Did you know that sharpening your mower blades is essential to keeping your lawn healthy? Overly worn blades can tear grass stems, leaving them vulnerable to disease or weed invasion.
Also, if your mower has a blunt blade, it mows slower and requires more effort to push! So it’s a good idea to get into the habit of sharpening your mower blades once or twice a year. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: First, consider turning off the power to your mower to allow you to safely remove the blade.
Step 2: Using a wrench and the appropriate bit, unscrew the bolts that hold the blade in place and remove the blade from the mower base.
Step 3: Be sure to clean the blade by removing grass clippings and other debris from the blade before sharpening. You can do this with a thick cloth or a steel brush.
Step 4: You are ready to sharpen. Use whatever tools you have on hand such as a grinder or metal file.
- Sharpening with a grinding wheel: If you have a grinding wheel to sharpen, this is a quick and efficient option. Once the blade has been removed from the base of your mower and thoroughly cleaned, you can gently sharpen it, while maintaining the original cutting angle. Do one side, then the next. If you choose this option, don’t forget your safety glasses and gloves.
- Sharpening with a metal file: Using a file, make downward movements until you get a sharp blade. Do it on one side first, then the other.
Step 5: Make sure your blade is balanced on both sides. When sharpening, you removed metal and that is what can throw your blade off balance. Do the test: drive a nail into the wall and hang the blade horizontally. If it swings to one side, continue sharpening that side to thin the metal slightly. A well-balanced blade will stay horizontal on the nail. You can then put it back on the mower and continue mowing your lawn with peace of mind! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your Nutrite Expert, your ally for a durable and healthy lawn!
