Keeping your lawn mower’s blades sharp will ensure that the machine continues to operate efficiently and deliver a clean, precise cut. While the process of sharpening a lawn mower blade is a bit more complex than sharpening a set of kitchen knives, it’s easy enough once you know what to do. This guide from Southern States Milford will walk you through the steps you need to take if you want to sharpen your lawn mower’s blade the right way.

Safely Remove the Blade

The last thing you want is to accidentally start your lawn mower’s engine while working on the blade, so start by removing the spark plug. Mark the bottom of your mower’s blade with paint or a bit or tape to make putting the blade back a bit easier. Access the mower blade by tilting your lawn mower onto its side so that the carburetor faces up. Stick a 2x4 between the deck skirt and the lawn mower’s blade so that the blade resists the board when you remove the bolt. Finally, unscrew the bolt using a breaker bar or long-handled wrench and remove the lawn mower blade. 

Inspect the Condition of the Blade

Next, start inspecting the lawn mower blade. Use a spare lawn mower blade as a point of comparison with your current lawn mower blade. That way, you won’t have to go to the trouble of ordering a new blade if your current one is too worn out. Your lawn mower blade should have a straight cutting edge and a thick trailing edge. If you see dents or chips, it’s time to replace the blade.

Sharpen the Blade

Sharpen your lawn mower’s blade using a file that is at least 10 inches in length. Start your stroke at the top of the blade’s cutting edge and push downward in a single firm, smooth motion. Complete twenty to thirty strokes and then compare your current blade with your spare. Sharpen further if you think it’s warranted. 

Balance the Lawn Mower Blade

Finally, start balancing your lawn mower’s blade. To do this, put a nail through a board and set the blade’s bolt hole on the nail. If the blade tips to one side, that side needs to be filed down.  file that side down. The process of balancing a lawn mower blade can take a while, so be patient and make small adjustments so that you don’t overcorrect. 

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