Loppers.

[Bigbad]

I have a very overgrown garden to tackle, but some things are so thick I think I need loppers.
Should I get bypass or anvil?

Thanks.

[Old_Geezer]

For hard thick stuff go with anvil.

[Buenchico]

https://youtu.be/T9jRv1x92Rc

[Bigbad]

Thanks O_G.
Will anvil work on the not quite so thick too?

[Buenchico]

Oops!

Let's try to embed that video:

[Old_Geezer]

It will but has more of a crushing action on soft and thin stuff.

[Bigbad]

And thanks Buenchico. That video seems to confirm that I need anvil.
So.... ratchet or not ratchet?
I'm looking at these.
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Old_Geezer]

Unless someone has a Which subscription and knows differently, they should be fine.

[woofgang]

definitely ratchet IMO

[woofgang]

just looked at the amazon thing...that's what I have got and they afre very good

[Bigbad]

Thanks, woofgang.
Do they work just as well on the less thick stuff?
Are they easy to use?
I’ve never been a gardener, but it looks like I’ve got to learn.

[Old_Geezer]

I have ratchet secateurs. They are good but encourages me to perhaps cut through stuff that they're really not designed for. Eventually the ratchet starts to slip or not engage, things get frustrating then until they're replaced.

[Chipchopper]

My vote is for ratchet. As a rule of thumb : secateurs = pencil thickness.
Loppers = thumb thickness and anything thicker use a pruning saw.

[Bigbad]

Thanks for all the replies.
I've ordered the one in my link at 14.43, along with some safety specs and something to stand on.
Some of the plants are so overgrown they are growing through the guttering.
There was a lovely rose bush, but it completely covered a window and had reached a single story roof. Got through that with some secateurs, though.

[woofgang]

Bigbad, these are a bit pricey but I swear by them...really good when dealing with spikey stuff Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Bigbad]

Thanks woofgang. I think I’ve got all the spikey stuff now. My arms are testament to that. Perhaps I should have worn something with long sleeves!
The loppers are arriving today, and I’ve got to go to the house tomorrow to let some workmen in (I don’t live there yet), so perhaps I’ll have a try with them and see how I get on.