Owner’s manual
Can I put WD-40 on a hedge trimmer?
Yes, you can use WD-40 on the blades of your Craftsman 358796390 hedge trimmer for short-term cleaning and light lubrication, especially to help loosen sap and prevent flash rust. For longer-lasting protection during storage, we recommend finishing with a dedicated blade lubricant and wiping off excess.
- Turn the trimmer off and let it cool completely.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire so the engine cannot start accidentally.
- Brush off debris, then spray a light coat on both sides of the blade teeth.
- Run the trimmer briefly (a few seconds) to distribute lubricant, then shut it off.
- Wipe off extra spray so it does not attract dirt.
WD-40 is helpful, but it is not the best choice for every situation.
- Do not spray near the air filter or carburetor area.
- Do not soak the gearbox or clutch area with spray.
- Do not lubricate blades while they are moving.
- Do not store the trimmer with heavy wet lubricant on the blades; wipe to a thin film.
| Use case | WD-40 | Blade lubricant (bar and chain oil or trimmer blade spray) |
|---|---|---|
| Removes sap and grime | Good | Fair |
| Short-term rust prevention | Good | Good |
| Long-lasting lubrication | Fair | Better |
| Dust attraction | Medium | Medium to high (if overapplied) |
Lubrication helps, but binding can also come from wear or damage. If your cutting performance is still poor, inspect the blade assembly and replace it if teeth are bent, cracked, or excessively loose. For this model, the replacement is the poulan hedge trimmer blade assembly 588828801.
Clean, lightly lubricated blades reduce drag on the engine, improve cut quality, and help prevent corrosion. That can extend the life of wear items like the blade assembly and reduce starting strain on small-engine components.
For model-specific maintenance and safety steps, follow the owner's manual. You can also find parts for Craftsman 358796390 on the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?
A hedge trimmer is typically a lighter-duty tool designed for shaping and trimming hedges with smaller stems using fast, reciprocating blades; a hedge cutter is usually a heavier-duty term used for tools built to power through thicker, woodier growth. For your Craftsman 358796390, the key difference is the cutting capacity and intended workload, not just the name.
| Feature | Hedge trimmer | Hedge cutter |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Shaping, finishing, routine hedge maintenance | Cutting back overgrown hedges, thicker branches |
| Cutting feel | Faster, cleaner on small stems | More force-focused on tougher growth |
| Tool size | Usually lighter and easier to maneuver | Often heavier and more fatiguing over time |
| Best results | Smooth, even hedge lines | Aggressive reduction and rough cutback |
- For frequent touch-ups and clean lines, a hedge trimmer is the better fit.
- For neglected hedges with thicker, woody stems, a hedge cutter style tool is more appropriate.
- If you are forcing the tool, stalling, or tearing stems, you are likely beyond the tool’s ideal cutting range.
- Keep blades sharp and properly lubricated; dull blades make any trimmer feel underpowered.
- Use proper technique: let the blade speed do the work instead of pushing hard.
Using the right tool helps you get cleaner cuts (healthier plants), reduces vibration and fatigue, and lowers wear on key components like the starter system and engine parts. If your Craftsman 358796390 is hard to start or feels inconsistent under load, addressing maintenance and worn parts can restore performance.
If starting or power delivery is the real issue, these parts are common culprits:
- Craftsman lawn & garden equipment engine spark plug 530030179
- Rope starter 545081817
- Start spring 545008013
For model-specific operating and maintenance guidance (fuel mix, starting steps, routine service), use the owner's manual. For replacement parts for your Craftsman 358796390, order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Which is better, a 20V or 40V hedge trimmer?
A 20V hedge trimmer is better for lighter trimming and shorter run times; a 40V hedge trimmer is better for thicker growth, longer continuous cutting, and fewer slowdowns under load. For your Craftsman 358796390 hedge trimmer, use the 358796390 owner's manual to confirm the exact power system and battery requirements before buying parts or accessories.
| Feature | 20V hedge trimmer | 40V hedge trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Light-duty trimming | Medium-duty trimming and heavier growth |
| Typical runtime | Shorter | Longer |
| Cutting power under load | Good for soft growth | Better for thicker, woody stems |
| Tool weight | Usually lighter | Often heavier |
| Battery cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
- Yard size and density: Small hedges and occasional touch-ups fit 20V; larger hedges and dense shrubs fit 40V.
- Branch thickness: If you regularly cut thicker or slightly woody stems, 40V holds speed better.
- Run time needs: If you want to finish in one pass with fewer battery swaps, 40V is the better pick.
- Fatigue and control: If overhead trimming and precision matter most, 20V is often easier to handle.
- Battery platform: Staying on one battery family usually saves money long-term.
Voltage is a quick way to estimate how a cordless hedge trimmer will feel in real use: higher-voltage systems typically deliver stronger cutting performance and longer runtime, while lower-voltage systems usually prioritize lighter weight and lower cost. Matching the tool to your hedge type helps you avoid stalled blades, ragged cuts, and unnecessary wear.
If you are repairing starting or engine-related issues on this model, common service items on this parts list include the rope starter 545081817 and start spring 545008013. For additional parts lookups by model number, use the parts list on this page or search on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
