LOPPERS, SECATEURS & SHEARS - Loppers are a useful alternative to bowsaws and billhooks. Loppers can be used for cutting scrub and small branches up to 3-5cm diameter. Many loppers are ruined by cutting thicker material. If you cannot cut through in one cut, with little effort, use a bowsaw or billhook. Secateurs and Loppers come in two types: Anvil and Bypass. Shears are used for a multitude of tasks including grass edging, hedge trimming and thin non-woody vegetation.