Both novice and seasoned gardeners know that the right tools make the job easier. But keeping those tools in good condition is just as important as choosing the right ones. Pruners are the backbone of garden maintenance. From shaping shrubs to deadheading roses, they’re used regularly and need a little TLC to stay sharp, safe, and effective.

Perhaps you’re using precision-engineered Ames Bypass Pruners for gentle cuts on fresh growth or powerful Ames Anvil Pruners to tackle tougher, woody stems. Either way, giving your tools the care they deserve will keep them performing brilliantly throughout the seasons.

Why cutting and pruning tools need regular maintenance

In the same way you wouldn’t use dirty utensils in the kitchen, the same rules apply to your garden tools. Regular maintenance ensures your pruners are in top condition, keeping your plants healthier. Blunt blades can crush stems rather than slice cleanly, damaging plant tissue, leading to a slower healing process.

Dirty tools, on the other hand, can lead to the spread of disease to otherwise healthy plants. For example, pruning a rose with black spot, then moving to healthy plants without cleaning the blades, increases the risk of spreading it through your garden. Fungal spores, bacteria, and viruses can cling to sap left on your pruners. This can then silently transfer disease with each cut.

Here’s why a quick maintenance routine makes all the difference:

• Healthier plants – Sharp, clean tools make clean cuts that heal faster and reduce the risk of disease entry.
• Disease prevention – Regular cleaning stops the spread of infections like rust, mildew, and bacterial wilt.
• Longer-lasting tools – Removing sap and moisture prevents corrosion and wear on blades and handles.
• Safer handling – Well-maintained tools are easier to control and less likely to cause accidents.
• Better results – Clean, sharp blades give you neater cuts, improving the look and structure of your plants.

Whether you’re trimming soft stems with Ames Bypass Pruners or cutting back woody growth with sturdy Anvil Pruners, regular upkeep ensures your tools work with you, not against you.

How to clean cutting and pruning tools

Even the most robust garden tools benefit from regular care to keep them in top condition. The Ames Bypass and Anvil Pruners are designed for long-term performance. Made with SK5 Japanese Carbon Steel blades, they retain their sharp edge well and deliver clean cuts. Finished with a PTFE coating, which is a specialised non-stick layer applied to the blade, friction is reduced, and they have increased resistance to rust, sap, and grime.

That PTFE finish gives you a head start, but a simple wipe down after every use is still your best defence. Use a dry cloth to remove dirt and moisture straight away. If the blades feel tacky, a wash in warm, soapy water and a firm brush will sort them out. Just make sure you rinse well and dry them fully afterwards.

If you’ve been cutting back anything infected or suspect, give your blades a once-over with isopropyl alcohol. It kills off lingering pathogens without harming the blade or coating.

Once clean and dry, apply a few drops of oil to the blades and moving parts. This keeps everything running smoothly and prevents rust from building up around the pivot. I like to work the oil in with a cloth, so it gets into all the right places.

These tools are already built for balance and ease, with ergonomic grips and a thumb lock for safety, so cleaning them is refreshingly fuss-free.

How to sharpen cutting and pruning tools

You wouldn’t try to chop vegetables with a blunt knife, and the same goes for pruning. A sharp blade glides through stems, giving a clean cut that’s better for the plant and easier on your hands.

Even Ames’ top-quality carbon steel benefits from a gentle sharpening every now and then. I use a sharpening stone or diamond file and follow the natural bevel of the blade, working slowly and steadily.

For bypass pruners, only sharpen the curved blade. Anvil pruners work more like a knife against a chopping board, so a light touch on both surfaces helps keep them effective.

After sharpening, always clean and oil the blades again. This removes any filings and protects the cutting edge until the next job.

How to store cutting and pruning tools to prevent rust

How you store your tools is just as important as how you clean them. Good pruners can eventually be ruined by being left in a damp shed or out in the rain.

Once your Ames pruners are clean, sharp, and dry, keep them somewhere dry and well-ventilated. Hanging them up is ideal, protecting the blade edge and keeping moisture at bay. If you’ve got space in your tool shed or garage, a peg board or hook rack is a great space-saving hack.

Before putting them away for the season, give them a last wipe with oil. This creates a barrier against any damp that might creep in over winter.

Caring for your cutting and pruning tools is a simple habit that pays off every time you step into the garden. You’ll notice the difference not just in how the tools perform, but in how your plants respond. Healthy cuts, less strain, and a garden that’s all the better for it.