How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer? A Complete Guide

Are you grappling with your hedge trimmer while clipping through branches or shrubs? It’s likely that your tool has lost its sharpness. But this wear and tear are typical with the trimmer’s blade when you frequently use it to slice through hedges.

Regardless of the type of shrub trimmer you use, if it leaves behind jagged and frayed branches after cutting, it’s time to sharpen it. Dull edges will not only provide uneven trimming but will also leave the hedges prone to diseases. Only a sharp blade will bear fruitful results. 

Luckily, sharpening your shrub trimmer is not a daunting task, and with the right method, you can do it quickly and easily. In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of sharpening a hedge trimmer using various techniques and share some essential tips to prepare before whetting.

How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer?

You can easily sharpen the blades of your branch trimmer at home using a handful of proven methods. Either use a mill file to fine-tune the blade by hand, a Dremel tool for precise sharpening, or a power grinder to whet the blunt edges more swiftly.

Before going into the nitty-gritty of how to sharpen Stihl hedge trimmers, I recommend aligning the upper and lower blades of the tool by hand. The easiest way to do this is by pressing them together. This will help you successfully get the sharpening tool between them, allowing you to work on both sides of the blades.

Also, clean the cutting edges from any traces of grime or dirt so they won’t harm the filing tool. But don’t forget to wear protective gloves and glasses before diving right into the process. 

Use a screwdriver and place its handle between the blades to move and line them up with each other. This trick will prevent damage to the sharp edges when you shift them. Once the blades are aligned with each other, assess the surface area you need to sharpen. 

Depending on the type of blades, you’ll need to hone two to six surfaces. Next, choose a hedge trimmer sharpening tool to fine-tune your tool’s blunt edges. 

How to Sharpen Hedge Trimmer With a File?

If it’s your first time sharpening your hedge trimmer, I say, why not go for a mill filer? It’s easier to use and will allow you more control while fine-tuning your trimmer’s blades. Mill filers are safer because they have been designed to operate in one direction only, ensuring perfectly sharp edges. 

They are flat on both sides, have one edge for providing a single cut, and come with a rectangular point. Besides, they are cheaper to use. Below are the steps for using a filer to sharpen a hedge cutter:

Step 1: Mount the Blades Onto a Bench Vice

Remove the nuts from the sharp edges. Next, use a bench vise to clamp the blades so they won’t move. If you don’t have a clamper, place something extremely heavy over the edges so they won’t shift when you work with the mill filer.

Step 2: File the Cutting Edges

Use a filer that has the exact width of the blades’ teeth. Place the tool in the same direction as the cutting edges and run it over them repeatedly at a 45-degree angle. 

Step 3: Maintain the Sharpening Angle

Move the tool forward. Put enough pressure and maintain the sharpening angle. But don’t swipe the device up and down, as it will make the edges blunter than before. Drag the tool in only one direction.

Step 4: Sharpen All Sides

Switch the side when one side is done and hone the blade’s teeth from all sides uniformly. But do remember one thing. The edges have a 5mm wear threshold. So, I advise running the filer only 7 to 8 times over each notch so as not to remove much material. 

Step 5: Clean the Blades

Once the job is done, use a whetstone to remove any nicks left by the sharpening filer. Soak the stone in water and use its rough edge to clear any burrs along the teeth at the same angle you applied the filer. This will smoothen out the blades so that they will provide a cleaner cutting. 

Step 6: Apply Protective Coating

Apply a light coating of linseed oil before tightening the blades with bolts again. It will prevent corrosion and increase the durability of the cutting edges.

Though an easy option, a mill filer consumes much time and effort to use. The outcome may also be inconsistent if you get tired during the process.

How to Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer With a Dremel?

Other than a filer, I recommend using a Dremel rotary sharpening tool for your trimmer, specifically if you are short on time. The Dremel has smaller components than a grinder, providing precise movement. 

However, this option is not for beginners. There is a risk of shaving off too much material if you don’t know how to use a Dremel tool correctly. 

A rotary sharpener uses a grinding tip made in a cylindrical shape with even sides to grind the bevels (sharp edge of the teeth). The tips come in different sizes so you can attach one according to your requirements. Here’s how to use a Dremel tool:

Step 1: Clamp the Trimmer

Begin by clamping the shrub trimmer on the bench vise. But remember to clean the tool of bits of grass, stone, or dirt before putting it in a clamp.

Step 2: Run the Tool Along the Bevels

Switch on the rotary device, and move it along the bevels. Pick a tooth first on one side and move the Dremel forward. Use up and down strokes for sharpening the blade. 

Step 3: Repeat the Process

Maintain the exact angle while grinding, and don’t put too much pressure, or you’ll risk shaving off too much material. I would advise using shorter 4-5 strokes on the edges for 3-5 seconds in total to prevent uneven surfaces.

Sharpen the remaining teeth on the blade using the same process. You’ll observe the bevels changing color when the grinder takes off the rust and worn material. When they change color completely, your work is done. 

How to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers With a Grinder?

A power grinder offers the fastest way to fine-tune a shrub trimmer. However, using it requires proper handling as it is a heavy-duty tool designed to provide acute results. If you are not careful, you won’t only take off too much material from the teeth but can also end up damaging the blade. 

Other than that, the tool also creates sparks increasing the possibility of an incident, so make sure you are well acquainted with it. Follow the steps below for using the grinder to sharpen your hedge trimmer:

Step 1: Clamp the Blades Into Position

Clamp the blades into a vise, moving them into a better position for grinding. I advise picking a 60 to 80-grit disc for the grinder, as it would provide a better finish on a metal surface than a 40-grit.

Step 2: Locate the Right Angle

Find the correct angle and move the grinder along the blade’s teeth. Apply a slight pressure and maintain the angle. Do that for 2 to 3 seconds as the grinder works quickly, and you can accidentally shave off lots of material from the blade.

Step 3: Use Shorter Strokes

First, start at the top surface of the teeth and then move downwards. Keep your hand steady and use shorter strokes when running the tool to avoid disproportionate surfaces. Repeat the process for all teeth until they all look polished.

Step 4: Clean the Blades

Wipe the blades with a wet rag and apply a coating of 3-in-1 oil to prevent grime and rust accumulation.

When to Sharpen a Garden Trimmer?

There can be numerous reasons why your trimmer is not working as it was previously. But the common ones include the following:

The Blades Are Leaving Frayed Branches

While clipping branches, if the trimmer leaves jagged and uneven edges, it means the cuttings edges on the blade have gone blunt. If you don’t want your gardening interrupted, sharpen the tool using the methods I have mentioned above. But don’t forget to maintain the angle of the sharpening tool.

The Twigs Are Getting Caugh Between the Blades

While trimming hedges, if the twigs keep getting caught between the blades of the garden trimmer or it’s likely that your trimmer has gone dull. Or if the branches are preventing blades from clamping down, it’s because if they get trapped between the upper and lower teeth, they detach the edges.

To prevent any of the above situations from happening with your shrub trimmer, I advise regular maintenance of your tool. Don’t wait for the trimmer to lose its sharpness. Here’s how to do that according to your trimmer type:

• If you frequently use the garden trimmer, polish it once a month so it won’t lose its shine and accumulate rust.
• Cordless hedge trimmers are the strongest ones out of all types. They are rechargeable and need batteries which would require extra care. However, their blades don’t tend to wear down quickly. So sharpening them once a month would suffice.
• The electric trimmer models also won’t need regular fine-tuning. So sharpen them only once a month.
• Gas shrub trimmers work faster than any other unit. Thus they are more prone to wearing down. You’ll need to sharpen them frequently after each usage. 

Tips to Remember Before Sharpening a Hedge Trimmer

Now that you know how to use various tools for honing your shrub trimmer, here are some tips to consider before you choose any sharpening tool:

• Mostly, the shrub trimmers have a 5mm wear threshold, so never apply too much pressure on their teeth with any tool. Otherwise, you’ll grind too much of the material or risk breaking the blades.
• If you use an electric trimmer, switch it off and remove the plug.
• If it is a rechargeable unit, remove the batteries.
• Empty the gas tank if you are using a gas-operated trimmer.
• Clean any grime or rust from blades with a wire brush or steel wood pad before clamping them.
• Place your trimmer on a workplace bench with a flat surface. Clear all clutter from around the bench so you can freely move around.
• Assemble the components of the grinder or Dremel rotary tool correctly and ensure the tightening of the screws and nuts to avert unfortunate incidents. 
• Don’t forget to wear protective glasses as the power grinder and Dremel produces sparks and thick gloves when handling garden equipment. Also, protect your hearing as the tools make a lot of noise. 
• Work in a well-ventilated space. Clear the area of flammable materials and combustible dust accumulation.
• Use both hands to hold the Stihl hedge trimmer sharpening tool and keep the electric cord away from the grinding wheels and hedge trimmer.
• Remember not to get water on the trimmer if it uses electricity.
• Never wear loose clothing, as they can get caught in the grinding tool.
• It should only take one hour or less to finish the work.
• Do not exceed the stroke limit and time for sharpening the trimmer.
• Once you’ve sharpened the trimmer, wipe off the burrs. Apply a light coating of any lubricating oil in the areas with more chances of wear and tear. Also, use the oil in the nook and crannies of the trimmer to prevent corrosion and rust and prolong its lifespan.
• If you are unfamiliar with using a sharpening tool, it’s best to seek the assistance of a specialist.

Advantages of Sharpening a Hedge Trimmer

I probably don’t have to mention the numerous benefits of keeping your garden trimmer in optimal condition. But on second thought, here are the advantages of sharpening it:

Smooth Trimming

Honing your garden trimmer will help you provide a smoother cut without much effort. It will also clip the shrubs and hedges faster, saving time in the process.

Visible Results

Frayed or irregular branches and shrubs are the side effects of a blunt trimmer. If you are a cosmetic landscape gardener, you’ll need a sharpened tool to trim and shape the plants neatly. Besides, clipping the trees with a whetted blade will help heal them quicker.

Increases the trimmer’s Lifespan

Whetting the garden trimmer regularly according to your usage also increases its lifespan. As a general rule of thumb, you must sharpen the blades after 50 hours or every month of usage, depending on the type of trimmer you are using. Sharpening the trimmer also reduces the need for replacing its components every now and then.

FAQs

How can I make my hedge trimmer sharper?

You can choose a sharpening tool to hone the hedge trimmer at home. If you are a novice, use a mill filer. Otherwise, choose a Dremel machine to refine the cutting edges.

How much does it cost to sharper hedge trimmers?

If you hire a professional to sharpen the branch trimmer, expect to pay between $20 to $40 for the job.

How do you sharpen trimmer blades at home?

First, wear protective glasses and gloves and use a filer to hone the cutting edges. Apply an even number of strokes on each edge and move the tool at the same angle as of the blade. Next, use a whetstone to remove shavings and smooth out the trimmer.

How often should you sharpen hedge trimmer blades?

As per experts, you’ll need to fine-tune the hedge trimmer after every 50 hours of use. But if you are not using it much, once a month is fine.

What kind of file do you use to sharpen hedge trimmer blades?

A 10 or 12i n mill file is used to refine a shrub trimmer. It has only one safe edge, and you’ll need to move it at the exact angle of the teeth on the trimmer.

What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?

A hedge trimmer is used for light tasks like trimming or shaping shrubs. In comparison, a hedge cutter performs heavy-duty tasks and can slice through thick branches.

Can electric hedge cutters be sharpened?

Yes, you can sharpen electric shrub cutters by choosing a tool like a mill filer if you want to hone the trimmer by hand. Or you can select a Dremel or Grinder according to your experience if you want faster results.

Is honing better than sharpening?

Yes, honing is better than simply sharpening a shrub trimmer because it combines a whetstone to remove the burred edges after using a sharpening tool.

Final Thoughts

So that’s all there was to learn about “how to sharpen a hedge trimmer.” Hopefully, you’ve read the steps mentioned above for using a Dremel, mill filer, and power grinder to sharpen a dull garden trimmer. 

If your garden trimmer is not trimming the shrubs properly, leaving frayed edges or twigs that keep getting caught between the blades, it’s time to sharpen it. Either use a mill filer to hone the trimmer by hand or the Dremel or grinder to fine-tune the edges if you want faster results. 

For the latter, I suggest first familiarizing yourself with your chosen tool. Otherwise, if you are not experienced in using a Dremel or grinder, you’ll risk shaving off more material from the cutting edges. 

Whichever tool you pick, wear protective gear, and hone the shrub trimmer carefully, so it works smoothly. Also, take care of its maintenance to prolong its lifespan.