Is your lawnmower pulling blades from the grass instead of mowing them? Does your lawn look like it was eaten by a goat, even though it was cut by the mower? Wait; don’t pull your hair by the roots. Help is at hand. We’ll teach you how to sharpen your mower blades at minimal cost and effort.
Your Manual Lawn Mower – The Faithful Walk Behind
Tools: The tools you will need to do this job are
You and your time of about 2 hours or less.
A bastard file about 12 “long
A small lever to prevent movement of the mower rotor.
A work table will come in handy to get the job done comfortably.
Procedure: You can use the following procedure as a general guide and make any changes you want. Remember that the procedure is not sacrosanct. The results are important, not the procedure.
If possible, remove the handle from the mower and place it on the table.
Secure it if possible in the clamps. If it doesn’t have clamps, don’t bother, secure it against any block, so movement away from you is restricted.
Fix the lever on the blades so that it does not rotate
With the help of the bastard file, file the edges of the leaves to make them look sharp. Work at a 45 degree angle
When one blade is sharp, remove the lever and turn the rotor to work on another blade. Repeat the procedure until all blades are sharp.
If you have a flex shaft grinder in your DIY shop, you will be able to complete the job in 5 to 10 minutes per blade. Make a template of the sheet profile before starting work and compare frequently. This is necessary to ensure that you do not cut too much in one place.
Safety tip for you
While sharpening the blades, make sure the stroke is not too long, otherwise you could be injured.
Sharpening the mower blades
Depending on the mower, the procedure may vary. We have included general statements in this procedure; I would have to change the procedure slightly. Keep your lawnmower maintenance manual handy if you have one.
Tools needed.
Siphon hose and clean container
Heavy duty gloves and goggles
Double cut flat file (medium rough)
Scrap wood
Socket wrench set
Rubber mallet *
Vise or C-Clamps
Rotary Blade Sharpening Attachment
Electric drill *
Screwdriver or 1/4 in. rod or bolt *
Blade swing
Replacement blade *
* Only if it is necessary
The list may seem formidable, but the tools are generally available to all DIY enthusiasts.
Process:
The procedure is given for the simple single blade mower, but the same will apply to all types of blades, whether single or double.
Wear hand gloves and clean the engine and gas tank from the outside.
Remove the spark plug from the engine.
Remove all fuel from the gasoline engine tank. Use the siphon hose to avoid spilling gasoline on the floor.
Completely drain the oil from the gearbox if you have one
Reverse the motor and gain access to the blade.
Support the motor so that it does not move and clean the blade area thoroughly
Using a socket wrench, remove the nut that holds the blade. Generally, the nut will unlock in the reverse direction of the motor’s direction of rotation. You can put the screwdriver on the motor cooling fan to stop the motor rotation.
If you find that you are using too much force to unlock the nut, put a drop or two of rust remover chemical and try after 30 minutes.
After removing the blade, fix it on the bench and sharpen it with a file or grinder. Sharpen only the outer 2 to 3 inches. The area to be sharpened will be known by looking at the blade.
Sharpen only as necessary. No need to sharpen too much. This is not the knife. It runs at engine speed.
After sharpening, check with your thumb. Be careful not to cut your thumb. If you’ve sharpened before, or seen someone do it, you know what we mean by this.
Balance the blade with the help of a small VEE block balancing tool, or even two foot rulers placed side by side.
Replace the blades, refill engine oil and gasoline, and test the sharpness of the blades on the uncut part of your lawn
Security advice:
Always wear safety glasses and hand gloves when working with power tools.
Make sure to remove the spark plug before starting. Serious accidents can happen if you don’t.