Man at the hardware store showed me how to sharpen a shovel blade in 30 seconds

Was buying a new shovel last spring and some older guy just walked over, pulled out a flat file, and showed me the angle. Saved me from buying a new one ever since - anyone else got a random lesson from a stranger?

3 comments

3 Comments

vera_palmer1mo ago

About 10 years ago a guy at the dump showed me how to sharpen my pruning shears with a simple pocket stone. Just a few passes at the right angle made them cut like new again. It was one of those little tricks that saved me a ton of hassle and money over the years.

taraanderson1mo ago

Oh man, that "simple pocket stone" trick is gold. I've had the same experience, except I learned it from a neighbor when I was killing myself trying to get my loppers to cut through a branch. You really just need a few light passes, not a whole grinding session. I've found that a dull blade just mashes the wood and makes things harder, but a sharp one glides right through. Plus keeping the angle consistent is the real trick, I just match whatever the factory edge was and it works fine. Saved me from buying new shears every couple years, that's for sure.

the_simon1mo ago

Fair enough but I kinda disagree. A file takes the metal off way too fast and you can mess up the edge quick if you're not careful. I'd rather take a little longer with a proper sharpening stone and get a smooth edge that actually lasts.