The Best Way to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer

Hedge trimmers, unlike their manual counterparts, hedge shears, do not usually require sharpening. These electrical --- either corded or cordless --- yard trimming machines have hard steel blades that should last their lifetime. Only if the blades sustain a nick, such as catching on a piece of glass, a rock or another hard surface, do most hedge trimmer manufacturers recommend sharpening the blade.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloth
• Fine-toothed file or sharpening stone
• Bucket
• Mild liquid soap
• Machine oil

Instructions

1. Unplug or remove the battery from the hedge trimmer.

2. Remove any dirt or debris from the hedge trimmer blades with a clean, dry cloth. Moisten the cloth with a little bit of water, if necessary.

3. Move the fine-toothed file, if using one, back and forth over the nick until it disappears. If using a sharpening stone, move it in a circular motion over the nick until gone.

4. Fill a bucket with water and add a few drops of a mild liquid soap.

5. Wipe the blades with a cloth dampened with the water and soap solution to remove any of the shavings from sharpening.

6. Rub a film of machine oil evenly over the blades to prevent rusting.

References

• "The Family Handyman Magazine"; How to Sharpen Tools; April 2000
• Black and Decker: Cordless Dual Action Hedge Trimmer Instruction Manual
• Swisher Inc.: E4-HT4000 Articulated Hedge Trimmer Operator's Manual