Choosing the right lubricant can be difficult at times. This is because you must base your decision on the precise properties that your tool possesses.
Oiling your trimmer is critical for maximum productivity and longevity. However, you cannot use just any oil on your hedge trimmer.
When it comes to oiling your trimmer, you must be aware of the proper oil for a hedge trimmer. So then, what oil is best for your hedge trimmer? Let’s find out.
What Oil Can I Use On My Hedge Trimmer?
To lubricate the blades of your hedge trimmer, you can make use of ballistol multipurpose oil, three in one multipurpose oil, or SAE20 engine oil, the list is almost endless.
Any grade engine oil will work well on a hedge trimmer.
It makes no difference whether you use a spray or drop applicator in applying the oil to the hedge trimmer blades. Both methods are very effective.
However, you shouldn’t apply oil on your trimmer without ensuring it is first clean.
The process goes like this; You clean the blades with a rag and then apply oil to a rag and rub it on the blades.
This article answers interesting questions as regards oiling your trimmer. You sure have to read this article all the way through to know more.
What Are The Benefits Of Oiling My Hedge Trimmer?
Keeping your hedge trimmer in good working order can be a challenge. But, doing so correctly makes all the effort worthwhile.
You should lubricate your hedge trimmer before and after each use. This is because lubricating beforehand ensures smooth operation.
Lubricating the blades after cleaning prevent rust.
Other benefits include;
- Oiling your hedge trimmer prevents dulling of your blades, it ensures your blades are always sharp.
- Generally oiling your hedge trimmer makes it more efficient and prolongs its life.
- Oiling your trimmer prevents rusting and stiffening. Rusting and stiffening can make your trimmer dull and inefficient.
- Oiling prevents friction that may occur as a result of the irons in your trimmer rubbing against each other. It provides a coating to prevent metal-on-metal contact between the surfaces of moving parts.
No matter how polished and smooth these surfaces may appear, they’ll have rough surfaces at a microscopic level which is why oiling is important.
- Oiling prevents wear and tear. Lack of oiling causes heat, increases surface wear, and can lead to equipment failure.
Proper lubrication creates a layer of film between moving parts to thwart friction, thereby promoting smoother operation and longer equipment life.
- Since oiling is a way of increasing the life of your hedge trimmer, it in turn also saves you the cost of getting a new tool due to mismanagement.
- Oiling or lubricating your trimmer will make the gardening experience much smoother, more balanced, and less stressful.
- Lubrication helps equipments last longer, and to work more consistently, and effectively by reducing friction, wear and tear, excessive heat, rust, and corrosion.
- Lubrication reduces exposure to many potential causes of costly equipment breakdowns and failures.
A few drops of oil or lubricant will keep your trimmer running smoothly.
Check the hedge trimmers regularly and spray a little lube or oil on the blade if need be.
Vegetable oil is one of the safest alternatives available to oil your trimmer.
It is completely non-toxic and biodegradable, and can even be used to trim live trees without danger of hurting you or the plants. And, the good thing is, it’s super affordable.
Some other basic maintenance steps for your trimmer include; cleaning your hedge trimmer after each use and sharpening your hedge trimmer blade regularly.
This applies to all types of trimmers, including electric, gas, and pole hedge trimmers.
Here is an article I wrote on using a hedge trimmer when it rains
Can You Use Chainsaw Oil On a Hedge Trimmer?
No, a chainsaw oil cannot be used on a hedge trimmer.
This is because every tool is different and has a different approach when it comes to maintenance.
So most definitely you can’t just use any or the same oil for all of them.
Chainsaws have traditionally used petroleum-based bar oil. Usually, during the winter, lighter oil is used, while in the summer, heavier oil is used for chainsaws.
Chainsaw manufacturers make bar and chain oils specifically blended for their machines to extend their lifespan, but if they are unavailable, the owner’s manual suggests alternatives.
If bar oil is not available, one manufacturer recommends using petroleum-based EP 90 transmission oil.
However, you have to be careful because you can’t use any oil of your choice.
Used motor oil is also not recommended because it lacks the viscosity required to lubricate the chain.
To reduce friction and prevent damage, the oil in your chainsaw oiler must have good adhesion to the chain around the bar.
Some bar oils also prevent sap and debris from adhering to the bar and clogging it.
However, petroleum-based cause harm to wildlife and health problems for workers. Vegetable-based chain lubricants were developed to overcome these drawbacks.
Do Electric Hedge Trimmers Need Oil?
Yes, Electric hedge trimmers need oil for lubrication. All hedge trimmers need oiling.
This is to keep the friction between the blades low to prevent excess heat which can bend the trimmer’s blades.
However, when lubricating electric hedge trimmers ensure you take the following precautions;
- Make sure the trimmer is unplugged and the blade is not moving.
- Make sure that the switch lock is released or it is switched off.
- Use a rag to apply a light coat of machine oil along the edges of the top blade.
Also check out this article I wrote on the best hedge trimmer for holly bushes
Can I Use wd40 Oil To Lubricate My Hedge Trimmer?
WD-40 should not be used to lubricate your hedge trimmer.
This is because WD-40 is marketed as a household lubricant rather than a lubricant for lawn equipment.
However, WD-40 lacks the necessary lubricants and rust inhibitors to protect your hedge trimmer.
The MSDS sheet does not provide enough information to determine the oil viscosity, rust inhibitor additives, or lubricating additives used in WD-40 because the formula is a trade secret.
WD-40 has also been shown to be a poor lubricant for machinery.
It performs poorly in the conditions present in a hedge trimmer, which are high friction and heat, similar to bearings.
Furthermore, it has been discovered that WD-40 attracts dirt more than it lubricates. And this sand and dirt can wreak havoc on your hedge.
Can you use bar and chain oil on a hedge trimmer?
No, bar and chain oils are specifically designed for chainsaws. They are very sticky, which is the ideal oil type for chainsaws.
Bar and chain oil is generally stickier than regular oils which makes it unsuitable for a hedge trimmer.
The oil ideal for a chainsaw must have good adhesion to the chain around the bar to reduce friction and prevent damage.
Conclusion
Maintaining your hedges trimmer is super important. Asides cleaning and sharpening the blades, another key to maintaining trimmers is lubrication.
The importance of lubricants in a hedge trimmer cannot be over-emphasized. They are important to get rid of friction, rust, corrosion, and of course dull blades.
Knowing the right oil to apply on your hedge trimmer is also important.
It is recommended that you use ballistol multi-purpose oil, three in one multi-purpose oil, or SAE20 engine oil to lubricate the blades of a hedge trimmer.
And note that the lubricants for a chain saw are different from that of a hedge trimmer.
