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My Cordless Grass Shears blade is not cutting

Created by Chris McHale, Modified on Fri, 26 Jun at 2:19 PM by Chris McHale

Quick Answer

If your cordless grass shears are not cutting effectively, the most common causes are debris trapped between the blades, a blunt or damaged blade, insufficient lubrication, or an internal gearing issue.

Cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the blade will often restore cutting performance.


Before You Start

Before inspecting the blades, make sure:

  • The grass shears are switched off
  • The battery has been removed
  • The blades have come to a complete stop

Always:

  • Wear protective gloves when handling the blades
  • Use a brush or wooden stick to remove debris
  • Work on a stable, well-lit surface

Important: Never use your bare hands to remove debris from the blades.


How to Fix Grass Shears That Are Not Cutting

Follow these steps to identify the cause.

1. Check for debris

Inspect the blades for:

  • Grass clippings
  • Small twigs
  • Dirt
  • Other debris trapped between the teeth

Remove any obstructions using a brush or wooden stick.


2. Inspect the blades

Check whether the blades are:

  • Blunt
  • Chipped
  • Bent
  • Damaged

If the blades are slightly blunt, they can be sharpened using a suitable blade file.

Always wear protective gloves when sharpening.

If the blades are heavily worn or damaged, stop using the tool and have the blades replaced by a qualified repair specialist.


3. Lubricate the blades

Apply a small amount of suitable lubricant along the cutting edges.

Multi-purpose grease is recommended to:

  • Improve cutting performance
  • Reduce friction
  • Protect the blades against corrosion

Remove any excess lubricant before using the tool.


4. Check the material being cut

Only cut vegetation that is within the maximum cutting capacity of your model.

Depending on the blade fitted, this is typically between 14 mm and 24 mm.

Refer to your user manual for the correct cutting capacity.

Attempting to cut material that exceeds this limit may prevent the blades from cutting effectively and could damage the mechanism.


If the Problem Continues

If:

  • Are the blades clean
  • There is no visible damage
  • The blades are correctly lubricated


Important Maintenance Tips

  • Clean the blades after every use
  • Apply lubricant regularly to maintain smooth operation
  • Keep the blades sharp for the best cutting performance
  • Never exceed the maximum cutting capacity for your model
  • Replace worn or damaged blades before further use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my grass shears not cutting properly?

The most common causes are trapped debris, blunt blades, insufficient lubrication, or an internal gearing issue.

Can I sharpen the blades myself?

Yes. If the blades are only slightly blunt, they can be sharpened using a suitable blade file while wearing protective gloves.

What lubricant should I use?

We recommend applying a small amount of multi-purpose grease to the cutting edges to maintain smooth operation.

Can I cut thick branches with grass shears?

No. Grass shears are designed for light trimming only. Always stay within the maximum cutting capacity specified in your user manual.

What should I do if the blades still won't cut?

If cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the blades does not resolve the issue, contact our Warranty Technical Helpline if your machine is within warranty, or a local garden machinery repair specialist if it is out of warranty.


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