Tips for Maintaining and Sharpening Pruning Shears
Learn how to keep your pruning shears in good condition and extend their lifespan by following these simple steps.
Pruning shears are a common tool found in many homes with gardens or terraces, particularly among gardening enthusiasts. Unlike regular scissors, pruning shears tend to lose their sharpness quickly due to the hardness of some branches and stems. Sharpening their blades is a relatively easy process, and we will guide you through it in this article.
## Choosing the Right Pruning Shears
Before we dive into the sharpening process, it's essential to understand the different types of pruning shears available. In gardening, we often come across two types of shears: pruning shears for branches and stems, and lawn shears for cutting grass. Pruning shears are generally shorter and more common, while lawn shears are typically longer and used for edging lawns.
## Sharpening Pruning Shears
To sharpen your pruning shears, you will need a few basic tools: a stiff-bristled brush or steel wool, a whetstone, lubricating oil, a dry cloth, and warm water with soap or ethanol.
Here are the steps to follow:
- First, clean the blades thoroughly to remove any sap, dryness, or rust that may have accumulated. Use the steel wool and warm water with soap to do this. - Be aware that curved pruning shears have a cutting blade and a support blade. Only sharpen the cutting blade, focusing on the bevel side. - Next, use the whetstone to sharpen the cutting blade, moving from the base to the tip in smooth, consistent strokes. Aim for about a dozen strokes to achieve the desired sharpness. - If you notice a burr on the flat side of the blade, use the whetstone to remove it. A few strokes should be enough to smooth out the area. - Finally, apply a few drops of lubricating oil to the shears' axis and give the blades a light coating using a damp cloth. This will help prevent rust and extend the lifespan of your pruning shears.
The same steps apply to lawn shears, except that both blades need to be sharpened.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your pruning shears in good condition and extend their lifespan. Remember to sharpen them regularly to maintain their effectiveness and prevent damage to your tools.
