If you've ever visited a park or a public garden, you might have noticed that the grasses at the edge of the curbs are very well maintained.
Unlike your lawn at home, the grasses don't overlap and hang across the side of the curbs. This sharp line is achieved by using an edger. The tool helps keep things tidier.
Some of the finest edgers in the market that even professional gardeners use are the ones from Stihl. They have very high performance and are built to last.
But just like any other tool in the world, this one too needs some parts replaced with constant use. The only thing that you need to replace on this appliance to keep on getting those sharp edges is the blade.
A lot of people find replacing this blade a bit hard. Hence, today we will tell you all about how to change blade on Stihl Edger.
What Is Stihl Edger?
A Stihl edger is a tool that you use to keep your curbs and lawn in shape. The tool has sharp blades that allow you to cut and shape grass so that you get a crisp line around the edges.
That is why this tool is known as an edger; because it can create a very sharp, and neat edge. It is a very handy device for at-home gardeners. Using the device, you can get a professional-level finish on the edges of your curb without having to call in a gardener.
It's a very simple and easy-to-use tool that does not require much storage space or maintenance. The only thing that you have to do is change the blade as it gets dull with use.
How To Change Blade On Stihl Edger -The Steps
Now that you know how to change blade on Stihl edger, you can easily make the replacement at home. You just need to know the steps for doing this properly so that you don't cause any damage to the device.
Changing the blade on your Stihl edger is very important if you want a sharp edge. Without a sharp blade, it will take you hours to get that crisp line.
Here are the few easy steps that you need to follow for changing the blades on your Stihl edger.
Step 1: Prepare The Edger
The first step is to disconnect the edger from the power source. This is to ensure safety. After removing the edger from its power source, lay it on its side.
Step 2: Use A Pin To Stop The Blades From Rotating
Stihl edgers usually come with a pin, which you can use to stop the blades from rotating.
You have to lock the spindle by locating the hole, inserting the key, and turning it until the blade's rotation is locked.
Step 3: Removing The Spindle Nut
This step is done by using a ½ socket ratchet. You attach the tool to the spindle nut, and try and loosen it.
To understand which way you need to turn the ratchet and to loosen the spindle nut, you will have to take a look at the spindle washer. This is usually located just underneath the spindle nut.
If it says that you have to turn it counterclockwise to tighten the spindle nut, you will turn the ratchet clockwise to loosen it, and vice versa.
Step 4: Take Out The Blade
After the spindle nut has been removed, you can carefully take off the blade. Although this is a very dull blade, you should still be careful when taking it out.
You can discard the blade safely, but keep the spindle nut and washer in a secure place, because we will be using this again when installing the new blades.
Step 5: Preparing The New Blades
You have to ensure that you have bought the right blade for the model of edger that you have.
Replacement blades for Stihl edgers are quite easily available, both online and in physical stores. So getting your hands on a new pair of blades should not be much of a problem.
New replacement blades are usually sold in packs of two. Use a scissor, or box cutter to open the back, and get one of the blades out.
Be very careful when doing this, because these blades are as sharp as they come. Use cut-proof gloves if needed. Take them out carefully and place them on the side.
Step 6: Place The New Blades On The Spindle Hub
Make sure that the spindle hub is clean. Check if there is dirt, debris, or small pieces of plantation on the device. If there’s any dirt on the spindle, the new blades will not be set in position properly.
Now, you have to place the new blades on the spindle. You will know that they have been set properly when they have been placed over the hub and centered.
Step 7: Put The Spindle Nut And Washer Back
Now it's time to put back the spindle and the washer.
Place the spindle washer over the blade, and turn it to tighten it. To tighten the spindle nut, you will have to rotate the ratchet in the opposite direction. Meaning, if you turned the ratchet clockwise to loosen the nut, you will now turn it counterclockwise to tighten it.
Remember, the direction you need to turn the ratchet is also indicated on the spindle washer.
Step 8: Check To See If Everything Is Correctly Placed
After you've added the spindle nut, the replacement process is now over.
To check if you've done everything correctly, you will have to first see whether the spindle nut has been tightened properly. In fact, you should check if the spindle nut is tight and in position after every use, just to be safe.
Then you have to gear up with eye goggles and closed-toed shoes to test out the tool. Try running the tool in a safe zone to see if it works. If you’ve followed the steps correctly, there should be no problem getting it started.
And there you have it, you have successfully changed the blades on your Stihl edger!
Stihl Edger Blade Change - Tips And Precautions
It is always great to have a few extra tips and tricks that can help you to install the new blades better. Here are a few precautions and tips for you to try and follow during your blade replacement process.
1. Make Sure The Stihl Edger Is Unplugged Before You Start Working On It
This is one of the most important safety measures that you have to take during this replacement process. No matter what, always ensure that the device has been unplugged from the power source before you start working on it.
Trying to replace the blade on the Stihl Edger without disconnecting it from a power source can cause serious accidents.
So double-check and see whether or not the device has been disconnected or unplugged from the power source.
2. Clean The Stihl Edger Properly Before Starting The Replacement Process
This is an important step that you have to take if you want the blades to sit properly.
Since an edger is used to cut weeds and grass, small pieces of the plants can easily get into the device. Adding the new blades onto a dirty surface or a spindle hub that has any sort of debris on it might stop it from working properly.
If you screw on the blades with the debris, or dust inside, and turn it on, you could also be causing irreparable damage to the appliance.
When you unscrew the spindle nut, make sure to give the device a wipe down. This will ensure that all the bits and pieces of grass, or weeds that have made their way into the machine are gotten rid of.
Now, when you place the blades on the system, it will sit better, and be easier to screw on.
3. Make Sure You Get The Right Blade For The Replacement Process
Using blade that is not compatible with the model of Stihl edger that you have can be a very bad idea.
The blade might not fit onto the spindle hub properly. In case you manage to place it into the hub somehow, it will not work well.
Using a blade that is not meant for your Stihl edger model can cause damage to the entire device. This could lead you to have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs.
4. Make Sure Your Workspace Is Dry
As this is a device that you plug into a power source to operate, it's better if the working surface is not wet.
Yes, the grasses that you use the edger on are sometimes wet, and the edger works just fine. But it’s better not to take that risk when you're opening up the edger to replace the blades. The machine can be in a more vulnerable state at that time which makes it more prone to causing accidents.
The possibility of getting into an accident when changing the blades of an edger on a wet surface is not that high. But it's better to be safe than sorry.
5. Wear Proper Safety Gear When Testing The Edger Out After Changing The Blades
In the last step, when you are testing out the device to see if everything is in place, you need to make sure that you have the proper safety gear on.
Two of the most important safety gear to have are eye gear and closed-toed shoes.
The eye gear will prevent small pieces of grass or weeds from stabbing you in the eye. And a closed-toe shoe will protect your feet in case the blade comes off.
Remember the blades are spinning at a very high speed when the machine is turned on. And since your feet are at the same level as the blade, you need to take every possible safety measure to keep them safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Sharpen Stihl Edger Blades?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot sharpen Stihl edger blades.
Even if you do manage to sharpen it somehow, it will last a maximum of 30 seconds, and then become blunt again. These blades are not meant to be sharpened, they're meant to be replaced.
2. When Do You Need To Change The Blade On Your Stihl Edger?
The easiest way to know when you need to change the blades on your Stihl edger is to look at the size.
A new, and sharp blade will range around 8 to 10 inches in length. After being used, it will start to deteriorate. One of the most noticeable signs of deterioration is the decrease in length.
Once you see that the blades have reduced down to half of their original size, it's time to replace them.
3. What Happens If You Don't Change The Blades On Your Stihl Edger?
If you don't change the blades on your Stihl edger, it will take you more time to get those sharp edges on the grass.
You won't get a clean cut on the grass, and there's a high possibility of you just ruining the lawn.
Using a blunt blade to cut, or shape grass is never a good idea. With a blunt blade, you have to go over the same place over and over again. This might cause a few plants to come off with their roots, not to mention the waste of your time.
Blunt blades do a lot of damage to plants and can make them look wonky.
4. How Often Should You Change The Blades On Your Stihl Edger?
This will depend on the volume of use. The more often you use the edger, the quicker the blades will become dull. With regular use, a blade can last about 6 to 8 months.
5. What Material Is A Edger Blade Made Of?
Most blades for Stihl Edger are constructed out of carbon steel. This carbon steel is blackened and tempered so that it does not corrode easily.
The tempering is what keeps rust away from the blades, even when you use the edger on wet grass.
Final Verdict
Blades are the most important part of an edger. Without a sharp blade, the tool is almost useless. Also, using dull blades on grass can make your lawn and curb look even worse than before.