Solution for 20 May cryptic crossword clue

Hand-shears may be best used sparingly with lad inside (6)

Solution – blades

This is a combination of a deletion and container clue.  For further explanation see the sidebar for links.

The first part of the clue defines the solution “hand-shears” and “blades” mean similar things.

“used sparingly” is the clue that a deletion is involved.  In this case “best” is shortened to “bes”.  “inside” is the indicator that there is a container clue.  In this case reasonably straightforwardly you put “lad” inside “bes” and get “blades”.  Other setters might have made it harder by saying something like “boy” instead of “lad” – but the solution would have been the same.