Blades - Honda UMK431 Owner's Manual

SERVICING YOUR HONDA TRIMMER
Blades
Blade Inspection
Always wear gloves when working around the
blade. Before each use, check the blade for wear
and damage, and check the tightness of the blade
nut. Examine the entire head area, including the
debris shield, and clear or clean it free from dirt,
debris, loose string, wire, or any other foreign
materials.
A worn, damaged or cracked blade can
break, and pieces of the damaged blade
can become dangerous projectiles.
A dull blade is more likely to snag and
thrust (kickback).
Inspect the blade regularly, and do not
operate the trimmer with a dull, worn, or
damaged blade.
A dull blade can be sharpened, but a blade that is
worn out, bent, cracked, chipped, or otherwise
damaged must be replaced.
Blade Removal & Installation (UMK431 UNBA
only)
For models other than the UMK431 UNBA, a
special Barrier Kit must be installed before a
blade can be used. Refer to the instructions
provided with that kit for blades installed on other
(loop handle) models.
Always wear gloves when working around the
blade. Always install the blade cover on the
blade.
A torque wrench is required to install a blade; if
you do not have one, have a Honda trimmer
servicing dealer tighten the blade nut for you. If
the blade nut
is
tightened too much, the blade bolt
can break. If is not tightened enough, the blade
could come off. In either case, it would be
possible for the blade to fly off while you are
operating the trimmer.
BLADE SHARPENING: To avoid weakening the
blade, or causing imbalance or poor cutting, the
blade should be sharpened by trained staff at a
Honda trimmer servicing dealer.
BLADE REPLACEMENT: Your Honda trimmer
servicing dealer has cutting attachments that
have been designed and approved for your
trimmer and are covered by a warranty. Non-
Honda attachments are usually designed for
universal applications. Although aftermarket
attachments may fit on your trimmer, they many
not meet factory specifications and could make
your trimmer unsafe.
When a blade needs sharpening or replacement,
take the trimmer to a Honda trimmer servicing
dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you can
remove and install a blade yourself.
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