How do you sharpen lawnmower blades?

February 19, 2010 by lawnmower · 9 Comments
Filed under: Maintenance & Repairs 
lawnmower
julliana asked:

on a push mower? Do I have to remove the blade or can I just turn the mower over? Can I use a whetstone to rub the edges or do I need special equipment?

Are dull blades what are causing my problem? My grass looks shabby and uneven even though I’m mowing.

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Comments

9 Responses to “How do you sharpen lawnmower blades?”
  1. Ronmower " Einstein" Weedeater says:
    February 20, 2010 at 7:45 am

    If your grass looks shabby and uneven, it’s not because of your lawnmower, it’s your grass. Never, ever, flip a lawnmower upside down. You may get sharp blades, but you’ll have a whole set of problems that you don’t even wanna think about. As for sharpening the blades I’ve seen folks slightly lift one side and use all sorts of kitchen gadgets to sharpen the blade[s]. Anytime you sharpen or remove the blade[s] remove the spark plug wire so there is no possible way for even one combustion cycle. I like to remove the blade and sharpen it with a bench grinder or a electric hand grinder. When I was a kid, we used a file. So slow. I would think a whetstone would be even slower. For an experiment, I have gone four years now without sharpening one of my blades. It has two. The both of them cut the same….so far. They don’t need to be all that sharp. The sharper they are, the faster they dull. Don’t forget to put the spark plug wire back on. Oh, put a nail on the wall and put the blade on it to make sure it is balanced. We don’t want to knock out the lower shaft seal.

  2. summertime says:
    February 20, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    i was told when i bought my push mower you have to take it in and have it done summertime

  3. DANIEL S says:
    February 21, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    Most hardware stores will sharpen your blades for a small fee comparable to what you would spend on the tools to DIY.
    Best thing to do is to remove the blade & bring it to them.
    To answer your other question, yes a dull blade will make your lawn look “hacked & shabby”.
    Hope this helped, good luck!
    WHEN REMOVING & REPLACING A LAWNMOWER BLADE, DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG!!! DANIEL S

  4. hoch2104 says:
    February 24, 2010 at 8:30 am

    No you can sharpen them yourselves, get a metal file. You can also go to Sears and buy a new one for like 12.00, maybe easier! hoch2104

  5. Jimbo49 says:
    February 26, 2010 at 12:56 am

    You will have to take it to a specialist who deals in that sort of thing. The cylinder has to come off and it is ground so as to make it sharp and level. Dont try using a stone as this will just make the cylinder uneven and leave a shabby cut. Jimbo49

  6. expatmt says:
    February 26, 2010 at 2:58 am

    Always disconnect the spark plug when doing anything with the blade.
    If you have some mechanical experience, you can sharpen the blade on the mower by using a large “mill bastard” file. If you don’t know what you are doing, have an experienced person show you.
    The blade should be balanced, too.
    If you are interested in doing the sharpening and balancing yourself, you should have some shop equipment such as a vice (must be mounted on a sturdy surface) to hold the blade, a grinder of sufficient capacity to grind the blade (I prefer a file as inexperienced people can get the blade too hot in spots and a chip may occur) and a balancing cone to put the center hole of the blade on. Metal must be removed from the heavy side of the blade( the blade will tip towards the heavy side) to balance the blade.
    If you have the knowledge to remove the blade, I suggest keeping two extra blades around so you always have a sharp one. expatmt

  7. Nighthawk says:
    February 28, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    As stated this needs to be done on a jig which means taking it to a specialist (although it is not rocket science). Before you spend money on this check the adjustments of the fixed blade. When you turn the cylinder by hand it should feel and sound like a good pair of scissors. Nighthawk

  8. Richard R says:
    March 1, 2010 at 5:08 am

    Not really as easy as asking. Raise mower off ground, elevate safely and secure. there is only 1 large nut holding blade to engine shaft.NEVER just turn the mower over!!!! Oil will backflow into places it shouldn`t be. once nut and washer are removed blade will slide off engine shaft. An adjustible wrench is sufficient to remove nut. You`ll be all week with a whetstone! They make grinding wheels for dremels and drills. follow tapered edgees with grinder. As for shabby and uneven, let grass grow tall b4 u cut again. Richard R

  9. The Outcast says:
    March 1, 2010 at 7:50 pm

    Take it to a professional because the blade needs to be examined for cracks and other defects that could cause it to fly apart if not properly dealt with. The blade should also be balanced after sharpening and this should be done by a pro. If the blade is not balanced it will cause vibrations which can result in expensive engine damage. The blade also has to be sharpened to the correct cutting angle otherwise it will either go dull quickly or not cut efficiently which can cause your grass to turn brown. The Outcast

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