How to Sharpen Scissors
It's important to keep your household scissors sharp for efficiency and safety. You can sharpen scissors at home using sandpaper or aluminum foil.
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You Will Need
- Scissors
- Sandpaper
- Scrap piece of paper
- Aluminum foil
- Steel wool
Steps
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Step 1
Cut a piece of sandpaper
Cut several notches in a piece of fine-grit sandpaper, with the rough side facing down.
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Cut with long strokes, so every part of the blade touches the sandpaper.
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Step 2
Test the scissors
Test the scissors by cutting through a scrap piece of paper. If they do not seem sharp enough, repeat the process.
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Step 3
Cut through aluminum foil
Use aluminum foil to sharpen the edge of your shears. Fold the foil a few times to make it thicker, and then cut several slices through the foil.
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Step 4
Test the scissors
Test the scissors by cutting through a scrap piece of paper. If they do not seem sharp enough, repeat the process.
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Step 5
Use steel wool
Use steel wool to sharpen your scissors. Make several cuts through a steel wool soap pad, rinse the blades, and then try them on paper.
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Modern scissors were first manufactured by Robert Hinchliffe in 1761.
