Hi everyone, a quick question: Hedge Trimmer

[Paper Roses]

I was given a Black & Decker hedge trimmer that has not been used for 2 years. I'm sure it needs attention as it is dusty and has been stored. Might be older than 2 years. Should I oil the blades or any other part of the trimmer? Since we are in the middle of storm warnings and more upcoming storms, obviously I won't be using it until spring arrives but I'd like to put in order. It works now. Model 455mm, 18". Any advice is appreciated.

[pwb]

1. Replace the air filter.

.

[mobeau69]

2. Look up the owners manual on the internet.

[rsdsharp]

3. You should be able to download a manual from the internet.

[MiHale]

4. I clean all my garden tools with WD-40...

I have a B&D corded hedge trimmer, I spray down the blades, let sit a couple minutes then wipe off. Wipe the dust off first so it can’t migrate to unintended places.

WD-40 is a good short-time rust preventer, it can loosen parts, my oldest son claims it’s an awesome cologne. You should be good my B&D trimmer is over 15 yo and does not get the respect it deserves yet works like a charm. B&D makes some pretty tough stuff.

[Paper Roses]

6. Thanks for the advice. I'm going to do the WD40 treatment today.

Since we are waiting for a big snow storm tonite and another Friday, I think this is a good time to do it. I looked up the manual and was not sure if the treatment was all I needed. Steel wool on the blades? No rust but the blades are dull looking. I'm sure this was put away and not ever treated. This sure beats pushing around the vacuum cleaner.

This gift was appreciated as I'm not in a position to buy a new one. This old timer is trying the best she can.
Hardly any snow this winter but now we are having 3 in one week. Phooey!

[Jerry2144]

5. WD-40 to loosen things up if rusty or caked on mud

Then lubricate with 3-in-1 machine oil or silicone oil or other light oil, one drip per blade. Then turn on. If it runs smoothly with no terrible metal-on-metal noise then it’s fine.

Of the caked on chrome is bad, use a brass wire brush and knock off some of the debris. Then oil about once per season unless you use it often, then once per month or two. At the end of the season, clean it and oil it for storage. You don’t want too much sap or stuff to stay on the blade for too long

[Paper Roses]

7. I have just 3 Holly bushes that will need attention. They are huge and dense.

For years as they grew, I trimmed them with hand clippers but arthritis prevents my doing it like that any longer. Nothing is caked on, the blades look very grey. Don't know yet if they are sharp. Clean up will be easy, we'll see what happens when the time comes.
Thanks for your advice, I have WD40 and 3-in-one oil so I'm set to go.

[Jerry2144]

8. You should be ok

The blades don’t really sharpen easily without taking apart the tool.

[MiHale]

9. Don't cha know that winter starts ....

The middle to end of February now!

We’re getting another round of snow today about 4-6” this time. The blades on hedge trimmers are sometimes self-sharpening kinda like a better pair of scissors.