It seems counter-intuitive that a sharp tool, like a knife, would be safe, but if you have ever tried to cut something with a dull blade, you would understand that there is far greater risk for injury. Additionally, a physically intensive job like digging is much easier and faster when done with a well-maintained instrument. This holds true for any tool, including gardening tools used for cutting or chopping. Most homeowners have at least one shovel stored away in a shed or the garage, and many also have other tools like pruners, loppers, axes, and hoes. All of these need some TLC if you want to get the best results when using them in the landscape.
Dress for Success
Before you race off to spiffy up your neglected tools, make sure you have the proper protective equipment to avoid injury. Protective eyewear, like goggles or safety glasses, prevents small pieces of metal or debris from damaging your eyes. Leather work gloves, as opposed to thin latex or rubber, will protect your hands from sharp edges and metal filings. If using loud equipment like bench grinders or other electric sharpeners, you may also want to protect your ears with ear plugs or muffs.
The Right Tool for the Job
Now that you re properly outfitted for the job, the next step is to gather the right supplies to sharpen your tools. Most small scale sharpening jobs can be done with hand-held instruments. Here is a basic list of what you ll need: Steel wool or wire brush Flat mill file (8 -10 ) Round or Half-round file (8 -10 ) Scissor sharpener Sharpening stone Sand paper Oil (light weight) Bench vise, clamp or other bracing system (optional)
If your gardening tools are used regularly or even if they slumber in dark corners of your garage for long periods of time there s bound to be some rust or debris on them. Using steel wool or a wire brush to clean any visible rust or debris makes it easier to sharpen the tool and helps extend the life of your sharpening instruments. Proper filing requires two hands, so using a bench vise or other clamping system makes the job a lot easier, although it s not required equipment. The basic tool used to sharpen common gardening tools is an 8 to 10 flat mill file with a bastard cut, which indicates an intermediate tooth size for general purpose use. This file is relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores. A round or half-round file is used for sharpening the flat side of hand pruners or loppers. A longer, 10 file is better at removing metal, but the 8 length offers better control. It s also a good idea to invest in a handle for your files. Scissor sharpeners (not the same as knife sharpeners) are designed to keep a razor sharp edge on tools like shears or mower blades. They don t work well if the cutting edge of the blade is badly damaged or dulled. To put a very fine edge on a tool, use a sharpening stone. It is not useful for large, heavy tools like shovels or axes. Often after sharpening a tool with a file or grinder, there are some rough edges or areas called burrs. A 300-grit wet/dry sandpaper attached to a flat surface works great to remove those burrs. Oils can be used with whetstone and oil stones for sharpening but can also be applied after the tool is sharpened to prevent rust. Specialty oils are available at most hardware stores.
It s All About Technique
The two most important things when sharpening tools is patience and proper angles. Obviously, if you take your time, it s more likely that the job will be done well. But patience alone won t do the trick. The angle, or bevel, of a tool s edge determines how sharp the tool is, and the proper angle is determined by the particular use of the tool. Sharper blades have smaller angles. Most garden tools are already beveled when you purchase them, so it is recommended that you follow the factory bevel when re-sharpening them. Many large tools like shovels and hoes are dull when purchased and will benefit greatly from sharpening when you get them home. Most shovels require a 45 angle. Hoes range from 20 to 45 ; the smaller the angle, the more precise the job like fine weeding. When filing the edge of a tool, first find the appropriate angle for the bevel. Then move the file across the entire edge of the blade in one long stroke away from you. Always file in one direction, not back and forth across the edge. Repeat this process until you see a clean steel edge across the entire blade, at the desired bevel.
Sharp As A Tack or Shovel
Washington Irving once said, A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use, so it s important that you keep your garden tools properly sharpened. Even if you re not comfortable sharpening them on your own, there are professional services that will do a great job. The difference in the time and effort spent on gardening chores like mowing, pruning, digging, and edging will be worth the extra care of your tools. And your tools will thank you!