Sharpening a hedge trimmeris fairly easy, although it can be a bit of a time-consuming job if you don't have a grinder. However, it is a good idea to learncarefully how to sharpen your hedge trimmerin order not to make mistakes and damage the blade as a result. So, we explain what you will need andhow to sharpen the hedge trimmer step by stepso that they are razor-sharp again and cut bushes with ease.
Sharpening manual hedge trimmer
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Step 1 - clean the scissors
Before sharpening the blades of the hedge trimmer , the tool must first be cleaned of dirt. Gardening tools can be washed in warm soapy water. For this activity, we especially recommend garden soap with garlic, which has disinfecting properties. If we use ordinary gray soap, it is worth disinfecting the tools with denatured alcohol or spirit. Thanks to this, we will avoid the transmission of pathogenic pathogens between plants.
To remove heavier dirt from the hedge trimmer , such as sludge from resin seeping from trimmed twigs, use fine grit sandpaper or a paper nail file.
Step 2 - scissors adjustment
Unscrewing the hedge trimmer to sharpen itis usually not necessary as it opens wide enough that you can easily reach the entire length of the blade without unscrewing it.It is therefore a bit different than in the case of secateurs, which usually need to be unscrewed in order to sharpen properly.
However, it is worthto adjust the bolt that connects the blades of the scissors . The blades should fit perfectly to each other during cutting, without any play. However, do not tighten the screws too much, so that the blades work freely and without resistance.
Tighten the bolt that connects the blades. They must be light, but there must be no slack.
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Step 3 - sharpen the scissors
Finallytime to sharpen the scissors onlyFor this purpose, it is worth fixing the scissors in a vice or placing it on a work table and pressing it with your hand. A stone whetstone or a metal file will be useful for sharpening. Rather one with a fine gradation, so as not to tear the scissors blade.
Only the outer edges of the scissors are sharpenedThe inner sides with which the blades touch each other should be untouched (they must be perfectly flat).We put a sharpener or file at an angle of approx. 45 ° and make only one movements - outside the blade. On the return movement, move the file away from the blade so as not to tear it.
How to sharpen a manual hedge trimmer
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
This is the way to sharpen any hand held hedge trimmer, but it can be time-consuming. You can sharpen a hedge trimmermuch faster by using an angle grinder instead of a flex file. In order not to damage the hedge trimmer, let's choose the thinnest blade for the grinder. Remember to always move the grinder away from you.
Step 4 - lubrication
After sharpening, oil the hand hedge trimmerEspecially around the blade connecting bolt (friction surfaces). But it's also a good idea to smear the entire blades and then wipe them with a cloth or paper towel.Such lubrication will improve the operation of the shears and protect them against corrosion. We can use any oil for machines.
