It is very expensive to have hedge trimmers sharpened. Many do-it-yourselfers therefore prefer to buy a new one right away. But you can also simply do the sharpening yourself. You can find out how to do this below.

It works better with a sharp hedge trimmer

The types of hedge trimmers

Hedge trimmers (€24.99) are not always the same hedge trimmers. Basically, two types can be distinguished: the manually operated hedge trimmer and motorized hedge trimmers that are connected to an energy source.

Manually operated hedge trimmers

Manually operated hedge trimmers look like oversized secateurs ($19.99) with a very long handle and longer, straight blades. Sharpening works similarly to pruning shears and is significantly faster than sharpening other types of hedge trimmers.

Motorized hedge trimmers

There are basically three common types:

  • Petrol Hedge Trimmer
  • electric hedge trimmer
  • Hedge trimmer with battery

When it comes to sharpening, it doesn't matter where the energy comes from; the cutting blades are very similar in all three cases. The cutting blade has numerous teeth, all of which must be sharpened individually. So the work is a bit tedious, but worth it. It is important that you remove the energy source before sharpening so that the hedge trimmer cannot start.

Sharpen motorized hedge trimmers

  • file
  • dry cloth
  • gloves
  • possibly goggles
  • Wooden block for storing the cutting blades
  • or screw clamp to fix the hedge trimmer.
  • cleaning oil

1. Caution first

First make sure that the hedge trimmer cannot start under any circumstances. To do this, pull the plug on electric shears, remove the battery on battery-powered hedge shears and pull the spark plug on petrol hedge shears.

You should also wear gloves to protect yourself from injury. Safety goggles can also be useful.

2. Optional: disassemble the hedge trimmer

If you can remove the cutting blades of your hedge trimmer from the holder, this has several advantages: You can sharpen both cutting blades much more thoroughly and easily and you can thoroughly clean both the cutting blades and the hedge trimmer body - both inside and outside. In this article, we explain how to disassemble your hedge trimmer.

Once you've disassembled your hedge trimmer, place a blade on a block of wood to sharpen and sharpen the portion that protrudes beyond it.

If you do not disassemble your hedge trimmer, fix it as you can, e.g. with a vice.

3. Sharpen cutting blade

Now place the file on the top tooth and file from top to bottom. Back and forth movements are not a good idea, just file smoothly and evenly in one direction at a time. Pay attention to the right angle! 15 to 20 movements per side should be enough. Then move on to the next prong and file them all the prongs on the exposed side in one direction.

4. Sharpen the other side

If you haven't disassembled your hedge trimmer, the next step is to reinsert the spark plug or battery, or connect the hedge trimmer to the mains. Turn it on briefly and pause where the tines are hiding the side you've already sharpened.

Now file the other side. Do not turn your hedge trimmer horizontally! This is not the back side but the opposite side of the teeth, so to speak right and left, which was previously covered by the second cutting blade.

Once you have disassembled your hedge trimmer, you can simply sharpen the entire point at once.

5. Clean the back of the blade

This step is only possible if you have disassembled your hedge trimmer, turn the blade over and file the entire surface to remove dirt and any rust.

6. Second cutting blade

Now repeat the process with the second cutting blade.

7. Clean

Once you have disassembled your hedge trimmer, use some sandpaper to rub down the shaft on which the cutting blades are attached. Then spray or rub both blades and the shank with some oil and wipe with a dry cloth.

Otherwise, just spray the cutting blades with oil and wipe away any filing residue with a dry cloth.

Clean manual hedge trimmers

  • wrench or screwdriver
  • coarse and fine whetstone
  • container with water
  • dry cloth
  • gloves
  • oil

1. Disassemble the hedge trimmer

Unscrew the hedge trimmer.

2. Clean

Remove coarse dirt with a brush, preferably a metal brush.

3. From coarse to fine

Soak the coarse whetstone in water or soak it in water for an hour before starting work. Then use it to sharpen the two cutting blades in a circular motion. Pay attention to the right angle!

Repeat the process with the fine sharpening stone.

4. Drying and oiling

Dry both parts with the dry cloth and then put some oil on it and rub it in thoroughly.

5. Assemble

Now reassemble your hedge trimmer and apply some oil to the joints and screw connection.

Category:

Care tips