Say Goodbye To A Dull Ryobi Hedge Trimmer — Try These Sharpening Tips

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Ryobi produces an impressive selection of hedge trimmers, part of a range of garden equipment that will help clean up your yard in no time. However, while they are both affordable and efficient, any cutting blade begins to dull eventually. When that happens, it's not just that the results are untidy, but the stems are also mangled rather than cut cleanly which can lead to diseases creeping in.

You could probably find a dealer or hardware store that would sharpen the blades for you, and some people recommend this because there are a lot of teeth and it can get tedious. On the other hand, the sharpening job is not difficult so if you're up for the task, you can say goodbye to a dull Ryobi hedge trimmer and save yourself some money at the same time.

It can be tackled either manually with a flat file or using a rotary tool (Ryobi has a bunch of these too) with a metal grinding bit. It is possible to use an angle grinder, but they can be a bit challenging to control. This isn't a problem with large blades like on a lawnmower, but more care is needed with the smaller teeth on a hedge trimmer. Let's look at the Ryobi hedge trimmer sharpening tips in detail.

First you need to secure the tool. A vise or a portable workbench with jaws is ideal. Landscapers are loving Ryobi's 22-inch hedge trimmer with its efficient dual-action blades and Hedge Sweep attachment for clearing debris, but if your Ryobi model has one of these, it will need to be removed before sharpening. The next step is to clean the blades to get rid of the dirt and sap that will have built up. Warm soapy water and a cloth should get most of it. For tough deposits, use an eco-friendly resin remover like Trend Tool & Bit Cleaner. This also provides rust protection.

Now it's time for the actual sharpening tips. File each cutting edge, making sure to follow the existing angle carefully. Work slowly, aiming for accuracy, not speed. When using a flat file, bear in mind it only cuts when pushed forwards, so there's no point applying pressure on a backward stroke. The proper technique is to push forward, lift, push forward again.

During the sharpening process a small burr (a curl of metal shaving) will form on the underside of each tooth. This can be removed with the same tool, but using a whetstone is best and will produce a sharper edge. Several Ryobi hedge trimmers have double-sided blades, so you'll need to turn the tool over to sharpen the other edges. When you're done, lightly lubricate the blades with something like WD-40, which has a bunch of genius uses around the home. Replace the Hedge Sweep if fitted, and you're ready for your next topiary task.