Q&A for How to Sharpen Pruning Shears

One of the best ways is to use dish soap and warm water. You can also use bathroom cleaner on the blades to handle dried sap. If the pruners are showing signs of rust, soaking them in white vinegar overnight can help dissolve rust.

First, you loosen the pivot nut to take the blades apart. Clamp one bade in a vise, blade up, and file the edge to expose clean metal. Sand the flat side where the blades rub to remove rust or debris and repeat with the other blade. Once finished, reassemble the pivot nut and test the new blades by using them.

Pour in 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap into a shallow bucket of water. Using an abrasive pad, scrub the blades and remove any sap or hardened matter. Rinse them in warm water and then use oil on the blades to prevent rust.

Yes, you can sharpen secateurs. It's best to do so with a fine sharpening stone.

We sharpen ours with a knife sharpener.