Revive Your Hedge Trimmer: The WD-40 Restoration & Sharpening Guide

Is your old hedge trimmer dull, slow, and gummed up, just like mine was? As a landscaper, I rely on my tools, and this one was definitely showing its age. In this video, I'll show you how WD-40 helped me restore my trusty hedge trimmer to almost new condition, boosting its performance and extending its lifespan.

You'll see it all: from pulling the dull, slow, and worn-out trimmer straight from my work truck, to its incredible transformation on the workbench. I'll demonstrate how WD-40 was even essential for freeing up the threads on my vise to securely mount the trimmer.

Then, we'll dive into the restoration process. I'll show you how to safely remove the internal rod for inspection, and then use WD-40 to lubricate it, ensuring smooth operation and preventing premature wear. After reassembly, a generous spray of WD-40 on the trimmer teeth, left to penetrate for a few minutes, works wonders. With a simple wire brush and a wipe-down, you'll see the grime disappear, leaving the teeth looking almost brand new – truly amazing!

To complete the restoration, I'll demonstrate sharpening each tooth with a Dremel mini grinder. Finally, a thorough cleaning with WD-40 and a rag leaves the entire head of the trimmer looking fantastic and operating like a dream.

Thanks to the versatility of WD-40, it's like using a brand new hedge trimmer. Watch now to see the full process and get your own tools back in peak condition!

Step-by-Step Guide: Restoring Your Hedge Trimmer with WD-40

Before you begin, ensure you have your hedge trimmer, WD-40, a wire brush, a Dremel mini grinder (or appropriate file), and a rag.

Safety is paramount. Before handling any tools or chemicals, put on your essential PPE: work gloves for hand protection, safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from debris, and earplugs if you anticipate noise from grinding. Additionally, latex gloves are recommended when handling WD-40 to protect your skin.

Securely place your hedge trimmer on a sturdy workbench or in a vise. Carefully inspect the internal rod assembly for any signs of bending, wear, or damage. Once inspected, apply a generous amount of WD-40 to the rod. This will lubricate the mechanism, reduce friction, and provide excellent protection against rust and premature wear.

Liberally spray WD-40 directly onto the hedge trimmer's teeth and blade surfaces. Allow the WD-40 to soak for several minutes. This will penetrate and loosen caked-on sap, rust, and grime, making the subsequent cleaning much easier and more effective.

After the WD-40 has had time to work, use a wire brush to thoroughly scrub the teeth and blades. This will remove all the loosened gunk and allow you to properly inspect each tooth for damage or dullness. Follow up by wiping the blades clean with a rag. You'll likely notice a remarkable difference in their appearance already!

With your PPE still in place, carefully use a Dremel mini grinder (or an appropriate file) to sharpen each tooth. Maintain the original angle of the blade for optimal cutting performance. Take your time to properly file down any nicks or damaged areas, ensuring a smooth, sharp edge on every tooth.

For the grand finale, spray a final coat of WD-40 over the newly sharpened teeth and the entire blade assembly. This provides long-lasting lubrication for smooth operation and forms a protective barrier against future rust and buildup.

Your hedge trimmer should now operate like new, thanks to the restoring power of WD-40!