Is It Time to Repair or Retire (and Replace) Your Hedge Trimmer?

 

As spring brings hedges back to life, there’s nothing more frustrating than reaching for your trusty hedge trimmer—only to find out it’s not quite as sharp or reliable as it used to be. Whether you’re battling blunt blades, engine malfunctions, or a hedge trimmer that simply won’t start, it’s important to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible, so you can keep your hedging looking pristine.

In this guide, we help you figure out whether your hedge trimmer needs sharpening, in some other way repairing, or replacing altogether. We’ll also talk you through how to sharpen hedge trimmer blades yourself, where to find reliable servicing, what to look for when buying a new model, and how to maintain it for the long haul.

How to Tell If Your Hedge Trimmer Is Past Its Prime

A healthy hedge trimmer should glide through branches with ease, fire up smoothly, and feel balanced in your hands. If your model is doing anything but, here are the red flags to look out for:

Hedge Trimmer Not Starting (or Won’t Start at All)

A petrol hedge trimmer that won’t start—even after repeated pulls—clearly has issues. It could be caused by old fuel or a worn-out spark plug. Maybe it’s the result of deeper, underlying problems with the engine.

Likewise, if your electric hedge trimmer won’t start, cable damage or motor faults are the likely culprits. And for cordless models, it’s often the case that the battery no longer holds a charge.

Whatever the issue, when your hedge trimmer isn’t starting, and basic checks don’t help, it’s either time for a trip to the service centre or to buy a new one.

It’s Too Noisy or Feels Harsh

Increased noise and hand-numbing vibrations are often signs of loose or worn internal parts. Older hedge trimmers—especially if they haven’t been serviced—can make trimming a tiring task. If servicing doesn’t clear up the issue, it’s best to invest in a new model with ergonomic and noise-reducing features, which will be far more comfortable to use, especially on longer jobs.

Hedge Trimmer Not Cutting

Do you find that your hedge trimmer blades are not cutting, or your electric hedge trimmer keeps cutting out mid-job? Jagged edges on branches, blades visibly snagging or hesitating, and material jamming between the teeth are all signs your hedge trimmer has stopped cutting properly. These symptoms don’t just slow your work down—they can damage your hedging too.

If any of the above applies to your hedge trimmer, it is either underpowered for the task at hand—or your blades need sharpening.

How to Sharpen Hedge Trimmer Blades (Safely and Effectively)

If your hedge trimmer blades are not cutting as they should, a good sharpening session can breathe new life into them. Here’s how to do it right:

What You’ll Need

• Flat file
• Whetstone
• Soft cloth
• Water
• STIHL resin solvent or similar
• Gloves and safety goggles

Step 1: Clean the Blades

Use a soft cloth to remove dried sap and dirt. For stubborn residue, apply resin solvent. Cleaning before sharpening is crucial—it reveals the blade’s true condition and ensures you’re not filing into gunk.

Step 2: File the Cutting Edges

To begin, make sure the trimmer is switched off and secure, then put on protective gloves and safety glasses to guard against injury. With a flat file in hand, gently sharpen each blade tooth by working in one direction only—always pushing the file towards the cutting edge. This approach gives you a consistent, sharp result and prevents unintentional dulling.

You’ll want to match the original angle of each tooth precisely, which is usually outlined in your hedge trimmer’s operating instructions. Be careful not to ‘saw’ back and forth, as this action wears the edge unevenly. Only remove a small amount of metal—no more than 5mm—so that blade strength is maintained.

As you work through each tooth, try to use the same number of strokes to ensure that blade lengths remain consistent across the board. Importantly, do not file any cut protection elements—only the sharpened edge itself should be refined.

Step 3: Remove Burrs

Turn the blade over and gently rub a whetstone along the underside, following the direction of the blade tip. This step removes tiny rough edges left from filing and helps the blades glide more smoothly.

Step 4: Apply Resin Solvent

Finish by spraying the blade with STIHL Superclean or an equivalent. This restores corrosion resistance and lubricates the blade for your next cut.

Where to Get Your Hedge Trimmer Serviced

Not everyone is confident enough to carry out these types of hedge trimmer maintenance tasks themselves. So, if your hedge trimmer has stopped cutting properly, or is in some other way malfunctioning, a professional service can often be the answer.

Many issues—like blade misalignment, jammed components, or erratic performance—can be resolved with expert care. At Ron Smith, we offer full-service options that assess what’s holding your hedge trimmer back and return it to good working order.

However, if you find yourself requiring repairs too frequently—particularly with older models—it may be more economical to invest in a new machine.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Hedge Trimmer?

When deciding whether to repair or replace your hedge trimmer, ask yourself questions like:

• Is your petrol hedge trimmer not starting even after a new spark plug and fresh fuel?
• Does your electric hedge trimmer keep cutting out despite cable checks?
• Have the hedge trimmer blades stopped cutting even after sharpening?

If you’ve answered yes, chances are it may be time to invest in something new. (But remember that if you’re ever unsure about which course of action to take, our experienced team is always on hand to help.)

Choosing a New Hedge Trimmer: What Are Your Options?

If your petrol hedge trimmer won’t start, or electric hedge trimmer’s not cutting properly, and they’re clearly beyond repair, we sell a superb range of hedge cutters to suit different garden types and user preferences. Here are the choices on offer:

Power Type: Petrol vs Cordless vs Electric

Petrol Hedge Trimmers

Ideal for heavy-duty work and long trimming sessions, petrol-powered models provide raw cutting power. They’re great for larger gardens or professionals, but do require more maintenance.

Electric Hedge Trimmers

Plug-in trimmers are lightweight, easy to use, and extremely effective in smaller gardens. As long as you’ve got a nearby power supply, they’re a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.

Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Increasingly popular with homeowners and professionals alike, cordless models are cleaner and quieter than petrol alternatives. Modern lithium-ion batteries offer impressive runtime, and—of course—there’s no cable to trip over.

Size and Reach

Handheld Trimmers

Handheld hedge trimmers are great for everyday tasks. They offer excellent control when shaping box hedges or ornamental shrubs.

Long-Reach Trimmers

These come with extendable shafts or fixed poles for trimming tall hedges. No need for ladders with long-reach hedge trimmers—just safe, comfortable trimming from the ground.

Hedge Trimmer Maintenance: Tips for Long-Term Care

Once you’ve chosen a new model, a little TLC will go a long way to keeping it in peak condition. Here’s our advice of how to get the most from your hedge trimmer:

• Clean after every use to prevent the build-up of sap.
• Store in a dry place, especially if it’s electric or battery-powered.
• For petrol models, check and replace spark plugs and air filters periodically.
• For cordless trimmers, don’t let batteries run flat—charge after use and store them in a cool, dry location.
• Sharpen the blades regularly or have them professionally serviced at Ron Smith.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Faulty Gear Hold You Back

When your hedge trimmer is not cutting like it used to, don’t waste another minute struggling with it. Whether it’s the case that your petrol hedge trimmer won’t start or your electric hedge trimmer’s not cutting cleanly, there are always solutions—from sharpening and servicing to shopping for something new.

At Ron Smith, we offer expert servicing, a wide range of replacement parts, and an exceptional choice of hedge trimmers for sale. So, if you need to get your hedging looking sharp again, you know where to come!