A hedge trimmer is a gardening tool that is used to trim hedges, bushes, and other overgrown plants. It is a handheld tool that has a long blade with sharp teeth. The blade is usually made of metal and is attached to a rotating motor.
A hedge trimmer is a handy tool to have in your shed, but it’s only as good as the blade you’re using. That’s why it’s important to choose the right file for your hedge trimmer. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of files available and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
Table of Contents
Types of Files
There are three main types of files available for hedge trimmers: round, flat, and half-round. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Round Files
Round files are the most common type of file used for hedge trimmers. They’re easy to use and ideal for small touch-ups. The downside of round files is that they can leave your blade with a slightly rounded edge.
Flat Files
Flat files, on the other hand, are great for larger jobs. They’re able to remove more material than round files, so they’re perfect for fixing damaged blades. The downside of flat files is that they can be difficult to control. If you’re not careful, you can easily take off too much material and damage your blade.
Half Round Files
Half-round files offer the best of both worlds. They’re able to remove more material than round files while still giving you more control than flat files. However, they can be more expensive than other types of files.
Choosing the Right File Size
Now that you know the different types of files available, it’s time to choose the right size for your needs. The size of the file is determined by two things: the length of the blade and the thickness of the metal.
- The length of the blade is measured from the tip to the base (where it meets the handle). Most hedge trimmer blades are between 10 and 12 inches long. If you have a longer or shorter blade, you may need a different size file.
- The thickness of the metal is measured in millimeters (mm). The average thickness for most hedge trimmer blades is 2 mm. If your blade is thicker or thinner than average, you may need a different size file.
When choosing a file size, always err on the side of caution and choose a larger size rather than a smaller size. It’s better to have a file that’s too big than one that’s too small—otherwise, you risk damaging your blade beyond repair.
How Often Should I Sharpen My Hedge Trimmer Blades?
The frequency with which you need to sharpen your hedge trimmer blades depends on how often you use them. If you are using them daily, then you will need to sharpen them more often than if you only use them once a week.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to sharpen your hedge trimmer blades at least once per season.
Sharpening the Hedge Trimmer Blades | How to Do It
If you have ever tried to trim your hedges with dull blades, you know it is a frustrating experience. Not only does it take longer, but it can also damage your plants. Fortunately, sharpening hedge trimmer blades is a relatively easy task that you can do at home with a few simple tools. We will show you how to sharpen hedge trimmer blades so that you can get back to keeping your yard looking neat and tidy.
What You Will Need
To sharpen your hedge trimmer blades, you will need the following items:
- A file: You will need a file that is the same size as the teeth on your hedge trimmer blade. If you are not sure what size file to use, consult the manual for your particular model of hedge trimmer.
- Gloves: It is important to wear gloves when sharpening your hedge trimmer blades as they can be quite sharp.
- Eye protection: Wearing eye protection will help to protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Rags: You will need a few rags to wipe down the blade after sharpening it.
- Soap and water: You will need soap and water to clean off the blade before sharpening it.
- Lubricant: You will need a lubricant such as WD-40 to lubricate the blade after sharpening it. This will help to prevent rusting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sharpening Hedge Trimmer Blades
- Clean the blade: The first step is to clean the blade with soap and water. This will remove any dirt or debris that could clog up the file and make sharpening more difficult. Once the blade is clean, dry it off with a rag.
- Lubricate the blade: Next, apply a liberal amount of lubricant such as WD-40 to the blade. This will help to keep the blade cool while sharpening and prevent it from rusting afterward.
- Begin filing the blade: Start by holding the file perpendicular to the blade and use long, even strokes in one direction only. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as this can damage the blade. Work slowly and methodically until all of the teeth have been filed evenly.
- Wipe down the blade: Once all of the teeth have been filed, wipe down the blade with a rag to remove any filings that may be clinging to it. Be sure to pay special attention to any nooks or crannies where filings could accumulate.
- Apply more lubricant: Finally, apply another liberal coat of lubricant to the entire length of the blade. This will help keep it protected from rusting until you are ready to use it again.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, choosing the right file for your hedge trimmer is important if you want to keep your blade in top condition. Round files are good for small touch-ups, while flat files are better for larger jobs.
Half-round files offer the best of both worlds but can be more expensive than other types of files. When choosing a file size, always err on the side of caution and choose a larger size rather than a smaller size—otherwise, you risk damaging your blade beyond repair.