Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
I have been using hedge trimmers for a long time, and I use my electric hedge trimmers a lot during the spring and summer. I have always wondered about how to clean electric hedge trimmer blades. It is a pretty easy task that will help extend the life of your hedge trimmer.
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How to Clean the Blades of Your Hedge Trimmer
Hedge trimmers are very useful tools for homeowners. They help you maintain your gardens and shrubs. Trimming also keeps plants growing tightly together, preventing them from getting out of hand. These devices encourage dense growth.
You may not be aware of how much lubrication is needed to make sure the blades work well. You also might not realize that keeping the blades sharp helps to prevent clogging. Cleaning the blades after each use is also recommended to make sure the blades function correctly.
Why it is Important to Clean the Blades
To avoid clogging your hedge trimmers, make sure you clean out the blades regularly. You should also remove any plant matter stuck between the blades after each use.
Sharpening trimmers is easy, even though it takes some time. But once you’ve finished, you’ll be able to use them again without any problems.
You can trim more efficiently because you’re using sharper blades. Cleaning the trimmer after each session is a great way to make sure the blades stay sharp for future uses.
Regularly cleaning your blades ensures that they work as efficiently as possible. Debris can block the cutting edges, causing them to become dull or even stop working altogether.
How to Clean Blades Properly and Safely
You should always switch off your hedge trimmer before cleaning it, as well as disconnecting it from any electrical supply or removing the battery.
To prevent injury, you should use protective gloves while using this tool. Make sure the trimmer is on a level surface that is stable.
Brush off any debris, work methodically along the blade, then check underneath the teeth as well as what is visible to your eye on the front side. The gap between the blades is often a bad spot for buildup.
Brushing down your hedge trimmer right away after trimming helps to eliminate any buildup of sap or other materials that could cause problems later. Use a cloth or brush to clean out the trimmer blades, this will remove any built up debris or sap in and around the blades.
If the shrubs or bushes you were cutting were wet, make sure to thoroughly dry the blades as well.
Sharpening Hedge Trimmer Blades
Hedge trimmers require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Keeping them sharp is crucial to achieving smooth trimming results. Use a drill or a flat file to sharpen your blades if needed, but limit sharpening to once per 50 hours of accumulated use.
Methods of sharpening electric hedge trimmer blades
There are three different ways to sharpen electric hedge trimmer blades. But in actual fact, you could use these methods for corded hedge trimmers or gas models.
The three methods are:
- sharpening hedge trimmers blade with a file
- sharpening hedge trimmer blade with an angle grinder
- sharpening hedge trimmers blades with a Dremmel tool.
All are viable options, so take a look and see what works best for you.
Check for Loose Screws or Fittings
Hedge trimmers vibrate a lot. So as a part of basic maientance you should check the bolts and screws around the blades for anything that might have come loose.
Tighten everything up, especially if you’ve got any loose screws or bolts around. Make sure you use the correct tools and don’t damage any of the screws of fittings.
Make sure you’re using the correct size bolt/screw. You should always read your manufactures instructions to look at the recommended service intervals
Keep the Blades Lubricated
As the number of hours used increases, the amount of wear increases. Lubricating the blades regularly keeps them working well.
Lubricating the blades is easy once you know how. It is easier to lubricate the blades after a good wipe down to make sure the blades free of debris and aren’t wet.
All you need to do is apply a thin layer of oil to the inside of each blade. You should use enough oil to coat both sides of the blade evenly. Don’t get too much or you’ll end up wasting your time cleaning out the excess.
Storage is Key
To prevent corrosion, you will want to store your hedge trimmer away for any moisture.
Metal parts should always be dried prior to storage. Battery powered equipment should not be stored near outside where they are constantly exposed to a wet environment.
Make sure that your hedge trimmer isn’t exposed to water or direct sunlight. A great place to store your trimmer is in an enclosed garage, shed, or basement. Store the trimmer off the ground, I personally hang mine on a storage system on my garage wall.
Keep it Clean
Hedge Trimmers blades aren’t the easiest thing to maintain, but as you can see there are some easy ways to make sure that your trimmer stays well maintained. With sharp well-maintained blades your trimmer will keep your hedges looking nice for years to come.
Here are a few of the top manufactures of electric hedge trimmers:
