How to: Clean and Sharpen Secateur Pruners, by homegrown.garden on YouTube. 17 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 17 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open the secateurs and wipe the blades and handles with a dry cloth to remove loose dirt and dry plant matter.
Undo the pivot nut with a spanner or socket and lift the two halves apart. Keep the spring and washers somewhere safe.
Scrub the blade and hook with a sap remover block or fine abrasive pad until the metal is clean and shiny.
Wipe the sharpening stone with oil or water, then lay the blade flat and push it along the stone at the blade's existing angle.
Work the whole bevel evenly on one side only. Keep the angle steady and check the edge as you go.
Turn the blade over and lightly rub the flat back on the stone to remove the burr, then wipe it clean.
Put a drop of camellia oil on the pivot, spring and nut thread, and wipe off any excess.
Reassemble the secateurs, tighten the nut so the blades close smoothly, and test the cut on a thin twig.
Tips and common mistakes
Sharpen only the bevelled side of the blade and keep the flat back flat, or the blades will not meet properly.
Clean and oil your secateurs after every few pruning sessions, not just once a season.
Wear a glove on the hand holding the blade while sharpening to guard against slips.
Do not overtighten the pivot nut, or the blades will bind and the spring will struggle.
Questions
Can I sharpen secateurs with a file instead of a stone?
Yes. A fine diamond file works well for a quick touch-up. Use a stone for a full sharpen and a file for small nicks.
How often should I sharpen my pruners?
Sharpen when cuts start to look crushed or the blade drags. For regular garden use that is often every few weeks in pruning season.
Do I need to take the secateurs apart to clean them?
It helps on Felco-style pruners because grime hides around the pivot. On fixed models, clean around the joint with a cloth and a small brush instead.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
