Keeping your shears sharp and well oiled means that they will be easier to use and have a longer life.

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In addition, the sharper the blade, the cleaner the cut, which results in a neater finish and fewer chances of disease getting into the cut and therefore the plant.

Here's how to maintain your shears in three easy steps.

You Will Need

  • Gloves
  • Old cloth
  • Scourer
  • White spirit
  • Sharpening file
  • Vice, Optional

Step 1

Unscrewing the central pivot on shears
Unscrewing the central pivot on shears

Wearing gloves, unscrew the central pivot on your shears if you can (although this may not be possible on some models).

Step 2

Wiping the blades of the shears
Wiping the blades of the shears

Wipe the blades with a cloth saturated with white spirit to loosen dirt. Use a tough scouring pad to clean them thoroughly.

Step 3

Sharpening the blades of the shears
Sharpening the blades of the shears
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Sharpen the blades by running a medium file along the length of the blade at the same angle as the ground edge. For best results, secure the blade in a vice, if you have one.

Protect your shears from rust

Rub the cleaned and sharpened blades with an oily cloth to help protect them from rust and to keep them lubricated.
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