How to Sharpen Pruning Clippers

Sharp blades make your pruning chores go faster and easier; and the neat, clean cuts they deliver keep your plants healthier.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lightweight Oil
• Rag
• Stiff Brush
• Soap
• Soap
• Bench Vise
• Medium-fine Flat File
• Screwdriver Or Wrench
• Kerosene, mineral oil or mayonnaise

1. 

   Note which type of shears you've got. Anvil-type pruners (see A) have a single sharp blade that hits squarely against a blunt anvil. Bypass shears (see B) have two sharp blades that move past one another with a scissors-type action.

2. With an anvil pruner, you'll sharpen the single blade on both sides. With a bypass pruner, you'll sharpen only the outside surface of each blade (thus allowing them to cut cleanly as they slide past each other).

3. For easiest sharpening, use a screwdriver or wrench to disassemble the shears. Clamp the blade in a bench vise. Line up the parts in the order in which you remove them so you can put them back together easily when you're finished.

4. Clean the blades. Remove caked-on soil or other debris with soapy water and a stiff brush. To clean off sap or evergreen pitch, wipe the blades with a rag dipped in kerosene, mineral oil or (believe it or not) mayonnaise.

5. With the blade facing you, place a medium-fine flat file along the slant of the edge. As you sharpen, try to maintain the original angle of the edge. Push the file away from you. (The file will be moving from the edge of the blade toward the back.) As you finish each stroke, lift the file and begin again. Avoid pulling the file toward you.

6. When the edge is even and shiny, flip the blade over. If you see a burr, file it off. Coat the blade with a lightweight oil such as WD-40 or mineral oil.

7. Test the shears on a branch of the size they were designed to handle. If the cut isn't neat, clean and easy, continue sharpening the shears.

Tips & Warnings

• After each use, clean your shears, give them a thin coat of oil and store them where they'll be safe from bumps and dings.
• Sharpening a pruning saw is a job that's best left to a pro. With some models, replacing the blade is another option.
• Oil-coated rags pose a fire hazard. Spread them out on the ground to dry completely before disposing of them.

[baubo]

on 5/12/2007 This would a lot clearer if there were actually pictures labeled "A" and "B" to see. I'm guessing the anvil shears have a single blade that needs to be sharpened and the other kind have two blades, but pictures would help, particularly since it says "(see A)" and "(see B)"