Understanding lawn mower blades
Before you start sharpening your lawn mower blades, it is essential to understand the basic components of this machinery. Lawn mower blades are designed to cut grass into even heights with precision. If your blades are dull, they will tear grass instead of cutting it, which leads to uneven and ragged looking grass. Therefore, it is crucial to sharpen your blades at least twice every season for optimal performance. The following steps will guide you in sharpening your lawn mower blades.
Tools needed for sharpening lawn mower blades
Before you begin, ensure that you have all the necessary tools to make the process of sharpening the blades easy. These tools include a socket wrench, blade balancer, and a bench grinder to name a few. When you have all the tools ready, the process of sharpening the blades becomes smooth and ensures that your blades are sharp enough to cut grass evenly. Other tools that may come in handy include file, whetstone, and sharpening stone.
Steps to sharpening lawn mower blades
Now that you understand your blades and have all the necessary tools let’s jump into how you can sharpen your blades. Start by removing the blade from the lawn mower’s deck by turning the mower upside down. Then, using a wrench and socket, remove the nut holding the blade onto the spindle. Afterward, check the blade to ensure you don’t have any cracks or dents on it. If it is in good condition, proceed to sharpen it with a bench grinder. Afterward, use a blade balancer to ensure that the blade is even on all sides before reattaching it to your mower.
Maintain your blades
Now that you have successfully sharpened your lawn mower blades, ensure you maintain them well for optimal performance. One way to do this is by keeping your mower blades sharp all seasons. It’s also critical to avoid mowing on wet grass or uneven terrain, as this can cause damage to the blade. Finally, always clean the blades after each use and store them correctly to prevent rusting. With the right maintenance culture, your blades will last for longer.
Sharpening lawn mower blades is an easy process but requires the right tools and knowledge to ensure that they are sharp enough to cut grass evenly. By following these steps and maintaining your blades properly, you can avoid tearing the grass, maintain a green lawn, and avoid having to replace your blades every season. And remember, safety is essential when sharpening your blades, use gloves and goggles to avoid injury.
