Pruning shears are an essential tool for anyone who owns plants. Routinely trimming houseplants can achieve the desired look and help them thrive. Over time, however, the blades can dull, reducing their effectiveness and potentially damaging plants. Here’s how to sharpen pruning shears to keep them in top shape.

Why It’s Important to Sharpen Pruning Shears

Sharp pruning shears are efficient and quickly and easily do the job. When pruning houseplants, you want clean cuts. Sharp shears make clean cuts, which heal faster and reduce the risk of disease. Whether you’re beheading a Dracaena or keeping a Tradescantia under control, pruning is essential to plant care. Regular maintenance extends the life of your pruners, saving money in the long run.

Tools and Materials Needed

You’ll need a few items to sharpen pruners. Here’s what you’ll need to get your shears in tip-top shape.

• Steel Wool: To remove rust or caked-on debris.
• Cleaning Cloth: This is used for wiping blades and applying oil.
• Sharpening Stone or Diamond Files: Sharpen the blades using a stone intended for this purpose or files with varying degrees of grit (coarse, fine, and extra fine).
• Lubricant: Light machine oil or specialized blade oil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpen Pruning Shears

Follow these simple steps to return your pruning shears to their former glory.

1. Inspect the Pruners

Inspect the blades, handles, spring, and locking mechanism. Make sure the bolt holding the handles together is secure. Closely examine the blades for significant damage, such as deep gouges.

You can tighten a loose bolt or fix minor issues, but toss severely damaged shears. Shears beyond repair will not work as intended and are not worth sharpening. You may be better off starting over with a brand-new pair. 

2. Clean the Shears

Clean your pruning shears to remove sap, dirt, and debris. Use warm, soapy water and scrub with a stiff brush or steel wool.

Deep Clean

Shears with a significant rust problem may need an extended soak in vinegar. Use a dish or jar and soak the shears for about a day, but don’t exceed 24 hours. Only the rusty parts need to be soaked. Vinegar will damage plastic components or rubber handle grips, so only expose the metal to vinegar. Finally, scrub the shears with steel wool to remove rust.

If the shears are seriously rusty, you may want to disassemble them before soaking. Most pruning shears have a central bolt that can be unscrewed. Remember to note how the parts fit together for reassembly. Taking a picture you can reference later can prevent future frustration. Disassembling isn’t mandatory, but it may help clean all of the surfaces and crevices. 

Vinegar is an acid, so you need to neutralize the acid after cleaning with vinegar. Fill your soaking container with water and two tablespoons of baking soda, and soak the shears for about 10 minutes. Rinse and dry using a clean cloth.

3. Identify the Type of Pruners

There are different types of pruning shears.

• Bypass Pruners
• Anvil Pruners
• Straight Blade Pruners
• Ratchet Pruners

Examine the blade to locate the beveled edge. This is the cutting edge that needs sharpening. The other side, often called the flat or non-beveled side, should remain untouched.

The most common pruning shears are bypass pruners. When sharpening bypass pruners, you only need to sharpen the upper blade.

4. Sharpen the Beveled Edge

When using a sharpening stone, hold the stone at the same angle as the bevel (usually around 20-30 degrees). Slide the blade across the stone from the base to the tip. Apply even pressure and maintain a consistent angle. Repeat this motion several times until the edge is sharp.

For a diamond file: Stroke the file along the beveled edge, following its contour. Work in one direction to avoid dulling the blade. Start with the course file. After about ten passes with the course file, make ten passes using the fine grit file.

A diamond file may be more effective for smaller or serrated blades. 

5. Remove Burrs

After sharpening, a burr may form on the flat side of the blade. A burr is a thin, rough edge. Remove burrs by gently rubbing the flat side against the stone or using an extra fine diamond file. This final pass ensures the blades will provide a smooth, clean cut.

6. Lubricate and Reassemble

Apply a few drops of lubricant to the cutting edge and pivot points. Lubrication prevents rust and ensures the pruners are easy to operate. Reassemble the shears, tightening the central bolt securely but not too tightly.

7. Test the Sharpness

Test the sharpness by cutting through a piece of paper or a small branch. The blade should slice through effortlessly. If not, repeat the sharpening process.

Happy Pruning

Sharpening pruning shears is a straightforward task that can significantly improve your plant care regime. By keeping your tools in top condition, you’ll make cleaner cuts, work more efficiently, and extend the life of your shears. Regular maintenance and sharpening ensure that your shears are always ready for the next pruning job, helping you maintain a beautiful and healthy plant collection.