How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer

Doing maintenance work on your hedge trimmer is important, not only for the quality of the tool's cut, but for its lifespan. Here's how to sharpen hedge trimmer blades so you can keep getting the best results for longer, whether you're a gardener by trade or doing some garden DIY.

Why Do I Need to Sharpen My Hedge Trimmer?

By sharpening your hedge trimmer's blades, you keep the tool from underperforming. Once the blades have become dull, the hedge trimmer will leave behind frayed & uneven edges, meaning your hedge won't look as good as it could do.

How Will I Know When To Sharpen The Hedge Trimmer's Blades?

You'll know your hedge trimmer's blades will need sharpening when these two things start to happen - When the tool starts to not cut branches clearly or when branches keep getting jammed in the trimmer. Before you start sharpening the trimmer's blades, be sure to refer to the manufacturers guide first.

Steps to Sharpen Your Hedge Trimmer Blades

1. Get a soft cloth and use it to clean any dust or dirt off the teeth - you don't want to be sharpening over any dirt or debris.
2. Put on some safety goggles & gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Make sure the hedge trimmer isn't plugged in or if the model is cordless, remove the battery.
3. Using a flat file in a downwards motion, sharpen towards the cutting edge of the blade. Be careful not to alternate backwards and forwards like a saw as doing so will make the blade become blunt.
4. Check you're not removing more than 5mm of material. If you do, you could cause damage making the hedge trimmer unworkable. When you're filing, try to use the same amount of strokes for each blade so you can keep them roughly the same length.

How Often Should I Sharpen The Hedge Trimmer's Blades?

How often you sharpen the trimmer's blades will depend on how much you use the tool. If you don't use your hedge trimmer regularly, sharpen the blades once every few months. For those who use their power tool on a weekly to monthly basis, we'd recommend you sharpen the blades more frequently.

Other Types of Maintenance

As well as wiping down & sharpening the blades, there are some others things you can do to maintain your hedge trimmer.

• Clean the Air Filter - If you're hedge trimmer model has an air filter, it will need to be cleaned regularly so that it has a constant flow of clean air can passing through. If left uncleaned, the dust that accumulates could cause the power tool to overheat as well as underperform.
• Lubricate the Blades - Another way to keep your blades in good shape is by keeping them protected by a type of lubrication. The more you use the hedge trimmer, the blades become exposed to moisture that will affect them. By using a lubricant, that is often suggested by the manufacturer, you will provide the tool with more power & less friction.
• Give it a Wipe Down - As well as keeping the blades clean and sharp, it's important to keep the exterior of the tool clean too. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the hedge trimmer's external surface but be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions.

Once your hedge trimmer blades and surfaces have been cleaned down, keep it stored in your garden shed, garage or in another safe space around your home until you need to use it again.

If you need some help with how to cut & trim your garden hedges, take a look at our dedicated article for some tips and advice.

Need to upgrade your hedge trimmer? We have plenty to choose from, that are available to buy, on our website which you can check out here.