A guide to sharpening secateurs

In our video guide, Alan Titchmarsh highlights the importance of looking after your secateurs by oiling and sharpening them every few weeks so that they are always safe and easy to use.

Pruning tools like secateurs and loppers will function better, last longer and be safer to use if clean, sharp and well-oiled. Sharp blades cut cleanly, leaving a tidy wound on the plant which should heal fully and reduce the risk of disease affecting the plant. Keeping tools clean also guards against disease being spread between plants.

On the hunt for new secateurs? Take a look at our guide to choosing secateurs and our review of the best electric secateurs before you buy.

Discover how to sharpen secateurs and maintain them so they last longer, below.

You Will Need

• WD40
• Sand paper
• Sharpening stone
• Oil
• Cloths
• Replacement blade (if needed)

Step 1

Test the cutting action of your secateurs often; they should cut cleanly with no ripping. If the cut isn't clean or stems get caught up in the blades they'll need to be sharpened and maybe tightened.

Step 2

Clean all metal parts thoroughly using a scourer or fine wire wool. This should remove any signs of rust developing and take off any build-up of plant and sap residue left on the blades.

Step 3

To sharpen a blunt blade, use a sharpening stone. Holding it flat rub it across the surface of the blade. Then turn the secateurs over and position the stone so it is at the same angle as the bevelled edge and work it along the blade.

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Step 4

Regular oiling keeps the moving parts lubricated and smooth and repels water from the metal parts, thus avoiding rust. Oil the spring and revolving shaft. You can also wipe oil on the blades with a cloth.

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Step 5

Many brands of secateurs can be taken apart to help you give them a really good clean and they will usually provide a tool to do this with. Unlock the screws and carefully dismantle the secateurs, remembering where each piece went. You can then remove the blade and sharpen it on a flat sharpening stone, oiling the stone first. When you’re finished, fasten the secateurs back together. If the blade is damaged and broken you may also be able to buy a new blade and simply take the secateurs apart and swap in the new blade.

Top garden tools to maintain

• Secateurs and loppers – keep them sharp and clean for ease of use and plant health

• Spades and hoes – much easier to use with a clean blade and sharp end

• Pruning saw – keep clean and sharpen professionally

• Mowers – service the mower regularly and keep blades sharp