I have a pair of hedge clippers that i bought back around 1951-2, and they still work good. I doubt anything made lately will do that good a job. My gasoline weed-wacker was bought new around 1985, still runs ok. My Snapper rear engine rider, 33 inch deck, grass catcher, 12 h.p. engine, (replaced 2 years ago,) bought new in '83, still operating!
What to avoid? It is hard to avoid any new stuff made in USA! Most everything sez:"Made in China"!

The tool below from Home Depot has worked good the past 3 years for me. loger

Fiskars 21-1/2 in. Bypass Lopper
Model # 91325966J
Internet # 100180449
Store SKU # 453521
Store SO SKU # 274097

Lightweight and super-sharp, this 21 in. Bow Saw is ideal for clearing brush and pruning. It features a hardened carbon-steel blade with rust inhibitor, safety tension lever for added control and a lightweight tubular-steel frame for easy use. Replacement blade (7025) available to keep this Bow Saw functioning at its best. Lifetime warranty.