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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: betula on February 21, 2008, 20:34:14

Title: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: betula on February 21, 2008, 20:34:14

Can someone tell me please ;D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 21, 2008, 20:59:20

Use a flat sharpening stone with oil on and run it along the bevelled outer-edge of the blade from bottom to top. Don't touch the inner edges with the stone.
 Check that the blades are aligned and touching as they cut by holding up to the light and look 'between' the blades as you close them. You should see a contact point betwen the blades move upwards to the tip as you close them.
 Hope that makes sense. I could maybe try and take a pic or two this weekend to help with explaining.
Ken.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: betula on February 21, 2008, 21:04:15

Thanks KenWent to use mine today and really blunt.All of them,I have about four pairs.I want to start maintaining them properly. ;D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: Mr Smith on February 21, 2008, 22:27:05

I remember an old chao many moons ago coming round on his bike with a grind stone attaced to the front wheel to sharpen any kind of blade even shears, so I would take them apart and run them over my grind stone and then use an oil stone to finish off, :)

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: sheddie on February 21, 2008, 22:30:41

Hi,
An angle grinder would do it nice a quickly. I haven't tried it on shears, but it sharpens the mower blades a treat
Sheddie

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: betula on February 21, 2008, 22:37:54

I am a bit confused about the stones. :-\Are these a special kind of stone I have to buy?

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: Mr Smith on February 22, 2008, 07:16:04

Betula,
         If you don't have access to a grinder what you need is a Carborundum stone and the best place to get one is at a local car boot it should cost you a couple of quid, if you see someone selling old tools then more than likely he will have a selection of Corborundum's the one you are looking for is about ten inches long and like a straight banana (excuse the pun), you will find on Google about how to use one :).

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 10:50:51

I suppose everyone has their own way, but I would not advise you to use a grind-wheel unless you know what you're doing. Even an expert would only use a grind wheel on shears as a last resort. A grind wheel will heat up and spoil the metal unless you use a wet-wheel at low rev's. It's also very difficult to see the part of the blade you are working on.
 An angle grinder is totally the wrong tool for this job and darn right dangerous. Please don't go there.
 As for taking your shears apart, not necessary if you use a hand-held sharpening stone. The 'banana' type is again, the wrong article. That's fine for things like a sickle with a curved double edge like a knife but is the wrong shape for following the variation in the bevel width. Look close at your shears and you'll see what I mean about that bevel width. It's important to retain that.
 Shears have to be sharpened following very accurately that bevel. It's only on one side. Remove metal from the flat inner edges and you may as well through them in the bin.
 Having said all that, sharpening shears isn't difficult. But it does take a little time to get it right. If you're shears a quality pair, then it's certainly worth the effort.
 I can have a go at pic's if you wish which might clarify things a bit better.
 

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: betula on February 22, 2008, 11:13:52

Thanks Ken,the pictures will be very useful :D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 11:23:04

Just found this for you to have a look at. It mentions a file as against a stone but the procedure is the same and the pic's make it easier to follow.

http://www.rd.com/18295/article.html

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: Hyacinth on February 22, 2008, 13:22:34

thanks for that Ken....and now.. a good edge on hoes and spades?

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 15:40:10

Use 'em!

If you have abused ones or car-boot tools that need revitalising.....nothing more than a few strokes with a decent file will bring the edge back. ..and wrap 'em in an oily rag to over-winter.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: Mr Smith on February 22, 2008, 16:46:33

I know what I'm doing with a gring stone after working in British engineering

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 18:09:58

Me too after a life-time in Engineering, Mr Smith, but I'm not too sure about Betula!... :-\

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: Mr Smith on February 22, 2008, 19:13:40

Ken,
      And my Mum could sharpen any blade on the front step of our gaff in the back streets of east lancashire back in the 50's, but then again having a time served lad coming out of FYT what more do you want :)

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 19:24:56

Did the same in Yorkshire, too. (Not too far from East Lancs, either).
My ma used to do the same....actually, even at age 86 she still does! Nowt like a door step rub before carving the joint, eh, Mr Smith?
 (What's a joint I hear some shout... :o )

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: betula on February 22, 2008, 19:27:51

Not had a concrete doorstep for years :D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 19:35:36

Concrete?.........  Ah!....!!

Talking Mill stone, granite and sand-stone here, B. With white stoned edging, no less. Every Monday after the wash went out all the wives competetd for the best step in the street. No kidding....just ask Mr Smith from East Lancs.
 (Any way...what are you doing here? You're supposed to be honing your shears!.... :D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: manicscousers on February 22, 2008, 19:36:35

yes, my mum did the same, white the step then clean the tiles in the hall with some red stuff  ;D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 19:41:18

Cardinal Polish, Manic's.. and don't forget Zebrite blacking on the fire grates before you set off for school every Monday morning ...Boom, boom!

(Is this called 'Going off Topic?'....and where's a ****** site moderator when you need one?)

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: manicscousers on February 22, 2008, 19:46:19

i'll get back to the topic in a minute, kk..the black stuff on the old grate and the shiny pole over the top..we used to fight for who sat either side of the fire  ;D
ray uses a stone for sharpening..carborundum we think  ;D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 19:52:58

Gawd, Manic's....don't get me going.....memories are mostly cosy but the reality of it wasn't quite so, eh?
 Here's something for you to look out for before we take over this topic...watch out for a memory jerker thread coming soon..in the mean time, I'm off to take a pic of carborundum stones' to post here.
BRB

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 20:04:14

A selection of some of mine.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: manicscousers on February 22, 2008, 20:08:25

well, Ray's got 1..he's had it for 44 years and it still isn't hollowed  ;D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: tim on February 22, 2008, 20:14:30

Nor it should be if evenly used.

Ken - totally agree, except that, with all sharpening, I would wipe the burr off the inside face after dealing with the outer?

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: betula on February 22, 2008, 20:29:39

Quote from: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 19:35:36

Concrete?.........  Ah!....!!

Talking Mill stone, granite and sand-stone here, B. With white stoned edging, no less. Every Monday after the wash went out all the wives competed for the best step in the street. No kidding....just ask Mr Smith from East Lancs.
 (Any way...what are you doing here? You're supposed to be honing your shears!.... :D

          OOOOOOOPS,Just off for a geology lesson while honing me shears.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 22, 2008, 20:30:38

100% also, Tim. I didn't mention that with shears because that's not an easy procedure. If I tried to explain how without a pic I'd be worried that pressure would be put on the cutting edge. The bur needs to be removed, as I'm sure you know, by a circular movement on a flat plane. Better to let the cutting action remove it for someone who isn't used to doing it.
 (I somehow knew you would catch me on that one... :D )

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 23, 2008, 13:13:29

I've managed to get hold of an old pair of shears from the local tip this morning. I'll have a go at rescuing them.

Pic SS1 shows the difference between my good pair and these old ones. Someone has attempted to sharpen them on the inside...that's wrong. The damage isn't too bad and they might come good. The steel is a good quality so there is a chance.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 23, 2008, 13:17:35

SS2 shows the shears clamped in a vice ready to start. Also shows the state of the cutting edge.
SS3: Use a quality file angled against the angle of the bevel and draw the file bottom to top evenly.
SS4: If possible, finish with a stone to reduce the file marks and 'polish' the cutting edge. You will see bright new steel showing through.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 23, 2008, 13:18:50

SS5 and SS6 shows the new cutting edge.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 23, 2008, 13:21:34

SS7 and SS8 show the inner side of the blades and evidence of the wrong sharpening.

SS9 Is the cleaning of that inner side and the removal of tiny burrs caused by filing. The shears must be kept dead flat for this procedure.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 23, 2008, 13:27:08

SS10 shows the inner side. Note there is a point part way up that didn't touch the rubbing surface. That's normal. It's a manufactured bend in the blade which helps with cutting. This part can be lightly rubbed with W&D paper used dry.

SS11 shows that already, these shears, will just a little more attention, have the potential for many years of work.
 Not bad. A good pair of shears for 20 min's work.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: betula on February 23, 2008, 13:40:37

Thank you so much Ken for taking so much time and trouble.The pictures show what you have to do very clearly.I will be sharpening mine next week.
I am sure many people will find these pics very helpful. :)

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: Hyacinth on February 23, 2008, 14:37:53

but don't use them to cut paper :o

btw to remove the 'burr'...you use the same movement you do after filing your nails - assuming you're a Rachel de Tame-type gardener, that is ;D

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: Arumlily on February 23, 2008, 15:02:40

Thank you Mr Ken, for your tips and demonstration. I've ruined many shears through not sharpening them the correct way.  You've shown me that there's still hope. You don't happen to have an angle bench grinder as demonstration purposes do you. I would love to see how it's done using that as well please. Thank you.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: kenkew on February 23, 2008, 19:24:36

As soon as I read your bit, AahRUMmmm! I put a feather in me cap. Mr Ken indeed... :D
 Yes, I have an angle grinder, a bench grinder and a wet-wheel grinder.
 Before we go there, I'd like to know why you would resort to a bench grinder. Are your shears in a pretty bad way? Any chance of a few pic's?
Ken.

Title: Re: HOW DO YOU SHARPEN SHEARS?
Post by: green lily on March 28, 2011, 12:30:37

Thankyou Mr. Ken I'm about to try the magic sharpening as no shops locally can do it for me. Unfortunately I don't have a clamp but I'm very grateful for the tutorial and I shall give my wilkinson swords my best shot. Its a good day when I learn how to do something new. Many thanks indeed. :)