I highly recommend this little gadget, which after 4 previous little gadgets to sharpen pruners, has proven to be the best, by far. (disclaimer: I have no commercial connection to any of these companies)

Here is a link that might be useful: my favorite pruning blade sharpener

I always buy new ones.

I buy new ones too. I have three different kinds all cheap ones. I stopped buying expensive ones when I found out that the cheap ones cut just as good. The different types of pruners shape the cut more than the quality. When I can get good enough pruners for about $5-10 I happily replace them every other year or so, some last long though. Some expensive ones are more solid though, and last longer.

I have never seen that kind of blade sharpener here hoovb, I would like to try one of those.

Depends on the pruning shears. I buy good ones that cost about $15.00-20.00. They have one easy to remove screw and a spring. Whether they're sold as Corona or Ace brand or Bond, they have the same general mechanisms. Cheap ones will dull and wind up hogging more space in a landfill somewhere and I prefer to protect the environment not contaminate it. I've had two pairs of shears for well over ten years and they're in no danger of wearing out.

Take the screw out and remove the spring. The cutting side of the blade can be sharpened easily with a basic whet stone or a sharpening attachment or even taken to a knife shop. It's one side of one blade. Even cheap ones can be sharpened without being taken apart.

Taking them apart though allows you to clean and disinfect the shears. This is important as pest and disease can be transmitted from one bush to another on your shears. That screw mechanism and the part where the blades meet can harbor stuff even if the blades have been dipped in a 10% bleach solution.

I clean mine with Formula 409, Spic and Span or baking soda. Use a piece of 3M pad or a Brillo Pad to scrub off the hard-to-remove gunk. Using a very fine grade sandpaper, you can shine up your shears like new. Once they've been cleaned, sharpened and sanitized, put them back together and apply some sewing machine oil or WD-40 to the screw and work the shears to smooth the action and adjust the grip again.

One good pair of shears will last a long, long time but I always carry 2-3 pairs during pruning season so I can switch them out if needed. I spray them with Lysol between cuts or bushes but it probably isn't the best method of disinfecting. Bleach solution in a spray bottle would work at least until the bleach eats through whatever allows the bottle to spray, lol.

I have used the same pair of Felco pruners since 1987.

Right now, they need a little re-habbing, but they're basically still going strong (with regular sharpening).
I do also have a couple of pairs of well-made, lighter-weight clippers which I use for cutting blooms.

Jeri

Thanks so much for the tip "hoovb". I just ordered one.

Hey, that's cheap like Borscht man! Wonder if I can get one in Canada?

My favorite sharpener is some 400 grit Carborundum or wet/dry sandpaper glued to a 3/8 inch wood dowel. I can twirl it against my Felcos and get a nice sharp blade. For a real sharp edge I also run it against the back of the blade.

Anyone know what isle/section of Lowe's or Home Depot I might find something like this? Really need some and I'd like to pick them up tomorrow.
Thanks. :)

There was a segment of the Victory Garden a few years ago where they used a sharpening device that is made for sharpening scissors and can be found in the fabric department of stores. It was very easy to attach to pruners and move back and forth to sharpen them. You don't have to take the pruners apart.

I sharpen mine with the stone I have for the kitchen knives, which doesn't work the best--these tips are good! I just wanted to add my word in favor of good vs. cheap pruners, particularly if you're not prone to losing tools. I've used both, and the difference is enormous. I'm very impressed that Jeri has managed to hang on to the same pair for twenty-one years! That's conscientious!

Melissa

They DO need a new spring now, however.
:-)

Jeri