How to Sharpen and Maintain Your Speargun Shafts at Home

How to Sharpen and Maintain Your Speargun Shafts at Home

When it comes to spearfishing, a sharp shaft tip is crucial. It can mean the difference between a clean shot and a missed opportunity. Over time, however, your shaft tip will start to wear down — whether from hitting rocks, bony fish, or just regular use. Even if you’re using our Power Mod (which reduces the speargun’s force by up to 50% and helps prevent excessive tip damage, all with just a click), regular sharpening is still essential to ensure performance, accuracy, and humane catches.

In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of sharpening and maintaining your speargun shafts from home, using basic tools and techniques. Whether you’re completely new or just need a refresher, this is your go-to guide.

 

Why You Need a Sharp Shaft

A sharp shaft ensures:

  • Better penetration
  • Cleaner, faster kills
  • Less risk of bouncing off fish or injuring them unnecessarily
  • Reduced chance of bending or misfiring

Dull shafts don’t just reduce your success rate — they also increase stress on your gear and body. A sharp shaft makes your dive more efficient, effective, and ethical.

 

Tools You’ll Need for DIY Sharpening

You don’t need anything fancy to start. Here’s a basic gear list:

  • A flat or triangular file (medium or fine grit)
  • A sharpening stone or diamond hone (optional, for finishing)
  • A clamp or bench vise to hold the shaft steady
  • Fine-grit sandpaper (400 to 600 grit)
  • White vinegar or rust remover
  • Steel wool or a polishing cloth
  • WD-40 or a corrosion-inhibiting spray
  • Gloves and eye protection

These tools are affordable and easy to find, and most can be reused for other gear maintenance tasks.

 

Step-by-Step Shaft Sharpening Process

 

1. Set Up Your Workspace

Choose a clean, stable workspace with good lighting. Secure the shaft in a vise or clamp so that the tip sticks out and is steady. Safety is key — wear gloves and eye protection.

2. Examine the Shaft Tip

Before sharpening, take a close look:

  • Is it just dull? Light sharpening is enough.
  • Is it flattened or chipped? You’ll need to reshape the tip.
  • Is it bent? Straighten it carefully before sharpening. You can use our Spear Roll Tester to figure out just how bent it is and how to straighten it.

3. Sharpen with a File

Using your flat or triangular file, shape the tip into a strong, conical point. Don’t go for a razor-thin needle — that will bend too easily. A solid, symmetrical point is your goal.

Hold the file at a slight angle (around 30–40 degrees), and rotate the shaft slowly while filing. Use even, steady strokes, always filing away from your body.

4. Polish the Tip

After shaping, smooth the surface using sandpaper or a sharpening stone. This step reduces micro-damage, ensures cleaner shots, and improves hydrodynamics.

 

 

How to Remove Rust and Keep Your Shaft Clean

Even high-grade stainless steel shafts can develop rust over time, especially if they aren’t rinsed properly after diving.

To remove rust:

  • Soak the rusty area in white vinegar for 30–60 minutes.
  • Scrub gently with steel wool or a soft wire brush.
  • Rinse with fresh water and dry completely.

To prevent future rust:

  • Spray the shaft lightly with WD-40, silicone spray, or a speargun-safe lubricant.
  • Always rinse your gear with fresh water after diving.
  • Avoid storing the shaft while it’s still in the speargun — take it out and dry it separately.

Regular cleaning not only extends the shaft’s life but also keeps it functioning at its best.

 

 

Pro Tip: Use the Power Mod for Less Wear

If you’re using our Power Mod, you’re already protecting your shaft during practice, low-visibility dives or super shallow water spearfishing. The Power Mod reduces the power of the speargun by up to 50%, which decreases impact and prevents unnecessary tip damage — especially in rocky areas. Still, sharpening is eventually required, but the Power Mod helps you go longer between maintenance sessions.

 

 

How Often Should You Sharpen Your Shaft?

It depends on how and where you dive:

  • If you’re diving often (multiple times per week), check the tip after every few sessions.
  • If you mostly hunt near rocks or reefs, inspect and sharpen more frequently.
  • If you only dive occasionally, inspect and touch up the shaft before each trip.

Trust your eyes and hands — if the tip feels dull or looks uneven, it’s time to sharpen.

 

 

Final Words

Sharpening and maintaining your speargun shaft is a simple habit that will pay off in every dive. It keeps your shots accurate, clean, and humane. With just a few basic tools and a bit of attention, you can keep your gear in top condition — and focus on what matters most: enjoying the hunt.

Remember, even with protective features like our Power Mod, regular care and maintenance are what make your gear last longer and perform better.

 

 

Want more gear tips and DIY tutorials?

👉 Check out our other DIY Blogs or visit our shop for shafts, mods, and premium gear.

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