How to Sharpen Secateurs

Blunt secateurs crush stems instead of cutting them cleanly, which damages plants and makes pruning harder work. Sharpening them takes about ten minutes and makes a noticeable difference to how they perform.

Step 1: Clean the blades

Before sharpening, remove any dried sap, rust or dirt from the blades. Use wire wool or a stiff brush to scrub both sides of the cutting blade and the flat anvil or bypass blade.

Stubborn sap often comes off with a little oil left to soak for a few minutes. Getting the blade clean helps you see the cutting edge properly and stops debris clogging your sharpening stone.

Step 2: Find the bevel angle

Most secateurs have a single bevel on the cutting blade – one side is flat and the other is angled. You only sharpen the angled side. Hold the blade up to the light and look for the shiny edge where the bevel meets the flat back.

The angle is usually around 20 to 25 degrees. You do not need to measure it precisely – just match the existing angle when you sharpen.

Step 3: Sharpen the cutting blade

Hold the sharpening stone flat against the bevel. Push the stone along the blade from the base towards the tip in smooth, even strokes. Keep the same angle throughout.

Ten to fifteen strokes is usually enough for a blade that is just dull. If there are nicks or damage, you may need more. Check the edge after every few strokes – you should see a clean, shiny line forming along the cutting edge.

Step 4: Remove the burr

Sharpening creates a tiny burr of metal on the flat side of the blade. Lay the stone flat against the back of the blade and give it two or three light strokes to remove this burr. Do not angle the stone – keep it completely flat.

Step 5: Oil and reassemble

Wipe the blade clean and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust. If you took the secateurs apart to sharpen them, reassemble and adjust the tension so the blades meet cleanly without wobbling.

Test the cut on a small twig. A sharp secateur should slice through cleanly with little effort and leave a smooth cut surface.

How often should you sharpen secateurs?

For most home gardeners, sharpening once or twice a year is enough. If you do a lot of pruning or notice the blades crushing rather than cutting, sharpen sooner. Regular cleaning and oiling between sharpening sessions helps keep the edge in good condition.

When to replace rather than sharpen

If the blade has deep nicks, is bent, or the mechanism is worn and loose, it may be time for a new pair. Quality secateurs can be sharpened many times, but eventually the blade becomes too thin or the pivot wears out.