How to Sharpen Sheep Shears

Sheep shears are large sheers whose blade don't cross over but connect at the bottom like tongs. They're useful not only to shear sheep and llamas but also as garden tools. Before you sharpen your sheep shears take a close look at them for nicks and cuts to the blade. These areas need additional attention.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sharpening stone
• Oil
• File
• Sandpaper

Use a Power Tool to Grind

1. Squeeze the shears together so the inside edges cross and come to the outside. This gives a good surface for you to sharpen.

2. Place the shears on the side of the wheel on a grinder to sharpen the sheep shears. Grind the shears on the beveled side to the same bevel that already exists. Move the blade across the wheel as you grind.

3. Use the other side of the wheel to grind the other blade of the sheep shears. Follow the same procedure and grind only the existing bevel to the same angle that already exists.

4. Smooth the ground edges with a honing stone. Also do the back side to take off any burrs. Don't forget to oil the stone before you begin.

5. Test the shears after you sharpen them. Listen for any noise that might indicate a burr.

Sharpen by Hand

6. Use several methods to hand sharpen sheep shears. Use a stone or file for the sharpening process. If you use a stone, make it a coarse grit stone and oil it first. If you use a new stone, soak it overnight. Light machine oil suffices as the oiling medium.

7. Rub the beveled edge over the stone at the same angle that already exists. The blades come with the bevel at the correct angle. Don't adjust it or you might ruin the sheep shears.

8. File the edge of the sheep shears. If you want to use the alternative, squeeze the blades together so that they cross each other and put them in a vise that way. Run the edge of the file along the bevel at the same existing angle until it looks sharp. Remove the shears and flip over to do the other side.

9. Remove the burrs with a honing stone from both sides. Rub the stone over the edge and back to remove any burrs. You can also use 300 grit sandpaper that's wet/dry. Rotate the back of the shear over the sandpaper to remove burrs.

10. Test the shears after you sharpened them. There shouldn't be any noise that indicates a burr.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use protective eyewear when you sharpen tools.