How do you sharpen your pruning tools? I need to start this season out right with sharp pruners! Do you use tools for this? How do you clean rust off? Any suggestions for rehabilitating old rusted pruners found at garage sales?
Thanks so much!
How do you sharpen your pruning tools?
WD 40 is what I use. I just rehabed a rusty pruners yesterday - sprayed both sides, and let them set until you can work them open.
I've heard of storing/dipping blades in a bucket of sand.
Yes, Carrie - after you clean and oil them.
^-^ not so good at that--I usually lose them long before they need to be sharpened!
Light rust can be cleaned off with steel wool after being sprayed with something like WD-40 or even plain household oil (think "3in1" type oils). Usually a simple scrubbing will do but only worry about taking any visible rust off the blades. Any staining is probably through normal oxidation of the metal and not worth messing with. Hinge points should of course be oiled throughout the season...
Depending on the quality of your shears, they can usually be sharpened with any good whetstone.