Tips for Sharpening a Lawn Mower Blade

Maintaining your lawn mower involves more than filling up the gas tank and changing the oil. A crucial component to consider is the blade, which should be sharpened regularly for an effective cut. Dull blades rip grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leading to a less healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawn. If you're unsure how to sharpen your lawn mower blade properly, you've come to the right place!

Remove the Blade Safely

Safety is paramount when working on machinery like lawn mowers. Before you begin, disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Carefully tilt your mower onto its side, ensuring no fuel leaks during the process. Next, you’ll want to remove the blade by loosening its bolts with a wrench or socket—take note of how it’s positioned for easy reinstallation.

Clean and Inspect

Once removed, thoroughly clean any grass and debris clinging to the blade. Cleaning allows you to inspect it closely for damage or excessive wear that might indicate a replacement is necessary, rather than sharpening.

Sharpen with Care

Wear protective gloves when handling sharp tools like lawn mower blades, as they will help you hold them properly. At this point, secure the blade in a vise or use another stable surface. 

Use a file or a grinder to sharpen each edge evenly at an angle similar to its original bevel. It's crucial not to over-sharpen; aim for a balance that maintains durability while restoring function.

Balance After Sharpening

An imbalanced blade leads to vibrations that can damage your lawn mower and produce uneven cuts. To check the balance, hang the blade on a nail via its central hole—if one end dips lower than the other, remove additional material from that side until it balances horizontally.

Return your newly sharpened blade to the mower in its original position, secure it tightly with bolts, and reconnect the spark plug once everything is safely back together.

We hope these tips help you sharpen your lawn mower blades effectively. If you have more questions or want to check out our latest inventory of premium lawn mowers for sale, visit South Country Equipment at one of our 8 locations across Saskatchewan, including Emerald Park, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Assiniboia, Montmartre, Mossbank, Raymore, and Southey. We are happy to serve all our customers in Regina as well, so swing by today!