Spear & Jackson8290RS Razorsharp Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Loppers, Multicoloured

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 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.

The media could not be loaded. Our dogs go bonkers for bully/pizzle (aka bull penis) dog chews. They are completely digestible and last as long or longer than rawhide.But they are relatively expensive. So I bought 3 footers intending to cut them into various sizes.Epic failures. Hacksaw? My arm quickly got sore. Reciprocating saw? Bounced at me regardless of blade type. Bypass pruner? Impossible. Next up? Circular saw. But I’d have to get the work table out and I am lazy.So I figured an anvil pruner. I researched and found this one. I immediately grabbed a 3 foot pizzle and went at it. I was literally giddy at how effective was. The ratchet action made all the difference. And my dogs are happier. They get their treats instead of watching me walk away defeated.I have used many pruners and loopers over my increasing decades. This tool is the best I have ever used. This now is a “I have to get this for their wedding” tool.It appears to be precision made: perfectly aligned, really sharp blade, every rivet/weld symmetrically spaced and flawless. And the handles are adjustable and securely lock into place unlike so many others I’ve used.Maybe it’s the equivalent of Lodge and Le Creuset cast iron pots and pans, something to pass down for the next generation. Or not: I may take it with me.

Tried this lopper out to cut fallen limbs and branches of our Maple trees after a storm. Worked really well. since then, I've noticed that I have to make a few tries when pruning some shrubs to reposition the blade and open the cutting head wider to reset the ratchet action. Some of this is my error in wanting to quickly get the job done. I sometimes don't open the cutting head wide enough or correctly position the tool on the limb. Do not twist the tool or try to rip or tear away a branch you're cutting before the blades go through the limb. Doing this repeatedly can damage your tool as I have done others in the past; operator error not a faulty tool. This is a solid heavy duty tool and I think it will last for some time if cared for and properly used.

This Spear & Jackson heavy duty anvil lopper is an amazing product. The ratchet action makes cutting through 2" tree limbs really easy. It uses physics rather than muscle and is quick and efficient. Highly recommended!

So impressed with these looping shears! Well built and work better than I thought it would. I bet the will last for many years of pruning work.I highly recommend them.

The ratcheting mechanism gives extra power with less effort-great for thicker branches. Sharp blade, comfortable grip, and solid build, a must have for yard work or tree pruning.

I have a little bit of a conflicting review. These worked excellent until the blade snapped during the first hour of use. I was not abusing them or cutting anything other than the described use and ability of the tool. I am hopeful I can find replacement blades because the tool cuts well with little effort,however, if replacement blades are not available I would not recommend purchasing this item.