How to Sharpen an Electric Hedge Trimmer Blade

To keep hedges nicely trimmed you need sharp trimmers.

Electric hedge trimmers are a real convenience to any homeowner. They contribute greatly to keeping bushes and hedges nicely trimmed. Every other season, or more if they are used frequently, the electric trimmer must have its blades sharpened. This may seem like a task only a professional can do, but the novice can accomplish this task with a couple of tools and an hour or two of time.

Things You'll Need

• Small screwdriver
• Dremel-type rotary tool
• 1/4 inch grinding wheel
• Bench vise

Instructions

1. Use a small screwdriver to turn the motor shaft by turning the fan through the ventilation slots. Move the fan until the blades are in a position so that one edge of all the blades can be sharpened.

2. Place the trimmers in a bench vice to make it easier to grind the blades. You can also have a helper hold the trimmers while you sharpen the blades.

3. Hold the grinder at the same angle as the factory edge on the blades. Grind each blade with the grinder until the edge of the blade has any nicks and rough patches removed. After grinding a few blades you will develop a feel for when the blade is sharpened.

4. Sharpen the exposed edge of all the blades. Turn the motor shaft with the screwdriver until the other edge of the blades are accessible. Sharpen that edge on all the blades in the same way as you sharpened the first edge.