Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Sharaj
Just like knives and all those sharp objects that we use over and over, a hedge trimmer’s blade gets dull too. The disheartening thing, though, is that your hedge trimmer can be completely useless if its blade is not sharp anymore.
The blade is among the most important components of a hedge trimmer because it is what does the actual cutting.
Therefore, one very important way to keep your trimmer in great shape is by sharpening its blade regularly.
How To Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer?
Let’s checkout the hedge trimmer sharpening procedure below:
When Should You Sharpen A Hedge Trimmer?
It is a bad idea to wait until your blade is almost unredeemable before sharpening it. The best way to ensure that the cutting edge is never dull is by creating a schedule for when you’ll sharpen the blade. You should, at least, file your blades every month, or even two times in one season, if there happens to be plenty growth.
Whether you have a petrol-powered trimmer or an electric-powered one, one thing is sure; the sharper the blade, the better the result. Petrol trimmers are the most powerful trimmer type and as such, require more maintenance. Because they work very fast, the machines put a lot of pressure on their blades. As a result of this, the blades tend to get blunt easily. In other words, you’ll have to sharpen fuel trimmer blades very frequently.
Hedge trimmers that are electrically powered are the next most powerful after petrol powered hedge trimmer. They often come with a cord which allows the machine to connect with an electric outlet. For this machine type, you can file their blade one time in a month.
There’s also the battery-powered trimmer which is the least powerful of the trio. Battery trimmers use batteries as their power source. They’re quite versatile but this notwithstanding, their blades last long before they become blunt. These blades can get by just fine with only a one time per month sharpening.
How to Sharpen A Hedge Trimmer Blade?
You can sharpen your blade in more than one way. The method you choose depends solely on your personal preference. However, before starting any sharpening procedure, certain things have to be put in place. This is to prevent harm and make the work more effective.
It is important that you disconnect the machine from its power source. Unplug corded electric trimmers, remove the battery of a battery-powered trimmer and empty the fuel tank of your petrol-powered trimmer. Remove pole hedge trimmer extension as well if you have one attached to your machine before you begin to sharpen.
Lay the blade of your trimmer flat on an empty surface. Make sure the table you choose to use is easy to work around. Rather than moving the machine about, it is better that you do the moving as this is much safer. Also, wear all necessary protective gears like thick gloves, goggles, old work long sleeve attire and others.
1. Using A File
Using a file is perhaps the easiest method of sharpening a trimmer’s blade. It is vital that you work in a downward filing motion as you sharpen the blade. Then, as you move your hand back upwards, raise the file from your blade before connecting it back and driving downwards. It is important to.do this because scraping the blade upwards and downwards with the file will not only make the blade blunter, it’ll also weaken it.
Though simple, using a file does require a lot of patience, since it is time-consuming. Once you’re finished with sharpening, burr off shavings using a sharpening stone. You do need to apply an even amount of pressure on the blade as you file. Inconsistencies can tell on your blade.
2. Using A Power Grinder
While you can say this procedure is less stressful than the filing method, it is also a remarkable dangerous method. Power grinders are very fast and powerful. As such, when you use them to sharpen your blades, you’ll be done in no time. Even so, they create a lot of sparks and if not handled very carefully, may harm the operator. However, if you already have experience using the power grinder, then that’s a good thing. If you don’t, here’s how to.
First, clump the blade securely in position. Sometimes, you’ll need to move around so you can see certain angles better. Try not to let your blade move about as you sharpen.
Also, try to be as gentle as possible while you apply pressure on the blade. Too much pressure can result in you scrapping away way more metal than you are supposed to. Also, always compliment the blade’s natural angle as you go down the blade.
Make sure to use short strokes while you’re scraping down your blade. Get used to the idea that you may have to stroke many times before you get the perfect result. Do each tooth individually as you tend to get a better end product this way.
Conclusion
Danger aside, power grinders are accurate and will provide a very fast sharpening experience. Although it may not be necessary, use a sharpening stone to erase any burr if you feel like you should. You tend to get burr most of the time when using a file but not that often if it’s a power grinder you’re using.
Sharpening your trimmer’s blade is a small price you have to pay to be able to use the machine easily. Once you do it a couple of times, you’ll become. more comfortable doing it and maybe even come to enjoy it. This weekend might be the best time to try sharpening your trimmer’s blades. What do you think?
