How to Sharpen Your Mower’s Blade for a Clean Cut

Don’t put off sharpening your lawn mower’s blade any longer. A freshly sharpened blade keeps your mower maintained and your lawn healthy.

Take a few minutes to follow these 10 steps to sharpen your mower’s blade for a cleaner cut:

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire in order to prevent the lawn mower from accidentally starting.

2. Drain out all of the gas from the mower.

3. Tip the mower so its lying on it side. Clamp a piece of wood to the deck to keep the blade from moving.

4. Use a socket or wrench to remove the blade from the mower(If it’s too tight, spray on some lubricant.)

5. Place the blade in a vice to make sharpening easier.

6. Begin sharpening the blade by running a metal file along the edge. Keep the file at a 40 to 45 degree angle against the blade. (To be sure, check manufacturer information for the exact angle.)

7. Continue moving the file in short, smooth strokes in the direction of the cutting edge. Count the same number of strokes on each side of the blade to keep it balanced.

8. If there is extensive damage to the blade, use a bench grinder to sharpen the blade. Move the blade in a back and forth motion against the wheel of the grinder.

9. Use a balancer to ensure the balance of the blade. If you don’t own a balancer, place the blade on a wooden dowel to see if it lies flat. If it tilts, file the side that doesn’t tilt up until it is able to lie flat.

10. Clean off old grass clippings under the mower before attaching the blade. Then, reinstall the blade carefully and securely.

 For more information on lawn care and keeping your lawn healthy, contact your local experts at KC Landscape Curbing today at 816-820-0965.