Garden shears , also known as garden shears , are an indispensable tool for every gardener. They are used for cutting branches, grass or hedges, so it is important that their blades are properly sharpened. A sharp pruner not only makes work easier, but also ensures precise and clean cutting, minimizing plant damage.
Why should a garden pruner be sharp?
Sharp garden shears are the basis for effective cutting in the garden. There are several reasons why you should keep your garden shears sharp:
- Precise cutting: A sharp pruner ensures a clean cut, minimizing the risk of damaging plants. Thanks to this, plants regenerate faster and grow better.
- Comfortable working: Sharp tools require less effort when cutting, which means you can get more work done in less time. You don't get tired so quickly and you avoid pain in your hands and wrists.
- Safety: Sharp garden shears are safer to use because they minimize the risk of branches coming loose during cutting. This helps you avoid accidental cuts.
How to properly sharpen garden shears?
The process of sharpening garden shears is simple, but requires some precision. The following step-by-step guide shows you how to perfectly sharpen your garden shears :
Step 1: Cleaning the scissors
Before sharpening your garden shears, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Remove any dirt from the blades, such as soil, resin or plant residues. You can use regular gardening soap or gray soap for this. After thoroughly cleaning your pruning shears, disinfect the blades with rubbing alcohol to avoid spreading disease-causing pathogens to other plants.
Step 2: Adjusting the scissors
After cleaning your garden shears , it is worth checking and adjusting the blade adjustment. Make sure that the blades fit snugly together when cutting, but at the same time do not have too much resistance. If garden shears have an adjustment screw, use the appropriate wrench to adjust the blade tension. Remember that a well-adjusted pruner will provide the best cutting results.
Step 3: Sharpening the scissors
The most important step in the process of sharpening garden shears is, of course, the sharpening process itself. There are several ways you can do this:
- Stone whetstone: Place the whetstone against the outer edge of the blade at an approximately 45-degree angle. Move the whetstone along the blade, moving it from the root to the tip. Repeat this process several times until you have a sharp and smooth blade.
- Metal file: If you don't have a whetstone, you can use a fine-grit metal file. As with the whetstone, place the file against the outer edge of the blade and move along the blade.
- Kitchen Knife Sharpener: If you don't have a whetstone or file, you can use a kitchen knife sharpener. Proceed in the same way as with a whetstone or file, moving the sharpener along the blade.
It is important to only move in one direction to avoid damaging the blade. Remember that sharpening only applies to the outer edge of the blade, keep the inner side intact.
Step 4: Scissor maintenance
After properly sharpening your garden shears, it is worth maintaining them properly. Apply a small amount of machine oil or special garden tool maintenance oil to the blades. The oil will help protect the blades from corrosion and keep them in good condition. After applying oil, wipe the blades with a dry cloth to remove excess oil.
Precise cutting with sharp secateurs
Sharp garden shears are a key tool for a gardener. Properly sharpened scissors ensure precise and clean cuts, minimizing plant damage. Remember to clean and maintain your shears regularly to keep them in good condition.
Follow the guide above and enjoy efficient gardening with sharply sharpened garden shears .