How to Sharpen a Pole Pruner

Pole pruners are among those invaluable tools that make life in the tree tops easy. Any kind of aerial pruning can be done from the ground with this handy combination of a saw and pruning shears attached to the end of a pole. Keeping the blades sharp will make your work just that much easier!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lubricating Oils
• Metal Files
• Vises

1. Clamp the business end of the pole pruner in a vice. The blade should be placed in the vice with the beveled edge facing up.

2. Pull the control rope so that the blade of the pruner is in the open position. Tie the rope off to the end of the pole so that the pruner stays open while you sharpen the blade.

3. Use a metal bench file. Place the file at a 45 degree angle against the beveled edge of the blade.

4. Push the file against the blade in one direction only, never back and forth.

5. File your way around the entire cutting edge of the blade, pushing the file away from you as you sharpen.

6. Run the file one time over the back side of the blade to remove any burrs or rough edges.

7. Sharpen the saw blade with a small, round file. The teeth of the saw alternate with a beveled edge and a flat edge; sharpen the beveled edges.

8. Pull the file between each beveled tooth on the saw blade.

Tips & Warnings

• Oil all moving parts with a light lubricating oil when you have finished sharpening.
• Keep a file with you when you are working. Sharpen the blade frequently to make the job easier.
• Blades are sharp! Handle them with caution.

[easternrida14]

on 7/31/2009 http://www.ehow.com/how_5223641_make-proper-pruning-cuts.html