Overlooked handy tool: Pruners

[The Stig]

As I was cutting down some 1/2" to 3/4" diameter holly shoots with my pruners it dawned on me that these could be very handy SHTF event tools.

Whether you call them pruners or loppers (which is what I always called them???) they harness the power of leverage with a cutting tool.



These were given to my by my father-in-law. Nothing special or unique....just plain old loppers from Lowes or Home Depot. Looking back I use these things out in the yard all the time. In fact, if I had to hazard a quick guess I'd say I grab these things for most yard chores before I grab anything else.

For a size comparison, here's a picture of the cutting head next to one of my work gloves.



These things come in all sorts of sizes and configurations. I have two pairs, one with wood handles (shown) and a bigger pair with fiberglass handles. I prefer the wooden ones. The fiberglass ones are a bit big for my taste. That's one of the considerations for this tool IMO. How does it "fit" you. Get a pair that's too big for your work and you'll tire yourself needlessly. Get one that's too small for what's being cut and you won't be able to accomplish the task.

This pair measures 27" long and are 11" wide when the handles are completely closed so it might be hard to attach this to a BOB. That said, for a campsite bag of tools or a big plastic tub full of gear, they'd be easy to tote around.

Mine have been used for tasks from cutting down up to 1" OD tree branches (possibly bigger too) to dispatching copper-heads. I can see this as a great tool for hiking or anytime cleaning out vegetation is needed (post tornado, for example). They excel at cutting more dense items. I've tried cutting rope with them and it's so-so but it can be done. 550 cord tends to cut somewhat well.

In a pinch, they could be used to cut wires, thin diameter PVC and possibly even tin. Hell, they'd be great for threatening to remove a finger from someone you are interrogating....er....uh.....ok, that's a bit over the top. Point is, they are handy tools and one that doesn't necessarily spring to mind.

[izzyscout21]

back in the day, we used to carry a hand sized set of pruners to cut vegetation for our ghille suits.

Nice post Stig. I forgot all about carrying a set of these around. They are great for camo'ing yourself or your position.

[piranha2]

They are also great for cutting up small firewood. I keep a set at the camp.

[bacpacker]

I have 2 types of them. One pair, the loopers, is similar to Stig's. Mine has fiberglass handles that will twist and extend then lock back in place. IIRC they go between 18-42". They are a by-pass type, like Stig's and they cut very well. I've used them for stuff up to 2" and will work them around a little to get half way or so thru, before cutting thru the limb in question. they cut real well on stuff 1" or less. The only thing I don't like about them is that I worry about breaking the fiberglass. They feel a little week when extended. The extention makes them really nice for pruning stuff up high. No ladder needed.

The other style are hand pruners, mine has a cordura belt pouch to carry them in. I keep my good pair with me when I'm mowing on the tractor. I'm always whacking a low hanging limb out of my way. They are by-pass pruners as well. I like them much better than the anvil type. I think they make a much cleaner cut which is important when pruning the fruit trees. The anvil style tends to crush the limbs before cutting and I've seem some disease issues related to that.

Both types I have are made by Corona and I recommend them highly. That said I will be getting another pair of loopers with either wood or metal handles at least as a spare. These are very useful tools for many different things. I think having at least a set of small pruners in a GHB or BOB could be very useful, even if it's just to collect some easy firewood. Stig's point about having Loopers in a tool bag set up is spot on. hand pruners as well.

[piranha2]

Yep, mine have fiberglass hilts.

[Sniper-T]

I have a small fiskars set, one handers, that almost never leave my side, summer and winter. Anytime I'm out on the property, I have them for 'adjustments to the local foliage trying to overtake my trails, or yard. They'll quite easily cut up to 1/2" dia, and with a bit of work up to an inch.

[Grumpy Old Man]

I have a pair of fiskers hand pruners and a fiskers folding saw in my BOB/GHB. Very handy for obtaining small firewood with a minimum of noise.

[tompnoid]

i was using mine this morning to snip cords off the appliances i picked up last night for scrap they are awesome little tools so handy it ain't funny

[Echo2]

I keep a pair of these handy.....and these are a good thing to keep in the tool kit....

[tompnoid]

I keep a pair of these handy.....and these are a good thing to keep in the tool kit....

those bottom ones look like old school ball makers wtf are they for??