Sharp tools work better than dull tools. Over time, all tools get dull with use. Occasionally you have to bite the bullet and sharpen things. This week it was an electric hedgetrimmer.
This was a Black & Decker 20 volt electric hedgetrimmer. Originally I thought this was a whimpy tool, but with the larger battery packs it's surprisingly good and versatile. Step one is play with the trigger to expose the slanted cutting teeth.
Then take out the battery pack so it doesn't accidentally go off while you're holding it during sharpening.
Get a medium sized (10") single cut file. You can sharpen the bar with the blade on. It proved to be much easier to take the blade guard off (it's just undoing 2 screws) to get at the last half dozen teeth near the saw body.
Have the hedgetrimmer under some good light so you can see what your doing and file the angled cutting teeth. File in one direction away from the cutting edge. Take even, long strokes.
File both sides of each tooth. You'll have to stop, plug in the battery, and burp the trigger a couple of times to expose all the teeth where you can get a file into them. Remember to take the battery out before you start filing, and wear leather gloves to hold the end of the bar steady while you file.
It should take 4-6 strokes per tooth face depending on how worn the teeth are. There are 4 sets of teeth faces to sharpen, and you have to flip the bar over from time to time. It takes a little while to get the right angle, but once you get the hang of it, it moves quickly.
After you're done put a little oil on each tooth and wipe some on the bar to lubricate it. It'll help the trimmer cut easier and prolong your battery life. Put the blade guard back on, plug in a fresh battery, and listen to the difference. It's good to have two or more batteries with you when you cut.
All sharpened, oiled, re-assembled, with a fresh battery pack. Ready to go around the yard trimming hedges or along the trails cutting brush. It cuts a lot better after the blade has been sharpened.
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