Can You Just Cut Aluminum Foil to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers?

Aluminum Foil Sharpening

• A single thickness of aluminum foil does little to the thick metal cutting edge of hedge trimmers. To hone the blades to razor sharpness, fold several sheets of foil together to a thickness of about one-eighth inch. The aluminum foil should resemble a shiny piece of cardboard. Make several cuts through the foil until the blades are clean and shining. Make the cuts smooth and with a fast motion for best results.

Sandpaper

• Hedge trimmers that have a slight coating of oxidation should be cleaned and cut with coarse sandpaper. Turn the sandpaper upside down so when you make the cuts, the grit comes in contact with the cutting edge. Cut through the paper until the blades are clean and most of the rust is removed. Put a sharp finish on the blades by cutting through several layers of aluminum foil.

Using a Wet Stone

• Extremely rusty or dull hedge trimmers may need more work than cutting through aluminum foil. You can use a whetstone to sharpen the trimmers. A whetstone is used in combination with oil to put a sharp edge on any blade. Take the hedge trimmers apart and oil the top side of each blade. Slide the whetstone across the edge of the blade at a slight angle. For example, hold the blade handle in your left hand with the blade horizontal and the cutting edge facing away from you. Slide the whetstone in short strokes across the blade at a 45-degree angle until you see clean metal. Work from the bottom of the blade to the top. Avoid pulling the whetstone as this can nick the blade or warp the factory edge. Finish the sharpening project by wiping the blades clean and applying a finishing coat of polishing oil.

Sharpening With Files

• A sharpening file is needed for damaged or pitted blades. It is easier to accomplish the sharpening when you take the hedge trimmers apart and put each piece you work with in a vise with the cutting edge facing you. Slide the file upward in short strokes until you see the clean metal. Use a little machine oil to keep the surface wet while you work. File both blades, but take care to follow the factory edge while working. Once you are done, put the hedge trimmers back together. Keep the cutting edge on the trimmers by oiling and cutting through several sheets of aluminum foil after each use.