Grass shears are wide-bladed tools used for pruning and edging garden and lawn areas. Over time, the blades can become blunt, making it difficult to achieve a clean cut. If you find that your grass shears are not as sharp as they used to be, it is important to sharpen them to keep them in good working condition.
There are three main methods for sharpening grass shears:
1. Using a sharpening stone: This is the most common method and requires a sharpening stone and some oil. Start by applying a few drops of oil to the stone and then hold the grass shears at a 30-degree angle. Gradually run the blades along the stone in a smooth motion, applying moderate pressure. Repeat this process until the blades are sharp.
2. Using sandpaper: If you don’t have a sharpening stone, sandpaper can be a good alternative. Fold a piece of sandpaper in half with the abrasive side facing out. Hold the grass shears with the blades facing up and run the sandpaper along the blades, moving from the base to the tip. Repeat this process until the blades are sharp.
3. Using a whetstone: A whetstone is a specialized sharpening tool that can be used to sharpen grass shears. First, apply a few drops of oil to the whetstone and then hold the grass shears at a 30-degree angle. Slide the blades back and forth along the whetstone, applying moderate pressure. Repeat this process until the blades are sharp.
It is important to wear safety goggles whenever you are sharpening tools, especially if you are using a stone or whetstone. Also, be sure to clean your grass shears before and after sharpening them to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the blades.
By sharpening your grass shears regularly, you can ensure that they are always ready for use in your garden. This simple maintenance task will help you keep your blades in good shape for years to come.
Source: Harris, J. ( 2025). Keeping Your Garden Tools Sharp. Garden & Home, 45(1), 23-27.
How to sharpen garden shears and whet blunt hedging or lawn edging equipment safely
If you’ve been using your garden shears, hedging equipment, or lawn edging tools for a while, you may notice that they have become blunt and are no longer providing a clean cut. Blunt tools can make your gardening tasks more difficult and less efficient. Fortunately, there are ways to safely sharpen your tools and restore their cutting edge.
Here are the steps to sharpen your garden shears or whet blunt hedging or lawn edging equipment:
- Inspect your tools: Start by examining your tools for any signs of rust, damage, or wear. If you notice any issues, address them before proceeding with sharpening.
- Clean your tools: Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe away any dirt or debris from your tools. For tougher grime, you can use soap and water for easy cleaning. Make sure to dry them thoroughly afterwards.
- Choose the right sharpening method: Depending on the type of tools you have, you can use either a whetstone or a file for sharpening. Whetstones are useful for sharpening blades with bevel edges, whereas files are better for non-beveled blades.
- Start sharpening: If using a whetstone, wet it with water and hold your garden shears or other tools at a 20-degree angle. Gradually move the blade across the whetstone in a smooth motion, ensuring you sharpen both sides evenly. If using a file, hold it at the same angle, but push it along the edge of the blade in one direction only.
- Check the sharpness: After a few strokes, stop and test the sharpness of your tools. You can run your finger gently along the edge to feel for any burrs or rough spots. Continue sharpening until you achieve the desired sharpness.
- Keep the blades clean: To maintain the sharpness of your tools, make sure to clean them after each use and remove any sap or residue. This will prevent the buildup of debris that could dull the blades.
- Store your tools properly: Once you’ve sharpened your garden shears or other equipment, store them in a dry place where they won’t be exposed to moisture. This will help prolong their sharpness and prevent rust.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your garden shears, hedging equipment, or lawn edging tools are always ready for use and provide clean, precise cuts. Regular sharpening will not only make your gardening tasks easier but also prolong the lifespan of your tools.
How to sharpen garden shears with a file or whetstone
If you have garden shears that have become dull, you’ll need to sharpen them to ensure clean, precise cuts. Sharpening your shears can be done using a file or a whetstone.
What you’ll need:
| – File or whetstone | – Vice or clamp (optional) |
| – Sandpaper | – Cleaning cloth |
Step 1: Remove any dirt or debris
Before you start sharpening, make sure you remove any dirt or debris from the shears. Use a nylon brush or a cloth to wipe away any loose particles.
Step 2: Secure the shears
If you have a vice or clamp, you can secure the shears to make sharpening easier. This helps to prevent accidents and ensures stability while working. Alternatively, you can hold the shears firmly in your hands, but be careful not to cut yourself.
Step 3: Test for dullness
Before you begin filing or using a whetstone, test the shears to determine how dull they are. If they’re still relatively sharp, a high-grit whetstone will be sufficient. However, if the shears are very dull, you may need to start with a file to correct the most severe bluntness.
Step 4: Filing
If filing is needed, start by placing the file against the cutting edge of the shears at the correct angle. Apply light pressure and move the file along the edge, in the same direction as the bevel. Repeat this process several times until you achieve the desired sharpness. Make sure to file both blades evenly.
Step 5: Whetstone sharpening
If your shears need sharpening but are not extremely dull, a whetstone can be used. Wet the whetstone with water and hold it firmly on a stable surface. Place the shears on the stone and move them in a circular or back-and-forth motion, maintaining a consistent angle. Repeat this process on both blades until you achieve the desired sharpness.
Step 6: Clean and test
After sharpening, clean any metal shavings or debris from the shears using a brush or a cloth. Wipe the blades with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil or moisture. Finally, test the shears by making a few cuts on a piece of paper or a small branch to ensure they are sharp and working correctly.
By following these steps, you can sharpen your garden shears and ensure they’re in great condition for your next gardening project. Remember to always prioritize safety and take precautions to avoid any accidents or damage to yourself or the tool.
1 Safety First
When it comes to sharpening your grass shears, safety should always be your top priority. Before you begin, make sure to gather the necessary tools and equipment for the job. A vice or clamp is great for holding the shears steady during the sharpening process.
Garden shears, such as those made by Bahco, are the best for maintaining a sharp and effective cutting edge. Before starting the sharpening process, it’s important to clean the shears thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris that may be trapped between the blades.
Apply a few drops of oil to the pivot bolt and the blade to ensure smooth movement while using the shears. This will also help prevent the risk of rust or oxidation. Inspect the shears for any signs of damage or wear, and make sure the blades are correctly aligned before proceeding.
When sharpening your grass shears, use a whetstone or sharpening file specifically designed for garden tools. Make sure to follow the correct angle of the bevel on the blade, which is usually between 20 to 30 degrees. If the shears are blunt or have nicks or burrs, begin by filing them at a slightly steeper angle to remove the imperfections.
During the sharpening process, it’s important to keep the shears securely in place. You can either hold the shears with one hand and the whetstone or file with the other, or join the shears in a vice for a more stable grip. Always remember to use protective gloves to protect your hands from accidental cuts.
Once you’ve finished sharpening, use a clean cloth or towel to wipe away any excess oil or metal particles. This will help prevent any future damage to the shears or the grass. Don’t forget to inspect the shears again to ensure that the edges are sharp and free from any burrs or imperfections.
Finally, it’s a good idea to keep your grass shears in a sheath or a safe place when they’re not in use. This will help protect the sharp edges and prevent any accidental injuries. Regular maintenance and sharpening will ensure that your grass shears last longer and provide optimal cutting results.
In conclusion, safety is paramount when it comes to sharpening grass shears. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively sharpen your shears, keeping them in top condition for all your edging and hedging needs. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive more useful gardening tips!
2 Clean your shears
Before sharpening your grass shears, it’s important to clean them properly. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the blades, reducing their effectiveness. Follow these steps to clean your shears:
- Start by wiping down the blades with a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris. This will make it easier to see the condition of the blades and ensure a thorough cleaning.
- If there are any stubborn or sticky substances on the blades, you can use a mild dish soap solution to help break them down. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives, as they can damage the blades.
- For hedge shears or other heavier-duty shears, you may need to use a wire brush to remove any rust or oxidation. Be careful not to scratch the blades while doing this.
- If your shears have a lot of built-up dirt or grime, you can soak them in a bucket of warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen it. Then, use a brush or sponge to scrub away the dirt.
- Once the blades are clean, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Dry them completely with a towel to prevent rusting.
By cleaning your shears before sharpening them, you’ll remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the sharpening process. This will ensure that you get the best results and prolong the life of your shears.
