How to Sharpen Lopping Shears

Lopping shears, or loppers as they are sometimes called, make quick work of heavy pruning jobs. Large rose canes and fruit tree branches are easily removed with the additional leverage the long-handled loppers provide. Keeping the blade sharp on loppers will make your pruning task even that much easier.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lubricating Oils
• Metal Files
• Vises

1. Clamp the lopping shears in a bench vise in the open position. Set the blade close to the head of the vise so that most of the handle is hanging below. (Most loppers are "bypass pruners" and have only one cutting blade, which is the only side you need to sharpen.)

2. Use a flat metal bench file to sharpen the blade.

3. Place the file at a 45-degree angle on the edge of the blade.

4. Keep the file at the same angle and sharpen in only one direction, not back and forth. A few passes with the file should make a sharp cutting edge.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a metal file with you if you have a lot of pruning to do. You can sharpen the blade in the field by propping the handle open against the trunk of a tree to hold the blade in the open position.
• Coat the sharpened loppers with a light application of oil to prevent them from rusting. Don't forget to spread some oil on the handles as well.