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Where To Go To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

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Best Tips For Sharpening Your Lawn Mower Blades

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The best way to determine if its time to sharpen your lawn mower blades is to monitor them for dullness. If youre not quite sure that the eye test will work, then check out the signs listed in the first step of this Home Depot article. After 25 hours of usage, you should sharpen your blades. Depending on the size of your lawn, that works out to usually two sharpening sessions during lawnmowing season.

When it is time to sharpen your blades, there are a few methods you can use. Theres always the option of taking them to a professional service, but learning how to sharpen lawn mower blades is actually a fairly easy process. The first step is deciding what method to use.

Sharpen Both Sides Of The Blade

Your blade has two halves leading out from the center attachment. Each half has its own cutting edge that needs to be sharpened. Since the blade is still installed in the lawn mower, youll only be sharpening the closer side of the cutting edge. I recommend sharpening this way because its faster, easier, and single bevel blades work just as well.

Sharpening a single side of your lawn mowers blades cutting edges will get them just as sharp, and takes less work than trying to sharpen both sides. You wont have to reach around some pretty tricky angles to sharpen the side thats facing the lawn mowers cutting deck.

What is the difference between the cutting edge and the blade? The blade is the whole part, the cutting edge is the small section on either side of the blade that is sharpened.

If youre using a flat file to sharpen your blade it will take just a little bit longer. Run the file along the blade several times, only applying pressure in one direction. This will gradually take off a little bit of metal, sharpening the blade and making it more effective. It will probably take 5 to 10 minutes per side to sharpen the lawn mowers blade this way.

If youre using a rotary sharpening tool, the sharpening process should be much faster. Rotary tools take off metal more quickly, and are easier to use, but can be less precise than using a file.

Stabilize The Mower With A Wooden Block

Before starting the cleaning process, make sure that the mower is not moving. It should be stable so that you do not hurt yourself while cleaning the blades. Take a 4×4 wooden block and place it diagonally on the farthest portion of the mower. The diagonal position will keep the mover lifted position stable.

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When Does Your Lawn Mower Blade Need Sharpening

Knowing when to sharpen your lawn mower blade can be a little bit of an art rather than a science. Thats because different kinds of grass dull your lawn mowers blade at different rates. Combine that with different lawn mower motors, different blade materials, and different blade designs and you have a recipe for very varied sharpening schedules.

There are some general rules you can follow to make sure sharpening the blade at the right time. These are good guidelines, but if you think your lawn mower blade needs sharpening youre probably right.

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I like to sharpen my lawn mower blade just as Im starting to mow my lawn in the spring. It helps make sure my lawn is off to a good start every year, and also gives me a chance to look over my lawn mower for any signs that it needs maintenance before mowing season starts.

After that, your lawn mowers blade should be sharpened every 20 to 25 hours of use. For some people, that means that youll only sharpen your lawn mower blade a couple of times a year. For other lawns, you may need to sharpen the blade several times a season. Thats why some guides, like this guide to lawn care, recommend sharpening twice a season.

Eventually, after sharpening your blade several times, its better to just replace and get a new blade than to keep trying to sharpen it.

Its Time To Return The Blade

Lonnie Manning: How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

Once the cutting edge is sharpened and the blade is balanced, its time to put it back to its home. Put the blade back the correct way and fasten it with the same nuts and bolts you took out earlier. This is your last chance to remove any remaining mud on the underside of your mower. Afterwards, turn your mower right side up and reinstall the spark plugs.

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How To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades For A Better Looking Lawn

  • May 21, 2021

Its that time of year across most of the United States. With colder weather giving way for spring, lawn mowing season is back in full swing. Keeping your lawn looking nice comes down to a few key elements. Of course, taking the time to care for your lawn isnt always easy. That means when you do mow, you want to make sure youre getting the best cut possible. Therefore, you need to be keeping an eye on your lawn mower blades.

Worx cordless lawn mowers are some of the best value mowers on the market, but even top of the line equipment still requires regular maintenance to run the best it can. Lawn mower blades dull over time, and depending on the size of your lawn they might need regular care. Plenty of hardware stores will offer to sharpen your lawn mower blades for you, but theres no need to take them to someone else. Here are the best tips for sharpening lawn mower blades at home so anyone can get the job done!

How To Sharpen Riding Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing

Every house has lawn mowers as people dont hire a gardener to do this job and pay them a hefty amount as they can easily do it by themselves. The lawnmower is a one-time investment, and it lasts very long. Lawnmowers are among the most commonly used garden equipment, but they must be sharpened to give your grass a magnificent appearance. At least it would be best if you sharpened your lawnmower blades twice a year, but it depends on the usage.

Many consumers might believe this is unneeded since their blades will still chop their lawn even if they are not sharpened. However, with old blades, the trim would be harsh, causing damaged ends on the edges of each grass. These can make your lawn appear brown faster, as well as make it more prone to insects and diseases. The lawn owner wouldnt want that to happen. Sharp blades also make it easier to mow the lawn uniformly and fastly, resulting in a neatly green lawn.

In this article, well tell you a step-by-step process about how to sharpen riding lawn mower blades without removing them. Lets begin!

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Watch For Excess Vibration

Once youve got your blade sharpened, and youre out cutting grass again, be aware of how your mower is running. If there is more vibration to the mower than you remember, you might have shaved your blade a bit out of balance.

When you run your mower with an unbalanced blade, you could end up with poor cut quality and even cause structural damage to the mower. If you suspect your blade is out of balance, you may want to take it off the mower and check. Balancing lawn mower blades is a pretty easy process and could save you some trouble in the long run.

About Tom Greene

I’ve always had a keen interest in lawn care as long as I can remember. Friends used to call me the “lawn mower guru” , but I’m anything but. I just enjoy cutting my lawn and spending time outdoors. I also love the well-deserved doughnuts and coffee afterward!

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How To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
  • Remove the spark plug
  • Pull the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent the motor from accidentally starting. Tape or tie it back so it doesn’t flop back into contact with the plug.
  • Pro Tip:We recommend always removing the spark plug when you’re working on the blade. If the piston happens to be at the top of the compression stroke, a little bump to the blade might force the piston over the hump and into the power stroke. If that happens, the blade will lurch around and could break your hand!
  • Tip the mower on its side
  • Turn the mower onto its side with the air filter and carburetor side up. This keeps oil and gas from dripping into the air filter.
  • The carburetor is usually easy to recognize because it has throttle cables running to it. If you keep this side up when you tip your mower over to get at the blade, you won’t get a smoke cloud from leaking oil the next time you start it. Some mowers have gas caps with air holes that could leak a little gas onto your garage floor, so work outside or keep a rag handy to clean up drips.
  • Note: Mower repair pros say that the biggest mistake homeowners make is installing a blade upside down after sharpening it. The blade won’t cutand they’ll go nuts trying to figure out why!
  • Pro Tip: Keep a second blade on hand. The store will probably be closed when you need one!
  • Remove the Blade
  • Wedge a short 2×4 between the blade and the deck to clamp the blade.
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    Signs That The Blades Of Your Lawn Mower Need Sharpening

    There are a few signs that you must learn to know when you should take in your lawn mower blades. By learning these signs by heart, you will quickly identify when the blades are beginning to dull and are no longer as effective as they once were. If you do not know the signs, you will not notice the blades becoming dull, which means that it will take a long time for you to see that they need to be sharpened and clean. If you wait too long, the blades could break down and develop permanent damage. Then youll have to purchase a brand new set of lawn mower blades, which will cost you more money.

    • The blade no longer feels sharp, and you have to go over the same spot of grass several times in order to get a clean cut
    • After mowing the lawn, the grass is not a uniform height.
    • If you rent a piece of paper over the blade, you have to use pressure for the blade to cut it.

    Note:

    No matter your blades quality, eventually, the metal will lose its integrity and cannot be sharpened anymore. At that point, you have to purchase a new set of blades. Depending on the blades quality and how well you care for them, a lawn mowers blades can last from one to two years. If you place a sticker on your lawn mower with the lawn mower blades date of purchase written on it, youll know if it is time to replace the blades.

    Precautions During Sharpening Of A Lawnmower Blade

    • Always use eye protection and gloves while sharpening a lawnmower blade. The chances of injury are quite low as 1% but wearing protection is a good practice.
    • Always swipe the sharpening material on a lawnmower blade in a gentler way so it may not disturb the shape of the blade.
    • Never place wood on any angle other than 90 degrees to restrict the blade movement when you unscrew the old blade.
    • Make sure the mulching blade is tightened well on the vise so it may not fly away while sharpening it.
    • Never use the tools to pull the spark plug wire, always pull it by hand.
    • Always use the narrow file to sharpen the mulching blade as it is more efficient than the wider one.

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    Difference Between Sharp And Dull Blade

    A razor-sharp blade always saves time provides a clean and efficient cut. It also helps to minimize the spread of lawn fungus.Conversely, a dull blade could not trim the grass efficiently and conflict with the grasss edge, and sometimes its pulling the grass root. It also promotes fungal growth.

    As a result, after a few days of mowing your lawn, you see an unhealthy brown yard. And no one love to see his/her yard is brown.

    So if you want to maintain a healthier lawn there is no way out except to sharpen the lawn mower blades.

    How To Sharpen Lawn Mowing Blades By Using Other Machines

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    First, clamp the lawnmower by using a vise. After putting on safety gloves and glasses to avoid unfortunate events, attach a blade sharpener with a drilling machine. Then find the perfect angle of sharpening by placing the grinder over the blades edge. Use medium pressure and start sharpening by moving the drilling machine forward and backward. Only a few strokes will do the job for you. You can point both the edges in the same process.

    If you use an angle grinder, you need to use a flap disc. Alignment needs to be done manually. After that, move the angle grinder slowly, and all your rough spots will get smoothened. After finishing the process on one side, you need to repeat the same thing on the other side.

    A person planning to sharpen the blades of a lawnmower needs to remember a few things while sharpening the blades. Do not overheat the edges of the lawnmower blade. When overheating, dunk it in a bucket full of cold water. Over sharpening the lawnmower blade is also harmful as a razor-sharp blade can cause a lot of harm to the user. So, it is always ideal for sharpening it like a butter knife. And as we have previously mentioned, never forget to wear safety glasses and safety gloves.

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    My Final Thoughts On Sharpening Your Lawn Mower Blade Without Removing It

    Keeping your lawn mower blade sharp doesnt have to be difficult. Sharpening your lawn mowers blade without removing it is quick, easy, and very effective.

    Its one of the simplest ways to keep your lawn mowers blade in good condition without just replacing the blade.

    Plus, your grass will definitely appreciate the sharper blade. It will be healthier, grow faster, and less vulnerable to disease when you keep your lawn mowers blade in good condition.So, now that you know how I know how easy it can be theres nothing to get in your way.

    Keep your lawn mowers blade sharp, keep your lawn mower effective, and enjoy your beautiful lawn.

    Rhiannin Bunney

    How Often Should Lawn Mower Blades Be Sharpened

    Assuming you live in an area where the lawn doesnt have to be cut at all times of the year, start the season by cleaning and sharpening the blades of your lawnmower. Many people find that if they do, they can go an entire season without having to hone them again.

    Push lawnmowers that dont have any source of external power generally need to be sharpened more often than those that run on gas or batteries. Youll also want to make sure that the blades for these are balanced to encourage even wear.

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    How Do You Sharpen A Lawnmower Blade With A Whetstone

    Sharpening with a whetstone is much the same as sharpening with a file. Most commonly you should hold it at a 45-degree angle and sharpen in one direction, but check the existing angle first some blades are different and if you use the existing angle as a guide you can always sharpen any blade at the perfect angle.

    Sharpening The Lawn Mower Blade:

    How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade | This Old House

    Should you sharpen using a bench grinder? You could, but theyre a little too powerful. We recommend sharpening by hand, so that youre able to more closely control the sharpening.

    Using a vice makes sharpening the blades much easier, as youre able to hold them in place. We recommend that you wear gloves, as the blade will be very sharp, and metal filings will come off the blade as you sharpen it.

    Lawn mower blades are only sharp on one side . So be sure to only sharpen the chiseled side. As Jack says in the video, its similar to a chisel that you would use for woodworking.

    Using your flat file, begin filing, following the contour of the blade. File into the direction of the cut . Youll notice that the blade will start to become silver. If there are any detents in the blade , you can rotate your file.

    Continue to file until the blade is sharp.

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    Tip The Mower Blades On The Side

    Once you have removed the power connection, start the process. Always keep the carburetor of the lawn mower on top. This step is to prevent fuel from entering the carburetor.

    Turn over the mower to the side. Tilt the lawn mower and incline it aside. Make sure that the blades of the movers should be facing you. This step is crucial so that you can access the blades right in front of you.

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    When Done Professionally

    While the prices will vary from location to location, hopefully, you can get an idea from the average rates we’ve been able to find.

    The average price for getting a blade sharpened turns out to be just over $7, which is easily affordable if you’re worried about getting the best cut for your lawn! For less than the price of a Big Mac meal, you can give your yard the best chance of looking green and fresh every time you clip it.

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