Top 3 Unique Techniques How to Sharpen a Shovel at Home

You don't always have to go to your local blacksmith just to sharpen your tools. There are many ways on how to sharpen a shovel at home without using heavy tools. These methods only require your immediate attention and skill to make it work.

By preparing your garden soil beforehand, you’ll be able to grow your crops better. This will also give you time to think about what kind of crop to plant. And depending on the crop, you can adjust the soil accordingly to match the soil’s nutrients.

In this article, you will also learn the importance of sharpening your shovel. And how it will affect your work if you don’t sharpen your tools regularly. We will showcase methods on how to sharpen a shovel at home with ordinary tools. So read on to learn more.

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Importance of Sharpening your Shovel

There are many reasons to sharpen your shovel. The most important reason is that it keeps your shovel sharp. This is because a sharp shovel can pierce through any kind of soil with ease. It will also cut through weed and other soft debris like butter.

Another reason for sharpening your shovel is that. It will prevent your shovel from chipping. Chipping happens when a part of your shovel that’s not sharpened breaks off because of an uneven surface. This will severely damage your tool if it ever happens.

And finally, sharpening your shovel will make it last longer. Keeping your tools clean and well sharpened will extend its life significantly. It will be less likely to rust and break as compared to those who aren’t sharpened. These are only some of the notable importance of sharpening your shovel.

When’s the Best Time to Sharpen your Shovel

The best time to sharpen your tools really depends on your sole judgment. There are, however, instances where you really need to sharpen your shovel. And one of these instances is that when it gets chipped on the edges or tip.

Having a chipped edge will only make things worse if you don’t sharpen it right away. Another instance where you need to sharpen your shovel is when there is rust forming. Rust will ruin your shovel if left untreated. This is why sharpening your shovel during this time is important.

And finally, the best time to sharpen your shovel is twice a month. This however still depends on how often you use your shovel. If you happen to use it daily then we suggest that you sharpen it at the end of every week. If you happen to use it rarely then twice a week is our recommended time.

Essential Guide on How to Sharpen a Shovel

Top 3 Unique Techniques How to Sharpen a Shovel at Home

Now that you have an idea of the importance of sharpening your shovel. It’s time to know the different ways on how you can sharpen your shovel. These 3 unique techniques will help you sharpen your shovel and get it back to perfect shape. So read on to know more about how to sharpen your shovel.

#1 - Steel wool and File Method

The first method on our list is the steel wool and file method. This is the most common method you can do at your home. You’ll only need a few things for this method to work. It’s easy to do and you can do it regularly with the same materials.

how to sharpen a shovel - Steel wool and File Method

What You’ll Need

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    Steel wool
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    File
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    Clamp
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    Clean cloth

Step-by-Step Procedure

  • The first step on this list is to clean thoroughly the face or head of the shovel. This will clean off the excess rust that’s forming in the shovel. Use the clean cloth for this step. Make sure that you clean the cloth after using because the rust might stick to the cloth.
  • Next is to prep the shovel for sharpening. To do this you’ll have to use the steel wool to clean out the hard rust on the shovel. Removing the rust will allow you to sharpen it faster and more accurately because it’s now clean. It will make sharpening the shovel more effective.
  • Finally, use the clamp to hold the shovel in place. This will allow you to accurately sharpen your shovel because it will not move. Proceed to sharpen the edges of the shovel by using the file. File the edges of the shovel by using moderate force to even out the surface. With this, you are now done.

#2 - Metal Grinding Disc or Electric Hand Drill Method

This method requires a metal grinding disc or an electric hand drill to work. This method requires a little skill to master. So that when you sharpen your shovel it will not leave any uneven edges and chipped parts. Be careful when you use the metal grinding disc because it might cause accidents.

how to sharpen a shovel - Metal Grinding Disc or Electric Hand Drill Method

What you’ll need

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    Metal Grinding Disc or Electric Hand Drill Method
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    Heavy duty gloves
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    Clamp
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    Clean cloth

Step-by-Step Procedure

  • The first step is to clean the shovel first with a clean cloth. Make sure that you remove the dirt and other residues from the face of the shovel. This will make your sharpening easier and faster because of its smooth surface.
  • Next is to use the clamp to hold the shovel in place. This will allow you to maneuver and accurately sharpen your shovel. Clamping it will also prevent it from moving while you are using your metal grinding disc. This way you will avoid accidents that might happen.
  • Finally, use the metal grinding disc or electric hand drill to sharpen the edges of the shovel. Make sure that you smoothen the edges of the shovel and avoid directly sharpening the tip. Make your way from the edges to the tip of the shovel to complete your work.

#3 - The Bench Grinder Method

The last method on our list is the bench grinder method. This method requires you to have a bench grinder to sharpen your shovel. This might the most expensive method on our list as well as the easiest. You’ll need to have a steady hand for this method, so we suggest you practice it beforehand. 

how to sharpen a shovel - The Bench Grinder Method

What You'll Need

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    Industrial Gloves
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    Bench Grinder
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    Clean Cloth

Step-by-Step Procedure

  • The first step in sharpening your shovel with a bench grinder is to clean the shovel with a clean cloth. Cleaning it before sharpening it is the first thing that you need to do. Clean it from dirt and rust so that you will clearly see what you’ll sharpen.
  • The next step is to equip your gloves and prepare the bench grinder for sharpening. You’ll need to secure the bench grinder so that it will not move when you use it. Turn it on and put it first in the very first level of power.
  • Finally, hold the shovel firmly and sharpen it slowly. Be as accurate as you can because you might chip the tip of the shovel. Start from the edges and move slowly to the tip of the shovel. After sharpening the shovel allow it to cool down and then wipe it with a cloth.

Conclution

There are a lot of ways of which you can sharpen your shovel. These are just some of the methods that you can try at home. Remember that when you sharpen your shovel. Be extra careful if you are using industrial tools. This is because these tools will most likely cause accidents.

So did you like the tutorial? If you did, please leave a like and share this article with your fellow gardeners and homeowners. Thank you for reading!

Ella Wilson
 

Hi! This is Ella Wilson, the founder of tinyplantation.com. Being a devotee with plants and gardens, you will find numerous things with me. I have developed enough interest regarding plants that these things do not bore me anymore; instead this has become my passion.