Hedge trimmers are versatile tools that can assist you in shaping hedges and cutting thin branches. It is important to invest in a durable hedge trimmer to ensure that it lasts you a reasonable amount of time.
What’s even more important is the maintenance of hedge trimmers. Since their blades are made of metal, they will likely produce friction and corrosion if not lubricated properly. For best results, you need to invest in a high-quality lubricant and make sure you are following the correct procedure.
Due to the increasing popularity of hedge trimmers, their lubricants are also in demand. Several manufacturers are providing them, and the wide variety can make it challenging to understand which lubricant will be suitable for your hedge trimmer.
If you are new to hedge trimmers and have no idea what type of lubricant to purchase and how to select one from the market, you are not alone. This article will discuss all the dos and don’ts of lubricating your hedge trimmer blades to ensure their longevity and productivity.
What Can I Use To Lubricate My Hedge Trimmer?
A lot of people get confused when deciding what to use to lubricate the blades of hedge trimmers. There are different types of lubricants that are available in the market, and it is important to understand the pros and cons of each before you purchase one.
Keep reading to find out which type of lubricants are most effective for oiling hedge trimmer blades.
Hedge Trimmer Lubricant Spray
Hedge trimmer lubricant sprays contain resin solvents that are biodegradable, making them the most environmentally-friendly option on the market. They contain specialized materials that are designed to prevent resin build-up, and they can keep the blades free from rust.
Another benefit of lubricant sprays is that they are very convenient to use. You don’t need to detach the blades because you can simply spray them directly onto the blades. The ingredients of the lubricant spray can also help prevent acid formation, which can increase the life of the hedge trimmer.
It is recommended to form two to three layers of lubricant spray onto the blades so that it can penetrate into the tool easily. Also, most lubricant sprays are designed to withstand heat, which makes them more efficient.
3 in 1 Oil for Hedge Trimmer
The 3 in 1 oil for hedge trimmer is another efficient lubricant that is designed to preserve the life of different hedge trimmer blades. The benefit of such oils is that they can be applied directly to the blades without having to dismantle the hedge trimmer.
Most 3 in 1 oils come with a dropper that only releases a small amount of oil at a time. This ensures that the oil is only exposed to a specific area. You don’t have to be too careful though, as a bit of extra oil won’t damage your hedge trimmer.
Even if the oil you want to use does not come with a dropper, you can invest in applicator bottles that are readily available in the market at a reasonable price.
Related: How to Oil a Hedge Trimmer Like a Pro!
Can I Use WD-40 To Lubricate Hedge Trimmer?
Even though WD-40 is an excellent lubricant for different household equipment, it is not suitable for gardening tools like hedge trimmers. This is because it does not contain the necessary ingredients that are needed to protect hedge trimmer blades against rust and wear and tear.
The consistency of WD-40 will attract dirt, which will start accumulating at the microscopic level. Eventually, the blades will start to wear out, and your hedge trimmer will become useless soon. Despite not being an effective lubricant, WD-40 can be used to prevent corrosion.
The conventional formula is not for hedge trimmers. There are some other lubricants provided by WD-40, and they may be effective in preventing friction and protecting your hedge trimmer blades from wearing out too soon.
Related: Can I Use WD40 to Lubricate Hedge Trimmer?
Can I Use Chainsaw Oil on Hedge Trimmer?
Chainsaw oil is also not recommended for use on hedge trimmer blades. Chainsaws have a different operation procedure, and you cannot use the same oil on different equipment. Chainsaw oil typically consists of petroleum-based bar oil, which is used to lubricate the bar and chains of the tool.
The problem with chainsaw oil is that it is very sticky because it needs to provide adequate adhesion to the chain and bar. The sticky consistency is not ideal for hedge trimmer blades though, as it can interfere with their smooth running.
Also, petroleum-based oil for chainsaws can be dangerous for animals and can even lead to health problems for users. It is better to stick to the dedicated lubricants that are designed specifically for hedge trimmers.
Related: Do You Oil Hedge Trimmer Blades
Benefits of Lubricating Hedge Trimmer Blades
Lubricating your hedge trimmer blades regularly can have several benefits. The first and major benefit is that your hedge trimmer will run smoothly, and it will stay with you for several years. Without proper lubrication, the blades can wear out quickly and become damaged.
It is recommended to lubricate your hedge trimmer before and after every use. Lubricating beforehand ensures smooth operation, and lubricating afterward helps prevent rust formation and accumulation. Since the blades are constructed using metal, they are prone to corrode.
Another benefit of oiling your hedge trimmer blades is that they will remain sharp and not become blunt. Blades are bound to get blunt after repeated use and need to be sharpened, but if you oil your blades regularly, you won’t need to sharpen them as often.
If there is a lack of oil or lubricant in your hedge trimmer blades, the tool will generate a lot of heat, which can cause a lot of damage, and even lead to equipment failure in some cases.
The Top Hedge Trimmer Lubricants
There are a lot of hedge trimmer manufacturers that also provide lubricants. It is recommended to use a lubricant manufactured by the brand of your hedge trimmer if it is available. We have discussed the highest-rated hedge trimmer lubricants in the market.
Stihl Hedge Trimmer Lubricant
Stihl has manufactured a range of different lubricants, each of which is designed for specific tools. The Sithl Superclean lubricant is ideal for hedge trimmer blades because it has the perfect consistency that will ensure the smooth running of your tool.
The lubricants are available in different forms, ranging from oil and sprays to grease. The benefit of using grease is that it has a thicker consistency which will adhere well to the different parts of the tool. Less product will be used at a time, so the grease will last you much longer than oil or sprays.
Related: How to Grease STIHL Hedge Trimmer
Dewalt Hedge Trimmer Lubricant
The Dewalt hedge trimmer blade lubricant is another that ensures the durability, long life, and high working performance of your hedge trimmer. It comes in the form of an oil, and it is ideal for all Dewalt hedge trimmers.
It comes with a spray bottle which makes it esay to dispense a limited amount of oil from the bottle. This means that the lubricant will last you a long time, even if you lubricate your blades regularly.
How To Clean and Lubricate Hedge Trimmer Blades?
If you are wondering how to lubricate hedge trimmer blades, read this step-by-step guide. Keep in mind that it is important to clean your hedge trimmer blades after each use before you lubricate them.
The first thing that you will need to do before lubricating your hedge trimmer is to clean the blades and prepare them. Take a clean cloth and dip it in soapy water to wipe off any dirt or debris on your blades.
Make sure you plug your hedge trimmer out before cleaning it if it is an electric one. Once all the dirt has been removed, allow the blades to dry for some time. If they are exposed to water for a prolonged period, they may rust.
Also, remove any branches or hedge residue that may be stuck in the blades. You can also submerge the blades in warm water to sanitize them. You can add detergent to the water if the blades seem too dirty.
Before applying the lubricant, make sure that the blades are completely dry. Water can interfere with the ingredients of the lubricant and lead to corrosion of the blades.
Keep in mind that it is important to clean and lubricate your hedge trimmer blades after every use. This ensures that your hedge trimmer remains in good shape and working condition for long.
What Happens if Hedge Trimmer Blades Are Not Lubricated?
If you don’t lubricate your hedge trimmer blades regularly, the excessive friction will cause the blades to heat up, which can impact the tool’s working condition. The blades will become loud and stiff, and the hedge trimmer won’t work smoothly as it should.
Any residue like sap, dirt, or twigs can cause the blades to become blunt very quickly. Lubricating hedge trimmers only takes a couple of minutes, and lubricants are readily available in the market, so there is really no reason why you shouldn’t lubricate them.
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