Tools & upkeep
Sharpen hand secateurs safely
Check the tool type and condition.
When to do it
When clean secateurs crush or tear rather than cut cleanly.
What you need
- Manufacturer’s instructions
- Suitable sharpening stone
- Stable work surface and protective equipment
How to do it
- Check the tool type and condition. Replace cracked or badly damaged parts; do not apply a bypass-blade method to every design.
- Clean and dry the tool. Secure it safely and dismantle only if the manufacturer permits, retaining the assembly order.
- Follow the existing bevel angle with the specified stone, making controlled strokes away from your supporting hand. Remove only enough metal to restore the edge.
- Remove any burr as the manufacturer directs, then reassemble, adjust tension and lubricate joints appropriately.
- Test on a small expendable stem while keeping fingers clear. If alignment or cutting remains poor, use a repair service rather than grinding away more metal.
What success looks like
- The blades move correctly and make a clean cut.
Watch out for
- Changing the bevel with a power grinder.
- Checking sharpness by running a finger along the edge.
Related help
Clean and check your hand tools
Remove soil and sap, then check that each tool is sound.
Make a clean pruning cut and choose what to remove
Identify the plant and its flowering or fruiting wood before cutting.
Sources and review
Checked 24 September 2026. Source-checked editorial guidance; not field-tested or independently reviewed by a horticulturist.