#$%^&*AU2010101247B420131121.pdf#####-6ABSTRACT Pruners and loppers have dual mode operation in that the blade is closed with a single squeeze or with multiple squeezes and a rotatable selector selects the desired mode. The 5 blade has a rocker arm with ratchet teeth formed in a window in the arm. The scissor handle has a radius arm which ends in a pawl which can engage the ratchet nearer the pivot axis of the blade or further from it.