by
Brett Freeman, All About Lawns Columnist
If you're like a lot of people, your lawn mower's blade was last sharpened…some time before you bought the thing. For whatever reason, most folks shy away from under-the-mower maintenance, but there's nothing difficult about removing and sharpening your mower's blade, and it's an important bit of maintenance. Having a sharp blade is what's best for your mower and your lawn.
Be Careful
There are a couple of precautions you should take before removing the blade. The first is to disconnect the spark plug. Remember that all your pull starter is doing is rotating the blade until the engine catches. There's more than one guy going around with the nickname "Lefty" who didn't realize turning the blade manually could also cause the engine to roar to life. You should also wear heavy work gloves. It will take some force to loosen the nut holding the blade in place, and you want to make sure you're protected if your hand slips off your wrench and into the blade.
Be Deliberate
A grinder is best for sharpening your blade, but you can also use a rotary tool with a blade sharpening attachment or a file. All of these tools are designed to sharpen with light to moderate force, so don't push too hard. After placing the blade in a vise, begin by smoothing out any nicks or dents, and continue, following the existing bevel, until the blade is good and sharp. When you're satisfied, check the blade's balance. You can buy a blade balancer at most hardware stores, or you can make one by tying a hex nut to a piece of string. Run the string through the center hole of the mower blade, then lift the blade off the ground. If one side is heavier (if it dips towards the floor), continue sharpening that side until the blade is balanced. Your mower blade spins at thousands of RPM, and if it's out of balance it will cause serious vibrations that, over time, can cause damage to your mower. Once the blade is balanced, reattach the blade, reconnect the spark plug, and you're good to go.
Brett Freeman is a freelance journalist. He also owns a landscaping and irrigation company in North Carolina. Previously he has worked as a beat reporter, a teacher, and for a home improvement company, and he used to own a bar/live music venue.
