How to Sharpen Sheet Metal Cutters

This sharpening method works for any type of metal shears or scissors.

Sheet metal cutters and other industrial scissor-type tools like shears or tin snips get dull with time and use. Rather than purchasing new tools when that happens, you can sharpen the cutters and get further use out of them. Dozens of tools and methods are out there for sharpening, from rotary stones to honing stones to simple files. Unless you wish to disassemble the cutters, the best method is the oldest and easiest: using simple files to sharpen the cutters.

Things You'll Need

• Course and fine metal files
• Clamp

Instructions

1. Clamp the cutters onto a work surface with the blades hanging over the edge. Make sure the cutters are open so the side you will be sharpening is face-up. You want the cutting surface facing you, with the side that meets the other blade face-down.

2. Place the course metal file against the cutting surface at the angle of the existing edge. Typically, this is around 30 to 45 degrees.

3. Run the metal file down the length of the blade to the tip while pulling the file towards the ground. Maintain the angle and direction you are pulling the file through the whole process. Do this until you have a slight lip on the underside of the blade.

4. Place the metal file flat to the underside of the blade and lightly run it down the length of the blade until the lip is removed.

5. Sharpen the other blade in the same way. Repeat the process using the fine-toothed metal file until you achieve the desired level of sharpness.

References

• University of Florida Extension EDIS: Sharpening Tools for Landscaping and Gardening