How to sharpen garden tools masterclass
Keeping your gardening tools clean and sharp saves money in replacement costs, keeps your crops and plants healthier and makes gardening lighter work. In this workshop, Master Horticulturalist Dan Ori will show you the safest, easiest and most effective way to clean and sharpen tools, learned over his 30 years’ experience in the horticulture industry.
This workshop was delivered at the Hillcrest Community Centre, Newhaven by GIA (Gardening In Action) CIC, and supported by Lewes District Food Partnership and the Sussex Community Development Association.
How to sharpen garden tools – masterclass
2:37: Types of sharpening stones and which to choose
6:58: Holding tools safely while sharpening
7:52: Secateurs (pruners) – wet or dry sharpening
10:55: What to do if your secateurs are greasy or dirty and different types of secateurs and loppers
16:59: Using a 5-in-1 Sharpening Tool
21:36: Using disinfectants
23:23: Tips for getting a sharp edge
29:04: Loppers
31:55: Spades, shears and scythes
38:43: Pruning saws
42:29: Lawnmowers
A few key takeaways:
- Always wear gloves when sharpening tools, and watch the video (6:58 to see how to hold your tools safely).
- To clean your tools, especially if they’re sticky with sap. Dan recommends either a bike cleaner spray, or soapy water (just make sure to dry thoroughly if you’re using water). Use a wire brush to clean the blades – a small, toothbrush-sized one can be useful.
- For sharpening secateurs or loppers, Dan recommends using either a 5-in-1 sharpening tool, or a diamond sharpener.
- When choosing a sharpener, the higher the number, the finer the grade. Dan uses a double sided sharpener with 400 and 600 grade for secateurs.
- Dan uses a 3-in-1 oil, widely available. Citrus oil is a natural alternative. WD40 oil, however, isn’t suitable.
- Using a sharpie pen is a really effective way to ensure a sharp edge (see 23:23 of the video)
- Disinfecting pruning tools is very important to avoid spreading plant pests and diseases around your garden or from one garden to another.
To book Dan’s tool sharpening workshop for your club, organisation or business please get in touch or visit the GIA (Gardening In Action) website for more information.