Sheep shears for professional fleece care, dagging and trimming
Maintaining high standards of fleece hygiene is essential for preventing painful conditions like blowfly strike and ensuring overall flock comfort. Our premium selection of Sheep Shears features durable, razor-sharp manual hand shears designed for everyday husbandry tasks, dagging, crutching, and detailed show trimming. Whether you are running a large commercial flock or managing a small heritage breed flock, having a reliable pair of hand shears nearby is indispensable. Alongside our shearing tools, you'll find a full suite of flock health solutions, including liquid sheep drenchers, identity sheep ear tags, and general husbandry sheep equipment.
Why quality hand shears are vital on every sheep farm
While mechanical shearing machines are ideal for summer shearing, manual **Sheep Shears** are the go-to tool for targeted, quick tasks throughout the year.
From clearing soiled wool around the breech (dagging) to preparing ewes for lambing by removing fleece from around the udder (crutching), manual shears offer unmatched control, safety, and speed for spot-treatments in the field.
Our hand shears are constructed from high-carbon tool steel, ensuring they hold a sharp edge for longer and slice cleanly through grease-heavy wool without pulling on the sheep's skin. Balanced tension springs and comfortable, ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue during extended use.
Choosing the right sheep shears
Manual shears come in several variations to suit different hand sizes and shearing requirements:
Single Bow Shears: Feature a single curved spring loop. They offer a softer squeeze, making them highly popular for smallholders or beginners who want precise control.
Double Bow Shears: Feature two smaller spring loops. They provide a firmer, springier action that bounces back quickly, making them the preferred choice for professional shearers and rapid dagging.
Bent Pattern Shears: The cranked handle design keeps the shearer's hand away from the wool bed, making it easier to achieve a flat, close cut without nicking the skin.
💡 Shearing Maintenance Tip
To keep your sheep shears performing cleanly, always clean off lanolin (wool grease) and dirt using a stiff wire brush and soapy water after use. Wipe the blades dry and apply a thin layer of machine oil before storing them in a dry place to prevent rust.
Frequently asked questions about sheep shears
What is "dagging" and why is it important?
Dagging is the process of using sheep shears to cut away manure-soiled wool from around the sheep's tail and hind legs. Keeping this area clean is the single most effective way to prevent summer blowfly strike.
Can manual shears be used for foot trimming?
While some shepherds use old, dull shears for scraping dirt from hooves, we recommend using dedicated foot-rot shears or trimming shears to ensure clean cuts and prevent cross-contamination.
How often do hand shears need sharpening?
This depends on fleece cleanliness (gritty fleeces dull blades quickly). Touch up the outer edge of the blades frequently with a fine-grit pocket oilstone during use to maintain an effortless cut.
Shop durable sheep shears online
Browse our range of high-carbon steel **Sheep Shears** today and equip your farm with tools that deliver exceptional results. With fast UK shipping and outstanding customer service, Online for Equine makes it easy to maintain flock health and presentation. Complete your order with our range of protective sheep drenchers, sheep ear tags, and sheep equipment.
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