How to Sharpen a Black & Decker Electric Hedge Trimmer
Most new Black & Decker tools come with warranties for up to two years from purchase date. But if you really want to get your money’s worth, simply take good care of your equipment and re-sharpen as necessary. Black & Decker hedge trimmers can last for decades if properly maintained. Sharpening the blades yourself is much more affordable than buying new blades or a new trimmer.
How to Sharpen your Exposed Blades
Unplug the trimmer before adjusting the motor or going near the blades. It is also a good idea to wear gloves and protective eyewear while sharpening your hedge trimmer.
Place your hedge trimmer in a vise. If you do not have a vise, you can ask someone to hold it for you while you work on it.
- Most new Black & Decker tools come with warranties for up to two years from purchase date.
- Unplug the trimmer before adjusting the motor or going near the blades.
Use a ¼-inch to ½-inch wheel on a die grinder or Dremel rotary tool (such as the RTX-1) and run along the edges of each exposed blade.
Spray with WD40 to add shine and strength to your blades. Or dip in a bucket of hot, soapy water to remove sap from your blades.
How to Sharpen if your Blades are not Exposed
Poke a screwdriver through the ventilation slots to rotate the motor fan.
Rotate the motor manually with the screwdriver until your blades are exposed.
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to expose the rest of the blades. Lightly grind the edge of each blade with your grinding wheel to get an even sharpness.
- Use a ¼-inch to ½-inch wheel on a die grinder or Dremel rotary tool (such as the RTX-1) and run along the edges of each exposed blade.
- Rotate the motor manually with the screwdriver until your blades are exposed.
Sharpen The Blades On A Black & Decker Tr250 Hedge Trimmer
Set the Black and Decker TR250 hedge trimmer on a flat work surface that allows access to the cutting bar and teeth. Unplug the trimmer from a power source. As long as the trimmer is unplugged, no need exists to disconnect its spark plug to prevent accidental engine firing. Push down on the mill file while guiding it along the edge of the tooth to the tooth's point. Reposition the file in the groove on the opposite side of the tooth, keeping the file flat instead of at an angle. Guide the file flat along the tooth to the point. Try to file each tooth the same as the rest of the teeth on the trimmer. Flip the trimmer over so the flat side of the teeth faces up. Rub the flat side with fine, 300-grit sandpaper, removing only the small metal burrs that gathered when you filed the angled side.
- Set the Black and Decker TR250 hedge trimmer on a flat work surface that allows access to the cutting bar and teeth.
Related Articles
References
- Black and Decker: Hedge Trimmers Instruction Manual
- Black and Decker: Hedge Trimmer Instruction Manual -- Model Nos. TR116, TR117
- Black and Decker: Hedge Trimmer Instruction Manual -- Model Nos. HT18, HT20, HT22
- Oregon State University Extension Service, Benton County: Sharpening Your Garden Tools
- The Family Handyman: How to Sharpen Garden Tools
Writer Bio
Liza Hollis has been writing for print and online publications since 2003. Her work has appeared on various digital properties, including USAToday.com. Hollis earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Florida.
