Hedge Trimmer Won’T Cut [Try This Proven Fixes]

There’s nothing more frustrating than a hedge trimmer that won’t cut. You’re trying to keep your hedges looking neat and tidy, but the trimmer just isn’t cooperating. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to be working. If you’re dealing with a hedge trimmer that won’t cut, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, and there are a few simple things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to take to get your hedge trimmer back in working order.

Reasons Why Hedge Trimmer Won’T Cut

Dull Blades

The most common reason why a hedge trimmer won’t cut is dull blades. When the blades are dull, they can’t penetrate the branches of the hedge and will simply bounce off. To check if the blades are dull, try to cut a piece of paper. If the blades tear the paper, they are sharp enough. If the blades just push the paper around, they need to be sharpened.

Dirty Blades

Dirty blades can also cause a hedge trimmer to not cut properly. The dirt and debris on the blades can dull them and make it difficult to cut through the branches. To clean the blades, use a soft cloth or brush to remove the dirt and debris. Be careful not to damage the blades.

Incorrect Oiling

Hedge trimmers require regular oiling to keep the moving parts lubricated. If the trimmer is not properly oiled, the parts can wear out and the trimmer will not cut properly. To check the oil level, refer to the owner’s manual. If the oil level is low, add oil to the reservoir.

Too Much Torque

Hedge trimmers are designed to cut through branches of a certain thickness. If you try to cut through branches that are too thick, the trimmer will overload and the blades will stop cutting. To avoid this, only cut branches that are thin enough for the trimmer to handle.

Misalignment of Blades

The blades on a hedge trimmer should be aligned properly in order to cut effectively. If the blades are misaligned, they will not be able to cut through the branches properly. To check the alignment of the blades, refer to the owner’s manual. If the blades are misaligned, you will need to adjust them.

How to Troubleshoot: Hedge Trimmer Won’t Cut

Problem: Hedge Trimmer Won’t Start

If your hedge trimmer won’t start, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the power cord:
Make sure that the power cord is plugged in securely to both the hedge trimmer and the outlet.

Check the battery:
If your hedge trimmer is battery-powered, make sure that the battery is charged.

Check the spark plug:
If your hedge trimmer is gas-powered, make sure that the spark plug is clean and in good condition.

Check the air filter:
If your hedge trimmer is gas-powered, make sure that the air filter is clean.

Check the fuel line:
If your hedge trimmer is gas-powered, make sure that the fuel line is clear and free of obstructions.

If you have checked all of these things and your hedge trimmer still won’t start, you may need to take it to a qualified technician for repairs.

Problem: Hedge Trimmer Won’t Cut

If your hedge trimmer is not cutting properly, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Make sure that the blade is sharp:
A dull blade will not be able to cut through branches effectively.

Check the blade for damage:
If the blade is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Check the oil level:
If the oil level is low, it can cause the blade to become dull and ineffective.

Check the air filter:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause the engine to lose power and make it difficult to cut through branches.

Check the spark plug:
A fouled spark plug can cause the engine to misfire and make it difficult to cut through branches.

If you have checked all of these things and your hedge trimmer is still not cutting properly, you may need to take it to a qualified technician for repairs.

Preventative Maintenance

By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent problems with your hedge trimmer and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Sharpen the blade regularly:
A sharp blade will make cutting through branches easier and will also help to prevent damage to the blade.

Clean the blade after each use:
This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could damage the blade.

Check the oil level regularly:
Make sure that the oil level is at the proper level to keep the engine running smoothly.

Change the oil regularly:
Changing the oil regularly will help to keep the engine clean and free of contaminants.

Check the air filter regularly:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause the engine to lose power and make it difficult to cut through branches.

Replace the spark plug regularly:
A fouled spark plug can cause the engine to misfire and make it difficult to cut through branches.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your hedge trimmer running smoothly for years to come.

Also Read: My Hedge Trimmer Blades Won’T Move

FAQs: Hedge Trimmer Won’t Cut

Why won’t my hedge trimmer cut?

There are a few reasons why your hedge trimmer might not be cutting properly. Here are some of the most common causes:

The blades are dull: Dull blades can’t cut through branches effectively, so they’ll just bend them instead. To fix this, you’ll need to sharpen the blades.

The blades are dirty: If the blades are dirty, they won’t be able to make good contact with the branches, which will also prevent them from cutting effectively. To fix this, you’ll need to clean the blades.

The trimmer is not properly adjusted: If the trimmer is not properly adjusted, it won’t be able to cut through branches effectively. To fix this, you’ll need to adjust the trimmer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

The trimmer is not getting enough power: If the trimmer is not getting enough power, it won’t be able to cut through branches effectively. To fix this, you’ll need to make sure that the trimmer is properly plugged in and that the battery is charged.

What should I do if my hedge trimmer won’t start?

If your hedge trimmer won’t start, there are a few things you can check:

Is the trimmer plugged in? If the trimmer is not plugged in, it won’t start. Make sure that the trimmer is plugged into an outlet and that the outlet is working.

Is the battery charged? If the trimmer is battery-powered, make sure that the battery is charged. You can check the battery level by looking at the indicator light on the trimmer.

Is the switch turned on? Make sure that the switch on the trimmer is turned on.

Is the trimmer jammed? If the trimmer is jammed, it won’t start. Try to clear the jam by unplugging the trimmer and removing any debris that may be blocking the blades.

How do I sharpen the blades on my hedge trimmer?

To sharpen the blades on your hedge trimmer, you will need a file or a sharpening stone. Here are the steps involved:

1. Unplug the trimmer and remove the blades.
2. Hold the blade flat on a work surface and use the file or sharpening stone to sharpen the cutting edge.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other blade.
4. Reattach the blades to the trimmer.

How do I clean the blades on my hedge trimmer?

To clean the blades on your hedge trimmer, you will need a brush and some warm, soapy water. Here are the steps involved:

1. Unplug the trimmer and remove the blades.
2. Dip the brush in the warm, soapy water and scrub the blades to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Rinse the blades off with clean water.
4. Dry the blades with a towel.
5. Reattach the blades to the trimmer.

How do I adjust the trimmer for different types of branches?

The trimmer can be adjusted to different types of branches. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn the trimmer off and unplug it.
2. Locate the adjustment knob on the trimmer.
3. Turn the knob to adjust the cutting width.
4. Turn the trimmer on and test the cutting width.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you find the desired cutting width.

How do I make sure my hedge trimmer is getting enough power?

To make sure your hedge trimmer is getting enough power, you will need to check the following:

The battery is charged: If the trimmer is battery-powered, make sure that the battery is charged. You can check the battery level by looking at the indicator light on the trimmer.

The trimmer is plugged in: If the trimmer is not battery-powered, make sure that it is plugged into an outlet.

The outlet is working: Make sure that the outlet is working by plugging in another appliance.

If you have checked all of these things and the trimmer is still not getting enough power, you may need to have it serviced.