Pruner Maintenance
Barnel Pruners, are an excellent product and will last years with just a bit of routine care. B7, B8, B807 and B808 pruners are considered hi-tech pruners. These hi-tech pruners have a few unique features and this section will explain the features and care needed. x As with all good pruners, new blades and other replacement parts will always be available when you need them.
Barnel Pruners are designed for right AND left-handed gardeners.
Oiling Hi-Tech Pruners
Oiling frequently is essential to keeping your high-tech pruners and loppers working smoothly. The hi-tech pruners and the 16 inch lopper feature a center oiler bolt with a ball bearing on the reverse. Depress the ball-bearing and add several drops of lightweight machine oil when the pruners feel as they might be grabbing slightly. Oil drains into the reservoir and will flow out between the blades as you use the pruner.
Using the 2-Position Locking Feature on the B7 and B8 pruners
The vast majority of pruning work is on smaller diameter wood. The B7 and B8 pruners feature this 
2-position lock that allows for shorter half- cuts for dead-heading and quick pruning. Why squeeze repeatedly against the spring tension of a one-inch capacity pruner when 70% of the cuts are ½ inch or less? Activated at the flick of the thumb, this exciting innovation enables the user to change the pruner to a smaller cutting capacity, allowing for a narrower hand spread. The resulting relief in hand strain translates into stronger cuts, hour after hour. Individuals with smaller hands find this feature invaluable.
Installing a New Bumper on the B7 and B8s
The B7 and B8 pruners feature a bumper system that functions as a shock absorber between the handles. These small rubber bumpers 
are designed to eventually wear out and should be replaced when flat or mere nubs of themselves. You can purchase a spring/bumper package, or contact us to receive a free bumper. Remove the old bumper and insert the new bumper in the hole. If you purchase the spring/bumper, first remove the old bumper and slightly close the handles while you push the old spring up and out. Replace the spring and finally add the bumper into the hole.
"Squeeze-to-Open" feature on B807 and B808
The B807 and B808, feature a new "squeeze to open" feature with a wire cutter at the base of the blade. Squeeze to open, then squeeze to close and push the lock to close before releasing when finished. If you are having difficulty the first few times you use the new pruners, flip them over and view the zig-zag where the lock will sit. You will then see how the pruner locks.
Sharpening Barnel Pruners
The hi-tech pruners have cold-tempered steel blades that will likely not need sharpening for up to 3 years with proper care. But at some time, all pruners need sharpening. When using the Barnel sharpener, use the fine side of the diamond edge sharpener against the beveled edge of the blade. To sharpen, make small circles along the edge of the beveled blade from the inside to the tip. Do this a few times, then swipe outward several times and check the blade. If satisfied, you are finished; if not, do this again. This method of sharpening would be correct for any types of pruners. Remember, do not sharpen the other side of the blade and do not sharpen the hook.
