Introduction

My wife and I have a couple of different pairs of pruning shears (or secateurs, as they are sometimes called). These include a pair of folding ones that we use for our rose bushes and one large, long pair that we use to trim back some trees and shrubs. I’m always amazed at how much longer the blades last on these shears when we take good care of them. It’s worth it to clean them off, sharpen them every once in a while, and keep them stored in a dry place. Here are some tips for taking care of your pruning shears:

Clean off dirt and sap from the shears

After you’ve spent a day pruning, it’s inevitable that dirt, sap and other debris will get all over your shears. To clean off the gunk and keep your shears working smoothly, follow these tips:* Use a clean rag to wipe off as much of the dirt as possible.* If there is sap on the blades of your shears, also use a rag or towel to wipe off as much of it as possible.* Do not use soap or water on your shears because they can cause rusting.* Never use any type of wire brush or steel wool on pruning tools because they can scratch the blade which could make them dull faster.

Use a tiny bit of oil on the blade.

If you find that your shears are getting rusty and have become a little bit sticky, it’s time to oil them up. To do this, simply get some light machine oil or vegetable oil and apply it to the blades with a rag. Make sure not to overdo it—you don’t want any excess on the handles! After letting the shears sit for about 15 minutes, wipe off any excess oil with another rag.

Now that your pruning shears are good as new, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t last for years (or even decades) of use!

Sharpen them every once in a while

You should also know how to sharpen your pruning shears. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is by using a whetstone or file. A diamond sharpener can also be used for this and will last longer than using a whetstone or file since it’s harder than steel and won’t wear down as quickly with frequent use. One more thing you can try is using a knife sharpener, which we recommend only if you go through the process of sharpening your pruning shears every once in awhile.

If you have an old pair of pruning shears that needs some serious repairs (or if they’re just not working correctly), then consider investing in new ones! If not, there are lots of ways to keep them working properly even after years of use: just do regular maintenance checks on them every month so that nothing goes wrong unexpectedly while doing yard work later on down the road!

Don’t leave them out in the elements

You might think that leaving your pruning shears in the rain, on top of a pile of dirt, or just sitting on the ground will be fine. Think again! It’s not worth ruining good tools for a momentary convenience.

Your shears don’t belong in a garden shed—they’re not just for gardening anymore! They should be kept as clean and dry as possible so they can last as long as possible. If you’re storing them away from home (because maybe they’re too big to fit into your toolbox), make sure their box is sealed up tight to keep out dust and other small particles that could damage them over time.

Always clean pruning shears after use

• Use a rag or brush to clean the shears.
• Use a rag to clean the blades.
• Use a rag to clean the handles.
• Use a rag to clean any pivot points and joints in your pruning shears, as dirt can get stuck in these areas and cause damage over time.

Store them in a dry place with the blades closed.

The best way to store your pruning shears is in a dry place. Don’t store them with the blades open, and make sure they’re not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity levels. If you have particularly dusty conditions where you live, you may want to consider storing your tools inside a case.

Taking care of your pruning shears will help you save money and have them last longer.

Taking care of your pruning shears will help you save money and have them last longer. Pruning shears are an investment, so it is important that you take proper care of them. Pruning shears are a tool that you will use every day, so it is important to keep them in good working order.

Conclusion

Taking care of your pruning shears isn’t difficult. If you follow these basic steps, you’ll be able to keep them working properly for years.