How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade

Most homeowners simply buy a new lawn mower blade every year or so. But you can sharpen the same blade many times, and reuse it again and again. So, how do you sharpen a lawn mower blade? This infographic shows you exactly how! Best of all it won't require going to a lawn mower repair shop.

Before You Sharpen the Mower Blade

Lawn mowers spin their blades at over 2500 RPM. The last thing you want to have your hand inside when it’s spinning. That is why you want to take precautions before taking the lawn mower blade off. Before you take the blade off, disconnect the spark plug wire, and be sure the mower is off. This will prevent the lawn mower from rotating on its own, as rotating the blade may start the mower. 

Removing the Blade

The most challenging part of removing the blade is stopping it from spinning while you loosen the bolt. The easiest thing to do is to use a block of wood. Such as a short length of 2X4. As the photo in the infographic shows, you can use the 2X4 to stop the blade from spinning while you undo the bolt. 

Removing Rust from the Blade

Use some steel wool to brush any rust off of the blade before you sharpen it. 

Sharpening the Blade

Now that you have the blade off of the lawn mower. Clamp the blade with a vice. This will prevent the blade from moving while you sharpen it. 

What Can I Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade With?

There are multiple tools that can be used to sharpen a lawn mower blade. You may choose to use a regular file to sharpen the blade by hand. This is the slowest method, but if you have no dents or dings, it’s not that difficult. Using a bench grinder or tiger’s paw on an angle grinder may be the fastest way. 

Be Aware of Gimmicks!

Although there are several tools or attachments marketed as “lawn mower sharpeners”. These are typically gimmicks. 

Keep the angle!

Be sure to sharpen the lawn mower blade at the same angle as it was originally. 

Remove the Burrs, and Balance the Blade

One of the keys to sharpening a lawn mower blade successfully. Is removing the burr. A burr occurs on the opposite side of the side you are sharpening. Generally a burr is removed by a file with a quick pass. Be sure to balance the blade too! Blade balancing tools cost as little as $5. 

Sharpening a lawn mower blade is easy with this infographic. Be sure to share it with your friends and family on social media and email! 

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