How to Sharpen Scissors at Home

Most people don't think about sharpening their scissors. When a pair stops working, they simply throw them out and buy a new pair of scissors. In today's slow economy, however, buying a new pair of scissors might not always be the smart choice. Instead, consider sharpening the blades of your scissors at home. You may be able to restore them to like new condition, and for a fraction of the cost of a new pair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sharpening (aluminum oxide bench stone) stone
• Aluminum foil
• Sandpaper
• Scissors

1. Use a sharpening (aluminum oxide bench stone) stone. You can find these at most hardware stores or garden centers. Angle the blade and slide it forward along the stone. Slide it from point to pivot. Repeat several times. When finished, open and shut the scissors to remove any scrapings.

2. Use glass to sharpen your scissors. Find an inexpensive glass cup; one that you don't want to use again. Open your scissors and run them along the edge of the cut. Alternately, use a glass bottle and work the scissors against the neck of it, as if you were trying to cut off the top of it. Repeat until your scissors are as sharp as you would like them.

3. Sharpen your scissors on aluminum foil. This works best on craft or fabric shears. Simply cut through one or more sheets of aluminum foil to sharpen them. Use heavy-duty aluminum foil for best results.

4. Cut through sandpaper. The courser the grain of paper, the better. Cut through the sandpaper several times to sharpen your scissors. Afterward, be sure to rinse of your blades as the sandpaper will leave residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not try these techniques to sharpen a knife, with the exception of using a sharpening stone.

Resources

• Short Video on Using Sharpening Stones to Sharpen Scissors.