How to Sharpen Scissors with a Dremel Tool

Sharpening your scissors for efficient and effective cutting is a crucial maintenance aspect. You don’t want to find yourself struggling to cut pieces of paper or clothing with blunt scissors.

A Dremel tool is the most recommended for sharpening your scissors. The other methods require you to have a separate grinding stone or sandpaper.

The various Dremel tools come with variations which include: the sturdier and stronger versus the lightweight and mobile tool, the fixed or cordless models, the tool with fixed speed and the one with longer battery life.

Having the right tool at your disposal is crucial. For this case, a proper grinding tool is suitable for sharpening the scissors.

This handheld rotary tool performs various functions. But for now, our main focus is sharpening scissors.

After you have acquired this tool, follow the guide and the safety measures. These include the work area, individual and electrical safety.

Before heading to sharpen the scissors, try to ensure the tool works properly, by setting at a lower speed and not placing a high pressure on the tool.

Having done that, we are now ready to sharpen our scissors. The next aspect is the procedure to sharpen your scissors. The step by step guide is as follows:

Step 1: Separating scissor blades

This process is simple and straightforward, all you need is a screwdriver. There is a screw that is found in the middle of scissors.

Unscrew the screw using the screwdriver and place the screw in a safe place. You don’t want to lose the screw and end up searching when you are done with sharpening.

Step 2: Preparing the scissor blades

Having separated the scissor blades, place one of them in the vise, the sharp end should face outwards.

It is important to take note of the shape of the scissors blade for easier sharpening. One side should be angled in a downward position, to ensure that while sharpening a sharp edge is achieved.

The other side will not be angled. Position the angled side to face upward in order to sharpen using the Dremel tool.

The scissor blades can be of various sizes, shapes or design. This should not worry you at all. The Dremel tool is able to work through these designs and sizes.

So, whether the scissors are large or small. The performance is the same with the use of the Dremel tool.

Step 3: Preparing the Dremel tool

Insert the required size of the bit into the Dremel. This involves placing the bit into the hole which is positioned at the end of the Dremel and sliding it back slightly.

To secure the bit, so that it doesn’t wiggle, tighten the collet nut. Make sure you know how to insert the bit and change the bit by practicing a lot before turning on the Dremel tool.

While preparing the tool, some of the models have collets designed to create a quick and easy connection. With these models, it is easier to insert the bits.

While in other models you will need to use a mandrel. This is a shank with a threaded head for use with the polishing bits.

 Step 4: Sharpening the scissor blade

Once the bit is in place and tightly held. Turn the Dremel on and try switching to different speeds while it is on a lower setting.

Try using different grips, to get a feel for the tool when holding it. Position the tool at a 10-degree angle against the scissor’s blade top.

Grind along the scissors blade at the set angle until the entire edge is very sharp. Afterwards, remove the scissor blade placed into the vise and place the other scissor blade.

Step 5: Sharpening the other scissor blade

This process is basically the same as that of the first scissor blade. But for the purpose of getting the next process even better.

I will go through some of the important pointers. While grinding the scissor blade, the Dremel tool should be positioned at a 10-degree angle on top of the scissor blade.

The sharp end is required to face outwards with one of the sides of the blade angled downward.

Make sure the tool is at a lower setting, to enable you to grind smoothly and from there you can easily switch the speed. The entire edge of the scissor blade should be sharp after grinding.

Step 6: Re-attaching the scissors blades

The two blades are sharp after the grinding and sharpening process. This means the blades have to be re-attached back. By use of the screwdriver screw the two blades back together. Try cutting a piece of clothing to make sure that it cuts properly.

Once you are done with testing your scissors. It is now ready for use with ease and efficiency. At this moment, the Dremel tool is already turned off and has to be returned to the safety box which houses the tool.

Step 7: Cleaning the Dremel tool after use

The sharpening of scissors is through, all you need is to clean and place it back in its case. First, we remove the bits by down pressing the shaft lock button. Do this while turning the collet which holds the bit securely.

The bit will loosen and it is easier to replace the bit if you need to use the tool for another purpose. Place the bits in the case.

Wipe the drill with a cloth to keep it clean, this extends the life of your Dremel tool. To prevent electrical failures while using the tool, clean out the Dremel air vent with compressed air frequently.

Before disassembling the tool to perform major cleanings, consult the provider or check the manual.

Final Words

Sharpening the scissor blades ensures your scissors are in good condition and work correctly. The Dremel tool has been attributed to performing its function in a most proficient manner.

Proper handling and use of this tool, ensure that your tools such as the scissors are in the best condition.

You will be able to perform your duties without having to worry about the maintenance or stoppage of your daily activities that require the use of scissors.

This is due to the fact that, you use the Dremel tool to sharpen your scissors as opposed to other methods. I highly recommend this tool not only to work on your scissors but also other projects.

3 comments… add one
  • sheryl Feb 9, 2020 @ 16:20

    what kind of “bit” ???

    • Michele Apr 6, 2020 @ 13:05

      A 932 sharpening bit. It’s basically sandpaper.

      • Charley Alligood Jul 6, 2021 @ 8:45

        Whatta breeze!!!!!😜

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