Good Tools - Be Safe - Be Cautious

As with all tools, get appropriate training in their use.  Use eye protection.

Loppers (Essential) :
These are the most basic tool in the vine cutter's armamentarium. You can get them at any hardware store.

The ones at left are "bypass" loppers because the two blades slice past each other. The other type of lopper is an "anvil" type where one blade cuts down on a broad plate. They are also effective but can take a little more muscle.

Pruning Shears (highly recommended) 
Pruning shears are great for cutting smaller vines. Sometimes loppers are just too big. They get snarled up in the little vines.

People who cut vines often find a holster very convenient.

Gloves (Essential) 
Sturdy work gloves with "gauntlets" to protect the wrists are a good idea.

Pruning Saw (Optional) 
We don't recommend these saws to anyone who is not already very familiar and comfortable with cutting tools. 

Used by arborists, these saws generally make a little cleaner cut than a bow saw and are a little easier to store.

Bow Saw (Optional)
We don't recommend bow saws to anyone who is not already very familiar and comfortable with cutting tools.

You do not need one of these unless you are tacking big, old vines. Keep the blade at the proper tension.

Eye Protection (Essential)
Use safety glasses to keep twigs away from your eyes. We've never heard of any injuries, but better safe than sorry.

(photo credit - "Thatcher Drew - 501square.com").   Photos with no people in them are available for use with credit under creative commons license.