Whether you’re cutting small trees for a tree stand or pruning bushes for an attractive focal point, having small garden shears is a must for any serious gardener. However, not all small garden tools are created equal, and there are important differences in what tools work best when cutting various materials. It’s important to know the different types of smaller gardening tools before getting started.
Smaller scissors are great for small garden tools, while bigger ones are best for sharpening larger lawnmower blades. Here’s a simple pro tip: when you want to sharpen your garden tools, be sure their blades are completely clean before you use them, like if you’re using a small file to sharpen them on. This way, you won’t risk scratching the surface with sharp objects. You can also use old toothpicks to clean the blades. Just be sure to clean all of the parts off before putting them back into the equipment.
The next type of small gardening tools are sharpening stones. There are many kinds available, but make sure they’re made for hard use. Some dull easily, which makes it difficult to get the desired edge. Sharpening stones may not be as sturdy as your other sharpening tools, but they can still give you that great edge. You may also consider buying a set of serrated knife edges, as they come up well for small jobs.
Another common small gardening tool is a pair of rubber handles. Rubber handles are very convenient and comfortable to hold. But you can get even more grip with a quality pair of wire metal handles. These handles, along with the steel blades, will give you more power when you’re sharpening your stone or knife.
If you’re going to buy garden shears with extra features, such as an adjustable angle of attack, it’s best to buy the most expensive one you can afford. The extra features may look flashy, but they won’t help you get the edge you need. Instead, focus on sharpening your tools the easiest way. If you do get one with an adjustable angle of attack, you’ll know you’re working at a perfect angle no matter what you’re doing.
The last thing you’ll want to look for in garden tools is good grip and good material handling. Sandpaper is a great material handling material, as it won’t scratch your hands and you can really get a good grip on it. But don’t forget the rubber handles. If your handles are leather or some other soft material, then they won’t offer you the best grip, and could actually be a hindrance if you’re trying to cut through harder material.
Clamp or Vise: Both these items will hold your shears securely in place and help support the blade while you work. A clamped vise will have two clamps holding the shears at one point, and a vise with a single clamp. The clamps can vary in style from a flat hook style to a double oval style clamp. If you’re using a serrated blade, then the flat style will provide better support. If you have a serrated blade and you’re only cutting a relatively thin edge, the double oval style will give you a very nice, secure hold while cutting.
As you can see, there are many different options when it comes to sharpening small garden shears. It can be confusing, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the best sharpeners for your needs. You’ll also want to make sure you keep your sharpeners clean. Use a towel to wipe down both the sharpener and the blade. This will prevent dulling and ensure that you always get the most use out of your garden shears.