How To Sharpen A Hedge Trimmer

A dull hedge trimmer is a dangerous garden tool. Not only will it make your job more difficult, but it can also cause harm to both you and your plants.

Luckily, sharpening your hedge trimmer is a relatively easy process that only takes a few minutes.

 

How can I tell if my hedge trimmer needs sharpening?

There are a few telltale signs to look out for.

1. Take a close look at the blades. If they are starting to look dull or jagged, then it’s time to sharpen them.
2. Pay attention to how the trimmer feels when you’re using it. If it feels like it’s stuck in one spot or the blades are catching on the branches, then it’s time to sharpen the cutting edge.
3. Listen to the trimmer as you use it. If it starts to make a grinding noise, that’s a sure sign that the hedge trimmer blade needs to be sharpened.

 

How often do I need to sharpen hedge trimmer blades?

The frequency with which you need to sharpen your hedge trimmer blades will depend on how often you use it.

If you use your hedge trimmer once a week, you can probably get away with sharpening the blades once every couple of months.

However, if you use your hedge trimmer multiple times a week, you’ll need to sharpen the blades more frequently.

 

Instructions for sharpening a hedge trimmer

There are two ways to sharpen hedge trimmer blades: manually or with a power grinder.

We’ll walk you through both methods so that you can choose the option that’s right for you.

 

How to sharpen a hedge trimmer manually

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, sharpening your hedge trimmer blades manually is a relatively easy process. 

You’ll need a flat file or sharpening stone, gloves, safety goggles, a soft cloth and a vice to hold the blade in place.

1. Put on your work gloves and safety goggles.
2. Unscrew the blade guard and remove the dull blades from the hedge trimmer.
3. Clamp the blade in a vice. If you don’t have a vice, you can wrap the blade in a thick towel before clamping it down to protect it from damage.
4. Use a flat file or sharpening stone to sharpen the blade by running it along the length of the blade. The recommended sharpening angle is at 30-degrees.
5. Be sure to sharpen both sides of the blade evenly at the right cutting angle.
6. Wipe off any debris from the sharp blades with a clean cloth before reattaching it to the hedge trimmer.
7. Screw on the blade guard and give the hedge trimmer a test run to make sure everything is working correctly.

 

How to sharpen hedge trimmer blades with a power grinder

If you’d prefer not to spend time manually sharpening your blades, you can use a power grinder to get the job done quickly and easily. 

You’ll need a power grinder fitted with a metal grinding disc, safety gear, and a vice (or thick towel) to hold the blade in place.

1. Wear safety glasses and put on your gloves.
2. Unscrew the blade guard and remove the dull blades from the hedge trimmer.
3. Clamp the blade in a vice (or wrap it in a towel).
4. Holding the power grinder firmly in both hands, slowly run the grinding disc along each cutting edge of the blade at a 30-degree angle until it is nice and sharp.
5. Be careful not to overheat the metal by grinding for too long in one spot — keep moving until you finish sharpening the entire blade.
6. Wipe off any debris from the sharpened blade with a clean, soft cloth before reattaching it to the hedge trimmer.
7. Screw on the blade guard and give the hedge trimmer a test run to ensure a consistent cutting performance.

 

How to sharpen an electric hedge trimmer

1. Unplug your electric hedge trimmer or remove its battery pack. Under no circumstances should you attempt to handle its blades while it’s still connected to a power source.
2. Put on your safety glasses and work gloves.
3. Use the handle of a screwdriver, or any rubber handheld tool, to line up the hedge trimmer teeth. This gives you the most surface to sharpen.
4. Unscrew the blade guard and remove the dull blades from the hedge trimmer. 
5. If you have more experience manoeuvring power tools, follow steps 3 to 7 under “How to sharpen hedge trimmer blades with a power grinder”. But if you’re quite new or would like to try manually sharpening your blades, you can follow steps 3 to 7 for sharpening trimmer blades manually.

 

How to sharpen a hedge trimmer using Dremel

Dremel is a popular brand for a handheld, electric rotary tool.

It’s commonly used to cut, polish, grind and sharpen various objects.

1. Start by removing the blade guard from your hedge trimmer.
2. Use a Dremel tool with a grinding attachment to start sharpening the tips of the blades. Be sure not to grind too much, as this can damage the blades.
3. Carefully hold the Dremel grinding attachment against the edge of the blade, moving it back and forth until the blade is sharp. Use the flat grinding attachment, not the bullet-shaped tip because this will catch on the bevelled edge.
4. After grinding, use a sharpening stone or Dremel filing attachment to file down any rough edges.
5. If you’re using a sharpening stone, start with a coarse stone and switch to a finer one until the blades are nice and sharp.
6. Replace the blade guard, and you’re ready to go.

 

Hedge Trimmer Maintenance

Hedge trimmer blades aren’t the only parts of the tool that need maintenance to work their best.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your hedge trimmer in tip-top shape.

 

How to clean hedge trimmer teeth

Over time, any good tool can become clogged with dirt and debris, rendering your hedge trimmer unusable.

It’s important to clean the blades regularly to keep your hedge trimmer in top condition. 

Here’s how to clean hedge trimmer blades:

1. Remove any loose dirt and debris from the teeth using a soft brush.
2. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, and soak the blades for about 30 minutes.
3. After soaking, use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub away any remaining dirt and debris.
4. Rinse the blades thoroughly with water to remove any residue.
5. Wipe it dry with a clean, soft cloth.
6. Lubricate the hedge trimmer blades with a thin film of WD-40 or multipurpose oil to keep them from drying out and dulling over time.

 

How to fit the hedge trimmer blades

1. Start by removing the blade cover from the hedge trimmer. This will expose the blade-holding mechanism.
2. Take the hedge trimmer blade and align it with the slots in the holding mechanism. Make sure that the teeth on the blade are facing in the correct direction.
3. Once the blade is aligned, push it into the slots until it is firmly in place.
4. Replace the blade cover and screw it back into place.

 

How to align upper and lower hedge trimmer blades

If your hedge trimmer isn’t cutting as well as it used to, it might be time to align the upper and lower blades.

This is a quick and easy fix that anyone can do at home, and it will help to ensure that your trimmer is cutting cleanly and efficiently. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start by removing the blade guard.
2. Loosen the nuts that hold the upper and lower blades in place.
3. Adjust the alignment of the blades so that they are parallel to each other.
4. Once the blades are aligned, tighten the nuts back into place and reattach the blade guard.

 

Give your garden the cutting edge care it deserves

Hedge trimming is essential to keeping your garden looking neat all year round if your hedge trimmer is in good condition.

Fortunately, sharpening hedge trimmers isn’t difficult — it just takes patience and some elbow grease (or a power grinder).

If you need help sharpening your hedge trimmer or trimming your hedges, give us a call and our expert gardeners will give your hedges the care they deserve.