Taking care of your lawnmower blades is crucial to keeping any lawn looking pristine. While dull blades might still get the job done, they don’t do it properly. Worn blades leave jagged ends on the grass that can brown out faster, making a lawn more vulnerable to damage by pests and disease.
Optimal trimming benefits come when blades are sharpened at least twice a year following the usage rate. With sharp blades, cutting is done evenly and quickly, giving the lawn an even look with impeccable results. When it comes to making any backyard or front yard stand out, regular maintenance of your mower’s blade is what it takes to keep it looking its best. If you have a query about how to sharpen riding mower blades without removing them, read this informative article.
Can You Sharpen Lawnmower Blade without Removing Them?
Yes, you can sharpen lawnmower blade without removing them. Sharpening your mower blade while still attached to the deck can be a time-saver, but it requires careful maneuvering.
To do so, you must position the lawnmower at an angle or level covering, giving you enough access to get your tools inside the deck and sharpen the blade.
Of course, this will be easier on small push mowers than on large riding lawnmowers or zero-turn mowers due to their larger size; however, regardless of mower size, you will only need limited access to get the job done quickly and easily.
Best Tools To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
- Grinder or file
- Gloves
- Safety glasses or goggles
- An additional 4×4 block of wood 12″ to 18.”
- Steel wool and wire brush
- 2×4 wood block (2 units) with a length of 16″ to 20.”
- A bucket of water
- Oil/lubricant or cleaner
How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades without Removing Them?
While sharpening, you must do it safely so that it will not cut your finger. If it is a razor-sharp blade, the likelihood of becoming dull is even more. It is advisable to go for replacement rather than have constant sharpening.
Step 1: Preparation & Seal the Tank and Cut the Power
Before you get started, wear safety gear—such as goggles, gloves and appropriate clothing—to protect yourself from chips and debris. Seal the fuel tank shut and turn off the motor’s power before starting.
Step 2: Turn the mower on its side with its carburetor facing up
Once the power is disconnected, turn the mower on its side so that the carburetor faces up and you can see both blades. Make sure to place blocks or other objects behind the wheels to avoid any accidents.
Step 3: Mark the downward-facing side of the blade.
Using the 2×4 block and a marker, mark the downward-facing side of the blade. This will help you track which side should be facing down once the sharpening process is complete.
Step 4: Restrain Blade Movement with the second block
Place the extra block of wood over the blade and secure it with clamps or rope to ensure that it does not move during sharpening. This will help to keep you safe and also make sharpening more efficient.
Step 5: Clean the Blade
Now, use the steel wool and wire brush to clean off any dirt or debris from the blade. This will help the sharpening process go more smoothly. Finally, wipe down the blade with an oil or lubricant for added protection.
Step 6: Sharpen the Blade
The final and most crucial task is sharpening the blades before your mower is ready. There are several options to choose from when sharpening the blade, such as a handheld or electric grinder, a metal file, or even some more advanced tools if they are available.
It is essential to maintain an accurate angle while sharpening so that both sides of the blade turn out even. This can be tricky since you have to work around the lawn mower and keep it in place, but it can certainly be done with patience. Take your time while grinding and make sure both sides come out sharp so that you can proceed without any worries and get your lawn mower up and running as soon as possible.
Step 7: Reattach the Blade and Reassemble
Reattaching the blade is a relatively simple task. Once it has been sharpened, slide it back onto the mower and tighten the nut until it is secure. After that, you can refill the fuel tank, turn on the motor’s power, and you’re all set!
When To Sharpen Your Mower Blade?
When mower blades become blunt or dull over time, they won’t be able to provide the solid and clean cuts needed for healthy grass. To ensure that your yard looks its best, regularly inspect the blades of your lawnmower and service them when necessary. Doing so will leave you with vibrant green grass as all the nutrients return to the lawn from the neat trimming.
- When there are worn-out blades, you will have to remove them and hone the edges.
- It is advisable to sharpen the mower blade at least twice a season.
- Some people often tend to sharpen the blades after 25 hours of use.
- You will also have to sharpen them when the blades hit rocks which can cause dents.
- At times you will find it difficult while mowing, where the lawn will give you hints that the blades are dull.
- You must look for signs like uneven grass height, dents or nicks, torn-looking blades, or frayed grass edges.
How to Maintain Your Mower Blade?
Blade maintenance is an integral part of having a healthy and perfect lawn. If you want your mower to last as long as possible, you must sharpen the blades every 25 hours throughout the mowing season.
Taking note of how much time you spend mowing might sound tedious, but it’s worth it in the long run. It is far easier to ensure the blade stays sharp than replace it when it gets dull, and it’s often more cost-effective too. Proper blade maintenance will help your lawn look its best and ensure that your mower remains efficient and lasts for years.
Should Both Sides of a Lawnmower Blade be Sharpened?
No, it is not necessary to sharpen both sides of the blade. Like knife blades, lawnmower blades are designed to be sharpened only on one side. This helps maintain the blade’s perfect balance and prevent it from vibrating. Sharpening both sides will throw off this balance and make cutting difficult. It would help if you took your time sharpening the blade to avoid making any mistakes, which could lead to more complications.
How Sharp Should the Blades be?
You want the edges of your blades to be as sharp as possible. While it can be tempting to sharpen until they feel sharp, it is essential that you carefully follow the instructions to get a perfect edge. If the blade is too dull, it won’t cut through grass efficiently, and if it is too sharp, it may damage the lawn. When in doubt, you can always use a blade sharpening gauge to ensure your edges are right.
Practical tips to follow when sharpening lawn mower blades without removing:
You must remember key information to sharpen your lawnmower blades without taking them out. These tips include;
- Sharpen the mower’s blade on an empty fuel tank: This will help you avoid any potential sparks due to a mixture of fuel and electricity.
- Be sure to use the correct tools: Use only the right tools, as using the wrong ones can cause serious damage. Always sharpen in a well-ventilated area: Sharpening blades produce sparks. It is vital to do this in an area with plenty of fresh air.
- Wear protective gear: Since the process involves working with sharp blades, you must wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself from potential accidents.
- Stay updated on the blade situation: This means inspecting the blades regularly to know when they need maintenance.
- Determine when the blades need to be replaced: When the blades are too worn out to be sharpened, it may be necessary to replace them. Knowing when this happens can help you avoid any potential damage due to dull blades.
- Address nicked blades issue: Nicks on the blades can slow down the lawnmower and make it difficult to use. If you find nicked blades, take care of them immediately to maintain your mower’s efficiency.
- Ensure balancing of blades: When you are done sharpening the blades, check their balance. If they are not balanced correctly, it can cause issues while mowing, so be sure to address this problem before using your mower.
Following these tips can help you get the most out of your lawnmower and ensure your mowing experience is as efficient and effective as possible. Sharpening the blades every 25 hours of usage will help keep them in perfect condition, saving you time and money throughout the mowing season.
Conclusion:
This article provided helpful information on how to sharpen push lawn mower blades without removing and ensuring they are up to cutting your grass. It is important to remember that proper blade maintenance is essential for optimal lawn care, so be sure to inspect and sharpen your blades as needed regularly. This will not only make the job easier but also help to save you time and money in the long run.
If you need additional information or assistance with sharpening your lawnmower blades, please get in touch with a lawn care professional for advice and guidance. They can provide valuable insight on properly sharpening your knives and ensuring they are kept in top condition. With their help, you can ensure that your mower performs at its best and help provide a beautiful lawn.
Douglas Mackalie is a Founder of Mackalies Garden. He is one of the most exciting people you’ll ever meet. He has 25 years of experience in horticulture and gardening, most of which he’s spent outdoors getting his hands dirty.