How to Sharpen Garden Tools: Q & A

Key Sharpening Tips for Pruners, Loppers, Scissors and Snips

How do you really sharpen garden tools and what type of sharpening stone or file can you use? Garden tools take abuse out in the garden and landscape. They bend, flex, and can be required to cut all kinds of things. It is not uncommon for them to quickly become dull and lack the cutting capability we require on our bushes, plants and grass. So how can we sharpen our garden tools and keep our time in the garden efficient and happy? Here is a quick overview of many common questions when it comes to the subject.

• Why do my garden tools need to be sharpened?

  Why do my garden tools need to be sharpened?

  Having sharp garden tools provides a number of benefits:

  • Easier to cut, snip and trim
  • Less damage to the plant or tree with a clean cut
  • Clean cuts heal more quickly
  • Less stress on the garden tool or machine
  • Less power required to cut
  • More efficient use of time

  Essentially, it keeps both you and your plants and trees happy.
• What is the best tool for sharpening my garden tools?

  What is the best tool for sharpening my garden tools?

  Well, it depends. If you are sharpening mower blades, you will go nuts using a diamond sharpening paddle. And a large file is not going to help at all when sharpening garden snips or scissors. Here is an overview of all the tools you can utilize to sharpen a variety of garden tools: Garden Tool Sharpeners
• How do I sharpen garden shears?

  How do I sharpen garden shears?

  Sharpening garden shears is just like sharpening a pair of scissors. You can sharpen them without disassembling, but usually if you can remove the central locking nut, it makes it easier. Most shears will have a layer of say and goop that will need to be removed. You then run a file or diamond pad across the blade at about a 10 degree angle until you see raw steel. Carefully and lightly touch the edge after a few passes and you should feel a sharp edge.
• How do I sharpen my garden pruners?

  How do I sharpen my garden pruners?

  Sharpening garden pruners is easy with the use of diamond stone sharpening paddles. These paddles are efficient and small enough to get into the blade space of pruners as you sharpen. Run the paddles along the curved blade to reveal shiny metal, and make a few passes. Pruners typically have a blade side and a solid edge. Make sure the edge is clean with no knicks as you sharpen.

  ---

• How do I sharpen shovels, spades and hoes?

  How do I sharpen shovels, spades and hoes?

  Typically, larger garden tools become quite dull with a layer of rust. Use a file to hone down the edge to raw metal and put a rough edge onto the tool. Once you have raw metal, you can then use a diamond stone paddle to put a sharp edge on the implement.
• How often do I need to sharpen my garden tools?

  How often do I need to sharpen my garden tools?

  It all depends, a casual gardener will only need to sharpen tools once a season. An avid gardener may need to keep an edge, and sharpen their tools once a month or week. The best advice here is to keep them clean and in good shape and they will only require periodic maintenance and sharpening.
• What is the best sharpening tool for my garden tools?

  What is the best sharpening tool for my garden tools?

  A nice diamond paddle set is perfect for both sharpening dull tools, and doing light sharpening maintenance on your pruners, loppers, clippers and scissors. Light, efficient and easy to caryy in a garden apron or tool box, they will provide years of sharpening service.
• How do I sharpen scissors?

  How do I sharpen scissors?

  Sharpening garden scissors is easy and quick. We use diamond hone paddles, and they are small light and easy to maneuver on even small scissors.

  ---

• How do you sharpen lawn mower blades?

  How do you sharpen lawn mower blades?

  Sharpening mower blades is not difficult. I don't like to sharpen them with electric tools like a rotary tool or grinder. They let you remove too much metal, and you can create divots and hot spots that reduce blade life and can be dangerous. I use a diamond paddle hone set.

  • First, clean the grass gunk off your blades with a sponge or stell wool and dish soap
  • Next, take your course diamond paddle, and run it wover the blade edge until you can see bare metal. Do this on both sides, keeping the backside flat.
  • Then go to your medium and fine paddles until you have a nice fine blade tip. Be careful to use a clamp or vice, and wear leather gloves to keep from slicing your hands.

  If you dont have a paddle set, we offer an inexpensive set that can be quite useful: Diamond Whetstone Paddle Sharpener Set for Garden Tools.

We sell a nice little garden tool sharpener set in our store, as well as a woodworking tool sharpener.