It's important to know that a dull lawn mower blade can damage your grass, leaving it vulnerable to disease and pests. But that's not all, a dull lawn mower blade will leave your grass looking ragged with uneven edges.
Let's take a quick look at the basic of sharpening your lawn mower blade, so you can get your lawn mower ready for its next mow!
Here's how to do it:
Preparation: Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand. You'll need a socket wrench, a file, and a blade balancer. You'll also need to disconnect the spark plug wire to ensure your safety while working.
Remove the Blade: Once you have your tools ready, you'll need to remove the blade from your mower. To do this, flip your mower onto its side and use the socket wrench to loosen the nut that holds the blade in place. Be careful not to cut yourself on the blade as you remove it.
Inspect the Blade: With the blade removed, take a close look at it to see if there are any nicks or dents that need to be repaired. If the blade is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced. However, if there are just a few minor nicks, you can proceed with sharpening.
Sharpen the Blade: Using a file, sharpen the blade's cutting edge at a consistent angle. Be sure to file in the same direction as the bevel, typically away from the sharp edge. Use long, smooth strokes and keep the file level with the blade. Do this for each side of the blade until you've removed all nicks and the blade is sharp.
Balance the Blade: After you've sharpened the blade, you'll need to balance it to ensure it cuts evenly. You can do this by using a blade balancer, which is a simple tool that helps you determine if the blade is balanced. Place the blade on the balancer and make sure it's level. If one side of the blade is heavier, remove a bit more material from that side until the blade is balanced.
Reinstall the Blade: Once you've sharpened and balanced the blade, it's time to reinstall it. Tighten the nut with the socket wrench, being careful not to over-tighten it, which can damage the blade or mower.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your blade is sharp and balanced, to help keep your grass healthy and looking great. Remember to wear gloves and follow safety precautions, and if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, consider taking your mower to a professional for blade sharpening.