How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing Them

Every homeowner will probably agree with this; nothing beats a well-mowed lawn!

If you want to achieve a disease-free and fine-looking lawn, you’re going to need a sharp mower blade. If your mower blades are not sharp enough, you can create lawn diseases as well as have to double your work as you may need to go over your lawn a few times.

It would help if you avoided such a scenario by sharpening the mower blade so that they create a level-trimmed lawn and to give the best health for your grass.

Lawnmower blades will inevitably become dull, and sharpening them yourself will save you a great deal. 

This article highlights the step-by-step guide on how you can sharpen or grind your mower blade without having to remove it from the mower. The steps are simple and will save you not only money but also time if you apply them. 

How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing Them

Contents

Step 1. Assemble the tools

There are several risks involved when sharpening your lawn mower. It, however, does not mean you put off your plan. What you need to do is get prepared, and you will be good to go! You will need a few working tools and safety precautionary items.

Step 2: Getting Setup Properly

The first thing you need to do is get protective gear on. Then find an ideal working space- an open and level space is probably the best option. Park your motor here, and remember to apply the parking brake to prevent the mower from rolling as you do your sharpening. 
Also, be sure to remove the spark plug to avoid any accidental starting.

Step 3: Unplug the power cord or seal the gas tank’s lid

The next step is to ensure gas spillage does not happen. If the mower does not have any gas left, the better for you. 
However, if there is gas, undo the gas tank’s lid, then place a plastic bag over the tank’s mouth to seal. Proceed to return the gas tank’s lid over and ensure you rotate it as tightly as you can. This is guaranteed to block any gas from spilling when you tilt the mower.
If your mower is electric, you need to plug it out if it is a corded mower. 

Step 4: Position the mower

Now tilt the mower sideways to allow access to the blade. Once you tilt, it is the carburetor and the fuel tank that should be at the top.
It would be best to make sure the mower is totally stable before you move on to start working on the blade. Now, put a wooden block diagonally at the end of the mower to ensure its stability.

Step 5: Steady the blade movement

Use another wooden block to steady the blade. In addition to the mower being stable, the blade should also be steady so that it does not move when you grind or sharpen. When it is firm, you use less effort and achieve your grinding angle with ease.

Step 6: Clean the mower’s deck and blade

Before you move on to the main process, you need to clean the blade. The blade has obviously acquired dirt or rust, especially if it hasn’t been in use for a while. Using a steel wire brush and water, clean any rust or grass dirt beneath the mower deck.

Step 7: Sharpening or grinding

Now that the mower is stable and clean, you can proceed to the actual sharpening or grinding. There are two options to go about it. You can use a grinder- electric or handheld- or a metal file, whichever is available. The most crucial thing to do is to maintain a perfect grinding blade.

While you sharpen, maintain a 45-degree angle. Grind in one direction, sharpening the blade’s face. Once the first side is adequately sharpened, turn to the opposite end, and repeat the process. 

Try to get an even angle sharpening too. Getting an even angle means you grind smoothly at a reasonably consistent speed and stroke using a file. Also, do not grind back and forth. If you are using an electric grinder, you will need to grind and lift the grinder regularly.

Step 8: Removing debris from the mower’s deck

You may need to wash the mower’s deck with the blade or wipe it thoroughly to remove any debris produced during sharpening. You may also clean the blade with an oiled cloth to prevent rusting.

Step 9: Repositioning the mower 

Now your blade is sharper than before and ready to give a shot at mowing. Lower the mower back to its position. Be careful to land it softly. If you have a gas mower, undo the gas tank’s lid to remove the plastic you used to seal, and do not forget to return the lid. If it’s an electric one, plug it back in. 

How often should you sharpen a mower blade?

It is advisable to sharpen your mower blade at least once every season. However, the frequency will mostly depend on how often you use the mower and for how long. The more you use it, the more often it requires sharpening. Also, if you mow an extensive lawn, it means the blade is also likely to get dull often.

Other factors that may determine how often you sharpen your blade are the overall condition of the mower and the age of the blade. 

To keep your blade in good condition, always clean the mower blades every time, before and after use. Additionally, avoid mowing over places with rocks and other hard objects that may tear the blade.

Final word

Getting a sharp mower blade should no longer be challenging if you follow the above steps. 

Sharpening a mower without having to remove the blades is a simple exercise. However, you must be careful. Make sure you observe the safety measures discussed before you start sharpening. We understand how vital mowing is to a homeowner, besides the health benefits it brings about. Hopefully, this article will be helpful the next time you decide to sharpen the blade by yourself without having to remove it.