How to Use a 31-Inch Compound Bypass Lopper for Thick Branches
By Radius Garden | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Comparisons
Learn how to safely and effectively use a 31-inch compound bypass lopper with telescoping handles to cut thick branches up to 1.77 inches. Step-by-step pruning technique and leverage tips included.
Quick answer
Position the branch deep in the bypass blade's crotch, extend the telescoping handles fully for maximum leverage, and make one smooth, steady cut — never twist or jerk the lopper.
Why leverage matters with thick branches
A compound bypass lopper multiplies your hand force through a gear or pivot mechanism, but that advantage only works if you use the full handle length. The telescoping handles on the 31-inch model let you extend reach and increase mechanical advantage, which is critical when cutting branches near the 1.77-inch maximum capacity.
If you keep the handles retracted, you lose leverage and risk binding the blade or damaging the bypass edge. Always extend the handles before cutting — even on slightly thinner branches — to maintain control and reduce hand fatigue.
Common mistake: cutting too close to the pivot
Many users place the branch near the hinge pin, thinking it gives more power. With a bypass lopper, the opposite is true. The blade's cutting action is cleanest when the branch sits deep in the crotch — the curved opening near the blade's base. Cutting near the pivot forces the branch to slide sideways, which can crush bark or leave a ragged wound.
For the 31-inch compound bypass lopper, the ideal placement is about 1–2 inches from the pivot, where the blade's arc provides a shearing cut rather than a crushing one.
Step-by-step: How to cut thick branches with a 31-inch compound bypass lopper
- Extend the telescoping handles fully: Pull each handle outward until it clicks or locks into position. This gives you the longest lever arm, maximizing cutting leverage with minimal effort. Check that both handles are locked before you apply force — a partially extended handle can collapse mid-cut.
- Position the branch deep in the blade crotch: Open the jaws wide and slide the branch all the way into the crotch (the curved space near the pivot). The bypass blade should be on the live-wood side, with the hook (anvil) on the waste side. If the branch is thicker than 1.5 inches, make a relief cut 6 inches further out first to prevent bark tear.
- Close the handles with a steady, smooth motion: Squeeze both handles together in one continuous motion — do not jerk or pump. The compound mechanism will multiply your force; let it do the work. Stop when the blade fully passes through. If you feel resistance or hear cracking, stop, re-check branch placement, and consider a second cut from the opposite side.
Product fact
- 31" Compound Bypass Lopper w/ Telescoping Handles: Maximum cutting size of 1.77 inches, aluminum handle, Over-Molded Poly Grip. The 1.77-inch capacity suits most overgrown garden branches; the lightweight aluminum handle and poly grip reduce fatigue during extended pruning sessions.
31" Compound Bypass Lopper w/ Telescoping Handles
