How to Sharpen Pruning Tools at Home

Sharp pruning tools make trimming easier and promote faster plant recovery from clean cuts. Whether dealing with hedge clippers, grass shears, or pruning shears, knowing how to sharpen these tools properly can save you time, money, and effort in the long run. 

In addition, maintaining a sharp edge ensures that cuts are clean and precise, minimizing the risk of damaging plants. This will walk you through the process of identifying and sharpening various different pruning tools to help your garden stay healthy and beautiful year-round.

Types of Pruning Tools

Before diving into the sharpening process, you should know the different types of pruning tools and their unique blade designs. 

Hedge Clippers

Hedge clippers typically feature two blades that move against each other in a scissor-like motion. These blades are often beveled on one side and flat on the other. 

When sharpening hedge clippers, maintain this bevel and sharpen both blades for optimal performance to allow them cut through foliage effortlessly.

Grass Clippers

Similar to hedge clippers, grass clippers have two blades. However, these blades may be beveled on both sides, requiring a different approach to sharpening. 

Grass clippers are designed to trim edges and reach places a lawnmower can’t, so keeping them sharp is vital for maintaining a tidy lawn.

Anvil Pruning Shears

Anvil pruning shears have a single blade that moves against a hard, flat plate. This design creates a pinching action rather than a scissoring motion. When sharpening anvil pruners, focus on the single blade, which may have a bevel on both sides. Anvil pruners are particularly useful for cutting through tough, woody stems and dead branches due to their crushing action.

Bypass Loppers or Pruning Shears

Bypass loppers and pruning shears feature a single blade that moves past a hard, flat edge in a scissoring motion. The blade typically has a bevel on just one side, which you should maintain during sharpening. These tools are best for live plant material as they make cleaner cuts that heal quickly, promoting healthier growth.

Types of Sharpening Tools

Choosing the right sharpening tools helps you achieve a sharp, clean edge on pruning implements.

Grinders

Power grinders can remove metal quickly, making them useful for major reshaping. However, they require a gentle touch and practice to avoid overheating the steel, which can soften the metal and cause the blade to dull quickly.

 For those comfortable with power tools, grinders can be a fast and efficient way to restore a severely dull or damaged blade.

Files

Files are an excellent option for removing steel without the risk of overheating. They’re particularly useful for tools that don’t require a razor-sharp edge, such as hoes and shovels. For pruning tools, a medium or fine mill file with a “bastard cut” is recommended. 

Files provide better control and precision, making them ideal for maintaining the correct bevel angle on pruning shears.

Sharpening Stones

Sharpening stones come in various grits, from coarse (120 grit) to extra fine (1000 grit or higher). They can be made from natural stone or synthetic materials. Oilstones use honing oil as a lubricant, while Japanese waterstones require water. 

You can use diamond plates and ceramic stones dry or with water. Stones are ideal for achieving a very sharp edge on pruning tools and are versatile enough to be used on a variety of garden implements.

Sharpening Systems

There are also dedicated sharpening systems available that are designed to maintain consistent angles and offer guided sharpening. These systems range from simple pocket sharpeners to more elaborate setups with multiple guides and sharpening surfaces. They are particularly useful for beginners or those looking to get a consistent edge on their tools.

Honing Rods

You can use honing rods to refine and maintain an edge between sharpenings. They are best for tools that see frequent use. Honing rods come in different materials such as steel, ceramic, and diamond-coated varieties, each offering unique benefits for edge maintenance.

Sharpening Process for Pruning Tools

Sharpening pruning tools requires attention to detail and patience. Proper technique prolongs the life of the tools and provides the best performance. Follow these steps to achieve the best results:

Step 1: Disassemble the Tool

Most pruning tools are held together with a simple bolt or a few screws. Carefully disassemble the tool, separating the blades to make cleaning and sharpening easier. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove any fasteners or retaining clips. Disassembly also allows you to thoroughly inspect the tool, identifying any wear or damage that you may need to address.

Step 2: Clean the Tool

Thoroughly clean the tool before sharpening. Scrub away dirt, sap, and rust with soap and water. For stubborn residue, use mineral spirits. Dry the tool completely before proceeding to the next step. A clean surface makes the sharpening process more effective and can prevent contamination of sharpening stones or files.

Step 3: Secure the Blade

For safety and precision, secure the blade in a strong vise or clamp. If you don’t have a vise, carefully brace the shears on a stable surface, wrapping the blade in a rag to protect your hands while holding it steady. Securing the blade helps maintain consistent pressure and angle during sharpening, which gets you the sharp edge you want.

Step 4: Sharpen the Blade

Begin with a mill file or coarse sharpening stone for very dull or nicked edges. For blades in better condition, use a medium or fine sharpening stone. If using a waterstone, lubricate it with water—for an oilstone, apply a light coat of honing oil.

Lay the stone flat against the beveled edge of the blade. Using steady, even strokes, gently push the stone or file toward the sharp edge of the blade. Continue until the entire cutting length of the blade is sharpened. 

Be careful not to apply too much pressure or use a coarse grit stone for too long, as this can damage the blade’s beveled edge. Maintaining a consistent angle throughout the sharpening process makes for a uniformly sharp edge.

Step 5: Remove the Burr

After sharpening one side, place the stone or file flat against the opposite flat side of the blade. Make a gentle stroke away from the edge to remove any burr that has formed during sharpening. This step prevents the burr from affecting the tool’s performance and gives it a clean cut.

Step 6: Hone the Blade

Once the blade is sharp, switch to a finer grit stone to hone the edge. Repeat the sharpening process, applying gradually less pressure with each finer grit. Watch the edge closely as you hone it—the freshly ground steel should become uniformly shiny along its entire length. Honing helps refine the edge and can dramatically improve the cutting performance of the tool.

Step 7: Clean and Oil the Tool

After sharpening, carefully wipe off any metal filings with a clean, dry rag. Apply a light coat of oil to the blade, springs, and other moving parts to prevent rust formation. Oiling protects against corrosion and gives a smoother operation of the moving parts.

Step 8: Reassemble the Tool

Put the pruning shears back together according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Test the sharpened tool on a scrap piece of wood or a thick stem, and make any necessary adjustments. 

Maintaining a Keen Edge

Maintaining the edge of pruning tools involves regular upkeep and care. Small habits can significantly extend the lifespan of the tools and ensure they remain sharp. To extend the time between sharpenings and keep pruning tools in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

1. Clean blades after each use to prevent sap and dirt buildup. Accumulated residue can dull the blades and promote rust.
2. Avoid cutting large woody stems that the tool isn’t designed for, as this can nick the cutting edge.
3. Store tools in a dry place away from sunlight to prevent corrosion. Excess humidity and direct sunlight can degrade materials over time.
4. Lubricate pivot points periodically with light oil. This prevents rust and makes the operation smoother.
5. Check the blade regularly for dull spots or nicks, and sharpen as needed. Regular inspections can catch issues early before they require more extensive sharpening.
6. Sharpen pruners once a year before the heavy pruning season for optimal performance.

Final Thoughts About Sharpening Pruning Tools

Maintaining sharp pruning tools is an essential part of garden care that many homeowners overlook. However, by investing a little time and effort into sharpening and maintaining your tools, you can significantly improve the health of their plants and make pruning tasks much easier.