Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    inept homeowner's Avatar
    inept homeowner Posts: 28, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 7, 2008, 02:59 PM
    How does one sharpen a lawnmower blade?
    My dad always used to take his to the sharpening place, but there aren't any near where I live now. Does anyone do this themselves? What would I use--a file?
    tjplayer's Avatar
    tjplayer Posts: 45, Reputation: 11
    Junior Member
    		  
    #2

    Jun 7, 2008, 03:44 PM
    Do you not have lawn mower repair places there you live, They usually will do it for you or you could also replace the blades with brand new ones. Plus the place you purchased your lawn mower should be able to help you find some place.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jun 7, 2008, 04:19 PM
    I use a stone on a Dremel tool. Fast and easy. Then check the balance with a round screwdriver mounted in a vise. Lay the center of the blade onto the shaft of the screwdriver and see if there is an excessive imbalance.
    MOWERMAN2468's Avatar
    MOWERMAN2468 Posts: 3,214, Reputation: 243
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #4

    Jun 7, 2008, 05:01 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tjplayer
    Do you not have lawn mower repair places there you live, They usually will do it for you or you could also replace the blades with brand new ones. Plus the place you purchased your lawn mower should be able to help you find some place.
    The op stated that there are not any shops near him.
    Use an angle grinder or bench grinder, a file will take a lot of time, but gives a nice edge.
    Also, VERY IMPORTANT, balance your blade. To balance drive a nail level into a post. Or on the edge of a work bench, after sharpening with the blade clean and free of all debris, place the blade onto the nail with the nail through the center mounting hole of the blade. The blade should hang level, if one side is lower than the other, that indicates that side is heavier and you need to grind more off the lower hanging side. If you use a blade that is not properly balanced, you can, scratch that, you WILL cause damage to your mower. Also, wear safety equipment while sharpening.
    Scleros's Avatar
    Scleros Posts: 2,165, Reputation: 262
    Hardware Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jun 7, 2008, 10:22 PM
    I would also add:
    • Note how the blade is mounted before removing, and remount in same orientation torquing the bolt to the manufacturer's recommended value.
    • The blade tips tend to round over as they wear. The sharpened edge should be ground back so that the tip is square.
    • If you notice any cracks or fatigue lines in the metal, the blade should be replaced.
    • Alternate between edges while grinding to avoid overheating the metal. The metal should not change color. You can use a water pot to frequently cool while grinding. However, were you to heat the blade red hot and then quench it, it will become hardened, and then there is the potential for it to explode if something hard like a rock is hit.
    • Sharpen frequently. Sharp blades yield healthier grass, better gas mileage, and faster mowing.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

How do I sharpen table saw blade [ 19 Answers ]

Can someone explain how to sharpen carbide tipped 10" table saw blades? I have a grinder and a Dremel tool, and I would like to sharpen my blade myself. Please indicate if there is an angle to the tips, just the outer edge sharpened? Please tell me step by step. Thanks.

Sears riding lawnmower blade scalps the ground at any setting [ 3 Answers ]

I have a relatively new Sears Craftsman riding lawnmower. I accidentally ran over a protruding rock last year and ever since then no matter what level I set the blade at, it scalps the ground down to the dirt! I hate to take the mower to a lawnmower repair shop because I know it won't be cheap....

How to replace lawnmower blade or is it to late? [ 2 Answers ]

I hit a tree root in my front yard and bent the lawnmower blade, instead of replacing I bent blade back and continued to mow yard I hit another root. Lawnmower engine is now very loud and engine shaking enough to unscrew nut that holds air filter in place.any suggestions? I tried to take off blade...

Lawnmower Blade [ 1 Answers ]

I have a Murray 16HP 42" Lawnmower. I had to replace the belt however, now the blade would not engage. Can you send a picture of the proper arrangement for the belt, and if I did place the belt correctly, what else may be the possible cause.

Removing a blade from a Craftsman Lawnmower... [ 4 Answers ]

Okay I am trying to tighten up the blade on a Craftsman electric lawnmower my neighbor threw out. It still works, but the blade will not tighten up. I have tried to hold the blade and loosen, held the spinning mechanism the blade sits on, I have jammed screwdriver up into the bottom of the mower...

View more questions Search