Gardening: Tool box
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GARDENERS who have back problems are well aware that pruning tends to be a bend-or- stretch activity. Although stretching is less likely to dislodge a disc, it can put a lot of strain on the arms and shoulders as you reach up to lop branches. An efficient lopper reduces the risk of ending the day feeling as if you have been mauled by a sumo wrestler. Efficiency, in this context, embraces such key features as length of handles, weight, grips and cutting action.
Stuart Gilham, my source of professional advice, suggested trying Sandvik's anvil-type P174-60 lopper, which has 18in handles and is listed at pounds 27.50. It made a good impression until we tested the slightly longer Damar 8010, whose 'power lever' cutting action made inch-thick branches feel little tougher than butter. The main drawback is a big weight penalty. Damar's lopper is about 60 per cent heavier than Sandvik's.
The 8010's recommended price is pounds 31.94, but Damar is currently asking only pounds 19.95 (including carriage) for this highly commended implement.
'A joy to use,' was our
verdict.
Damar International Ltd, 45 Humberstone Drive, Leicester LE5 ORE (0533 764144). Sandvik Saws and Tools UK, Manor Way, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8QZ (021-550 4700).
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments