To effectively cut grass, the blades of your lawn mower must be sharp and in good condition. This is true for any mower. However, years of regular use will wear the blades down, leaving them dull and unimpressive. To keep them in good working condition, here are a few basic techniques for sharpening.
Using A Bench Grinder
Using a bench grinder is by far the fastest way to sharpen a dull lawn mower blade. For this method, be sure to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and invest in a pair of earplugs, as bench grinders are extremely loud. Carefully grind the blade against the spinning wheel.
Be aware that there will be sparks, but don’t worry – this is to be expected. Using this method, the sharpening process should only take a few minutes. Plus, when your blade is damaged, this proves to be the easiest way to mend deep gouges and indents.
By Clamping and Filing with A Flat File
This “hand method” is simple, but can take a generous amount of time. Before you begin the process, make sure that your blade is secured tightly in a sturdy clamp and won’t slip or move around. If the blade slips, you could fall victim to unfortunate injuries and accidents.
Applying firm, even pressure to your file, run it perpendicular to the blade. This serves to grind away imperfections and bring the blade’s original shape back. Switch sides and repeat the process.
Using A Blade Sharpening Stone and Drill
This method, which is similar to that of the first method mentioned, is a relatively affordable at-home sharpening option. It involves the acquisition of a blade-sharpening drill bit and a working drill. The drill bit will be attached to the drill and when used, is designed to hug the edges of the mower blade.
Make sure that the drill bit is properly positioned against the blade. This means that the edge to be sharpened is facing the beveled edge of the stone drill bit, with the flat edge of the bit against the back of the blade.
Run the drill bit along the blade four or five times and then stop to check the edge. Continue the process if necessary.
Tips
● Regardless of which method you use, don’t forget to clean your blade before you start to sharpen it. Remove all traces of caked-on grass, dirt, and other debris.
● Sharpen your blade at least once a year. This will keep it in great condition and increase its lifespan, not to mention make the sharpening process easier.
Although blade sharpening is essential for the health of your grass, it doesn’t have to be a chore. It can feel like you’ve bought a whole new lawn mower, but at a fraction of the cost. To save both your bank account and your time, you can use a sharpening stone and drill, a bench grinder, or a flat file to get the job done. All from the comfort of your garage.
