The importance of keeping tools sharp in viticulture

Well-sharpened tools enable you to work more quickly and efficiently. This reduces the time needed to carry out viticultural tasks such as pruning and harvesting.

If the tools are sharp, they enable clean, precise cuts. This is particularly crucial when pruning vines, as precise cuts promote rapid healing and reduce the risk of disease or injury to the plant.

On the other hand, tools with dull blades can tear or crush plant tissue instead of cutting cleanly. This can lead to greater injury and longer healing times for vines, making them more vulnerable to disease and pests.

Another significant advantage is that when tools are properly sharpened, less force is required to use them properly. This reduces the risk of fatigue and injury for vineyard workers, who are less likely to slip or lose control of the tools. But it also reduces excessive wear on blades and edges, extending their life and cutting replacement costs.

At e-viti, we have chosen to offer you the Felco range. The FELCO brand was founded in Switzerland in 1945 by Félix Flisch. It offers a wide range of products for the pruning and cutting sectors: pruning shears, pruners, saws, grafting shears and pruning knives.

How do I maintain my pruning shears?

Regular maintenance ensures that your pruning shears work properly and last a long time:

• After each use, clean your pruning shears to remove residues of sap, soil or other debris.
• Regularly check that all moving parts of the pruning shears, including the spring and screws, are in good working order.
• Periodically apply a small amount of lubricating oil to the pruning shears' moving parts, such as the blades and locking mechanism. This reduces friction and extends the life of the pruning shears. Store your pruning shears in a clean, dry place after each use.
• Avoid leaving it outdoors exposed to the elements, as this can lead to corrosion of metal parts. Finally, use your pruning shears only for the tasks for which they were designed.
• Avoid forcing the blades on hard materials or using them to cut inappropriate objects, which could damage them.

How to sharpen pruning shears

Before sharpening the blades, make sure they are clean and free of sap residue, soil or other contaminants. Use a clean cloth and, if necessary, Felco 981 mild solvent to clean the blades.

To sharpen Felco pruning shears, it's best to do so during the day when the blade is dull.
To do this, use the Felco 902 corundum sharpening stone, the Felco sharpener 903and the Felco 905 multi-purpose tool..

Unlock your pruning shears and hold them in your hand, with the handles facing upwards. Make small circular movements with the Felco 903 sharpener applying gentle pressure to the blade. Then turn the pruning shears over in your hand, so that you can see the other side of the blade, and repeat the small circular movements.

Once the blades are sharpened, check that they align correctly. After sharpening, apply a small amount of Felco 980 lubricating oil to blades and mechanisms to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth movement.

By following these regular maintenance tips, you can extend the life of your pruning shears and ensure optimum performance with every use.