Preparing the pruner for seasonal work
A garden pruner for pruning vines and fruit trees must be prepared for work:
- sharpen the pruning shear blade or replace it;
- adjust the spring tension of the secateurs;
- lubricate the spring to make it easier to work with the pruner.
To prepare the pruner for work, you need to disassemble it if the pruning shears blades are solid and smoothly go into the handle. This requires a screwdriver and pliers. They are sharpened with a grindstone.
If the blades are removable, they can be sharpened with sandpaper without completely disassembling the secateurs. If the blade becomes unusable, it can be easily replaced with a spare.
Preparing the secateurs for sharpening
There are pruning shears on sale with removable blades that can be removed by unscrewing the fixing screw. The crescent-shaped part of the pruner and the removable blade must be washed from the remains of tree sap.
If the secateurs do not have removable parts, you need to unscrew the screw holding the tool handles, and then clean the blades from dirt with alcohol or acetone.
Sharpening pruning shears
After disassembly garden pruner and cleaning its blades, it is necessary to sharpen and sand the secateurs with sandpaper or a sharpening stone.
The blade is sharpened following the contour of the border. Chips and irregularities in the metal are also removed, "sanding" the sides of the pruner blade and its sickle-shaped part.
Spring pruning shears
After processing the blades, the secateurs are collected again When assembling the tool, use a screwdriver to tighten the screw that secures the spring. Then the spring is lubricated with machine oil. A special lubricant is supplied with branded secateurs.
After lubricating the springs, it will be easier to work with the pruner. When pruning trees, you will use a minimum of effort. Sharpened pruning shears will make an even cut on the branch without chewing on the bark. Therefore, the slices will tighten faster.
When pruning fruit trees and berry bushes, use a garden pitch to prevent liquid gum from forming on the cuts.
Once the pruner is ready for use, you will significantly increase your productivity and process your plants faster. If your pruning shears' blades are too rusty, take the tool to a workshop for a professional to clean or replace the blades.