You can use a power device with sharpening drill bits to sharpen the blades of your lawn mower. Follow the existing angle on the blade, then remove the metal until both sides are in balance and sharp.
Check the balance before remounting the blade, as a blade that is tilted to one side will overload the lawnmowers engine. To check the balance hang the blade on a nail through its center hole and see if it tilts toward one side.
Safety First
A dull blade that isn’t properly balanced can make the mower vibrate, and possibly cause damage to its internal components. To avoid this, the blade should be sharpened and rebalanced after it’s taken off the mower for servicing. Try out The Best Mower Blade Sharpener To Buy in 2023 For A Great Lawn.
A sharp blade will cut grass evenly and cleanly, which makes the lawn healthier. After you’ve mowed your lawn, look to see if the edges are broken instead of being properly cut. Also, check the mower blade for nicks or dents. These indicate that it’s time to sharpen it.
The majority of lawn mower blades are anchored with a bolt, which can be difficult to take off without causing damage to the mower. To make the process less complicated to do, place a 2×4 between the blade and mower to block it. Then, use a socket or ratchet to loosen the bolt. Mark the bolt and blade using spray paint or permanent markers to remind you the best way to reinstall them.
Check the Balance
When you take the blade off to sharpen it, it’s a good idea to check it for balance. A well-balanced blade keeps the mower running smoothly it protects the motor and helps you save time. To do this, you need to place the blade in a balancer. Note which side is more heavy. When you replace the knife, keep in mind the larger end when tightening the bolt with your ratchet.
The majority of mower blades are secured with a single bolt nut or wing nut. It is difficult to remove these bolts without the mower therefore it is best to place some wood (such a 2×4) between the deck and the blade to keep the blade in place while you loosen them with your ratchet or wrench. To prevent the blade from overheating, quench it frequently while working. Place it into a bucket of water that is cold and allow it to cool. A properly cooled blade will have a smooth dark edge that’s as sharp as a butter knife.
Make sure the Blade is clean.
The blades are the primary component of a lawn mower and should be maintained in good working order. If they are worn out or bent, the cuts that the mower makes aren’t as clean as they ought to be. A dull blade can pull grass instead of cutting, leaving it slack and susceptible for disease.
It is a Smart idea to examine your blades on a regular basis, and to have a spare set available in case in the event of an emergency. You should also be able to safely remove the old blades and sharpen them if required.
If the blades have large dents or are noticeably bent they’ll have to be replaced. If the blade has a crack it is likely to break when cutting. Metal debris will fly through the air and could cause injury or damage to siding.
Sharpen the Blade
Sharpening your blade is vital to ensure that your lawn looks amazing and your mower running well. A dull blade tears grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which leads to uneven sections of your lawn and may cause diseases and fungus. Based on how often you use your mower, you must sharpen it about 25 hours after every use.
Sharpening the blade of a lawn mower either by hand with the aid of a file or mechanically using a bench grinder or angle grinder. In either case, be sure that you are wearing the proper safety equipment such as a pair of heavy work gloves and eye protection. Sharpening the blade could cause sparks and small shards of metal which could end up in your eyes or on your skin.
You can loosen the bolt on your lawnmowers that holds the blade by turning it over and placing some scrap wood, like a 2×4, in between the handle and bolt. This will stop the mower spinning as you loosen the bolt.