Learn About Keeping Garden Tools Sharp

We’ve all been there: You’re in the middle of a great garden session, and you get to your pruning shears… and they’re dull. It’s a nightmare because you know that once your tools are dull, it’s much harder to keep them sharp.

But how do you learn how to sharpen garden tools? And what about other tools like shovels and forks? If you’ve ever spent hours searching for the right guide on how to do this, look no further! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips on how to keep all your gardening tools sharp.

Why Should Sharpen Your Garden Tools?

One of the most common questions is why you should sharpen your garden tools. The answer is simple, it makes them last longer and will make your garden look more beautiful.

If you don’t want to spend much money on new tools, you should try sharpening them yourself. It’s easier than you think and can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Sharpening your garden tools will save you time because they will cut through materials much faster than dull ones. They will also last longer than dull ones if they are correctly sharpened with a good-quality tool sharpener. It won’t damage the metal when appropriately used every few months. This will depend on how often they’re used during each growing season.

Sharpening your lawnmower’s blade also helps keep weeds out of your yard. To keep them from coming back up again after being cut off at ground level, where they grow from seeds left by birds flying overhead, use a sharp blade to cut them off quickly.

Tips for Keeping Garden Tools Sharp

Sharpening Garden Shears

If you’re a gardener, you know how important it is to keep your tools sharp. But what if you’re not sure how to do it?

Well, we’ve got some tips for you!

Keep Your Tools Clean

Keeping your tools clean will help them stay sharp longer. Dirt, mud, and other debris can build up your tools’ blades or handles and dull them quickly. Make sure to clean off any dirt before storing or using your tools so they don’t get damaged by rust or corrosion. You should also wash them thoroughly after each use so they don’t get clogged with dirt that could cause damage in storage when the next task calls for their use. You can also apply a coat of oil or beeswax to protect the metal from oxidation.

Store Them Properly

You’ll want to store your tools in a dry place where they’re not exposed to humidity or moisture. The moisture will corrode the metal and cause rust spots—not what you want when trying to cut through a thick brush! Keep your tools dry by storing them in areas with low humidity, like an attic or garage. Consider placing them on an elevated surface like a workbench, so they’re out of harm’s way when not in use. If you don’t have those options available, try hanging them from hooks on the pegboard, so they aren’t touching each other. Also, you can use something else that may collect moisture, such as concrete floors or wooden cabinets.

Know Tool Maintenance Tips

Know what type of tool you have and how it should be cared for. Not all tools are created equal, so it’s important to know what type of care each one needs before you start using them. For example, if you have an axe, you’ll want to know how to sharpen it and what oil you should use.

Keep an Eye Out for Damaged Parts

If your garden tools are getting dull, it’s a good idea to check them over to ensure there aren’t any other problems. If you see any cracks or loose parts, it’s time to replace them.

What Gardening Tools Should Be Keep Sharpened?

You may not realize it, but many tools get dull over time, especially if you don’t sharpen them regularly. A dull tool will make it harder for you to do your job, leading to injuries and poor results. 

There is a range of gardening and landscaping tools. Here are the items that you will need to be sharp:

  • Shovels and blades
  • Hatchets and axes
  • Lawnmower blades
  • Digging knives
  • Machetes
  • Hoes
  • Hedge shears
  • Loppers
  • Bill Hook
  • Landscape bars
  • Stick pruners
  • Hand pruners
  • Knives
  • Scissors
  • Box cutters
  • Wire cutters
  • Multi-tools

If you own these things, you should invest in a good tool sharpener.

Gardening Tool Sharpeners

A gardening tool sharpener keeps your tools sharp and clean. Garden tools are usually made of metals with sharp edges, so they must be kept sharp to dig up the soil and cut off branches effectively. There are several types of sharpeners that work best for creating the desired sharpness in your blades:

1. Metal Files

Set of new rasp files on gray background. Working tools layout

Metal files are the easiest way to sharpen tools like shovels and spades. These are great for sharpening metal tools, including knives, rakes, and trowels. They can even be used on other metal objects like nails or screws.

2. Carbide Sharpeners

Knife sharpener

Carbide sharpeners are made of tungsten carbide or ceramic and work by grinding away at the edge of your tool to make it sharper. These sharpeners are ideal for tools like axes, hatchets, and pruners because they can’t damage their blades like metal files would if used incorrectly or with too much pressure applied during use.

3. Whetstone

Sharpening Plane Blade on Whetstone

A whetstone is a type of sharpener that has been around for many years. The sharpener consists of a stone used to sharpen the blade of your gardening tool. Many types of whetstones are available, ranging from coarse to fine. You can choose the type that best suits your needs and budget. Whetstones are an ideal choice for those who want to save money and who don’t mind doing some work on their own.

4. Double-Sided Diamond Sharpener

Man sharpening shovel outdoors, closeup. Gardening tools

A double-sided diamond sharpener is similar to a whetstone in that it has two sides. One side has small grooves that hold the fine grit of your choice, and the other has large grooves that hold coarse grit material. In addition to having two sides, these sharpeners also have handles so you can hold them steady while sharpening your tools.

5. Electric Tool Sharpeners

Sharpening a circular saw on emery machine.

An electric tool sharpener is ideal if you want to sharpen your tools quickly and easily. They work by grinding away at the edge of your tool until it’s sharp again, so they’re great if you have a lot of tools that need sharpening. However, they do take up more space than other types of sharpeners and can be more expensive than some other options.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been enlightening and helpful. Keeping your gardening tools sharp is the best way to ensure they last longer and do the job you need.

The next time you’re in the garden, look at your tools: are they still as sharp as when you first bought them? If not, now’s the time to sharpen them up!