4 Simple Steps to Sharpen Garden Shears

by Sabrina Tossie October 23, 2023

Maintaining the sharpness of your garden shears is crucial for effective pruning and gardening. In this guide, we will walk you through four easy steps to sharpen and rejuvenate your garden shears.

Equipment / Tools

1 Wrench to fit the tool

1 File (fine or medium coarse)

Supplies

Rag

Household cleaner or rubbing alcohol

Scrubbing pad

Steel wool

WD-40 or other solvent

Tool oil (3-In-1 or similar)

Step 1: Disassemble the Tool

Begin by disassembling your garden shears. Some shears can be partially or entirely disassembled using bolts or screws. Remember to select the appropriate wrench to loosen the bolts, but be cautious of the sharp blade edge.
Carefully disassemble the shears, keeping an eye out for small components like lock washers, spacers, and nuts. Arrange these pieces in order to ensure the tool's proper reassembly.
Working on a clear and stable surface is advisable to prevent small parts from getting lost. You can also take a photo before disassembly to reference how the pieces fit back together.

Step 2: Clean and Dry All Parts

Garden shears tend to accumulate plant residue, sap, and dirt over time. Cleaning is essential for smoother cutting and effective sharpening. Residues can also cause blades to stick together, hindering clean cuts.
Use hot soapy water and a rag to clean the blades. Stubborn sap can be removed with a household cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Scrub with care until all grime is gone.
If rust is present, utilize steel wool and a penetrating solvent like WD-40 to remove it. Make sure the surface becomes smooth, even if it remains slightly tarnished.
Once the parts are clean, rinse them with water and thoroughly dry them.

Step 3: Sharpen the Blades

Sharpening your garden shears is the easiest part of the process. Identify the beveled edge on the blade, usually found on one side only. This beveled side is the one that requires sharpening. Avoid sharpening the flat side, as it may affect the blade's cutting action.
Using a file, apply gentle pressure and file the beveled edge in one direction to match the angle. Don't use a sawing motion; instead, treat it like petting a cat. Continue filing until the edge becomes shiny and free of nicks. A nick will appear as a dull spot that doesn't cut cleanly.
If you notice a slight burr on the opposite side of the blade, gently work the file across it with a flat angle to remove it.

Step 4: Oil and Reassemble Your Shears

Apply a light coating of oil to the metal parts and then carefully reassemble the shears. Be cautious with the newly sharpened blade to avoid injury.
Tighten the bolts snugly but not overly tight to allow for future disassembly. Over-tightening can make it challenging to take the shears apart again and affect their operation. If the shears feel stiff when opening, slightly loosen the bolts until they move easily.

Get ready to cultivate, nurture, and witness the magic of your garden flourishing. Explore our gardening tool set and let your gardening journey begin! Check out below!!