If your Sun Joe electric hedge trimmer begins snagging on branches or its cutting performance starts to decline, the blades may need to be sharpened.
Always follow the maintenance instructions in the operator's manual for your exact hedge trimmer model.
When Should I Sharpen the Blades?
Sharpen the blades when cutting performance or cutting behavior begins to deteriorate.
One sign identified in the operator's manual is when the blades begin to frequently snag on branches.
Do not operate the hedge trimmer with dull or damaged cutting blades.
Dull or damaged blades can overload the hedge trimmer and produce unsatisfactory cutting results.
Before You Begin
Stop the motor and disconnect the hedge trimmer from the power supply before sharpening or performing maintenance.
Never touch the blades while they are moving.
The sharpening procedure in the operator's manual uses:
- A vise to secure the blade
- A smooth round file to sharpen the cutting teeth
How Do I Sharpen the Blades?
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Disconnect the Hedge Trimmer
Stop the motor and completely disconnect the hedge trimmer from the power supply.
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Secure the Blade
Clamp the blade securely in a vise.
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File the Exposed Cutting Surfaces
Use a smooth round file to file the exposed cutting surface of each blade tooth.
Keep the file at the original angle of the tooth while sharpening.
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Expose the Remaining Cutting Edges
Remove the blade from the vise.
Reconnect the hedge trimmer and briefly run the motor until the previously unsharpened edges of the remaining blade teeth are exposed.
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Disconnect the Power Again
Stop the motor and disconnect the hedge trimmer from the power supply again before touching or sharpening the blades.
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Repeat as Needed
Clamp the blade securely in the vise again and repeat the sharpening procedure on the remaining cutting surfaces.
How Can I Help Maintain the Blades?
For easier operation and longer blade life, the operator's manual recommends lubricating the hedge trimmer blades before and after each use.
Stop the motor, disconnect the hedge trimmer from the power supply, place the unit on a flat surface, and apply lightweight machine oil along the edge of the top blade.
Do not oil the blades while the hedge trimmer is running.
What If the Blade Is Damaged?
Do not continue operating the hedge trimmer with a damaged cutting blade.
If the hedge trimmer needs maintenance or repair beyond the procedures described in the operator's manual, do not attempt an unapproved repair.
Check Your Exact Product Manual
Blade design and maintenance instructions can vary by model. Visit the Shop Joe Product Manuals page and search using your complete electric hedge trimmer model number before sharpening the blades.
Need Help with Your Hedge Trimmer?
If the blades are damaged or you are unsure whether this sharpening procedure applies to your electric hedge trimmer, contact Shop Joe Customer Support. Have your complete model number and serial number available.