You can use a power tool with a sharpening drill bit to sharpen your lawn mower blades. Simply follow the angle of the blade,then remove the metal until both sides are balanced and sharp.
Examine the balance of the blade prior to remounting it,because a lopsided blade can cause your mower to overtax its engine. To check the balance of the blade,hang it from the nail and verify that it tilts to one side.
Safety First
A dull blade that isn’t balanced properly can cause the mower to vibrate,and possibly cause damage to its internal components. To avoid this,the blade should be sharpened and rebalanced following it’s removed from the mower for servicing. Use a mower blade sharpener.
A sharp blade cuts grass cleanly and evenly,which helps keep the lawn healthy. Examine your lawn after you mow,and see if the edges of the grass are split instead of being well-cut. Also,check the mower blade for nicks or dents. These indicate that it’s time to sharpen it.
Most lawn mower blades are held with a bolt,which is difficult to remove without causing damage to the mower. To make the process more simple,wedge a 2×4 between the mower and the blade to block it and hold it steady while you loosen the bolt with an ratchet or socket. It’s helpful to mark both the blade and bolt with spray paint or markers to help keep track of the way to reinstall them.
Check the Balance
If you take the blade out for sharpening,it’s a good idea to test it for balance. A well-balanced blade keeps the mower running smoothly,protects the motor and helps you save time. To do this,you need to place the blade in a blade balancer. Note which end is more heavy. When you put it back in,keep in mind the more hefty end when tightening your bolt with your ratchet.
The majority of mower blades are secured by a single bolt the nut or the wing. It isn’t easy to loosen these bolts without the mower therefore it is best to put some wood (such a 2×4) in between the deck and the blade to ensure that the blade remains in place while you loosen them with your ratchet or wrench. As you work,you should quench the blade regularly to avoid overheating. You can do this by dipping it into a bucket of water and allow it to cool. A blade that is properly quenched will have a dark edge that is as sharp as a knife.
Make sure the Blade is clean.
The blades of a lawnmower are the most vital component and should be kept in good order. If they are worn out or bent,the cuts the mower makes aren’t as clean as they ought to be. A dull blade can pull the grass instead slicing,leaving it jagged and susceptible for disease.
It is a good idea to examine your blades on a regular basis,and to keep an extra set on hand in case in an emergency. You should also be aware of how to remove the old blades with safety and properly sharpen them yourself if necessary.
The blades must be replaced if they have large dents,or bending in a noticeable way. If the blade has a crack it is more likely to break while mow. Metal debris can travel through the air and cause injury or damage siding.
Sharpen the Blade
It is vital to keep the blade sharp so that your lawn looks great and your mower performs well. A dull blade can tear grass instead of cutting it evenly leading to uneven areas of your lawn and can cause disease and fungus. Sharpening your blades should be done approximately 25 hours after each use,based on the frequency you use your lawnmower.
You can sharpen the blade of lawnmowers by hand using a file,or mechanically with a bench grinder or angle grinder. In either scenario,make sure that you are wearing the proper safety equipment like wearing heavy work gloves and eye protection. Sharpening a knife can result in sparks and metal shards that be released into your eyes and onto your skin.
If your mower has bolts that keep the blade in place it is possible to loosen it by turning the mower over and wedge the scrap piece of wood,like 2×4 between the bolt and the handle of the mower. This will stop the mower from spinning when you loosen the bolt.