How to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers

Cutting leaves, branches, roots and bushes sometimes is not that easy for a mower device. It is necessary to use a hedge trimmer, which allows you to clean off your garden from debris and even helps you to maneuver it to all the corners, where a mower equipment cannot be used. A hedge trimmer will help you to even cut hanging flowers.

But, just like any other device, even a hedge trimmer can get rusty or even slow down, thus be ineffective to perform properly. In this article, we are going to show you how to sharpen hedge trimmers. Whether you are using an electrical one, or a gas-powered one, we will show you the way. In general, there are certain ways on how you can sharpen a hedge trimmer, which are not only easy, but nearly cost-free as well.

As usual, when undertaking a simple procedure like hedge trimmer sharpening you will still need to follow some essential steps and, take precaution measures. This is necessary not only to avoid unwanted incidents, but also for doing the job the best way possible. Following this, you can read our recommendations below on different sharpener’s tools that you can use to grind a hedge trimmer.

How to Best Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer

1. Preliminary Actions

There are several ways through which you can sharpen your hedge trimmer. After you have noticed that your device is not working properly, sharpening the blades is a must. First of all, many hedge trimmers that are left to idle might have gotten rusty and dull. Following this, cleaning the hedge trimmer blades is essential before performing the sharpening process. You can use different cleaning chemicals, which are easy to find. If you do not have any at home, oil and a dry piece of cloth will do just fine.

Secondly, before starting the sharpening process make sure that you have secured your hedge trimmer in a fixed position, thus it will not create any problems for you while you sharpen its blades. In addition, safety goggles, protective ear plugs and leather gloves are helpful while you work. These precaution measures need to be taken so that you do not risk cutting yourself on the sharp blades. Let me give you a reminder to turn off the gas-powered hedge trimmer or turn off the power button if you are using an electrical one.

2. Sharpening Your Hedge Trimmer Using a File

The easiest, simplest and cheapest way to sharpen your electrical or gas-powered hedge trimmer is by using a mill file. We all have this kind of equipment in our toolbox, which is very handy for multiple purposes. Before starting to sharpen the blades, it is crucial to align the upper blade and the lower one with the hedge clipper so that they are in line with each other.

In the surface of each blade you will notice some small holes that allow you to put screws or nuts to hold the blades firm together. If you sharpen your hedge trimmer by just using a mill file, it will require quite a bit of time and elbow grease. Because, you need to go tooth by tooth all over the surface of the blades.

Each tooth on the blades have a triangle shape which means you have to sharpen both sides and the tooth top as well. Using a file means positioning the sharpening tool on each side of the tooth and move it back and forth for a couple of times until you see that the rust and dullness have vanished. Repeat this action on all the blade teeth until you finish sharpening your hedge trimmer completely.

3. The Method of Using a Power Grinder

Another, more effective way to sharpen your hedge trimmer perfectly is by using a power grinder. This method is not only more efficient than the previous one, but also easier, faster and will not require any strength at all. All you have to do is plug this electric device and start cleaning off the rust material that your hedge trimmer has accumulated in time.

We have to remind you that this kind of sharpening is a bit loud due to the friction that the power grind creates with the blade teeth. Thus, putting on the ear plug and protective goggles are suggested and necessary. You should do this not only to protect yourself, but also to work quietly and undisturbed. This procedure is the same as using a file, as you need to apply the grind power on all teeth: one by one.

Surely, a power grind does not take much time to sharpen compared to the mill file. You can choose which method of sharpening process suits you better. To start, you can either grind the blades separately from each other. On the other hand, you can also try doing it after you have put them together in a fixed position. A power grind is more effective for this task according to my opinion.

Also Read: Best Electric Pole Saw in 2020 – Reviewed and Tested for Long Reach

Conclusion

A hedge trimmer is a very effective cutting tool that will help you keep clean the whole of your backyard by eliminating unnecessary bushes, branches and leaves. With time passing every equipment, a hedge trimmer included, starts to lose its efficiency. That is why sharpening is a much needed procedure to be performed to keep it in top shape. By using the mill file or a power grinder, this can be accomplished easily.

Both these methods are based on the same principle, as the sharpening process has to be applied step by step. Last, but not the least, precaution measures are always important. You need to take care of your safety while working on those sharp blades. Thus, make sure you wear protective goggles, earplugs and leather gloves. Even in the event of an accident, these safety measures will keep your eyes, hearing and hands safe. Afterwards, you will be able to enjoy a perfectly efficient and smooth-working hedge trimmer.