How to Repair a Lawn Edger
Your lawn edger is meant to make yard work easier. When it does not work properly, you can repair it, saving time and the expense of buying a new one.
How to Repair a Lawn Edger
DISCONNECT electric lawn edgers from the power source BEFORE beginning ANY repair work.
If the fuel tank on a gas-powered edger is removable, use a screwdriver or adjustable wrench to remove the tank. If the fuel tank is not removable, drain the tank. This will make it easier to manipulate the edger without spilling fuel.
Check to see which type of cutting implement the edger uses. If the edger uses a blade, check to see that the blade is sharp and free of nicks.
- Your lawn edger is meant to make yard work easier.
- If the edger uses a blade, check to see that the blade is sharp and free of nicks.
If the blade needs sharpening, use the sharpening file to smooth and sharpen the blade. If the blade is damaged or so dull that sharpening would not be feasible, it will need to be replaced. Note the brand and model number of the edger, purchase the required replacement blade, and install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the edger uses string (like that used by some weed eaters), check to see if the string needs replacing. If it does, purchase the string that is recommended for your particular model and replace the string.
If there is enough string, check to see that it is being fed properly and is not tangling or jamming. Use the screwdriver to take apart the feeding mechanism and check for damage. It may have simply become bent, and can be GENTLY straightened with pliers, or it may need replacing. If it needs replacing, purchase the required part, and follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
- If the blade needs sharpening, use the sharpening file to smooth and sharpen the blade.
- If it needs replacing, purchase the required part, and follow manufacturer’s installation instructions.
A gas-powered edger may have foreign matter clogging the fuel tank or intake valve. Check the tank itself for foreign matter in the fuel. If present, drain the tank, clean and dry it thoroughly, then re-fill with fresh, clean fuel. Check the intake valve for any obstruction, remove it, thoroughly clean the intake valve, and re-attach it to the edger.
On edgers that use spark plugs check to see if the spark plug needs replacing. If so, purchase the recommended spark plug, and install it according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the engine for damage. If it is a simple repair, such as a loose, frayed, or damaged wire or part that can EASILY be repaired or replaced, then purchase the right equipment, and perform the needed repairs.
- A gas-powered edger may have foreign matter clogging the fuel tank or intake valve.
- Check the intake valve for any obstruction, remove it, thoroughly clean the intake valve, and re-attach it to the edger.
Tip
Check the operating/instruction manual for replacement part descriptions and numbers. This will save you a lot of time when you go to purchase the needed parts.
Good maintenance goes a long way toward preventing repairs. Clean the blades, engine, and other parts after EACH use; drain and re-fill the tank if water or other foreign matter should get into the fuel.
Warning
ELECTRIC edgers MUST BE disconnected and incapable of receiving ANY power before being repaired. Unplug the unit BEFORE beginning ANY repair work.
Use appropriate hand and eye protection when working on the edger.
Related Articles
Tips
- Check the operating/instruction manual for replacement part descriptions and numbers. This will save you a lot of time when you go to purchase the needed parts.
- Good maintenance goes a long way toward preventing repairs. Clean the blades, engine and other parts after EACH use; drain and re-fill the tank should water or other foreign matter get into the fuel.
Warnings
- Electric edgers MUST BE disconnected and incapable of receiving ANY power before being repaired. Unplug the unit BEFORE beginning ANY repair work.
- Use appropriate hand and eye protection when working on the edger.
