Protecting Yourself
- Put on Protective Gloves
Ensure your hands are protected by wearing heavy-duty gardening gloves. Thick leather gloves are ideal to guard against accidental cuts while handling the shears. - Wear Goggles
Protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles. This helps prevent metal shards or rust from injuring your eyes while you clean and sharpen the shears. - Seek Medical Treatment if Injured
If you cut yourself while cleaning or sharpening your shears, seek medical attention immediately. Always prioritize safety when handling sharp tools.
Cleaning the Shears
- Scrub the Blades with Warm Soapy Water
Before sharpening, you must clean your pruning shears. Fill a container or sink with warm water and add two teaspoons of dish soap. Use a stiff brush to scrub each blade thoroughly. - Rinse the Blades
After scrubbing, rinse the blades with clean, cool water to remove all soap residue. Repeat the rinsing until no soap is left on the blades. - Dry the Blades
Use a thick dry cloth or towel to gently wipe the blades dry. Be cautious to avoid cuts while drying them. - Buff Off Any Rust
If you notice rust, use medium-coarse steel wool to buff it off carefully. After removing the rust, rinse and dry the blades again.
Sharpening the Blades
- Secure the Pruners in a Bench Vise
If you have a bench vise, use it to hold the pruners in place. This makes sharpening easier and safer. Position the pruners so that the beveled edge of the cutting blade faces you. - Position the File
Use a medium or coarse diamond hand file. Position it at the same angle as the bevel on the cutting blade. - Draw the File Along the Contour of the Blade
With one smooth stroke, draw the file along the blade from the base to the tip, moving away from your body. Apply moderate pressure and maintain the same angle throughout the stroke. Always file away from your body. - File Until a Sharp Edge Forms
Continue filing in smooth strokes until the blade becomes sharp. This should take 10 to 20 strokes. Repeat on the opposite blade if needed, especially for bypass or anvil-style pruners. - File Off Burrs on the Blade’s Backside
After sharpening, check the backside of the blade for burrs. Turn the shears over and file a few strokes to remove them. - Finish with Linseed Oil
Wipe the blades with linseed oil to prevent rust. Apply the oil with a soft cloth and store the shears until the next use.
By following these steps, you can maintain sharp and efficient pruning shears, ensuring clean cuts and extending the life of your tools.