How to Sharpen Garden Clipper Blades

Sharp clippers help make garden work safe and easy.

When you take care of your gardening tools they can last for years. Besides regular cleaning, it's important to keep garden clipper blades sharp for optimal performance. Some clipper blades are curved, making it difficult to use a file or other traditional sharpening tool. But sharpening the blades yourself is simple when you know what tools and techniques to use. Garden clippers are safer and easier to use when their blades cut cleanly.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Scissor sharpener
• 300-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Wipe the blades with a wet rag to remove any built-up dirt or other residue.

2. Press a scissors sharpener over one of the blades and swipe down the blade from root to tip. Repeat with the other blade.

3. Rub a piece of 300-grit sandpaper over the backs of the blades in small, circular motions. This removes any burrs on the blades that can cause jagged cutting.

4. Wipe away any sandpaper residue with the rag before using the clippers.

References

• THE FAMILY Handyman: How to Sharpen Garden Tools
• Danny LIPFORD: How to Clean, Sharpen and Maintain Garden Tools