If your lawn mower seems more sluggish when you are lawn mowing, or the cuts seem uneven, then it may be time to sharpen your lawn mower blades. Many people panic when they realize that lawn mower blade-sharpening is necessary when you own a lawn mower. Fortunately, this is a simple process that some people can complete on their own.
Why Sharpening your Lawn Mower Blades Matters
Although it may seem like no big deal to let your lawn mower blades grow dull, it could devastate your lawn.
Dull blades prevent your lawn mower from providing a clean cut. When your lawn has a choppy finish, it’s susceptible to lawn diseases that will quickly spread throughout your grass.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
As a lawn mower owner, you should be sharpening your blades every 20 to 25 hours of use. With the right tools and instruction, it shouldn’t take long for your lawn mower to be back in top shape for regular use.
Disconnect Spark Plug
You should always disconnect the spark plug before working on your lawn mower. This will prevent the lawn mower from accidentally engaging while you are working on it. Place a wrench with a socket on the spark plug and turn it counterclockwise.
Remove Lawn Mower Blade Equipment
Turn the mower upside down or put it on a lift so that you can get under it. In some cases, turning it on its side will give you enough access to the blade. Locate the piece of metal holding the blades in place. Use a wrench to remove the bolts holding the metal in place.
Mark the Blade
Use a piece of tape or chalk to mark which side of the blade is facing down. You will need to know this when you reinstall the blade, and it is very easy to get confused.
Separate the Blade
The next step is to remove the blades from the metal core holding them together. You may need to use a penetrating spray to loosen the blade enough that it will come off.
Clean Lawn Mower Blade
It is impossible to do a great job sharpening the blade if it is dirty. Therefore, you need to clean the blade before you continue. If you can get high water pressure from your water hose, use it to remove the built-up grime, grass and dirt from the blade. Otherwise, you will need to use a power washer
Clamp Securely
You will need to use a bench clamp to securely hold the blade while sharpening it. You will need both hands to sharpen the blade. Therefore, this step is essential.
Sharpen Lawn Mower Blade
The next step is to sharpen the blade. You can either sharpen it with a file or a grinder. It is easier to sharpen the blade with a grinder but also to ruin the blade’s cutting angle. Therefore, the best choice is the file if you are a novice.
You need to create a blade that has about a 40-to-45-degree angle. Expect to make about 50 passes with the file. You want the blade to be almost as sharp as a butter knife. Sharpening it too much will make the blade dull faster.
Reinstall the Blade
Place the blade back on the lawn mower, ensuring you have the right side facing down. Hold the blade with the metal piece and bolts you removed. Finally, put the spark plug back in the lawn mower. Turn the mower right side up or take it off the lift.
No Time to Sharpen Up? Executive Lawn Care Can Help!
Lawn mowing in Dallas can seem like a full-time job. Instead of using valuable free time to sharpen your lawn mower blades, hire us at Executive Lawn Care to do your mowing and landscaping for you.
We are the lawn care experts that can help your lawn look great and let you enjoy its beauty year-round. Contact us today to get your residential property on our schedule. First mow is on us!
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