more flexible when it comes to adjusting the handle length. The blade is sharp and stout enough to provide years of service. The ratchet action is outstanding for getting through large branches without a struggle. The downside to this heavy-duty construction is a bit of weight. It's not ungainly at all -- an adult with even moderate upper body strength should not have a problem using these -- but you feel the weight after using them for a while. It's an equitable trade-off since I'm much rather have to deal with a bit of weight and have the tool last for years and years versus having a lighter weight tool that breaks quickly. No complaints at all. Great tool to have for deadwood trimming.