From Stiff to Snip: WD-40 Revives My Garden Shears

My garden shears had become a real battle to use. The blades would stick together, requiring a grunt and a forceful pull to separate them, and the cutting action was rough and uneven. What should have been a simple task of trimming and pruning had become a frustrating workout. I knew the culprit was likely dried sap and a bit of rust around the pivot point. I’d tried wiping them down, but the stiffness persisted.

Before heading out to buy a new pair, I remembered my recent success with the needle-nose pliers and the magic of WD-40. Figuring my trusty garden shears were worth a shot, I took them to the workbench and gave the central pivot point a generous spray. I made sure to get the lubricant deep into the joint where the blades connected. I also sprayed along the blades themselves, hoping to loosen any sticky residue.

I then started working the shears open and closed, gently at first. Just like with the pliers, I could feel the stiffness beginning to ease almost immediately. The blades, which had been stubbornly clinging together, started to move more freely. I continued to work them, applying a bit more WD-40 as needed, and wiping away the dark gunk that was being released.

It was amazing to feel the transformation. The rough, jerky motion was replaced by a smooth, clean action. The blades now glided past each other effortlessly, and the familiar snip sound returned. What had been a frustrating tool was now a pleasure to use again. Thanks to that simple application of WD-40, my garden shears were back in business, ready for another season of pruning. No need for a new pair after all!