Brush cutter blade change. How To Sharpen a Brush Cutter Blade? 10 Steps

How To Sharpen a Brush Cutter Blade? 10 Steps!

Have you ever been through a situation where you were cutting through a weed, and your blade suddenly vibrated or jumped out of its groove?

Well, I’ve witnessed this situation many times. It is common for a brush cutter blade to become dull during operation due to constant friction against tough weeds and grasses.

If this happens, you will need to hone the teeth on the blade to work like new again. The process of shaping metal using abrasive stones or pastes to sharpen them is not easy, especially when you don’t know where to start.

This article is a complete step-by-step guide on How to Sharpen a Brush Cutter Blade.

It has been the weapon of choice by foresters, tree trimming professionals, and anyone who needs to clear an area of tall grass, weeds, and light brush quickly.

However, like any other piece of equipment, it needs regular maintenance to perform at its best while landscaping. So what kind of care does a blade require? Sharpening is required. Let’s dive deep into the blade sharpening world.

• Preventive Measures To Be Followed
• Essential Things
• How To Sharpen a Brush Cutter Blade
• Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area and Tools
• Step 2: Remove The Power From The Brush Cutter
• Step 3: Remove the Blades from the Brush Cutter
• Step 4: Clean the Blade
• Step 5: Assess The Blade’s Condition
• Step 6: Sharpening The Blade
• Step 7: Check The Balance
• Step 8: Test Your Blade
• Step 9: Clean Your Blade
• Step 10: Test Again
• Conclusion

Preventive Measures To Be Followed

It’s a good idea to take some precautions before we begin. If nothing else, you should put on a pair of thick cut-resistant hand gloves and protective boots. In addition, when sharpening the blade with a machine, you must wear eye protection that automatically darkens when exposed to light.

How To Sharpen a Brush Cutter Blade

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area and Tools

Make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area with enough light and away from children. Also, make sure you’re far enough away from any flammable materials.

To make cleanup easier, it’s also a good idea to spread a drop cloth over the work area. Now that you have all the tools mentioned earlier and safety equipment ready, start by looking at how to properly hold the brush cutter blade.

Step 2: Remove The Power From The Brush Cutter

You may have turned off the switch, but it’s critical to ensure that the machine won’t start in any way. For example, when removing the blade, you may need to turn the blade side up, and you can imagine how bad things may get if the switch is unintentionally pressed.

Step 3: Remove the Blades from the Brush Cutter

Remove the blades according to your brush cutter’s type. Unless you have a brush cutter with a fuel tank, turn the brushes upside down and take the blade out.

Make a distinguishable imprint on the bottom side of the blade before removing it. So, making a mark will reveal which side is the bottom, and you won’t need to reinstall the blades.

The blades are fastened to the cutter with a bolt in the center. You won’t remove the blade if you don’t immobilize it before using a wrench or ratchet since it will turn with the wrench.

A sturdy wood board can be used to immobilize the blade. To keep the entire blade from turning when you loosen the bolt, place a piece of wood between the blade and the deck.

You can also use a clamp or a vise instead. Finally, you should be able to unscrew the bolt once you’ve stopped the blade from rotating.

Step 4: Clean the Blade

After the blade has been removed, clean it since there’s supposed to be a lot of grime and clipped grass on the blade. Remove any trimmed grass or mud with a soft-bristled brush, and then thoroughly wash with water.

After rinsing the blade with water, massage it with a dry rag and, if possible, soak it in soapy water for a more thorough cleaning, especially if the stains and debris aren’t easy to get rid of.

Step 5: Assess The Blade’s Condition

Sharpening blades can be done by hand or with a machine. Sharpening by machine is quite effective, but doing it by hand could also be acceptable, which requires a good amount of handwork.

This is important to determine which procedure should be used to sharpen your blade. A few strokes with a flat-file or on a whetstone should usually be enough to restore normal sharpness on a slightly dull blade.

On the other hand, blades with serious symptoms of wear will almost certainly need to be sharpened using a grinder.

Step 6: Sharpening The Blade

Place the blade on the workbench and secure it before you begin sharpening it. When you press the stone against the blade, it should not move an inch. A vise or clamp can be used to keep the blade steady.

Because whetstone sharpening is difficult to obtain the optimum angle due to their construction, this procedure is great for bent edges.

Pick up the metal file and run it back and forth across the blade’s cutting edge. Rub the cutting edge with the metal file until it shines brightly.

Next, sharpen the other side of the blade in the same way. Do not stop until you see the shiny stuff on the blade; it should shine like a new blade.

For sharpening the blade, you’ll need two types of whetstones.

First, you’ll need to angle your blade on the whetstone at a 45-degree angle to utilize it. Then, slowly pull and push the blade inward and outward. You’ll start with a medium-grain whetstone and then end with the fine-grain whetstone. This should be done on both sides of the blade.

A bench grinder is a great choice when it comes to restoring a damaged bevel edge in the shortest period. However, it would be best if you first secured the grinder on your workbench in a sturdy position.

Then, begin grinding the blade back and forth on each side of the running stone as soon as it is turned on. This will sharpen the blade to the point that you won’t have to do it again anytime soon.

Step 7: Check The Balance

When sharpening, it’s crucial to keep the blade balanced. This confirms that the blade has been correctly honed and that neither side is heavier than the other.

You can test this by changing the blade on a nail. Ascertain that it will be hung in the center. Your blade is not precisely balanced if one side dips lower than the other. To restore balance in the blade, merely sharpen the dipping side again.

Step 8: Test Your Blade

Once you have sharpened all of your notches, test the blade on a patch of weeds to check for any additional adjustments that might need to be made. If you notice any additional notches that need to be filed, repeat the sharpening process for those notches as well.

Step 9: Clean Your Blade

The best way to clean your brush cutter blade after sharpening is to use compressed air. Remove the blade from your brushcutter and blow off any metal filings that might be stuck to it.

If you don’t have access to compressed air, you can also use a paintbrush or wet rag to clean away any dust or grit on the blade.

Step 10: Test Again

After cleaning your brush cutter blade, test it again to ensure sharp and ready for use. If you notice any spots where the notches are sharp or uneven, make sure to go back and file them down with your metal file.

Conclusion

On a concluding note, sharpening a brush cutter blade is not necessarily difficult. However, it will take some time to achieve the sharpness that you are looking for.

Make sure that you practice first before tackling your first real blade. As with all tools, always maintain, clean, and store it properly after using it.

If you have made this far in this article, I am sure you have found my user-friendly step-by-step guide on properly sharpening brush cutter blades helpful. I’m confident that you’ve learned everything there is to know about sharpening brushes.

Posted on Published: November 8, 2021. Last updated: March 20, 2023

HOW TO USE A BRUSH CUTTER BLADE

Hi, Let’s talk about your most pressing concern today: how to use a brush cutter blade. Whether you’re a gardener or a homeowner, you already know how useful a brush cutter is. The brush cutter is useful because it can reach regions where the mower cannot. Let’s have a look at brush cutters and the many sorts of brush cutter blades. After that, we’ll go over how to operate a brush cutter blade safely and efficiently.

What is a Brush Cutter? Brush Cutter Vs String trimmer Types of Brush Cutter blades Types of Brush Cutter operations How to install a brush cutter blade Safety gears for using brush cutter with blade How to use a Brush Cutter blade To cut thick grass and weeds To cut brushes To cut tree trunks and branches Hazards to be considered while using a brush cutter blade Maintenance of brush cutter blades for long life How to sharpen a brush cutter blade How often to change a brush cutter blade

WHAT IS A BRUSH CUTTER

A brush cutter is a trimmer that uses a blade for cutting and trimming. The blade can be made of plastic or metal. The working principle of the brush cutter is the same as the trimmer. A fastly rotating blade cuts the grass and brushes. Blade makes brush cutter compatible for cutting tall grass, brushes, bushes, and even trees. Blade trimmer needs powerful motor for heavy-duty tasks.

BRUSH CUTTER VS STRING TRIMMER

You will not be wrong if you consider a brush cutter, a type of trimmer. A trimmer uses nylon string as a cutting tool while a brush cutter uses metal or plastic blades. Nowadays trimmers are available that can be used with string as well as blades. If you are about to purchase a brush cutter, consider this dual trimmer. For a thorough discussion on comparing string trimmer and brush cutter click weedeater with a blade instead of a string.

TYPES OF BRUSH CUTTER OPERATIONS

The brush cutter is a powerful trimmer that can cut

• Tall and thick grasses
• Shrubs and weeds
• Woody plants
• Small trees and brushes
• A brush cutter with a strong motor and blade can cut tree trunks also.

SAFETY GEARS FOR USING BRUSH CUTTER WITH BLADE

Safety always comes first when using any electric appliances. Brushcutter is a powerful machine so it demands great care while handling.

In the first place read the product manual and follow the given safety instructions.

Additionally, wear the following gears for safety.

• A Hard helmet for head protection.
• A Dust mask for preventing irritation caused by dust.
• A face shield and or safety glasses for eye protection.
• Padded gloves for hand protection.
• Long pants and hard shoes for foot and leg safety. Legs are in the range of brush cutter blades. So take great care because minor carelessness can cause serious injury. Never go in sandals or barefooted for trimming.
• Tie your hair so that it should be above the shoulder.
• Don’t wear jewelry.

TO CUT THICK GRASS AND WEEDS

For thick grass and weeds move the brush cutter back and forth in long arcs. Continue it until the brush cutter reaches the ground.

TO CUT BRUSHES

To cut the brushes start from the upper side of the brush keeping the blade parallel to the ground. Move gradually downward until the blade reaches the ground.

TO CUT TREE TRUNKS AND BRANCHES

To cut tree trunks less than 2 inches in diameter use a circular saw blade. For thicker trees, chainsaw blades will be a better option.

For cutting tree trunks start the brush cutter.

Raise the blade about 2-8 inches above the ground so that the left side of the blade is against the right side of the tree.

Put the left side of the deflector on the tree so that blade should not move up and down.

Put the blade at one point until it starts penetrating the tree trunk.

Now move the blade gently forward until it cuts the tree trunk.

HAZARDS TO BE CONSIDERED WHILE USING A BRUSH CUTTER

The brush cutter blade moves counterclockwise. So use the left side of the blade for cutting and move from right to left.

If you move in the opposite direction that is left to right, kick out or blade thrust will happen.

When the blade moves to the right side and strikes any hard object it has a strong jerk. This jerk is called kick out.

Chances and intensity of kicking out dangerously increase while cutting hard objects or having pebbles on the ground.

MAINTAINANCE OF BRUSH CUTTER BLADE FOR LONG LIFE

Cleaning is the key to a blade’s long life.

For the long life of the blade clean it after every use.

Dust and grass accumulate around the blade after trimming. Particularly wet grass accumulates in large amounts.

This dust and grass if not cleaned causes rusting of the blade making it blunt and weak.

After every use cleans the blade with a stiff brush or sourcing pad. Then dry it with a piece of clean cloth.

Putting the blade in sunlight at regular intervals also prevents the rusting process.

HOW TO SHARPEN A BRUSH CUTTER BLADE

Brush cutter blades come in a variety of shapes. The sharpening technique depends on the shape of the blade.

For a simple blade, you can use a bench grinder. But for a toothed blade, you must use an angle grinder.

Sharpening requires great care. The angle of sharpening must be the same as the company beveled angle.

For a detailed discussion on sharpening, the blade read How to sharpen the edger blade.

HOW OFTEN TO CHANGE A BRUSH CUTTER BLADE

The brush cutter blade needs sharpening from time to time. After sharpening blade works like a new blade.

If the blade’s efficiency does not improve after sharpening then replace the blade.

If the blade gets thinner by several times sharpening then consider a new blade.

If the blade is damaged or its length is decreased by half of its original length on continuous use then a new blade is the only option.

MTD Steel 8-in Black Trimmer Brush Cutter Blade

This item is not currently available for immediate purchase, but can be ordered by visiting the selected store.

◊ Information regarding the delivery method for your purchase:

Online exclusive: Price includes shipping Total price indicated for that product includes the price of delivery without the payment of any additional fees. Delivery time may vary due to factors beyond the control of RONA stores. Some restrictions may apply for remote areas. See all details.

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Sadaiv Nipun SNEA0004 255mm 80 Teeth Brush Cutter Blade with Saw Cutting Blade Replacement Brush Cutter Accessories

This is the SNE A0004 255mm 80 Teeth Brush Cutter Blade with Saw Cutting Blade Replacement Brush Cutter Accessories. This product is made with high quality materials and is designed for long lasting use. Sadaiv Nipun Cutting Blades are made from high quality carbon steel and are available in black. They are a great choice for those looking for a high quality cutting blade at a competitive price. This electric hand saw has a 8 reciprocating blade that makes quick, clean cuts.

Browse through the extensive list of Cutting Blades at Moglix. Shop online for other Sadaiv Nipun Cutting Blades. available at Moglix in the lowest price range.

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Sadaiv Nipun SNEA0004 255mm 80 Teeth Brush Cutter Blade with Saw Cutting Blade Replacement Brush Cutter Accessories

4.2

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