Learn how to sharpen lawn mower blades and cut your grass better with our mower video. Then read through the steps below and you'll be set to mow the grass.
Key Points To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades:
- Be sure to put some plastic food wrap under the gas cap so it seals before you tilt the mower.
- Whatever side of the mower that has the gas cap should be tilted up.
- Wear safety gear when sharpening the blade, save your eyes and ears.
The video shows best how to tilt the mower so the gas doesn't spill out, its easier to show than to put into words, but I trust you get it. Some gas caps have vents in them, hence the need for the plastic wrap to seal it.
Use a block of wood and a clamp set against the rim of the mower deck to keep the blade from moving while you remove the bolt. Do not use an adjustable wrench, use a socket or wrench, or you may round off the bolt.
Clamp the blade into a vise and use a right angle grinder to sharpen the blade, you want to do your best to keep the angle of the blade the same. If you do not have a grinder, you can buy a mower blade sharpening stone that attaches to your corded drill.
You can buy a right angle grinder here.
The most important part when you sharpen lawn mower blades is to balance the blade after sharpening it. If the blade is off balance, it will wobble when its cutting and damage the engine. Bad things will happen.
When attaching the blade to the mower, do not over tighten the bolt, hand tight and then a little more. Be careful not to bend the blade against the clamp when tightening the bolt.
The engine will take several pulls to start, don't worry, the gas has to settle in the carburetor again. It will smoke a bit when it first starts. I sharpen my blade several times a year, it makes for a healthier lawn and a cleaner cut.
What are your thoughts on blade sharpening? Let me know below.
Kelly
In your other video of tuning up your lawn mower, one thing you don't mention is how do you get out the old gas if you haven't used the lawnmower more than a year. Other than turning the mower upside down and letting it drain out, is there another way? I did the turn over and let it drain out and then when I turned it back and started it all it did was smoke. How do I keep it from smoking?
Love your videos that are very informative.
Eric
@kelly, you can use one of those turkey basters to suck out the gas, or remove the fuel line where it connects to the carburetor and drain the fuel into a plastic container. please don't dump the gas into the ground or water, thx!
Audrey Pugh
Take out the blade and wipe off any dirt residue and grass. At the same time, use a scraper or putty knife to remove any built up grass from the under-deck section as well. Now clamp the mowers blade into a vice bench for manual sharpening. Inspect the blade for cracks.