Lakewood Products Ltd
Manufacturers and suppliers of quality forestry,horticultural and gardening pruning loppers, electric pruners, secateurs, pruning saws and associated pruning tools.
Dry garden tools and wipe down with an oily rage after use, moisture in the form of water or sap can start tools rusting very quickly. A mixture of ordinary cooking oil and methylated spirits is a very effective cleaner. The meths helps break down any build up of sap and the oil will keep your secateurs and loppers lubricated. You don’t need to use your best extra-virgin olive oil; any cheap vegetable oil will do. Use a 75/25 mixture of oil and meths, apply to all surfaces then use a scraper or wire wool to clean.
Remember, top quality secateurs and loppers are often made of carbon steel, particularly the blades, as carbon steel is harder and holds a edge better than stainless steel. The downside of carbon steel is that it will rust so, following these simple tips will keep your tools in good shape and extend their life. Good tools can be restored if they get rusty, even if they get lost in the garden or compost bin for a few weeks/months. However, it is much easier to give them a quick clean and store them in a dry space.
The same general maintenance principles also applies to pruning saws. clean off the sap with oil and meths, dry and wipe down with an oily rag. Wipe from the back edge of the blade across to the teeth to avoid snagging the rag and catching fingers on the blade tips.
The blades on pruning saws, particularly Japanese pull saws, are made of very hard steel making them difficult and time consuming to sharpen. The upside is that they hold their cutting edge for a long time, especially if kept clean and rust free.
Sharpen secateurs and loppers regularly, don't wait until the cutting blade goes dull or blunt. Or wait until it gets harder to cut. A few strokes with a diamond sharpener or [fine] stone at the end of your pruning day will keep the blade in good shape. See the video below for some guidelines on sharpening loppers, the same technique will work equally well on secateurs.
To prevent damage to secateur and lopper blades, avoid cutting wire and other hard objects that might damage the blade. Even on expensive tools with harden steel blades, the edges will chip.
Once in a while check the tightness of the blades on your secateurs and loppers. The blades should move smoothly past each other without allowing any movement that would open the gap between them. If they are loose, after cleaning thoroughly, tighten the nut on the centre bolt holding the blades together. On secateurs, tighten enough so that the tension on the spring will just still allow the blades to open. With loppers, hold horizontally by both handles in the closed position then let the bottom handle go, it should just fall slowly, or can be moved down easily.
If there is a gap between the blades after the centre bolt has been tighten, it is likely that one of the blades is bent, usually the cutting blade. This can cause a less than clean cut, often resulting in a tear or rough edge a the end of the cut, A replacement blade may be required.
Disinfect your tools regularly. A variety of solutions can be used to spry or immerse the cutting blades into to disinfect them. A strong solution of household cleaner, bleach, tea tree oil, ammonia, rubbing alcohol. Chloride based solutions can corrode your tools by encouraging oxidation and rust. Solvent based products will strip out lubricants and should be used with caution.
Note: If you are using electric pruners care is needed, particularly if immersing in liquid, prevent moisture getting into the operating mechanism.
If you are wanting to prevent the spread of a plant virus, an anti-virile product is required. Seek specialised advice on the disease you are wanting to contain.
Sharp, well maintained tools will result in cleaner cuts which help prevent diseases entering the plant.
Larger cuts can be sealed and protected using a pasting product.
And remember to also keep footwear and clothes clean, remove pruned off material from the planting area and clean tools regularly.
Manufacturers and suppliers of quality forestry,horticultural and gardening pruning loppers, electric pruners, secateurs, pruning saws and associated pruning tools.
