How to Sharpen Electric Hedge Shears

Cutting with dull electric hedge trimmers is hard on the hedges you are trimming because it does not provide a clean cut. After repeated usage, the blades become dull and the job takes even longer to accomplish. You can sharpen your own hedge trimmers at home with just a few basic tools. You will be saving money and time by learning the skills needed to sharpen the blades. Whether you have only a few trees making up your hedge or many, having a sharp blade will make the job more enjoyable.

Things You'll Need

• Electric hedge trimmers
• Vice grip or pliers
• Bench vice
• Metal filer
• Linseed oil

Instructions

1. Place your hedge trimmers on a flat surface. Position the trimmers so the blades are facing away from you for your protection.

2. Grasp the bolt or screw that is holding the blades in place with a pair of vice grips. Clamp them so they hold the bolt tight.

3. Remove the screw or bolt by rotating the vice grips in a counter-clockwise direction. When the bolt comes out, separate the blades.

4. Grasp the handle of the blade with your hand or hold it secure and steady in a bench vice.

5. Take the metal filer and slide it down the length of your blade until it reaches the tip. Sharpen on a 38-degree angle. Do this several times. Do not do this to the flat edge of the blades.

6. Repeat step 5 and sharpen the other blade.

7. Test for sharpness by trying to cut a piece of paper without a lot of force. If the paper does not cut easily, repeat step 5 until the paper does cut easily.

8. Apply linseed oil or a water replacement lubricant to the blades before putting them together.

9. Replace the screw or bolt and tighten it securely.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective goggles when filing to protect your eyes against metal fragments.

• If your electric hedge trimmers do not have a removable screw or bolt, then it usually means that the trimmers are no longer serviceable.

References

• How To Mend It: Sharpen Electric Hedge Trimmer Blades
• Homely Family: Sharpen a Lawn Shear
• Little Wonder Sharpening Information