If you’re like most gardeners, you probably have a set of hedge shears that you keep sharpened on a regular basis. However, if you’re like most gardeners, you don’t have a file to sharpen them with. Here’s how to do it using an ordinary household file:
What is a hedge shear?
A hedge shear is a gardening tool that looks like a pair of scissors with a V-shaped blade on one end and a flat, triangular blade on the other. The V-shaped blade is for cutting hedges and other plants, while the flat triangular blade is for shaping them.
You can sharpen hedge shears by using a file. To do this, place the shears on a stable surface, such as a workbench, and hold them against the file at a 45-degree angle. File the blade along the length of the shears, making sure to file both sides of the blade. Be careful not to file too deeply or you’ll damage the shears.
The different types of files
There are a few different types of files you can use to sharpen hedge shears. The most common type of file is a metal file. Metal files are sharpened on both sides, and they can be used to sharpen either straight Hedge Shears or curved Hedge Shears.
Another type of file you can use to sharpen Hedge Shears is a plastic file. Plastic files are sharpened on one side, and they can only be used to sharpen curved Hedge Shears.
The final type of file you can use to sharpen Hedge Shears is a honing stone. Honing stones are not typically used to sharpen other types of knives, but they can be used to sharpen Hedge Shears.
How to sharpen a hedge shear with a file
There is no need to take your hedge shear to thesmith, if you can sharpen it yourself with a file. This is an easy process that can be done in minutes. The only essential tool you will need is a file, preferably one with a straight edge. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the hedge shear on a flat surface and hold it so the blade is facing down.
- Hold the file at a 45-degree angle and place it against the blade just below the cutting edge. Apply even pressure while moving the file back and forth across the blade. Avoid sharpening into the blade itself.
- Continue filing until the blade is sharpened to your desired sharpness. Be careful not to overfile or you will damage the blade.
What to do if the hedge shear doesn’t sharpened properly
If you try to sharpen your hedge shears using a file and they still don’t seem to be cutting the hedge properly, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that the blades of the shears are sharp. If they aren’t, you may need to get them sharpened by a professional. Second, make sure that the file is properly aligned with the blades of the shears. If it isn’t, you may end up filing off too much of the blade instead of sharpening it. Finally, be patient – files take time to sharpen properly.
Conclusion
If you’re like most people, your hedge shears probably need a good sharpening from time to time. Here are four easy steps to sharpen hedge shears with a file:
1) Unfold the shears and place them on a flat surface.
2) Grasp one of the blades at the base and use your other hand to hold the file parallel to the blade.
3) File away at both sides of the blade until it is sharpened to your desired level.
4) Repeat for the other blade.