Shears are typically hand-operated and made with short- to medium-sized handles and blades. Shears have two long cutting blades and a classic X-shape design, with handles and blades that move back and forth along a fixed central axis. \
Shears are, functionally, large scissors that are made to trim leaves, stems, and small branches of outdoor trees and plants. \
Loppers have long handles and shorter blades that are designed to take on thicker branches. The long handles also allow loppers to reach places that shears cannot reach. \