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Secateurs Maintenance Guide: Cleaning, Oiling and Sharpening

Good secateurs work best when they are used within their intended capacity, cleaned after use and stored dry. The routine is simple: remove sap and dirt, dry the tool, protect the steel and pivot, and sharpen only when the cutting edge needs it.

Cutting capacity is model-specific. Some SUWADA garden secateurs are designed for live wood up to about 15 mm, while compact, flower and fine-pruning models have lower limits or different intended uses. Dry or dead wood can also be much harder than fresh growth.

1. Use the tool for the job it was designed to do

Do not force or twist secateurs through material beyond the model's stated capacity. If a branch is too thick, too hard or outside the tool's intended use, move to a more suitable cutting tool.

Do not use garden secateurs to cut wire. Wire can damage a pruning edge; use a dedicated wire cutter when required.

If you are unsure which model suits your work, see our guide to choosing Japanese secateurs.

2. Remove sap and plant residue

Wipe the blades after use so sap, moisture and plant debris are not left on the cutting surfaces. For stubborn sap, light rust or dirt, a small cleaning pad such as our Rust & Sap Remover can be used with a small amount of suitable blade oil, followed by wiping the blade clean and dry.

If a tool is heavily rusted, damaged or misaligned, contact us before attempting aggressive cleaning or sharpening.

3. Dry the secateurs thoroughly

Do not put secateurs away wet and do not leave them outdoors in damp conditions. Dry the blades, handles and pivot area after cleaning and store the tool in a dry place.

High-carbon stainless steel offers greater corrosion resistance than traditional high-carbon steel, but it still benefits from cleaning and drying after use.

4. Protect the pivot and carbon steel

Apply a small amount of suitable oil around the pivot so the joint continues to move smoothly. Traditional high-carbon-steel surfaces also benefit from a light protective film of oil before storage, particularly after exposure to moisture or sap.

A secateurs holster is useful for carrying compatible models during work, but storage should still be dry.

5. How to sharpen secateurs

Use a sharpening stone intended for secateurs and follow the geometry of the existing edge rather than creating a new bevel.

  1. Soak the stone in water for about five minutes where the stone's instructions call for soaking.
  2. Keep the central nut of the secateurs in place; do not loosen it for routine sharpening.
  3. Sharpen the angled side of the blade, following the curve of the edge in one direction.
  4. Check the flat backside for a burr and remove the burr with the stone held flat against that surface.
  5. Do not create a sharpening bevel on the flat backside, as this can change the cutting bite.
  6. After sharpening, wipe the tool clean and apply a light protective coat of oil.

If you are not confident about the edge geometry or the tool is damaged, stop and ask us before removing more material.

6. Springs and moving parts

If a spring has worn out or been lost, use the model number on the tool to select the correct replacement. Our replacement secateurs springs are supplied in Large and Small sizes for specific SUWADA models.

Do not assume a spring fits because the tools look similar. If the model number is unclear, send us a clear photo before ordering.

7. When to stop and ask for help

Routine cleaning, drying, oiling and careful sharpening can be done at home. Stop and contact us if the blades are badly chipped, the tool no longer closes correctly, the pivot is damaged, the jaws are misaligned, or you are unsure how a particular model should be sharpened.

A simple after-use routine

  1. Wipe away sap and plant residue.
  2. Dry the tool completely.
  3. Apply a little suitable oil to the pivot and exposed carbon steel where appropriate.
  4. Store the secateurs dry.
  5. Sharpen only when the edge needs it and preserve the original blade geometry.

Proper care starts with choosing the right tool and using it within its specification. Browse the Japanese Secateurs collection or compare models in our secateurs choosing guide.