How To Sharpen Hedge Trimmer Blades

No matter how good your hedge trimmer is, you will need to sharpen the hedge trimmer blades from time to time. Statistics suggest that you need to sharpen the hedge blades after every 50 hours of work. Sharpening ensures the removal of any residue that accumulates on the blades over time. Hedge trimmers are mainly used to reduce work while preserving impressive landscapes and yards. Keeping their blades sharp helps them to maintain optimal performance.

One of the important benefits surrounding hedge clipper sharpening procedures is the extension of blade life. Extending blade life allows for an extended life for the overall product, which is great for those who become attached to their tools.

The Perfect Way to Save Money – Sharpening Your Hedge Trimmer Blade Yourself

Owners of hedge trimmers can save money by sharpening their blades at home. Here are two methods of sharpening your hedge trimmers:

Method 1 – Sharpening the Hedge Trimmer With a File

Align the blades to each other before attempting this procedure.

Step 1- Align the blades of the trimmer. Wear thick gloves and press the blades together. A tight fit is necessary, and this cannot be achieved without aligning the blades first. Using the end of a screwdriver, or any object you can tighten the blades if necessary, by turning in a clockwise motion. Loose blades will not properly cut hedges just as dull ones won’t. The blades must be perfectly aligned with one another. If you are having trouble trimming, check that this is not your problem. If so, go back to the beginning and try again.

Step 2- Now, you need to sharpen the hedge trimmer with a file. To do this, place a mill file along with the edge of the tooth. Make long and smooth strokes in a downward direction with the file until the edge is perfectly sharp. Do not move the file in an up and down motion. Rather, use downward strokes at all times. Be sure to hold the sharp end of the blade away from you, for safety’s sake.

The file removes oxidation in this method, allowing the sides of the tooth get the shine you want. Repeat these steps for all the other teeth, making downward strokes at the same angle as the tooth edge with the file.

After completing sharpening the hedge trimmer blades on the top, repeat the same process, sharpening the bottom surface teeth. Stick to a limited number of strokes to avoid over sharpening the blades.

Method 2- Sharpening the Hedge Trimmer Blades with Power Grinder

Align the hedge trimmer blades before sharpening them.

Step 1- Wear hearing and eye protection help prevent damage, as the power grinder will generate sparks. If these sparks get into the eyes or ears during the sharpening process, they may become permanently damaged, even causing you to become blind or deaf. Wear a protective face cover if you can, and flame-retardant clothing. Certain materials are more likely to catch fire, so be sure you are not wearing anything extremely flammable. Be hazardous of fire. It is always suggested to perform this method earlier in the day to be able to see any smoldering cinders. When using this method, it is important to remember to have a source of water nearby, in case of actual fire.

Step 2 – Secure the trimmer to a bar with a firmly grasping clamp. To sharpen each tooth, the bar and clamp sometimes need to be repositioned. If the trimmer is secure, it will not move while sharpening. If the trimmer is not secure while sharpening, you may run into more potential hazards.

Step 3- Using an 80 or 60 general purpose grinding wheel, sharpen the hedge trimmer blades to maximum efficiency. At the same angle as the tooth edge, hold the surface of the grinding wheel against each tooth surface. Be sure to hold the sharp end of the blade away from your body, and grid away from your body as well.

Step 4- Apply light pressure to ensure a good edge. To prevent over sharpening the tooth, use short strokes. Long strokes almost always ensure an unevenly sharpened blade.

Step 5- Repeat the process for all three underside cutting surfaces of every tooth, by turning the trimmer over and re-clamping the bar.

Now you know how to sharpen your hedge trimmer blade. You can try out either of these methods, whichever is more convenient for you. There isn’t one right way, and either of these two methods can work effectively – just remember never to use an electric hedge trimmer unless you are fully comfortable, and aware of the necessary safety precautions.