When it comes to clearing hedges and bushes in your environment, a hedge trimmer is unquestionably the best tool to use.
A hedge trimmer is an electric tool with a chainsaw-like blade that is used to cut back bushes, shrubs, and hedges.
However, there are lots of misconceptions about hedge trimmers and hedge shears. Hedge shears, unlike hedge trimmers, can be used in almost all weather conditions with proper maintenance.
But, is this the case for a hedge trimmer? Can it be used in the rain? Let’s find out!
Should I Be Using My Hedge Trimmer In The Rain?
No, you should not use your hedge trimmer in the rain.
This is because a hedge trimmer is an electronic tool and you have a high chance of getting electrocuted when used in rainy or stormy weather.
However, it’s very possible to use your trimmer after the rain. But knowing how to use your trimmer after the rain is very important.
Water generally makes hedges more difficult to cut through.
And, this can make the blades of your trimmer dull. Nonetheless, this situation can be controlled with proper maintenance.
This article covers interesting information about how to maintain your hedge trimmer. So, keep reading.
What Are The Health Hazards Of Doing This?
Simply saying that your trimmer stands a chance of getting bad when used in the rain isn’t specific enough.
There are bad implications that can occur when you use your trimmer in the rain. With that being said, let’s jump right in!
- Your trimmer has a high chance of being degraded when used in the rain. Degraded in this context means that the effect of the rain tends to reduce its efficiency.
- Your trimmer can get rusted when used in the rain. When water comes in contact with metals, oxidation occurs and this leads to rusting.
- The teeth of your trimmer will get dull, this can lead to extremely severe situations. Your trimmer might get worse if it is frequently used in its dull state.
- You can get electrocuted using the trimmer in the rain. The trimmer can also begin to malfunction when used in the rain.
Asides rainfall, another factor that can be hazardous to a hedge trimmer is temperature.
Heat also plays a part in how fast metal rusts. Generally speaking, higher temperatures are associated with higher rates of corrosion.
Therefore, the temperature caused by the weather may affect how fast metal rusts.
Here is an article I wrote on how many amps does a hedge trimmer use?
Will Rain Ruin My Hedge Trimmer?
Yes, most definitely rain can ruin your trimmer.
To keep your hedge trimmers in optimal working order, it’s essential to keep your blade from getting rusty.
When a blade gets rusty, it can end up seizing completely. And rusty is a result of your trimmer coming in contact with water.
Another effect of water on trimmers is dull blades, When your blade is dull, the teeth lose traction as they slide across the wet branches.
This results in wood that bends or cracks without completely cutting the branch in half.
Also, if you’re going to use your trimmer after rainfall, there is a high chance that the hedge will still be wet.
So it’s best to allow the hedges to be completely dry, alternatively, you can use manual shears.
Notwithstanding, there’s a safe way to use your trimmer after the rain. Here are some precautions that can to taken when using your trimmer after the rain;
- Ensure you clean leftover water in your trimmer. Ensure your trimmer is sun-dried to get rid of all water particles.
- After you must have wiped your trimmer, the next step is the application of lubricant. Lubricants do not only prevent rusting, it also prevents friction.
Note that water can also reduce the mobility of your trimmer’s motion and can create an issue for the gears.
Lubrication is necessary for the general maintenance of your hedge trimmer.
- It is advisable to wear appropriate eye protection. You can end up with dirt, pieces of wood or other debris in your eyes, which could be dangerous when you’re handling sharp objects.
- Wear gloves; gloves will help you maintain your grip if the handle becomes slippery. When cutting in wet conditions, it’s also a good idea to use both hands. You’ll also want to protect your feet with boots to avoid slipping on wet ground.
- Ensure your trimmer is sharpened frequently. Using your trimmer in the rain can make the teeth of the trimmer dull because of interaction with water.
Hence it’s totally necessary to sharpen your trimmer or you may experience difficulties in trimming.
Sharpening your trimmer is also necessary for a healthy life span. Continuous use of a dull trimmer will eventually lead to total damage.
- Follow the instructions/guide that comes with the hedge trimmer. Almost all equipment comes with a guide that is specific to it. Ensure you check the instructions that come with the trimmer for effective usage.
How Do You Fix a Hedge Trimmer That Has Been In The Rain?
Fixing a hedge trimmer that has been used in the rain is almost impossible if you’re not a professional in that field.
However, here are some tips that can help before you get a professional;
- First, dry the trimmer with a rag.
- Secondly, dry your trimmer thoroughly under the sun. This is to get rid of water that remains in the trimmer that the rag probably couldn’t reach.
- To ensure that your trimmer dries properly, you may need to disassemble it. You can also try air-drying your tools without disassembling them. Drying your trimmer may not be very effective. However, depending on your climate, it may take a few days for your tools to dry completely.
Note that if you are not confident enough about disassembling your trimmer, you should get professional help.
- Apply some lubes to your trimmer. Greasing the parts of your trimmer is a good maintenance practice.
- Seek professional help if it fails to function after you have taken these steps.
Also check out this article I wrote on best hedge trimmers for brambles
How Do I Protect My Hedge Trimmer From The Rain?
If you are in a fix and without shelter, here are some tips that can safeguard your trimmer when it rains.
- Keep your trimmer properly covered when it rains. If you are unable to keep your trimmer housed for whatever reason, simply spread out a tarp and store your trimmer on it.
This should be enough to keep your trimmer dry. This process also helps to store your tools at a higher elevation. That way, you’re able to get your tool entirely safe.
- You should also ensure your trimmer is not plugged in or switched on when it’s raining. It’s quite simple; don’t use your trimmer when it is raining.
Can You Leave a Hedge Trimmer Outside In The Rain?
Surprisingly yes you can.
This answer will probably come as a shock because off-course trimmers shouldn’t be used in the rain, so why leave them outside when it rains?
Well to clear your doubt, we earlier stated that if you’re in a fix without shelter, definitely you will need to improvise to keep your trimmer safe.
And, a simple alternative is laying your trimmer in a tarp. This doesn’t only keep your trimmer dry, it keeps it safe as well.
Conclusion
Hedge trimmers cannot be used when it is rainy or stormy to avoid electric shock.
However, it can be used after the rain but it has to be done with precautions.
To be safe, you should follow the precautions mentioned so you don’t end up injuring yourself, your shrubs, or your equipment.
Always wear the appropriate safety gear and keep your electric hedge trimmer in optimal working order by keeping the blade clean, dry, lubricated, and sharpened.
