Using the Makita 198408-1 8-inch Hedge Trimmer Blade Assembly is easy. First, make sure you have a Makita 18V LXT Grass Shear, model XMU04. Install the blade quickly and easily. Once it's installed, you can start trimming hedges with precision. When using the trimmer, always wear appropriate safety gear like gloves and goggles. For maintenance, after each use, wipe the blade clean to remove any debris. To prevent rust, keep the blade dry. If you notice any signs of staining, use a mild cleaner to clean the non - electrolyzed nickel - plated blades. This will help keep your hedge trimmer blade in good condition for a long time.