How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer: A Simple Guide for Every Beginner

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Every gardener should have a hedge trimmer. It cuts branches, shrubs, and other types of growth that might make your hedge look untidy. However, the blade of a hedge trimmer becomes blunt after a certain period. If that happens, it will no longer be as effective in cutting different types of hedges.

It is always recommended that you do not wait for the blades to blunt before you sharpen them. So, remember to check your blades each time you use your hedge trimmer. In an estimate, you could use your hedge trimmer for about 50 hours before you need to sharpen its blades. However, it still boils down to the kind of hedge trimmer you have and how you use it.

While sharpening the teeth of a hedge trimmer might sound like an intimidating task, it is quite an easy process that lets you restore your blade to its previous condition. With the right tools, you can quickly learn how to sharpen a hedge trimmer. What’s more, you can sharpen a hedge trimmer in two different ways!

How Often Should You Sharpen Hedge Trimmer Blades?

There isn’t a set guideline on how often you should sharpen your trimmer. However, we recommend making yourself a schedule, so you don’t forget.

For instance, you can sharpen hedge trimmer blades every month or at the start of a trimming season. While hedge trimmers come in different designs, their blades have to be maintained regularly.

Of the different types of hedge trimmers, gas-powered trimmers require more maintenance. Since they operate at a very high speed, their blades can wear out faster than the blades of other trimmers.

Also, keep in mind the blades of different hedge trimmers are made from different materials. It might also affect the durability and the performance of the blade.

Precautions to Take While Sharpening Your Hedge Trimmer

Before you start sharpening your hedge trimmer, there are some safety precautions that you should take to minimize injuries.

1. Please switch off the hedge trimmer and disconnect it from the power source. If you are using a cordless hedge trimmer, remove the battery from the main unit.
2. It will help if you place your trimmer on a sturdy workbench as you are sharpening it. It makes it easier for you to sharpen the blades of the trimmer easily without experiencing any movements. A sturdy workbench also minimizes the risks of any injuries.
3. You should wear protective gear as you are working on a trimmer. Examples of protective gear and clothing include safety gloves and safety goggles.
4. Wear long-sleeved shirts while sharpening a hedge trimmer to protect yourself from sparks and other irritants.

What Is the Best Way to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers?

Sharp hedge trimmers are essential when taking care of your lawn. There are two different options that you can use while sharpening a hedge trimmer – you can either use a mill file or a power grinder. Whichever method you decide to choose, both are pretty easy and give you perfect results.

Filing a Hedge Trimmer With a Mill File

While using a mill file may take more time, it is the safest method. If you are new to sharpening a hedge trimmer blade, it is highly recommended that you use this tool.

Step 1: Prep the Hedge Trimmer

Before you start this procedure, you have to prepare the hedge trimmer; use your hands to move the blades and align the top blades with the bottom blades. Doing this makes it easier for you to sharpen them. After that, you can use a pair of pliers to align the blades perfectly.

Once you finish aligning the hedge trimmer’s blades, you’ll realize that each blade has six different surfaces that you need to sharpen.

Step 2: Start Sharpening the Edges of the Hedge Trimmer Blades From the Topside

Start by filling the top side of each tooth. Align your file with the edge of the single tooth that you are planning to file. The file should be parallel to the edge of the tooth that you are sharpening.

After that, file the tooth in a downward movement/direction. Make several strokes on the surface of each tooth at each angle. Repeat the motion until the blades start to shine. Repeat the same procedure on the different teeth found on the blade of the hedge trimmer.

Step 3: Turn the Blade

The next thing that you need to do after sharpening each tooth of the edge’s top is to sharpen the underside of every tooth.

To sharpen the underside part, you have to turn/flip the blade with your hand. It makes it easier for you to access the underside of your blade. Align the file with the edge of the tooth that you want to sharpen. Please keep it in a parallel position with the tooth.

File the underside of each tooth by moving the file in a downward motion. Then, file each tooth until it starts to shine. Repeat the same procedure on all the teeth that are found on your hedge cutter.

After that, lubricate the blade with some oil to reduce the friction that might occur as you are trimming your hedges.

Can You Use WD40 on Hedge Trimmer Blade?

WD40 is a versatile lubricant oil that is used to prevent rust-formation and minimize friction. However, it is not advisable to use WD40 oil on your blades. This type of oil can harm some of the plants that might be in your hedge. Not to mention, it is not that effective in lubricating your blades for a long period.

Sharpening a Hedge Trimmer With a Power Grinding Wheel

A power grinder is a tool that lets you sharpen a hedge trimmer and restore it to its original state. Not to mention, a power grinder speeds up the process of sharpening a hedge trimmer. Most power grinders come with an instructions manual that shows you how different parts work. It makes it easier for you to use a power grinder to sharpen a hedge trimmer. This method takes less time than filing a blade with a mill file; however, it could be harder to do.

Step 1: Clamp the Blades of the Hedge Trimmer

Clamp the blades of the hedge trimmer to a steady workbench. It minimizes movements as you are sharpening the blades of the trimmer. However, remember that you will have to change the position of the blades as you are sharpening the blades. Doing this makes it easier for you to sharpen the teeth at a certain angle.

Step 2: Sharpen the Teeth With a Power Grinder

Place the power grinder at an angle on the edge of one tooth. Once you start the power grinder, the grinding wheel will begin to rotate at a very high speed.

Apply some slight pressure on the tooth that you are sharpening, then move the power grinder along the edge of the tooth. You can move it in an upward and downward direction. Do not sharpen one tooth for a long period. You might strip off some of the blade’s material and reduce the blade’s durability.

Always Keep It Sharp

And there you have it, everything you need to know on how to sharpen a hedge trimmer. Remember, do not wait for the blades to become blunt before you sharpen them. Sharpening your hedge trimmer is a maintenance routine that should be done regularly.

There are two ways to sharpen your hedge trimmer, either using a mill file or a power grinder. Hopefully, you will be comfortable using either of these methods. Lastly, always remember to wear safety gear while sharpening your hedge trimmer!

Did this article help you? Do you have other questions regarding your hedge trimmer? Let’s hear it! Let us know in the comment box below, and we will reply the soonest we can!