How To Avoid Cutting Hedge Trimmer Cable?

When it’s time to tame the garden, millions of us simply dig out the trimmer from the garage or shed and get cracking.

In a hurry, the thought of safety never comes to our minds, and we mess up things! 

After all, this is a risky piece of equipment because they contain a power cord with almost 230 to 240 volts running through it.

Are you one of those who accidentally cut your hedge trimmer cable while trying to tame your unruly shrubs or bushes? 

Ahh… that’s too tiring and frustrating! Isn’t it?

Not just is it annoying, but it can also be extremely dangerous and even lead to expensive repairs or black and decker hedge trimmer cable replacement altogether. 

People who don’t pay heed to how to avoid cutting hedge trimmer cable often get into so many troubles, as it exposes the inner wiring and causes accidents and electric shocks.

But worry not!

Fortunately, you can avoid the headache of the severed cable by practicing proper technique and taking a few potential preventative measures.

So, whether you are starting out or already a seasoned landscaper, keep reading to discover some top-notch tips to keep the inline connector intact & continue your important landscaping projects hassle-free.

How To Avoid Cutting Hedge Trimmer Cable: Incredible Tips & Tricks

While all quality models of hedge trimmers are double-insulated, it is impossible to rule out the possibility of facing accidents or shocks completely if you cut the cable.

Especially if you’re not careful, there is a high chance that you will trim through the power cable — risking a mild or severe electric shock. 

Below are some potential tips and tricks to guide you!

Tip #1. Keep Distractions To A Minimum

While hedge trimmers can be a beneficial tool, they cause much possible harm that should be kept in mind.

When operating power tools like these, it is important to last fully concentrated and alert!

Diversions while scoping the trimmer blade over the hedge can cause grave mishaps, such as accidentally cutting out a wire.

Hence, controlling any likely interruptions while doing this job is best.

Even though ear protectors are not important, as these tools are not as noisy as petrol-driven hedge trimmers, you may be convinced to use headphones to listen to music, podcasts, or the radio.

However, this is not preferable, as you may become too engaged in your audio and lose focus on the work you are doing. It is important to remain attentive and alert to avoid slicing through any cables.

In addition, it’s not a bad idea to listen out for any unfamiliar sounds that your cordless hedge trimmer may create, as it could point out something is wrong. 

By being cautious and attentive, you can reduce the possibility linked to using hedge trimmers!

Tip #2. Hold The Hedge Trimmer Properly

Hedge trimmers, like other massive power tools, need the use of both hands to keep proper control throughout the device. 

Even if you believe that you are strong, it is not a wise decision to utilize the machine with only one hand, particularly when tackling trimming remote areas.

This is mainly significant when standing on a stool or ladder, as you not only take the probability of falling but also endanger the bosch hedge trimmer cable and could cut through it.

It is necessary to retain your feet planted securely on the ground and to grasp the hedge trimmer with both hands all the time.

It will make sure your protection and permits you to operate the tool successfully.

Tip #3. Keep The Working Area Tidy

When dealing with overgrown hedges and bushes, it’s normal to assemble a huge amount of garden waste as you move cautiously in any case.

It’s necessary to take repeated breaks to clear away this debris instead of waiting until you complete the job.

Leaving the waste diffused all over gives rise to numerous hazards, as it could certainly cover other tools and equipment or even the power cable or extension cord.

It leads to a hurdle course that can result in tripping or getting the cord tangled in branches and leaves as you move along the hedge.

Moreover, it is not rare for individuals to place the hedge trimmer on top of the debris instead of on the ground if the machine is still running.

It may slice into the cord tangled in the cut bushes. For this reason, it is important to keep the workspace well-ordered and clear of any obstacles. 

Ensure your safety, and prevent any damage to the equipment!

Tip #4. Keep The Power Cord Behind You

To avoid the risk of striking the power cable while using a hedge trimmer unintentionally, it’s recommended that you turn up the cable beside you.

It’s essential to modify the cable properly as you work. No matter what, relocate it so that it remains at your back as you walk ahead.

Running towards the cable, mainly if you’re walking backward, crucially increases the chance of 

hitting it at some point.

To confirm that the cable stays at the back, some gardeners connect a carabiner to the belt loop on the back of their trousers and stick the cable into it.

It doesn’t matter whether you use a carabiner or not, it is important to practice pausing and looking over the cable’s location every couple of minutes. Yes, you heard that right!

It’s easy to get engaged in trimming work and displace the cable’s location. So, taking repeated breaks to verify it can help prevent accidents.

Related: Can a Hedge Trimmer Cut Wood?

Tip #5. Use A Sturdy Ladder

Raising a hedge trimmer more than your head height is never recommended when dealing with giant hedges that are beyond your safe reach.

You should use a well-founded step ladder designed specifically for gardening or a sturdy step stool.

Common ladders aren’t usually appropriate for this job because their legs are most likely to go down to the ground, making them insecure. 

Choose a hedge-trimming ladder, also called a tripod ladder or fruit-picking ladder, which is recommended because of its wide base, providing magnified firmness.

Using this sort of ladder permits you to focus on the task you are currently doing and to examine the cable’s position all over the trimming process.

Tip #6. Keep An Eye On The Extension Lead

When trimming hedges in a huge garden, No doubt you would require an extension cord to reach the necessary areas.

Although, be aware that these cords can become an obstruction if you’re not observing them.

It’s crucial to let the hedge trimmers come to a complete stop before locating them down and avoiding placing them on top of any cords. 

The blades are unusually sharp and may accidentally slice throughout the cord even when stationary — resulting in significant safety hazards.

Moreover, it’s essential to stretch the cord to its full length to avoid overheating, which can cause to electrical resistance increase,

It can cause the wire to overheat and most likely cause fire or electric shock.

Related: What Gauge Extension Cord for Hedge Trimmer

What Happens If You Cut Through The Cable?

The outcome of cutting through a cable would depend on the type of cable in question and the 

specific circumstances of the cut. 

Here are a few possibilities:

Possibility of Accidents

Almost one-third of the gardeners in the United Kingdom have had an accident at some point, most of which are due to trimming through hedge trimmer power cords or lawnmowers.

In some cases, the fuse connected to a specific circuit is blown. And this obviously needs replacement.

Alternatively, if you catch its cable and slice through a wire, breaking either neutral or live, the trimmer will cut out because the electrical circuit will be incomplete.

To decrease the possibility of accidents, you should always wear protective gloves, ear protection, and glasses while using them.

Also, follow all the manufacturer’s instructions, especially the guidelines on using the tool safely and how to maintain its cables properly.

High Risk of Fire

The electric current that passes through the cable of the trimmer generates heat. As a result of any damage to the cable, it may lead to a short circuit.

Shockingly, this can also turn into the fire!

The cable can overheat and spark nearby combustible material, such as grass, branches, or dry leaves.

The risk of fire is high while cutting through the cable because the defective cable can lead to many severe problems.

To avoid this massive issue, inspect the cable before use. Inspect the cable & plug for any signs of damage, like cuts, exposed wires, or cracks.

Risk of Electric Shock

When you accidentally cut through the trimmer’s cable, you expose the wires that carry electrical current to power the motor of the trimmer.

If the power is on when you cut through its cable, there’s a high possibility that you’ll get an electric shock. The shock severity depends on the amount of flowing current, the pathway of the current through the body, and the duration of the shock.

Eventually, it can lead to a range of injuries, from severe burns to mild tingling sensations, cardiac arrest, and even muscle contractions.

In addition, if you’re holding the trimmer when you are getting electric shocks, you may lose the grip and drop the machine, which can cause injuries to you and others.

To lower the risk of receiving these electric shocks, make sure that you fit the RCD (residual current device). 

You can plug these simply into the socket every time you use the trimmer or any other electric equipment, and these will instantly disconnect the electric supply within 24 to 40 milliseconds.

Related: What Size Hedge Trimmer Do I Need

Can You Fix A Hedge Trimmer After Cutting Through The Cable?

In short—yes! It’s absolutely possible, but it isn’t always recommended unless you know what you are doing.

Many severe electric shocks are a result of DIY enthusiasts getting it wrong tragically!

So, it’s better to take your tool to an electrician or expert, someone who’s qualified enough to fix it appropriately. Of course, this costs more bucks, but nothing is more important than a precious life! Right? 

But still, if you have decided to do it at home, examine the damaged part first—after removing its plug and ensure that the tool is switched off. 

Perhaps a slight cut to the insulation on the outer side can be fixed using a specific electric tape if the damage is superficial.

In case it is more acute, with the cable cut through entirely, it’ll be essential to strip the wires & use the ip68 cable connector, such as a terminal block, for joining both halves.

Electric tape solely won’t suffice and could be a great pitfall.

• Don’t forget that its male end is attached to the cord attached to the tool, and the female end is generally connected to the cable that is attached to the plug.
• If you connect the male end to the plug and the female end to the trimmer, there’s a possibility that you will touch the live cable connectors right after plugging it in & switching it on.

Important to Note:

Some people splice the wires together before wrapping them in masses of tape. This is not actually advisable but is understandable because it decreases the overall cost. However, it should be just a temporary solution before you fix it permanently.

• Make sure that every wire is connected appropriately to avoid tripping the fuse box.
• Double-insulated items should not have a protective earth wire, but if present, they’ll be yellow and green.
• The live wire is brown, and the neutral wire is usually blue. Always attach these colors accurately.

Related: How to Use a Hedge Trimmer in Simple and Easy Ways

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What happens if you cut through the hedge trimmer cable?

A hedge trimmer with a separate cord is almost useless. But with some ability and a minimum investment, you can restore the cord and have the trimmer back up and running. If the remaining cord connected to the trimmer is silvery long, you can easily add a new plug to its end.

2) Why does my hedge trimmer keep cutting out?

One of the most repeated causes of a blocked carburetor in a hedge trimmer is leaving fuel in the machine for a long time. As time passes, some of the components in the fuel may vaporize, causing a bulky and gummy substance. This sticky fuel can then clog the carburetor, resulting in engine blockage or rough running.

3) Can electrical tape fix a cut wire?

Using electrical tape is a manageable solution to fix a cut wire low-voltage for a short-term application. But it is important to remember that it is not a permanent fix. It is significant to change or repair the damaged wire as soon as possible to certify protection and efficiency.

4) Is it safe to put electrical tape over exposed wires?

Using electrical tape to hide revealing wires is a common method, but it is only safe to do so when the wires carry very low voltage. Despite that, it should only be viewed as a temporary solution for cutting wires. It is crucial to apply a more permanent solution as soon as possible for both safety and reliability.

5) Is it easy to fix a cut wire?

If the wire has been separated or is hardly connected by some copper strands, you can secure it yourself by using mold iron if you have the basic skills. Repairing damaged wire can save you time and money. But awareness is important while using a soldering iron.

Conclusion

Cutting through the cable of your hedge trimmer can be a potentially hazardous and frustrating experience. 

However, you can avoid this issue by following some simple yet effective guidelines and ensuring that your landscaping projects are safely completed.

In a nutshell, always keep your cables away from the blade, store your equipment properly, and use a good extension cord to prevent accidental damage. 

Take all the above-mentioned precautions and enjoy a hassle-free trimming experience on the go!