Man I think this has to be the very best cutting tool u will ever have, as of 2000 I got me a set the loppers and shears.  My fokes went threw a new pair seem like monthly so one day I saw a nice look setup and went for it. 15years later....They are still going strong today. I've cut stuff down 2-3ins +!!! If U can get into the cut and work it side to side and keep biting down it will cut down most anything that will fit in between the blades. Now let me clear something up for the low balling reviewers this tool can gap yes. But!! It's not due to the blade bending!!! It's the nuts that's holding the tool together!!!! They loosen up with time. If u over tighten the nuts u cant even open them. U need to first all loosen all the nuts a bit, then take a hammer tap the two blades tightly together, then re tighten the nuts. Snug is all u want. What's happening is the bolts that's guiding and holding it together are loosening up to much letting the blades gap. The two blades separates leaving the gap looks like it's all bent up but it's not! I've taken mine apart and I see the bolts where was once square on the inside heads are now about rounded off but, the blades are perfect, it cuts perfect! For something 15 years old.. left outside in the weather, beat, dropped, and use to cut oak trees down with I have to say y the hell would u past on a manly set of cutters?? Fix your gap and get back to work!!!