Comparison Procraft ES18LiB vs VERTO 52G300

The largest diameter (thickness) of a branch that the tool can handle.

The larger the maximum cut diameter, the more powerful this model, the lower the likelihood that a certain branch will be too tough for the tool. At the same time, note that to ensure high power, long handles and strong blades are needed, which accordingly affects the dimensions, weight and price. Therefore, it is worth choosing according to this parameter with a certain margin, but at the same time, this margin should not be too large.

As for specific figures, a maximum diameter of 20 mm or less is considered relatively small, but it often turns out to be quite enough for simple work. 21 – 30 mm — the average value, 31 – 40 mm — above average, and in loppers the maximum thickness can exceed 40 mm.

The ability to block the blades while the tool is not in use. Blade locking can be carried out in different ways, but the principle of its operation in all cases is the same: a special mechanism holds the blades in place, preventing them from opening and preventing unwanted contact of the cutting edges with surrounding objects. This provides additional security during storage and transportation.

The presence of a removable blade(blades) in the design of the tool. This feature provides additional convenience and savings. First, the blade is usually more convenient to sharpen and clean by removing it from the tool; secondly, a damaged blade can be replaced with a new one purchased separately — this is cheaper than purchasing a whole new tool.

The presence of a loop for the fingers in the design of the tool. Such a loop is used in one-handed tools: it is usually installed on one of the handles, four fingers are threaded into it, opposing the thumb. Such a device provides additional convenience and reliability in holding the tool (reduces the likelihood of letting it out of hand), and also provides some protection from branches and other foreign objects.

Modern cordless pruning shears can be supplied with or without a battery ; Moreover, in the first case, a different number of batteries may be provided (1 pc or 2 pcs), or even a built-in power source. It is also worth noting that models with a removable battery usually do not use any original batteries, but universal solutions for power tools from the same manufacturer. The advantage of this design is obvious: first of all, it facilitates the search for power sources, including in addition to or as a replacement for “original” batteries. Here is a more detailed description of specific configuration options:

- 1 PC. Devices supplied with just one replaceable battery. This package may seem almost ideal: the tool can be used immediately after purchase, and when purchasing you do not have to overpay for a second power source. This configuration is designed mainly for two situations. The first is when the tool is planned to be used for short-term work, i.e. it is possible to take significant breaks to charge the battery; the second - if the household already has at least one spare battery, so there is no point in buying a model with 2 batteries.

- 2 pcs. The presence of a second battery inevitably affects the cost, but in many cases this point is more than offset by the additional ease of use. Firstly, two batteries allow you to work longer without interru...ptions - in fact, autonomy is doubled. Secondly, while one battery is in use, the second one can be kept on charge; This allows you to minimize charging breaks, or even get rid of them altogether. Thirdly, the breakdown or loss of one power source does not interfere with work - it is enough to install a second one. And fourth, the spare battery may be useful for another compatible power tool.

- Without battery. The most popular option in principle is battery powered. Along with the obvious inconvenience - the tool cannot be used out of the box - this package has a number of significant advantages. First of all, the customer can choose the model and number of batteries at his own discretion, without relying on the manufacturer in this matter. And if there is another battery-powered tool on the farm, then the power source from it may well be suitable for pruning shears; This will completely eliminate the need to spend additional money and time.

- Built-in. The built-in power supply allows you to make such a tool as compact as possible. In addition, the customer does not need to bother with a separate charger - just connect the included cable to charge. On the other hand, a dead battery cannot be quickly replaced with a fresh one - the only option is charging, which requires an energy source and can take a lot of time. Also, this design does not allow you to select batteries at your discretion; and if there are problems with the power supply, you will either have to take the entire device for repairs or replace it with a new one. In light of all this, models with a built-in battery are usually intended mainly for minor home repairs and simple tasks that do not involve long-term work and high loads.

The operating voltage of the battery installed in the tool of the corresponding type (see above).

The higher the power, the higher the voltage may be required (but not necessarily required) to power it efficiently. In other words, a high battery voltage is usually indicative of advanced performance, while a low battery voltage is not always a sign of an entry-level tool. On the practical side, this parameter can only be useful for some specific tasks — for example, looking for an external charger for a battery or buying a spare battery. In addition, this parameter must be taken into account when comparing different batteries in terms of capacity (for more details, see "Battery Capacity").

The capacity of the battery supplied with the tool.

Theoretically, the higher the capacity, the more energy the battery accumulates and the longer the tool is able to work on a single charge. In fact, however, two points must be taken into account. Firstly, only batteries with the same voltage can be directly compared in terms of capacity in ampere-hours (if there is a difference in voltage, you need to convert the capacity to watt-hours using a special formula, and use these values already). Secondly, the actual battery life will depend not only on the characteristics of the battery, but also on the power consumption of the device itself; at the same time, the power consumption for battery models is not directly indicated in the characteristics.

— Plastic. Relatively simple and at the same time quite practical, as a result — a common material. Plastic perfectly resists moisture, almost does not cool hands in cool weather, and is relatively inexpensive. As for strength and reliability, they are generally somewhat lower than those of metals, and most tools with plastic handles are designed mainly for simple work with relatively low loads. However, there are exceptions — for example, powerful loppers, which use high-quality durable plastic grades for handles. Anyway, for additional convenience, handles made of this material are often supplemented with rubber pads.

— Steel. The key advantage of steel is its high strength, which makes it possible to use this material even in the most powerful tools designed for thick branches. Compared to another metal — aluminium — steel weighs a little more, but costs less. For additional resistance to corrosion and ease of holding, steel handles can be coated with paint or equipped with additional overlays, most often of rubber or plastic.

— Aluminium. Another metal used for handles is along with steel. Aluminium differs from it, on the one hand, in lower weight and better resistance to corrosion, on the other hand, in higher cost. However, the difference in price is not so great, so these handles are also very popular. They can also be equipped with various overlay...s for added convenience.

— Tree. "Classic of the genre", not out of use today. The wood is pleasant to the touch, does not cool hands in cool weather and looks good. In terms of reliability, this material is comparable to plastic: it is inferior to steel and aluminium, but it is quite applicable even in fairly powerful tools. The unequivocal disadvantages of wood include poor resistance to scratches and chips. Because of this, accidental contact with sharp objects can lead to the appearance of chips, fraught with splinters. In addition, this material does not tolerate constant contact with moisture, and it is advisable to store a tool with wooden handles in a dry place. Note that for a number of reasons, the tree is used mainly in one-handed tools.

The material from which the additional overlays for the tool handle are made. Most often, this material differs from the material of the handle itself (see above), but there are exceptions — for example, additional plastic lining on the plastic handle. Anyway, the most popular types of materials are as follows:

— Rubber. Convenient, practical and inexpensive, and therefore — an extremely popular material. Secure to hold and at the same time relatively soft, making it great for both plastic and metal handles: rubber grips do not slip in the hand, do not cool the skin in cool weather and provide additional comfort due to the softness. The disadvantages of rubber include poor scratch resistance and a slightly higher cost than another popular option — plastic. However, in general, these shortcomings cannot be called critical.

— Plastic. Another fairly popular material, widely used primarily with steel and aluminium handles. Plastic provides a secure hold, it does not slip in the hand like metal; in addition, such pads are not afraid of moisture and can also play the role of additional protection against corrosion. However plastic is harder than rubber and somewhat less reliable and durable; On the other hand, it also costs much less.

— Wood. A material rarely used, mainly with metal (steel) handles. The tree is very attractive in terms of convenience: it is pleasant to the touch, does not cool the hands and almost does not slip. On the other hand, su...ch pads are less reliable than rubber or plastic ones, they do not tolerate moisture (the material can swell and warp) and contact with sharp objects (slivers can form, threatening splinters). So it makes sense to specifically look for wooden handles, first of all, if you are a principled adherent of the classics.

— Cork. The cork does not slip in the hands and perfectly absorbs moisture, thanks to which it is securely held in the hands. In addition, this material is soft and elastic, which gives additional convenience and comfort. At the same time, compared to the same rubber, cork is less durable: it is relatively easily damaged and, without special care, quickly absorbs dirt, which can cause it to lose its “presentation” and then its working properties. As a result, cork overlays are extremely rare — in some models of garden tools.