Frequently asked questions ...

How long has Original LÖWE been around?

Walther Schröder invented and patented the world's first anvil pruner back in 1923. You could say that this was the birth of Original LÖWE cutters and pruners. Over the decades, we developed more models and continuously improved our existing products. Original LÖWE cutters and pruners have now been around for a century.

Sustainability has always been very important to Original LÖWE and that is why almost every component of our cutters and pruners is available as a spare part. Nevertheless, you may have some questions about spare parts.

How do I know which spare parts I need?

You can usually find the product number on the inside of the handle of Original LÖWE cutter/pruner. You can then use the product number of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner to identify the required spare part on our website and purchase it from one of our authorised dealers.

I can't find the article number on my old Original LÖWE cutter/pruner. So how do I find the right spare parts?

To make sure we can reliably identify your model, send us a photo of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner. We will then tell you what model you have. This means you will always be able to find the right spare parts for any one of our models.

Alternatively, remove the blade of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner. You will find the model series name of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner stamped on the blade. You can use this information to find the right spare parts for your model.

When should I replace various parts?

If the cutter/pruner is twisted, jammed or stuck due to a specific part, the part in question should be replaced.

Where can I get spare parts for my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner?

Normally, any hardware store or garden centre near you will be able to order the required spare part so you can pick it up from them.

We would be happy to help you find a suitable dealer in your area. Please contact us if you would like us to help you. Alternatively, you can of course buy spare parts online.

For industrial cutters, can I order a different anvil from the same model series as a spare part and simply switch out the anvils to suit my application?

Yes, of course! You can swap anvils from the respective product ranges with each other.

You can use multiple anvils in the various models to suit the application you are working on. All you have to do is undo the screw of the anvil with the cutter held open (CAUTION: DANGER OF INJURY), carefully pull out the anvil, insert the new anvil and retighten the screw.

For how long are spare parts available for Original LÖWE cutters/pruners?

Spare parts for Original LÖWE cutters and pruners will always be available for as long as they are included in our range.

We still sometimes get cutters/pruners sent in for repair that are over 80 years old and the latest spare parts still fit these old cutters and pruners.

Are spare parts only available in sets?

You can buy our spare parts as single parts or in sets.

If a certain spare part is not available separately, we will certainly find a custom solution for you so that you can continue to enjoy using your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner.

Every now and then I lose the spring from my Original LÖWE pruner. Am I doing something wrong?

If the spring gets caught in tangled twigs and you try to release the pruner from the branches by pulling, the spring can be flicked out of the pruner and lost due to the force applied.

The compression springs and torsion springs installed in some of the range are not fixed to the pruners. This is because it would not be practical if, for example, the spring was dirty and needed to be cleaned or needed replacing. Alternatively, we recommend using Original LÖWE 1, 2, 5 or 10 pruners as these have internal flat springs that cannot be lost.

Which spring is best?

Every model series is fitted with the most suitable type of spring for its purpose – internal flat springs, technical compression springs and torsion springs. All springs are tested for at least one million cuts and so meet Original LÖWE requirements.

We aim to provide the perfect ergonomics for different hand sizes and for a variety of applications. Nevertheless, our users still may have questions and we are happy to answer these for you below.

Do Original LÖWE cutters/pruners come with handles in other colours?

No. The orange handles have been a hallmark of Original LÖWE quality for many decades.

We deliberately chose the handle colour and are happy to continue the tradition today. The orange handles are not only trademarks of Original LÖWE cutters and pruners, they have the additional benefit that the colour stands out and prevents pruners from accidentally getting lost in the trimmings after gardening. We therefore decided to make all our handles this colour. Alternatively, you can order the available Original LÖWE 1 and Original LÖWE 3 models without plastic handles.

Should I use the standard handle, the inwardly curved handle or a rotating handle?

Deciding which handle type you should choose essentially depends on the size of your hand.

We generally recommend that people with small to average-sized hands should use the inwardly curved handle. We recommend the standard handle for people with larger hands. The rotating handle is recommended for intensive use and in applications where many small cuts are needed. The rotating handle can help to prevent pressure marks and blisters on the hand. However, the choice always ultimately comes down to what feels comfortable for the user. So we highly recommend that you try the cutter/pruner in person before buying.

Can I replace the plastic handles of Original LÖWE cutters/pruners?

You can obtain every spare part of our Original LÖWE cutters and pruners separately or as part of a set, and the same is true of the plastic handles.

The old plastic handles can be easily loosened by placing them in a bowl of hot water for about 1-2 minutes or putting them in an oven heated to about 80°C for about 5 minutes. The heat expands the plastic covers, which lets you pull them effortlessly off the handles. Use the same method when fitting the new plastic covers: just pop them in hot water or in the oven for a while, take them out and fit them on the handles. As the plastic covers cool, they contract to fit tightly over the handles of your Original LÖWE cutter or pruner and are then ready for use.

Do the plastic handles contain any substances that are hazardous to health?

The composition of the plastic used to make the handles of Original LÖWE cutters is completely harmless to health. This has also been confirmed by independent analysis from an external laboratory.

Should I wear gloves when using Original LÖWE cutters/pruners?

This mainly depends on your personal preferences. Gloves are not absolutely necessary when using and working with Original LÖWE cutters and pruners.

The more you work with Original LÖWE cutters/pruners, the more your grip on them will improve. However, if you generally prefer to wear gloves when working, this is not an obstacle to using Original LÖWE cutters and pruners.

What is the purpose of the rotating handle?

The rotating handle is for applications where users have to make many small cuts in a short amount of time.

Vineyard workers can make around 12,000 to 15,000 cuts a day. Even if the vines being cut are not particularly thick or hard, the frequency of the cuts over the course of the day puts a constant strain on the hand, wrist and fingers and can result in blisters, calluses or tendonitis. The rotating handle follows the movement of the hand when cutting, thereby relieving strain on the hand and preventing the aforementioned problems. It is best to try out rotating handle cutters and see how they feel in your hand to find out whether they would be suitable for you.

Original LÖWE blades

Original LÖWE blades are designed for maximum resilience or maximum sharpness depending on the application. Users asked the following questions (among others):

How long will the blade of my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner stay sharp?

It is not possible to generalise an answer to this question. The durability of a blade depends on how intensively it is used. The materials being cut also affect the sharpness of a blade.

Original LÖWE cutters and pruners have very robust blades that are particularly appreciated by professional users. Cutting very hard material will dull the blade more quickly than soft material. No matter what material you are cutting: as soon as you feel that the cutting power of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner is decreasing and you need to apply more force when cutting, it is time to sharpen the blade.

How should I sharpen my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner?

To sharpen your cutter/pruner, place the long edge of your sharpener on the cutting edge of the blade and glide it along the blade several times at an angle of around 20° to 30° without applying too much pressure. For anvil cutters and pruners, repeat this process on the other side of the blade. For bypass pruners, only sharpen the blade on one side.

If your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner starts to feel different when cutting, the blade needs to be sharpened. We recommend using our Original LÖWE sharpener for optimum sharpening of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner. We do not recommend grinding or sharpening them using a conventional whetstone or grinding machine as these tools can have a negative effect on the quality of the blade.

What is the best way to sharpen my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner?

Sharpen your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner using the Original LÖWE sharpener specially designed for our blades or use the Original LÖWE diamond file for particularly fine and precise sharpening.

Can I cut any material with Original LÖWE cutters/pruners?

You can cut through almost any material that is significantly softer than the blades using Original LÖWE cutters and pruners. The blades are only unsuitable for cutting metal and wire.

Which replacement blade do I need for my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner?

There is normally a sticker showing the article number on the inside of the handle of Original LÖWE cutter or pruner. If this sticker is no longer present, you will see the model number engraved on the blades when they are removed.

You can use either the article number or model number to purchase the right replacement blade to match your Original LÖWE cutter or pruner. If you are ever unsure which replacement blade is the right one for you, please contact us. We will be happy to help you.

I want to change the blade of my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner. How exactly do I go about doing this?

If the time comes when you want to replace your Original LÖWE blade, you will find instructions and a help video on replacing blades on our website. Any user can replace a blade themselves.

I don't have the confidence to change the blade myself. What should I do?

In this case, you can ask your specialist dealer to help you replace the blade.

We also provide a special blade replacement service directly at the factory. If you would like to use this service, just send us your cutter/pruner. You will only be charged for materials and shipping costs; the time and labour of replacing the blade are our gift to you.

If I replace the blade, should I also replace the anvil?

The decision of whether to replace the anvil of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner when replacing the blade depends very much on the condition of the anvil.

If it is very battered and worn, it certainly makes sense to replace the anvil. However, if the anvil shows little to no signs of wear, there is no need to replace it.

Is it inevitable that the blade of an anvil cutter/pruner will become blunt?

The steel of the blade is 4 times harder than that of the anvil. So the blade hitting the anvil when cutting with Original LÖWE anvil cutter/pruner does not affect the sharpness of the blade.

The sharpness of the blade is only affected by the frequency of cutting and the material being cut.

Proper storage, care and maintenance

The service life of your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner depends, among other things, on how it is maintained and stored. Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers on this topic.

What is the best way to store my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner?

Ideally, cutters and pruners should not be exposed to the elements as this can lead to corrosion of the body or blade.

We recommend storage in a dry place to ensure that you can enjoy your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner for a long time. Our Original LÖWE holster can also help to protect your cutter/pruner.

How should I clean and maintain my Original LÖWE pruner?

Plant residues, dirt, soil or similar should be removed after using the Original LÖWE pruner. You should also dry the pruner so that it is not affected by moisture. We recommend sharpening your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner regularly and oiling it as necessary

What should I use to clean and care for my Original LÖWE cutter/pruner?

You can clean and maintain your cutter/pruner using an ordinary household brush, cloth and soapy water. If your cutter/pruner becomes stiff, check whether it is heavy soiled, whether the bearings are too tight or whether they need lubricating and remedy the problems if necessary.

Do I need any special tools for maintenance or for replacing spare parts?

All you will need for these tasks is a screwdriver (Phillips/slotted), spanner (different sizes depending on the cutter/pruner model) or Allen key. You do not need any specialist tools.

How do I use my pruner?

Our YouTube channel has a range of videos presenting Original LÖWE pruners that explain the different applications of Original LÖWE pruners in detail.

Basically, you can use our pruners to cut all types of wood and plants. Our packaging shows product-specific instructions and tips for the special area of application of the product you have purchased. You can find further application tips on our website under Products.

When should I use anvil pruners and when should I use bypass pruners?

The question of whether anvil or bypass cutters are more suitable depends on what you are cutting. Anvil pruners are better suited to cutting harder and thicker woods. Bypass pruners, on the other hand, are more useful for cutting thin green plant material with fibrous bark.

How exactly do I use Original LÖWE industrial cutters and which materials have they been developed to cut?

Our YouTube channel has a number of videos presenting our Original LÖWE industrial cutters that clearly show which applications the various cutters were developed for.

Naturally, you can also use these videos as a reference to get as close as possible to the material you have and want to cut. Our Original LÖWE cutters can be used to cut a wide range of materials, such as wood, PVC, rubber, hoses, mouldings, leather, sealing profiles, pipes and much more. The only material that should not be cut with Original LÖWE cutters is metal, as this can permanently damage the blade.

Your pruners are pretty pricey. Why is that?

Original LÖWE pruners were developed for professional use in fruit growing, viticulture, gardening, landscaping and forestry, i.e. for workers who use them to carry out their daily jobs. Professionals need tools of the highest quality.

We manufacture our cutters and pruners 100% in Germany without exception. We do not use standard steel and we heat treat our blades ourselves. Thanks to our concerted expertise, our products meet the highest standards and have been appreciated by professional users for decades. But enthusiastic amateur gardeners and DIY fans also rely on our quality tools for good reason – because Original LÖWE cutters and pruners normally last a lifetime. The internal flat spring of the Original LÖWE 1, for example, has been tested for one million cuts. If you divide the purchase price by the number of cuts, it results in the astonishingly low price of 0.002 cents per cut. Cutting couldn’t be cheaper!

How long will my Original LÖWE cutters/pruners last?

If you don't lose your Original LÖWE cutters/pruners, misplace them or even have them stolen, Original LÖWE cutters/pruners will last forever.

For example, we offer a lifetime guarantee on cutter/pruner bodies. The need to replace wearing parts, such as blades or anvils, depends on your cutting habits and frequency of use. Original LÖWE cutters and pruners last a lifetime!

How do I recognise counterfeit copies of your Original LÖWE cutters/pruners?

You can recognise our Original LÖWE cutters or pruners by the embossed brand name and logo on the body and the Made in Germany label. Counterfeit copies will also be disproportionately low in price compared to our RRP. And finally, you will recognise the incomparable cut and lasting sharpness of Original LÖWE cutters and pruners.

Unfortunately, as with all high-quality branded products, there are counterfeit copies of our Original LÖWE cutters and pruners on the market. However, the criteria mentioned above should help you to recognise the original.

How honest is your claim that your products are "Made in Germany"?

Original LÖWE has been producing Original LÖWE cutters and pruners 100% in Germany since the beginning of our company history. From the intellectual development of products to the heat treatment of blades and even the steel that we use, everything comes 100% from Germany. No cutter or pruner could more honestly claim to be "Made in Germany".

What steel do you use to make the body of an Original LÖWE 1 (2, 3, 5 and 10)?

The body of these model series is made of micro-alloyed fine-grain structural steel. This steel is both incredibly strong and very tough.

The special steel used to make Original LÖWE cutters/pruners means these model series are extremely robust, virtually indestructible tools. Therefore, we offer a lifetime guarantee on the bodies of the listed models (if properly used).

My cutters/pruners wobble or rattle a little and seem to have some play. What should I do?

If you feel that your Original LÖWE cutters/pruners are rattling or wobbling, the bearing nut has probably worked slightly loose. Just use a suitable spanner to tighten the bearing nut a little more.

If you overtighten the bearing nut, the cutters/pruners will no longer open on their own. If this happens, loosen the nut again by a tiny amount.

My cutter/pruner is getting old and no longer cuts perfectly. I don't have the confidence to repair or maintain it myself. What should I do?

We offer a repair and maintenance service for just this reason.

We will restore your Original LÖWE cutters/pruners so that they cut just as well as they did on the first day. We will only charge you for the spare parts and shipping; the time it takes for us to replace spare parts, repair and maintain your cutters/pruners is free of charge.

I would like to buy Original LÖWE cutters/pruners. Where can I purchase them?

Normally, any hardware store or garden centre near you will be able to order the desired cutter/pruner model for you so you can purchase them there.

We would be happy to help you find a suitable dealer in your area. Please contact us if you would like us to help you. Alternatively, you can of course buy our products online.

I have a special material that has to be cut in a certain way. I am not sure whether you have cutters that are suitable for my purpose in your range. What should I do?

The best way to find out whether you can use one of our Original LÖWE cutter models to cut a particular material according to your special requirements is to talk to us directly. Alternatively, you can send us sample of the material and a brief description of the cutting requirements. We will then use our cutters to test which model is most suitable for your requirements.

Many of our industrial cutters can also cut materials for which they were not originally designed. Simply contact us and we will discuss your requirements with you.

What guarantees do my Original LÖWE cutters/pruners have?

Consumers always have a statutory warranty claim of 24 months for new goods.

As the manufacturer of Original LÖWE cutters/pruners, we offer a lifetime guarantee on our cutter/pruner bodies because they are indestructible when used as intended. Original LÖWE cutters and pruners are used across the world in over 90 countries and on all continents. Users have appreciated the premium quality of our cutters and pruners for many decades. It is crucial to us that users continue to be satisfied with our products and our practically non-existent rate of complaints makes it easy for us to grant this guarantee.

My product did not arrive in working condition. What should I do now?

If this happened, please contact us so that we can determine the exact problem. We will then either restore your cutters/pruners to working order or, if necessary, replace them.

I can't find your cutters/pruners in the DIY store. Why not?

We have always focussed on the specialist trade due to the in-depth and individual advice required, amongst other things. Also, some premium garden centres and plant dealers now stock our products.

Does Original LÖWE make children's cutters/pruners?

No, you won't find any special children's cutters/pruners in our professional range.

This is for reasons of liability, which we would be happy to explain to you personally.

Which Original LÖWE cutters/pruners are the best in the range?

There is no one answer to this question, as the right cutters or pruners depend on your cutting habits, frequency and, above all, on the intended use of the cutter or pruner.

We would be happy to advise you in person on the phone or by emailto find out which of our Original LÖWE cutters/pruners might be the most suitable for you.

Are there any all-purpose Original LÖWE models?

Since 1923, the LÖWE 1 has been the universal model in our range that can be used in the garden and workshop.

However, the area of application, cutting frequency and personal preferences of the user must always be taken into account and these are often different and varied. We would be happy to advise you on finding the ideal cutters or pruners for you. Just get in touch with us.

Do you also make cutters and pruners without plastic handles?

Yes, the LÖWE 1.101, 1.102 and 3.101 are also available without plastic handle covers.

However, Original LÖWE cutters and pruners have proven in practice to lie more comfortably in the hand with plastic covers.

What do the article numbers of your pruners stand for and what do they mean?

The article numbers of our Original LÖWE pruners always consist of 4 or 5 digits. The first number before the dot is the model series of the cutter in question. The numbers following after the dot indicate the characteristics of the handle type.

In the case of one-hand pruners, the dot is usually followed by three digits:

• .104 denotes the standard handle,
• .107 the inwardly curved handle and
• .109 the rotating handle.

For loppers, the numbers after the dot indicate the length of the handles, e.g.:

• 080 means a total length of 80cm.

What do the article numbers of your industrial cutters stand for and what do they mean?

In the mitre, moulding and cable duct cutters, the individual model series have different end numbers. The numbers after the dot indicate the type of stop face.

So:

• .104 has a mitre stop face,
• .105 has no stop face and
• .106 has a right-angled stop face.

I am left-handed. However, I cannot find any left-handed cutters or pruners in your range. Why is that?

One of the unbeatable advantages of anvil cutters and pruners is that they can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people.

Naturally, the same is not true of bypass pruners. Unfortunately, we do not currently have any left-handed bypass pruners in our range.

Do you make any pruners with integrated wire cutters?

No, our pruners do not feature wire cutters.

Our own experience and feedback from users has shown us that users often cut wire using the blade even if a wire cutter is fitted. This makes an additional wire cutter superfluous.

Do you have electric cutters/pruners in your product range?

We focus on developing, continuously improving and optimising our manual Original LÖWE cutters and pruners.

This gives our customers the best possible cutters and pruners produced with absolute passion and attention to detail. This is just one reason why we do not plan to add electric cutters and pruners to our range.

Does Original LÖWE also make saws?

No. The Original LÖWE product range does not include saws.

Can I find tin snips in your range?

The Original LÖWE product range does not include tin snips.

Does Original LÖWE make pruners with a leverage system or ratchet system?

Professional users in fruit growing, viticulture and horticulture generally do not use lever-operated pruners or ratchet systems.

The blades of our Original LÖWE pruners are so extremely sharp and edge-retaining that cutting with our products is already up to 70% easier than with comparable products. This makes a ratchet system or a leverage system superfluous for cutting plants and wood, which are naturally relatively soft materials.

Do you also make hedge trimmers?

No, our Original LÖWE product range does not include hedge trimmers.

Why do Original LÖWE make so many different types of pruners?

We aim to fulfil all requirements and customer needs. For this reason, many of our models are available with modifications so that we can provide the right Original LÖWE pruners for every user.

Cutting tool requirements are very diverse and depend on the area of application. Our one-hand pruners alone are available in 12 different variants, each with three different handle options. We specialise in cutters and pruners and aim to have the perfect model for every user.

Why do Original LÖWE make so many different types of industrial cutters?

A wide variety of materials have to be cut in various industries and trades. This naturally also means that a variety of different cutting solutions are required.

From rubber to PVC, wood, leather and flat ribbon cables, the requirements are extremely varied and the areas of application for cutters are very diverse. However, we have developed a wide range of industrial cutters over the years to make it easier for the relevant trades to work with cutters instead of saws.

Why do some of the industrial cutters have a leverage system?

The leverage system assists users when cutting flat and hard materials with a power saving of up to 80%.

When cutting these materials, users have to exert the greatest force right at the end of the cut and can sometimes only cut through the material with great effort. This is where the leverage system comes in. It makes cutting much easier and the leverage system greatly reduces the workload, especially when cutting in a repetitive sequence.

Why do the various models of industrial cutters have different stop faces or anvils?

The correct stop face depends on the result that the user expects in the material being cut. 

We offer different stop faces for most cutter models to suit various cutting requirements or materials being cut. These models are available with 90° stop faces for exact right-angled cuts, with 45° stop faces for mitre cuts or without a stop face for free-hand production.

The fastener of my Original LÖWE 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9 or 10 is wobbly. What should I do?

The fastener is attached to the Original LÖWE cutter/pruner with a Phillips screw. You can simply tighten this screw a little more using a Phillips screwdriver. This should tighten the fastener again and keep it in its selected position.

The screw or the fastener can of course also become worn depending on the intensity and duration of use. In this case, you can obtain suitable spare parts from your dealer.

The fastener on my Original LÖWE 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9 or 10 is very difficult to move. What should I do?

If this happens, loosen the cross screw of the fastener and unscrew it slightly.

Fine particles of dirt or sand can accumulate under the fastener and moisture can also cause the plastic of the fastener to swell slightly. In these cases, the fastener may get stuck.

What is the purpose of the slotted screw on the top of the fastener on my Original LÖWE 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9 or 10?

This screw can be used to regulate the flush and secure closure of your Original LÖWE cutters/pruners.

The importance of this screw becomes apparent after a certain period of time using your Original LÖWE cutters/pruners. Over time, the blade will be come worn with intensive use and repeated sharpening, which removes a small amount of material in the process. The anvil is also subject to wear and tear in the same way. As a result of material removal, the handles of the Original LÖWE cutters/pruners close further together over the course time. This means that the fastener and its adjusting screw can no longer be fixed to the original holding point on the body of the cutter/pruner. You can compensate for this difference by unscrewing the slotted screw. Your Original LÖWE cutter/pruner will then close flush, just as you are used to.