How to Sharpen Garden Shears, Clippers, and Pruners Using a SandPaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

HOW TO SHARPEN GARDEN SHEARS, CLIPPERS AND PRUNERS USING A SANDPAPER: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
Over time and with consistent use, garden shears, pruners, and clippers will eventually dull and lose the sharp edges they once possessed when you first bought them. To get the best from them, we must show them tender, loving care. Hand cutting tools such as pruners, garden shears and clippers are made of soft steel and can be sharpened, and what is better than a well-efficient garden tool?

Well care for pruning tools will give a cleaner cut, reducing the risk of introducing plant diseases and making pruning physically less effort and more efficient. Sandpaper is a splendid sharpening multi-tool that will ease your work in the garden. By the end of the article, you will have learnt how to sharpen your garden shears, clippers and pruners using sandpaper.

HOW TO GET YOUR GARDEN SHEARS, CLIPPERS AND PRUNERS READY FOR SHARPENING WITH A SANDPAPER.
To use sandpaper to sharpen garden shears, clippers and pruners effectively, you must carry out the following: –
● Remove dirt – You cannot start sharpening your tools if any dirt is present. Try using a scraper or wire brush, oil-based soap and water to eliminate all built-up dirt. Ensure that your tools are sparkling and dry before sharpening using sandpaper.
● Rust – Rust is not ideal for your garden equipments.To preserve the factory finish, you probably want to do this outside or in an area that you don’t mind getting messy, and wear gloves, as it can be a little rough on the hands.
With this done, the tools are ready for sharpening with sandpaper.
SIMPLE 5-STEP GUIDE ON THE SHARPENING PROCESS
Pruners, loppers and shears are all sharpened in much the same way and end up more efficient after sharpening.
Step 1: Obtain a piece of sandpaper.
A sandpaper sheet with 150-200 grit will work fine, but you could even go for a bit of a finer grit (enormous grit number) if you want smoother edges to your tool’s blades.
Step 2: Put on protective gloves and goggles.
It would be best to protect your hands and eyes from the blades while sharpening. To protect your hands is by putting on a pair of heavy-duty gardening gloves. Opt for thick leather gloves if possible. Protect your eyes by wearing safetygoggles or glasses. They will prevent shards of metal or rust from injuring your eyes while sharpening the shears.
Step 3: Secure the tool in a bench vise.
Use a bench vise, you should use it to secure the tool. This helps make sharpening the blades safer and easier. Open the shears wide and ensure the bevelled edge of the cutting blade faces you. Then secure the tool tightly in the bench vise. If you are not in the ownership of a bench vise you could place the tool on a stool firmly and hold it to the ground while sharpening.
Step 4: Now, Sharpen
Fold the sandpaper in half and scrub the blade hard. Ensure you don’t get your hands near the blade to avoid accidents. Sharpen hard and slow to ensure the sandpaper grit is strong. Repeat the process over and over. After about 20 minutes, this will make the blade sharp and smooth hence more efficient.
Step 5: Use linseed oil
to finsh.
After sharpening your pruning shears, you must wipe linseed oil over the blade.Use a cloth dipped in linseed oil and gently wipe the fabric over the blades. The oil will prevent the tools from rusting.Tightening up loose bolts on moving parts should also be part of the process. This is an excellent time to order replacement parts that are needed. After all that, store the blades until the next use.
ADVANTAGES OF USING SANDPAPER TO SHARPEN GARDEN SHEARS, PRUNERS AND CLIPPERS.
● Sandpaper is user reliant; hence when used with reasonable effort, its end product will never disappoint.
● Sandpaper is multi-tool; hence can be used to sharpen any tool in the garden.
● Sandpaper is cheap compared to other sharpening tools like stones and files.
● Sandpaper can be easily found in any hardware store around you.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING SANDPAPER TO SHARPEN GARDEN SHEARS, PRUNERS AND CLIPPERS.
As helpful and advantageous as it is, it comes with its cons along. These include:
● Sharpening with sandpaper requires one’s strength to give a satisfactory result.
● It also requires too much of one’s attention while using it, or else you could end up hurt or the sandpaper damaged by the blade.
● The sandpaper loses its grit with time hence being replaceable frequently.
CONCLUSION
It can be extremely cumbersome to work with dull gardening tools. The moment the blades get tired, you will have to put extra effort when using them. Sharpen garden shears, pruners and clippers with sandpaper to have not only an attractive garden but a healthy one, for that matter.
FAQ
Q: Is sandpaper worth it?
A: Yes, it is. It is cheap, readily available and still makes your garden shears, pruners and clippers efficient, leaving you with a healthy and gorgeous.
Q: Does sandpaper work with scissors too?
A: Yes, fabric scissors are meant to be kept very sharp to get a clean cut on the fabric you are working on.
Q: Can you use sandpaper for a lawnmower or an axe?
A: No. For heavy tools and blades, it would require a professional to use a grinder or any other heavy sharpening machine to sharpen.