Over time, you may catch sight of the blades of your hedge trimmer and observe that they begin to stick whenever you try to cut different shrubbery and hedges in your yard.
And you can be in a never-ending battle if you’re unfamiliar with how it happened and how to overcome that situation. It can not only make it tough to get the gardening tasks done but can make your cuts jagged and unclean too.
Like any other tool with sharp metal blades, hedge trimmers can start sticking after repeated usage.
There’s nothing NEW.
But yes, this problem can be entirely new to some beginners in town (like you!) who do not know that they need to lubricate the trimmer’s blade to maintain the tiptop condition.
Use quality oils to lubricate the equipment to make trimming the hedges faster, more convenient, and your tools more durable.
This surely comes up with TONS of queries and confusion, with “how to lubricate hedge trimmer?” being the first one.
Well, Do Not Panic…!
In this guide, you’ll not just get a detailed answer to this question, but a lot more information is yet to come to ease your journey. Keep reading;
5 Simple Steps on How to Lubricate Hedge Trimmer
Hedge trimmers need lubrication to keep the friction low between blades in order to prevent extra heat, which can, unfortunately, bend the blades. These tools, unlike chainsaws, don’t have oil reservoirs. Therefore, the oil is directly applied to its blades.
For long blade life and the best operation, you always have to lubricate it with lightweight machine oil after and before each use. But while doing this, don’t be in a hurry to start the process when it’s running and still connected to the battery.
Excited to go through the steps? Keep reading.
Step 1. Choose the Right Type of Lubricant
It depends on your trimmer model which lubricant is the most suitable. In order to get the correct lubricant, consult the owner’s manual.
Plus, ensure that your chosen product is specifically designed for the trimmer.
Consider opting for the oil that’s not only for the tool but also for the environment & is non-toxic to animals and plants.
Step 2. Clean the Hedge Trimmer
You can efficiently prepare the hedge trimmer by cleaning it with a damp brush or cloth thoroughly to remove all the sap, dirt, and other unnecessary substances on the surface.
It will assist in resisting any harmful residue from entering the sensitive inner parts of the equipment while lubricating.
This should be done appropriately, as welcoming any dirt can lead to threats in the future. Most notably, ensure that every single part of the trimmer is dry before starting the process.
Step 3. Apply a Few Oil Drops to the Moving Parts
This step must be the most crucial one! There, you have to clean the rag by adding oil drops to the trimmer’s moving parts.
It can mainly n involve levels, blades, and other segments with movable pieces.
Never put too much oil in one specific spot that could cause oil build-up. Of course, why would you wish to create any further issues with the tool’s performance, right?
Step 4. Spray Oil on Various Metal Parts
As far as the metal parts are concerned, you can use a quality spray to mist them. Also, you can apply the same oil to other cutting edges or exposed blades.
This will guarantee that each surface is coated evenly with lubrication.
Another add-on, it’ll help reduce friction & result in enhancing the trimmer’s lifespan. A great deal for the bucks!
Step 5. Remove Excess Moisture
Gently wipe down each piece of metal after applying oil by using a clean rag or cloth. This will, for sure, help to eliminate oily residue or excess moisture.
This way, you’ll be able to prevent build-up over time, if not abolished perfectly after each usage of the hedge trimmer.
What Lubricant Should You Use for a Hedge Trimmer?
It’s natural that you will ponder about what lubricant is the ideal one for the hedge trimmer you are using. So, let me answer this!
Experts prefer to use silicone hedge trimmer lubricant spray, but you can also go with vegetable oil or diesel for this purpose if you are tight on your pockets.
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Vegetable Oil as a Hedge Trimmer Lubricant
Using vegetable oil is a fascinating way to keep the hedge trimmer protected and lubricated. Vegetable oil is something that’s almost always present in the kitchen.
Even if you don’t have one, it’s really cheap to purchase it from the nearby grocery store. Simple and quick! Isn’t it?
As this kind of oil is not a harsh oil, it’ll be gentler for your bushes and plants. Looking for both “affordable” and “easy-to-find” factors in the oil? Go for it blindly, and you will never regret it.
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Diesel To Lubricate Your Hedge Trimmer
Use can utilize diesel for lubricating the hedge trimmer, as it’s refined from any kind of crude oil. We cannot deny that it is a weak lubricant, so it’s not recommended to use diesel alone.
The simple solution: use the spray diesel on the machine between the process you lubricate it along with another oil.
Although it’s not a bad idea to use it for maintaining the blades of y our trimmer, you must ensure not to overuse it—all you have to do is spray it on the blade lightly.
Note that it is toxic to animals and plants, so there’s a high possibility that the leaves can die after getting in contact with it.
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Silicone Spray Lubricants for Hedge Trimmers
Silicone spray hedge trimmer lubricant is unquestionably one of the best and most preferred types of lubricant used by both beginners and professionals.
It is easy for the trimmer blades to get damaged and rusty, and this lubricant will effectively prevent this from happening while keeping it quiet and lubricated.
Be careful not to apply a LOT of spray to the machine; it will not damage your trimmer, but it won’t be good for your garden if there are plenty of chemicals.
Top Signs That Your Hedge Trimmer Needs Lubrication
Knowing how to lubricate a hedge trimmer is not sufficient if you have failed to determine whether it should be lubricated or not.
Here are some substantial clues that’ll warn you to apply a quality lubricant to the hedge trimmer:
1. Difficulty Starting
Another significant indication that you must lubricate it is the machine has become super challenging to start. It can be a sign that some engine components need more maintenance. In that case, its engine can seize up & eventually make it tougher to turn over the engine.
Related: How to Start a Hedge Trimmer?
2. Unusual Noises
Nothing is more irritating than unusual noises. If your machine is also making noises that are completely out of the ordinary, such as grinding or squeaking, there are chances that lubrication is needed. It can be especially the case if such noises increase when you move its blade back and forth.
3. Too Much Vibration
Does your engine vibrate more than it should? It must be a hint that lubrication is needed. The vibrant may be more intense in particular spots or on one side versus another. All this will reveal where there’s not adequate lubricant present for proper function.
4. Increased Heat Output
If you find out that the trimmer’s motor is getting hotter than ever before, this could be a warning that there’s inadequate lubricant between its moving parts. In this situation, adding oil will be an absolute life saver! It will help all the parts function appropriately without producing too much heat output or friction.
5. Rust on Blades
Present rust on blades and shafts indicates that the hedge trimmer requires extra oil, and you immediately need to take action. Rusty blades won’t cut anything efficiently, so they must be kept well-lubricated and clean to work in a nice condition.
By avoiding all these problems altogether through regular lubrication and maintenance, you’ll be assisting yourself in staying safe while doing trimming work.
Related: How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer? A Complete Guide
How Often Should I Lubricate My Hedge Trimmer?
Regularly lubricating the hedge trimmer will ensure it cuts quickly and stays sharp. Well, its perks don’t end here! You will also be able to prevent damage and premature rusting.
To extend the life span of the machine, it’s vital to lubricate it after and before every single usage!
You should never wait until the blades get rusty and dry to maintain them because it will end up making the hedge trimmer weak and damaged.
Inspect it after each use for any clippings or debris that might have gotten stuck in its blades. Such items can slowly impede their performance over time.
Remember to apply some drops of machine oil to the cutting edge of the blade before using the machine again – a boost to the smoother operation.
Doing all these steps on a regular basis can help lessen the wear on the trimmer’s important components.
What else would you want when it starts functioning well for many years to come after the lubrication process? Give it a try and make the rest of the gardening tasks easy peasy!
Lubricating Your Hedge Trimmer – Top-Notch Benefits
Have an instant look at the high-end benefits of well-lubricated hedge trimmers:
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Prolong the lifespan
Lubrication can prolong the trimmer’s life span. This can save your efforts and time in the long run for various part replacements and repairs.
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Help to eliminate any sap
Applying oil to the blades before each use can stop sap from the hedges you’re trimming from sticking to any metal. Plus, it will also remove any debris that it may have.
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Better Cutting Performance
Keeping the moving parts sufficiently oiled helps to ensure that they move quite smoothly without sticking or binding. Consequently, you can cut neater, faster, and more flawlessly.
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Easier Starting
If an engine is well-lubricated, it will need less effort to begin compared to a dry one. With the fine engine, you will be able to use it more smoothly.
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Lower Maintenance Costs
Taking a few minutes to oil the machine once in a while can save you some bucks in the long run! Yes, you can incredibly save on costs, including repaying for repairs or purchasing new blades.
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Improved Safety
Keeping your trimmer’s components lubricated minimizes wear and tear in these areas, which leads to severe accidental breakage or damage during operation.
Related: How to Trim Holly Bushes With Hedge Trimmer
What Happens If I Don’t Lubricate My Hedge Trimmer?
Lubricating takes only a few minutes, so there is no excuse not to do it. By doing this process, you can keep it free from friction, unwanted loud noises, sap build-up, and rust.
If you don’t lubricate the hedge trimmer, many potential issues could arise:
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Dull Blades
Without lubrication, the blades will become really dull than others. So, you’ll have to spend some time sharpening them after every few months.
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Overheating
As a lot of trimmers use electricity, insufficient lubrication can cause a high risk of excessive heating, causing damage over time.
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Higher Risk of Damage
There can be further issues if you miss lubricating it. This is because of the increase in friction between its moving parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What Can I Use To Lubricate My Hedge Trimmer?
You can use SAE20 engine oil in order to lubricate the hedge trimmer’s blades. Any grade engine oil can work well. You have to give them oiling after every 40 minutes of usage. I personally prefer using the 3 in 1 oil for hedge trimmer; however, an oil-covered rag or paintbrush would do this job as well.
2) Do You Need To Lubricate the Hedge Trimmer?
To make sure that the trimmers are kept in the best condition, you must lubricate them whenever you use them. As I mentioned earlier, you can also stop sap from the hedges you’re cutting from sticking to various metals.
3) Can I use wd40 to lubricate hedge trimmer?
When you’re done cleaning the trimmer and drying off the residues thoroughly, you should also lubricate the blades. For this purpose, get your hands on any dry cloth & simply use it to reapply the WD-40 coat on its blades with equal distribution.
4) How Often Do You Need To Grease a Hedge Trimmer?
Lubricate your hedge trimmer gear case using a special grease after 50 hrs of functioning for a longer lifetime and the best operation.
5) Can You Use Vegetable Oil To Lubricate Tools?
Yes, vegetable oils can be used as effective lubricants in their most natural forms. They come with several benefits and drawbacks when considered for machinery and industrial lubrication. On the positive side, this oil can have amazing lubricity, far superior compared to mineral oil.
6) Can You Use Olive Oil To Lubricate Tools?
This oil also works as an ideal protectant, hedge trimmer cleaner & lubricant for metal, which means you can utilize it on gardening tools, kitchen knives, and hinges. Be sure to remove grime and rust before using the olive oil, to make sure that the surface is as spotless as possible.
Bottom Line
Through all of this information, it can be concluded that cleaning the hedge trimmer is of great importance and can save you from hassle in the long run. Many lubricants can be used for this task, like Bar and chain oil for hedge trimmer, Dewalt hedge trimmer lubricant, and many more — the list is undeniably extensive.
No matter which type of trimmer you are using, taking care of it is highly essential to keeping them healthy and neat. Detailed steps on how to lubricate the hedge trimmers are also mentioned above in the best possible way.
I have covered every aspect you need to know about lubricating hedge trimmers in today’s guide. If you still have any queries, ask out in the comment section below!
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