Craftsman 315796640 22" hedge trimmer Parts

Yes. On a Craftsman 315796640 22" hedge trimmer, we use WD-40 as a light cleaner and short-term lubricant to leave a thin protective film on the blades after trimming; wipe off the excess so it does not attract debris.

How to use WD-40 on hedge trimmer blades (safe routine)

• Turn the trimmer off and disconnect power (unplug cord or remove the battery).
• Brush off clippings and sap; a stiff nylon brush works well.
• Lightly spray WD-40 along both sides of the cutting bar.
• Run the blades briefly (only after reconnecting power) to distribute the film.
• Disconnect power again and wipe the blades until they feel lightly coated, not wet.

When WD-40 is helpful (and when it is not)

WD-40 works well for cleaning sticky sap and preventing surface rust between uses. For heavy, long-duration lubrication, a dedicated hedge trimmer blade lubricant or light machine oil typically lasts longer.

Goal	WD-40	Blade lubricant / light oil
Remove sap and grime	Very good	Good
Short-term corrosion protection	Good	Good
Long trimming sessions	Fair	Better
Dust and clipping resistance	Can attract debris if overapplied	Better when applied lightly

Why it matters

A clean, lightly lubricated cutting bar reduces drag, helps the motor work less, and can improve cut quality on hedges and shrubs. Over-spraying, on the other hand, can trap grit and speed up blade wear.

Helpful related DIY content

If you are troubleshooting power issues after cleaning or storage, use how to tell if a fuse is blown to rule out a simple electrical problem.

Last updated: February 2026

Yes, repairing a Craftsman 315796640 22-inch hedge trimmer is worth it when the issue is routine wear (dull blades, loose hardware, damaged cord, or a simple electrical fault) and the tool is otherwise in good shape; those fixes restore cutting performance for far less than replacing the trimmer.

Quick way to decide (repair vs. replace)

Use these checks to make a clear call before you spend time or money:

• Repair if the trimmer runs but cuts poorly; blades are dull, gummed up with sap, or slightly nicked.
• Repair if the problem is a cord/plug, switch, or loose connection you can diagnose safely.
• Repair if the motor sounds normal and the issue is limited to the blade set or gear housing noise.
• Replace if the motor smokes, repeatedly trips breakers, or has a strong burnt smell.
• Replace if the housing is cracked near the handle or blade mount (safety risk).

Maintenance that often “fixes” the problem

Many “needs repair” complaints are solved with basic upkeep:

• Clean sap and debris from the blade teeth
• Lightly lubricate the blades after cleaning
• Tighten accessible screws and fasteners
• Check blade alignment and obvious bends
• Sharpen blades (or have blades serviced if badly damaged)

Common symptoms and what they usually mean

Symptom	Most common cause	Typical fix
Cuts unevenly, tears leaves	Dull or dirty blades	Clean and sharpen; lubricate
Runs but stalls in thicker growth	Dull blades or binding	Sharpen; check for bent teeth
Won’t start	Power issue or switch/wiring fault	Inspect cord/plug; test switch
Trips breaker	Shorted cord, moisture, motor fault	Dry out; inspect cord; electrical testing

Why it matters

A hedge trimmer with blunt or binding blades forces the motor to work harder, increases heat, and makes trimming rough on plants. Keeping the blade set sharp and clean extends motor life and improves cut quality.

For safe electrical troubleshooting steps, use our guide: how to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video.

Last updated: February 2026

A hedge trimmer (like the Craftsman 315796640 22" hedge trimmer) is designed for shaping and routine maintenance cuts on hedge growth using fast, reciprocating blades. A hedge cutter is a broader term that often refers to heavier-duty tools built to power through thicker, woodier branches.

Quick comparison

Feature	Hedge trimmer	Hedge cutter
Typical use	Shaping, light pruning, finishing work	Heavier pruning, rough cutting, thicker growth
Cutting action	Reciprocating dual blades	Varies by tool type; often more aggressive cutting
Best on	Small stems and soft growth	Larger, tougher branches (within tool limits)
Cut quality	Cleaner, more precise	Faster bulk removal, less “finish” precision

How to choose the right tool for the job

• Use a hedge trimmer for straight lines, clean edges, and frequent touch-ups.
• Choose a heavier-duty cutter-style tool when you need more cutting force for woody growth.
• Match blade length and tooth spacing to the hedge size and stem thickness.
• Avoid forcing any trimmer through branches that are too thick; it increases wear and can damage the blade drive.
• For corded or battery tools, keep power supply and extension cords (if used) sized correctly for the load.

Why it matters

Using the right tool protects the blade set, motor, and gear drive, and it also improves results. A hedge trimmer is built for controlled, repeatable trimming; using it like a brush cutter leads to binding, overheating, and premature part wear.

Helpful DIY reference

If you’re troubleshooting power or intermittent operation on an electric hedge trimmer, our guide on how to tell if a fuse is blown helps you quickly rule out a simple electrical issue before digging deeper.

Last updated: February 2026

A 20V vs 40V comparison applies to cordless hedge trimmers; Craftsman model 315796640 is a 22-inch hedge trimmer model line that is commonly found in gas-powered configurations, so voltage is not a “better” choice for this specific model. Use 20V or 40V only when you are shopping cordless.

Quick comparison (cordless models)

What you care about	20V cordless	40V cordless
Best use	Light trimming, small shrubs	Denser hedges, longer sessions
Weight and fatigue	Lighter	Heavier
Cut speed under load	More slowdown	Holds speed better
Battery cost	Lower	Higher

How we recommend choosing

• Choose 20V for routine touch-ups on soft, green growth and shorter run times.
• Choose 40V when you regularly cut thicker, denser hedges and want fewer bog-downs.
• Match the tool to your existing battery platform if you already own compatible batteries and chargers.
• Prioritize sharp blades and proper technique; dull blades make any trimmer feel underpowered.
• If you need all-day runtime, plan for spare batteries (cordless) or a fuel mix and tune-up parts (gas).

If you are deciding between cordless and gas for 315796640-TYPE use

Many owners choose gas for longer continuous cutting and cordless for lower noise and simpler starts.

• Cordless: lighter maintenance, limited by battery runtime
• Gas: longer runtime, requires fuel mix and periodic service

Why it matters

Picking the right power system prevents stalling, ragged cuts, and fatigue. For cordless tools, higher voltage systems typically maintain blade speed better in dense material; for gas tools, engine condition and blade sharpness drive performance.

Helpful DIY resource

For “won’t start,” weak power, or intermittent shutoff symptoms, electrical testing basics still help when diagnosing switches, wiring, and safety interlocks:

• How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Last updated: February 2026