How To Sharpen Garden Shears
If you are in need of sharpening your garden shears, the process is actually quite simple. Your shears can be damaged when they hit a rock or when dirt gets into the blade and makes it dull over time. To keep your shears working well and cut through stems easily, you must learn how to sharpen them correctly with these easy steps.
Steps 0n How To Sharpen Garden Shears
Step 1 – Clean Blades
Clean your blades with a soft cloth until you see no more dirt or debris. You can also use a file to clean the edges of your blade. Be sure not to remove too much metal from your shears because this could make them weak and cause them to break easily.
Step 2 – Check Shears
Check your shears to see if they are bent. If blades do not lie flat against each other, the necessary step is to bend them back into the correct position. Do this carefully because you could accidentally break your shears if you bend them too far or with too much pressure.
Step 3 – Rub Sharpening Stone along Blade
Rub the sharpening stone along the beveled edge of your blade until you see a thin black line. This is the metal coming off from the cutting surface and acts as a guide to let you know you are sharpening correctly. Keep repeating this process until black residue can no longer be seen on the stone.
Step 4 – Rub Lubricant
Rub some oil onto another sharpening stone and run it along the length of your shears’ blades several times before gently running it across the back.
Be sure not to put pressure on one area or pull a blade away from a sharpening stone too quickly because this could cause damage or injury if done incorrectly.
You should also check that all parts of your blades move smoothly and easily after steps 1- have been completed in order to ensure your shears are working properly.
Step 5 – Buff the Edges
Buff the edges of your blades with a soft cloth to provide an extra layer of protection and reduce rusting. You should also avoid using your shears in wet or rainy conditions because this could cause them to rust quickly and require more sharpening later on.
Drying off the blades after use will help them last for as long as possible before another sharpening is required.
Finished! Now you have a clean, sharp pair of garden shears that will make your work easier and enjoyable. Your newly polished shears will make it easy to cut through stems without bruising or crushing delicate flowers or stems, leaving behind nothing but a smooth edge for a beautiful finished product.
Keep your tools in tip-top shape with these simple tips on how to sharpen garden shears!
Extended Tips
Sharpen your shears periodically throughout the year to maintain a sharp edge.
A clean cloth will be helpful in removing dirt and debris from your blades before sharpening begins. You can also use a file to remove any burrs on the edges of the metal in order to get a smooth blade that requires less sharpening in future.
Be careful not to remove too much metal, as this could weaken the shears and may cause them to break.
Bending blades back into alignment can be difficult unless you are completely confident that they are out of position. If your blades do not lie flat against each other, avoid sharpening or using them until they have been straightened accordingly because this could make more work for you later on and cause more damage to your shears.
You should oil your blades after sharpening them to protect against rusting and increase the lifespan of your shears. Be sure not to leave oil on your shears for too long since it can attract dirt, debris.
Clean Tools After Every Use
It is important to keep your shears clean after each use in order to prevent rusting and extend the lifespan of your garden pruners. You can wipe down or rinse your blades with water to remove dirt, debris, and other substances that might cause damage.
Allow blades to completely dry before putting them away for storage.
Practice Proper Tool Storage
Always store your shears in a safe place where they cannot be accessed by children or pets. Since many of the materials that comprise garden tools are sharp, it is important to store them out of reach so an accident does not take place.
It is also helpful to keep your gardening shears separate from other tools because this makes them easier to locate when in need. If you have a designated storage spot for these items, it is more likely you will know where to find them when preparing for your work in the garden or yard.
Keep An Eye On Damaged Parts
If you notice broken or bent parts, do not attempt to fix them on your own. This could make the situation worse and cause injury to yourself or others around you.
Instead, contact the manufacturer of your shears to find out if they are still under warranty. If this is not an option, dispose of the damaged tools appropriately by recycling or donating them so they can be repurposed.
Know When To Stop Sharpening
Sharpening your garden shears on a regular basis is important for keeping them in tip-top condition, but you should also know when to stop sharpening since it is possible to wear down the metal too much. Not being able to get through stems may indicate that you need to replace your shears or invest in a new pair that is up to the challenge.
If you can no longer cut through stems, branches, and grass with your shears, it may be time for a replacement. A broken or dull tool makes work harder and more frustrating; save yourself time and effort by investing in quality equipment that will last.
Conclusion
No matter how dirty or worn down your shears may get, the tips above will help you get them back in working order. Keep your tools clean and sharp by practicing proper storage techniques and letting blades dry after every use.
Regularly sharpen your garden shears to increase their lifespan and effectiveness.
Finally, know when to stop sharpening since there is a point where you can wear down the metal too much and need to buy new ones. By following these simple steps, your garden shears will always be ready for any job that needs to be done around the house or yard.
