DIY Guide To Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening
17th Apr 2024
Ever wonder why your lawn looks a bit off, even after you've just mowed it? Or why does it feel like your mower is struggling more than it should? It can all be due to a dull blade, something many of us don’t think about but is super important for a tidy lawn.
Dull blades make lawn mower blade sharpening an important task; without it, cutting grass becomes harder and leaves your lawn looking uneven. Dull lawn mower blade makes cutting grass harder and leaves your lawn looking uneven. Sharp blades ensure a clean cut, a must-have for healthy grass. In this blog, we'll go through the tools required to get the job done and DIY steps.
Let’s get started!
DIY Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Tools
Power Grinder
Equip your power grinder with a blade sharpening attachment to efficiently sharpen your lawn mower's blade. This combination delivers swift and accurate blade sharpening with ease.
Safety Equipment: Glasses and Gloves
Before starting the sharpening process, always wear protective safety glasses and durable gloves to safeguard against injuries while sharpening. They protect your eyes from sparks and your hands from cuts, ensuring a safe DIY project.
A wrench is essential for removing the lawn mower blade safely. It helps loosen and remove the bolts, allowing you to take out the blade for a thorough sharpening session.
Vise and Workbench: The Sharpening Station
Securely clamp the lawn mower blade in a vise mounted on a stable workbench to ensure safety and accuracy during the sharpening process.
For Riding Lawn Mowers, the Mojack lawn mower lifts are made for easy lifting and safety when working on your riding lawn mower. This lift features a smooth release handle and a clutch system that is made for lifting lawn mowers or small tractors.
5 Steps To Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blade
Let's walk through the steps to get that blade slicing neatly through your grass again.
Step 1: Prep for Safety
Start by donning your safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself during the sharpening process. This helps you ensure you are focused on the task without worrying about flying sparks or cuts. Safety gear is your best friend in any DIY project.
Step 2: Remove the Blade
First things first, pull the spark plug wire off. Then, grab your wrench and gently loosen the bolt holding the blade in place. Slide the blade out carefully.
Step 3: Secure the Blade
Now, take that blade and secure it in a vise on your workbench. This isn’t just about making the sharpening process easier—it’s about keeping the blade stable so you can sharpen it safely and effectively. A wobbly blade won’t do anyone any favors, so make sure it’s nice and tight.
Step 4: Sharpen the Blade
Grab your power grinder and gently run the tool along the blade’s edge, keeping the angle consistent to avoid over-sharpening or damaging the blade. This step is all about precision and patience, ensuring each side gets an even sharpening.
Step 5: Check Balance and Reattach
Post-sharpening, verify that the blade is properly balanced to prevent uneven cuts and extend the mower's lifespan. An unbalanced blade can make your mower work harder and leave your lawn looking wonky. Use a blade balancer to check your work. If all looks good, reattach the blade, secure it tightly, and plug the spark plug wire back in.
FAQs
1. How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade by Hand?
To sharpen a lawn mower blade by hand, securely clamp the blade and use a metal file to stroke along the blade's edge, following its angle. Check for sharpness and uniformity as you go. Finish by ensuring the blade is balanced before reattaching it.
2. When do Lawn Mowers Go on Sale?
Lawn mowers often go on sale in early fall when the mowing season ends and stores clear out inventory. Spring can also bring discounts as new models roll out. For the best deals visit JB Tools today.
Start All Your DIY Projects With JB Tools And Save More!
Kick off your DIY projects right by picking up lawn mower blade sharpening tools from JB Tools. Find what you need to get that blade sharp and your mower running smoothly. We have a selection that fits any project, big or small.
Ready to tackle lawn mower blade sharpening yourself? Visit JB Tools for the right tools at the right price. Shop now and keep your DIY costs down.