Here Are 5 Easy Ways To Sharpen Scissors Using Common Items You Already Have Around Your House
If you’ve noticed that your scissors have lost their sharp edge, it might be time to give them a little tune-up! Perhaps it’s been taking you more time to cut things, or you’re no longer getting crisp, clean cuts.
Like most common household tools, scissors will become worn out over all the years of cutting and slicing. They are pretty inexpensive, so you could just throw away the old pair and replace them.
But if you’re trying to be more sustainable, there are ways to get your scissors back to their sharp, snippy selves. You can sharpen your scissors using objects you probably already have around the house. Here are five methods that will help you say goodbye to dull edges!
Aluminum Foil
Sharpening scissors with aluminum foil is quick, cheap, and simple. Cut a clean sheet of foil that is between eight and 12 inches long. Fold it lengthwise about five times to create a thick strip.
Then, take your scissors and cut through the strip a handful of times, using the entire length of the blade. Finally, wipe down the scissors with a cloth.
This method helps to polish the blade’s surface, removing whatever debris is hindering the effectiveness of your scissors.
Sandpaper
Sandpaper is designed to wear down surfaces and is readily available at home improvement stores. Its rough texture can restore the sharpness of your scissors.
PANDA – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
Fold a piece of sandpaper in half, with the rough sides facing outward. The finer the sandpaper, the better it will work. Look for sandpaper with a lower grit number so it will be more abrasive, which will suit your purposes.
Like the foil, cut through the folded sandpaper multiple times to hone your scissors. When finished, wipe down your scissors with a damp cloth.
Glass Jar
This may come as a surprise, but any glass mason jar or glass bottle with thick, sturdy walls can sharpen a pair of scissors! Place an empty mason jar or bottle on a flat surface and hold it firmly with one hand.
With your other hand, cut the outside of the jar while performing a back-and-forth sliding motion. Exercise caution and wear protective gloves in case of an accident.
Screwdriver
The primary function of a screwdriver is to insert and remove screws. However, these handy tools have another function. Their metal shafts are perfect for sharpening scissors.
Open your pair of scissors and fit them around the screwdriver. Use a cutting and pulling motion across the metal part of the screwdriver, not the handle.
Sharpening Stone
Usually, sharpening stones are used for knives, but they can work well for scissors, too. First, take your scissors apart by removing the middle screw that attaches the two blades together.
Next, rub the stone with an oil to lubricate the stone. You can also use water. Now, slide each blade at an angle on the stone. Depending on how dull your scissors are, repeat the motion 10 to 20 times or until the blades are sharp.
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