Hi there
How do i sharpen Ozito 18v hedger?
Regards
Hi @softkun123,
Hedge shears are self sharpening for the most part and typically only require periodic cleaning to prevent sap build up on them. This sap build-up separates the blades and reduces their ability to cut fine material. If the blades are so damaged that they are blunt, then sharpening can be done with a file. Before I recommend doing that, it would be great to see some images of the blades so we can assess whether they need to be sharpened or cleaned. Let me know if you need a hand uploading images.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
I have the same question. PleaseModelBottomTop see photos attached and advise.
Many thanks
Hello @ChoicesNZ
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.
As stated earlier in the discussion hedge shears are self-sharpening for the most part and typically only require periodic cleaning to prevent sap build up on them. This sap build-up separates the blades and reduces their ability to cut fine material. I strongly suggest washing the blades in water and detergent along with a scrubber to remove and strip any build-up on it surface.
The general steps to sharpening the hedgers blade is to start by unplugging or removing the battery from the trimmer for safety. Then, clamp the blade assembly securely in a vise. Use a file or a suitable sharpening stone, angling it to match the blade's bevel, and sharpen the cutting edge with forward strokes, avoiding a back-and-forth "sawing" motion. Remove any burrs with a whetstone or fine file and consider using a lubricant such as WD40 to prevent rust.
Please note that if you've not done any sort of tool sharpening activity, I don't recommend doing this as a first D.I.Y. project. If the tool is sharpened incorrectly, it will blunt the cutting action of the tool. In these circumstances, I suggest bringing the tool to a lawnmower/garden tool service shop where the hedging blade can be sharpened professionally.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles when sharpening your tools.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @ChoicesNZ
I have to clarify that hedge sheers and hedge trimmers are different in that hedge trimmers are not self-sharpening unless specified. Most DIY models like yours cannot and should not be resharpened due to the type of metal. Attempting to do so will only damage them.
The best you can do is use a wire brush to clean them and then use this WD product to help remove the build up of corrosion and lubricate the blades that make them foliage safe. In other words won't burn the foliage when contact is made. Spray this lightly over the blades after each use.
Nailbag
Good Evening @ChoicesNZ
I am with the thinking of cleaning the blade more then trying to sharpen the blade for the same reaqson @EricL and @Nailbag have mentioned.
@Nailbag actually has a good point about the blades and how they are manufactured.
What size branches/type are you pruning?
Dave
Hi Dave, we have several different plants that we use it for:
e.g. Box hedging; Lantana; Port WIne Magnolia and various others. The thickest of all branches would be ~150mm most are much smaller.
I intend to follow the suggestions for cleaning and lubricating the blade rather than sharpening as advised by @EricL and @Nailbag as also endorsed by you.
I already have a CRC product called 808 Silicone. Is that a suitable alternative to the WD 40 recommended, or not?
Thanks so much for your feedback. I'll report back in due course.
Hi @Nailbag can you confirm whether or not CRC 808 Silicone is a suitable substitute for the WD product you recommended? Refer my reply to @Dave-1 yesterday.
Thanks
Yes, it is a suitable alternative, CRC 808 is specifically formulated as a general-purpose, long-lasting lubricant and corrosion inhibitor. It is silicone-free and often used in industrial, electrical, and mechanical applications. It’s known for its durability under harsh environments and provides long-term protection against corrosion.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
808 only provides lubrication, where as the WD40 lawn & garden lubricant is specifically formulated for power garden tools especially hedge trimmers. And offers these features taken from the product page:
Thanks so much for your help. I have followed your advice and thoroughly cleaned the blades, followed by the application of the WD recommended product. I haven't had the chance to test cut anything substantial yet but a quick trim of a section our box hedge was very good. Here are some pics of the cleaned up blades.
Hi @ChoicesNZ,
They certainly look much better and I imagine they will be working much better now as well.
Thank you for sharing the updated photos.
Let us know if there is anything else we can assist with.
Jacob
Thanks again for helping with how to clean and improve the cutting blades on my Ozito 18v Hedger back in August. The hedger now cuts very well indeed.
The problem I now have is that the battery (see image) has "given up the ghost" and I have found it is not replaceable. It's old technology. I have discussed with BUnnings staff in store and was referre d to the Special Orders Team but the replacement battery they have suggested will cost me nearly as much as a new trimmer and battery kit.
So my question to this group is whether anyone has a spare one of these batteries
they would be willing to sell me? Hopefully I'm not contravening any rules by asking this??
Paul
As this is older technology, you’ll find that most batteries like this one are nearing the end of their life cycle. Even if you were able to source another, it likely wouldn’t have many charging cycles left, so it may not be a long-term solution. At this point, it’s worth considering upgrading to the latest Ozito 18V PXC system. While there’s an initial investment, the batteries for a new trimmer are the same ones used across the rest of the Ozito 18V range, including drills, saws, and other garden equipment. Once you have a battery, you can use it across multiple tools, and then only need to purchase the tool “skins” as required. For longevity and flexibility, upgrading could be the more practical choice.
Thanks Mitchell, yes I take your point. I do now also have an Ozito PXC mower, so I can use the same battery on a new Ozito PXC hedge trimmer.
Having to dispose of the whole trimmer seems such a waste. Also how and where you suggest I do that?
Cheers
You might like to search for electronic recycling centres near your area, or perhaps your local council has a kerbside collection or drop-off centre, @ChoicesNZ.
