Why is My Electric Hedge Trimmer Not Working

An electric hedge trimmer is a gardening tool that is used to trim hedges and bushes. It is a very convenient tool as it is easy to use and does not require a lot of maintenance. However, like any other tool, an electric hedge trimmer can also malfunction. 

If you have an electric hedge trimmer that isn’t working, it can be frustrating trying to figure out what the problem is.

There are a few common reasons why electric hedge trimmers stop working, and fortunately, most of them are easy to fix. In this blog post, we’ll go over the most common reasons for electric hedge trimmer problems and how to fix them.

Reasons Why Your Electric Hedge Trimmer Might Not Be Working

  1. The first thing you should check is the power cord. If the cord is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Check for frayed or exposed wires, and make sure the plug is firmly inserted into the outlet.
  2. Another common reason for electric hedge trimmer problems is a build-up of debris in the blade assembly. This can happen if you haven’t been cleaning your trimmer regularly. To clean the blade assembly, first, unplug the trimmer and then remove the blades. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any debris from the blades or inside the housing. Once the blades are clean, you can put them back on and plug the trimmer back in.
  3. Sometimes, electric hedge trimmers stop working because the motor has burned out. This usually happens because the trimmer has been overloaded or used for too long without taking a break. If you think this might be the problem, take the trimmer to a qualified repair person to have it checked out.
  4. One last thing to check is the switch. If the switch is defective, it will need to be replaced. You can usually find replacement switches at your local hardware store or online.

What Can You Do

If your electric hedge trimmer is not working, here are some things that you can do to fix it.

Check the Power Supply

The first thing that you need to do if your electric hedge trimmer is not working is to check the power supply. Make sure that the power cord is plugged into a working outlet and that the switch is in the ON position. If the power cord is damaged, you will need to replace it.

If you are using a battery-operated hedge trimmer, make sure that the batteries are properly installed and charged. Most battery-operated hedge trimmers come with a charger. If the batteries are not charging, you may need to buy new batteries or a new charger.

Inspect the Blades

Another reason why your electric hedge trimmer might not be working is that the blades are damaged or dull. Inspect the blades for any damage such as nicks, chips, or cracks. If the blades are damaged, you will need to replace them. 

If the blades are just dull, you can sharpen them using a sharpening stone or file. 

  • First, unplug the hedge trimmer from the power outlet. 
  • Then, use a sharpening stone or file to sharpen the blades. 
  • Be careful not to over-sharpen the blades as this can damage them. 
  • Once you have finished sharpening the blades, plug the hedge trimmer back into the power outlet and turn it on to test it.

Clean the Hedge Trimmer

Another reason why your electric hedge trimmer might not be working properly is that it needs to be cleaned. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the blades and in the housing of the hedge trimmer. This can cause the hedge trimmer to work less efficiently and even damage the blades. 

  • To clean your electric hedge trimmer, first, unplug it from the power outlet and remove any debris from the blades using a brush or cloth. 
  • Then, clean the housing of the hedge trimmer with a damp cloth. Be careful not to get any water inside of the housing as this can damage the electrical components inside of it. 
  • Once you have finished cleaning your electric hedge trimmer, plug it back into the power outlet and turn it on to test it out.

If the issue is still not resolved, it may be time to take your electric hedge trimmer to a qualified repair professional for further inspection and repair.

Some Tips and Safety Precaution to Keep in Mind

  • When using an electric hedge trimmer, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when operating the hedge trimmer and make sure that there is no one else nearby.
  • Be sure to keep your hands away from the blades when operating the trimmer and never attempt to reach inside the housing of the trimmer while it is running.
  • Also, make sure that you are using the hedge trimmer in a well-ventilated area to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide fumes.
  • Finally, always turn off the hedge trimmer and unplug it from the power outlet when you are done using it.

By following these tips and safety precautions, you can help ensure that your electric hedge trimmer operates safely and correctly.

Wrap Up

An electric hedge trimmer is a very convenient gardening tool that can make trimming hedges and bushes much easier. However, like any other tool, an electric hedge trimmer can also malfunction. 

If your electric hedge trimmer is not working properly, there are several things that you can do to fix it such as checking/replacing the power supply, inspecting/replacing/sharpening the blades, and cleaning the housing of the machine. 

By following these simple steps, you can get your electric hedge trimmer working again in no time! We hope that this article has helped you troubleshoot any issues with your electric hedge trimmer. Good luck!