Sharpening your lawn mower blades may seem like an unnecessary job, but it is more important than you think. Whilst your lawn can still be cut with blades a little duller than usual, it isn’t healthy for your grass. Blunt blades can result in torn grass, leaving lawns vulnerable to disease – leading to an unhealthy lawn. Dull blades can also leave you with a lawn that looks raggedy and unfinished, impacting the overall aesthetic of your property.

Pulling apart your lawn mower to sharpen its blades can be quite daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, we at Jim’s Mowing are here to help you with our step-by-step guide on how you can safely sharpen your lawn mower blades.

Our easy step-by-step guide

Step One: Make it safe

First step to sharpening your blades is to ensure that your lawn mower is powered off, and the ignition wire is removed from the spark plug (or remove the battery pack if the mower is cordless). Following this, drain the gas tank to ensure that no fuel will spill during this process.

Step Two: Removing securing measures

Tip the mower on to its side to gain access to the lawn mower blades. There are measures in place to ensure that your lawn mower blades are securely fastened. Place a wooden block between the blade and the mowing deck to prevent the blade from moving, and then loosen the nut or bolt with an appropriate wrench.

Step Three: Removing the blade

Before removing the blade, it is important to remember its orientation in the mower. We recommend either marking the blade with spray paint on the upward-facing side, or taking a picture of the assembled blade to remind yourself later on. Now you can simply remove the blade carefully.

Step Four: Cleaning

Whilst your mower is disassembled, take the time to clean the underside of the mowing deck as well as your blade to ensure it is free of any buildup or debris. This can be done with a narrow putty knife and bristle brush.

Step Five: Clamping the blade safely

To ensure that you sharpen the blade safely, ensure that you clamp your blade securely to a bench mounted vice, with one of the cutting edges facing upward. These cutting edges only span about 7 to 10 centimetres of the blade.

Step Six: Sharpening

Before beginning any sharpening, you need to ensure that all safety measures are in place; safety glasses, safe environment etc. You can use a drill powered blade sharpener, but we recommend using a metal file as it is easier to control. File in the direction of the original cutting angle, and apply pressure. Be sure to sharpen both sides of your blade. Your blade should be the sharpness equivalent to that of a butter knife when finished.

Step Seven: Balancing the blade

Next, you will need to ensure that the blade is balanced. In the process of sharpening the blade, it can become unbalanced, possibly damaging your lawn mower. To check your blade’s balance, simply place the centre hole of the blade onto a protruding nail from a wall and let go of the blade. If the blade is balanced, it will remain level on the wall. If unbalanced, sharpen the heavier side of the blade slightly until it remains level on the nail.

Step Eight: Reassemble

Lastly, you need to reassemble your lawn mower back to its original state. Use your markings or images from step three to guide you through this process. Ensure that the nut or bolt is secured tightly, and that everything is assembled. Now you’re ready to take your mower out for a test drive!

Unsure about how to sharpen your blades? Call the professionals!

We understand that sharpening your blades can be quite overwhelming, but to ensure that your lawn is trimmed to a professional standard – call in the experts. At Jims Mowing, we can professionally mow your lawn without all the hassles of doing it yourself. Enquire today about how we can make your lawn look its best!