How to sharpen garden tools?
by
Peg
+13
Use my garden tools often and would like to keep them sharp at all times. After use I ALWAYS wipe & spray with WD-40 spray but my blades are getting dull. Used files but don't seem to do the job that well.
Don't they sell a sharpener just for garden tools?
Wish my scissor & knife sharpener worked on garden tools. That would be soooo easy. Any ideas out there? Thx!
Don't they sell a sharpener just for garden tools?
Wish my scissor & knife sharpener worked on garden tools. That would be soooo easy. Any ideas out there? Thx!
12 answers
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Files and "stones"are most common way to put an edge on tools. One trick I just used to refresh one of my small hatchets was my random orbit palm sander. By mistake I left this small tool out at our cabin's woodshed last winter. When I was down there earlier this year I recovered it. It had gotten a bit rusty but did not get any pitting. I started cleaning it up with some steel wool but switched over to my sander as it was taking a long time. With a 120 grit pad I was able to quickly dress the tools cutting edge. This trick works great for single edge tools.
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 10, 2013
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KMS, thanks! Is there a certain direction I use this grit pad and I would hand sand right? I hate buying new tools every year because they are dull. Hardware stores change a fortune to sharpen tools.................
Peg
on Oct 10, 2013
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If a file is not working then you either have a bad file or you are filing incorrectly. For shovels and other digging tools try using a bastard or second cut hand file. Put your tool in a vise or support it firmly. Push the file through the work and then lift it from the work when you bring it back. Rubbing back and forth will dull the file and make it less effective. For loppers and other clippers you can use a smooth file as a first pass and follow up with a stone. For bypass cutters only file the beveled side. It is important to keep the flat side as is. If you are more experienced you can lap it on a stone, but it is probably easiest to just stick to the bevel side. Saws can be sharpened with triangular files. I think there are probably many saw setting and sharpening instructions out on the Internet that you can and should review before starting on sharpening saws. It takes practice, but a good file and a well supported tool will make it pretty easy to put a usable edge on all your tools.
Coco Tree Service Corp
on Oct 10, 2013
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Didn't know files go bad? I am filing in one direction on blade side only & using on a lopper, pruning shears & long blade hedge shears. Maybe I should invest in a stone & a 120 grit pad? I take care of my tools, never leave outside & do oil them faithfully. Thanks for your input :)
Peg
on Oct 10, 2013
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http://www.homedepot.com/p/Byers-All-In-1-Pruner-Knife-and-Tool-Sharpener-230/203116726?keyword=all+in+one+tool+sharpener#.UllHdyrD-5c Home Depot sells this tool for sharpening some blades. Going to try this .....................Only $20.00. They have a video on You tube. If doesn't work, I'll just return. Think it's worth a try
Peg
on Oct 12, 2013
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You should use a stone on a hatchet or axe.. loppers should be sharpened on one side of the blade only. holding your file flat, push it away from you, do not try to cut on the return stroke, lift the file, and do another outward stroke...
James Austin
on Oct 12, 2013
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Peg - thanks for asking and thanks to everyone that answered - I've had the same question! :-) I'm in AZ and beginning a new planting/growing season my tools need some TLC!
Debra Peters
on Oct 12, 2013
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There used to be machine shops around when I was a kid & some welders would have equipment to sharpen plow, mower blades & garden tools. Don't see many anymore & I live in the country.
Sheryl S
on Oct 13, 2013
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I could bring them to my hardware store BUT they charge $15.00 a tool...That's ridiculous and how long do they last after they sharpen them? I'd rather do it myself. They don't make tools like they used to which is sad, :( THX Sheryl
Peg
on Oct 13, 2013
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I'm going to Home Depot & try the tool sharpener [above link]....and let you know how well it works.
Peg
on Oct 13, 2013
- See 2 previous
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Sheryl S and Peg, can you give us the name of the tool you are talking about that was bought at Home Depot to sharpen garden tools? You can send me an email with the info to gmlileve @yahoo.com , I need one too.
Gml203826
on Oct 17, 2013
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$12.98 I LOVE IT! :)
Peg
on Oct 17, 2013
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