Pruning shears are a necessary tool for anyone who wants to keep their garden looking nice and tidy. In this article, we’ll show you how to properly oil your pruning shears so that they stay sharp and effective for years to come.
What are Oil Pruning Shears?
A pruning shear is an essential tool for gardeners, especially those who are interested in maintaining a neat appearance. They are also known as oil pruning shears because of the way they cut through tree branches with oil or other lubricants attached to the blades.
There are many different types of oil pruning shears on the market, but the two main types are electric and manual. Manual shears use a pair of handles that the user grips to control the movement of the blades. Electric shears work just like a pair of scissors � you just push a button and they start cutting.
One thing to keep in mind when using these tools is that you need to be careful not to hit any nerves or blood vessels. If you do, you may end up causing more damage than what was originally done.
Types of Oil Pruning Shears
When it comes to selecting the right pruning shears for the task at hand, there are a few things to consider.
First and foremost, the type of pruning shear you choose will depend on the material you’re pruning. For example, if you’re pruning LIVE branches, you’ll need a shear with a blade made of tough, durable steel that won’t dull quickly. If you’re pruningdead wood, however, a softer steel blade will do just fine.
Once you’ve decided on the type of shear you need, it’s important to find one that fits your hand well. Shears designed for left-handed people may be different than those designed for right-handed people, so it’s important to try them out before buying them.
Another thing to consider when choosing a pruning shear is the size of the blade. Most blades range in size from 3/4 inch to 2 inches wide, but it’s important to find one that fits your grip comfortably. A too-large or too-small blade can make the job much more difficult.
In addition to blade size and grip size, another factor to consider when selecting a pruning shear is the type of blade. There are three types of blades common in pruning shears: straight, curved and serrated.
Straight blades are the most common and are good for cutting through soft materials like flowers and leaves. Curved blades are designed to make it easier to cut around curves and corners, while serrated blades have saw teeth that help cut through tougher materials like wood.
Once you’ve decided on the type of pruning shear you need, it’s time to find one that fits your needs and budget. There are a variety of different brands and models available on the market, so it’s important to shop around until you find the perfect one for you.
How to Oil Prune a Tree
When pruning a tree, use an oil-based paste to help the cuts heal quickly and improve the appearance of the tree.
- Clean the shears thoroughly before using them.
- Apply a thin layer of oil-based paste to the cutting edge.
- Make a clean cut as close to the branch tip as possible.
- Hold the shears against the branch and pull downwards gently until the paste has adhered to the branch and shear is in contact with the wood.
- Repeat on other side of branch.
Conclusion
One of the most important things you can do to keep your pruning shears in good condition is to oil them regularly. Not only will this help prevent rust and corrosion, it also provides a layer of protection against sharp edges. Follow these simple steps to oil your pruning shears: 1) pour some vegetable or mineral oil into a container that will hold the shears securely (such as a glass jar or plastic bottle), 2) insert the blade into the oil, 3) turn the shears so that their blades are pointing downwards, and 4) shake them gently to distribute the oil evenly.