Sharpening a pole pruner blade involves carefully working the cutting edge to restore its sharpness, often by pulling a sharpening tool across it at the correct angle. This process helps the pruner make clean cuts efficiently.
Why Sharpen Your Pole Pruner?
A sharp blade is crucial for the health of the plants you're pruning. Dull blades can tear and damage branches, making them susceptible to disease. Sharpening restores the cutting edge, allowing for clean, precise cuts that heal quickly.
Steps to Sharpen a Pole Pruner Blade
While the specific method can vary slightly depending on the blade type (bypass or anvil), the general principle involves filing or honing the cutting edge. Based on the provided reference, a key action is pulling the sharpening tool across the blade.
-
Prepare the Blade:
- Secure the pole pruner blade firmly. You might need to remove the blade from the pole assembly or secure the entire head in a vise. Ensure the blade is stable and won't move while you work.
- Clean any sap, dirt, or debris from the blade using a wire brush or steel wool. This ensures a clear view of the cutting edge and prevents buildup from interfering with sharpening.
-
Identify the Bevel:
- Pole pruner blades typically have a bevel (an angled edge) on one side and are flat on the other (or have a smaller, secondary bevel). You will primarily sharpen the beveled side.
-
Sharpen the Beveled Side:
- Using a sharpening tool, such as a file designed for blades, identify the original angle of the blade's bevel.
- According to the reference, you should "Just pull it. Across basically and holding it at that angle". Position your tool at the correct angle against the bevel.
- Pull the tool in a smooth, consistent stroke across the entire length of the cutting edge, moving from the base to the tip. Repeat this motion, applying light, even pressure, until you feel the edge starting to sharpen.
- Focus on removing metal from the bevel, maintaining the original angle.
-
Address the Barb (Burr):
- As you sharpen the beveled side, you will likely create a "barb" or burr – a tiny flap of metal that rolls over to the opposite, flat side of the blade. The reference notes, "on the other side you're going to get a little bit of barb".
- This barb indicates that you have successfully thinned the edge on the beveled side.
-
Clean Off the Barb:
- Once you have developed the barb along the edge, turn the blade over to the flat side.
- The reference states, "you can just do one pass to clean it." Make a single, light pass with your sharpening tool or a deburring stone/file along the flat side of the blade, holding the tool flat against the surface. This pass should gently remove the barb, leaving a clean, sharp edge.
-
Check the Edge:
- Carefully feel the edge (away from yourself!) or try a test cut on a small twig or piece of paper to check its sharpness. The edge should feel smooth and sharp, without any remaining barb.
-
Lubricate and Reassemble:
- Wipe down the blade to remove any metal shavings.
- Apply a light coating of oil to the blade to prevent rust.
- Reassemble the pole pruner if you removed the blade.
Keeping your pole pruner blade sharp ensures efficient cutting and extends the life of your tool.
