Which tool to take 8 inch off top of privet hedge?

I have a 7 foot tall privet that I think would do the same job at just over 6 foot but the branches are too thick for my hedge cutters. Do I just set about it with a pair of secateurs?

 

A decent set of loppers hoofy. Cut thick stems and others too thick for shears to 20 centimetres or so below your desired 6’ height.
In a few weeks you will be able to use shears or hedge trimmer to maintain your desired height.

 

IMO. When cutting back, pruning whatever.. Thick growth needs to be selected and cut down below the general height of the hedge,plant etc. This will allow top suface area to be over and above, some knarled knuckle type growth.

 

Thank you both.

I might have a go later today. I'll either try and reach in for the thicker branches so they're lower than the rest or I might just remove the top so it's all level. Depends on how it looks as I'm doing the job.

 

A decent set of loppers for this job, Screwfix gave a good selection. I have ruined secateurs trying to cut back thick stems of shrubs. The loppers cut through them like butter, also they have a very good reach for them difficult spots.
I prefer the anvil type for cutting large stems, these are only £14
https://www.screwfix.com/p/telescopic-anvil-loppers/18096

 

I have a pair of loppers so should be no problem.

 

I watched the gardeners at a local NT property carefully measuring the height they're cutting every stem at, when that's all totally unnecessary as it can all be later topped to a higher uniform height.

They must have wasted £1,000's of NT members subscriptions with their stupid, pedantic procedures.