How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades For a Better Looking Lawn
It’s that time of year across most of the United States. With colder weather giving way for spring, lawn mowing season is back in full swing. Keeping your lawn looking nice comes down to a few key elements. Of course, taking the time to care for your lawn isn’t always easy. That means when you do mow, you want to make sure you’re getting the best cut possible. Therefore, you need to be keeping an eye on your lawn mower blades.
Worx cordless lawn mowers and robot grass cutters are some of the best value mowers on the market, but even top of the line equipment still requires regular maintenance to run the best it can. Lawn mower blades dull over time, and depending on the size of your lawn they might need regular care. Plenty of hardware stores will offer to sharpen your lawn mower blades for you, but there’s no need to take them to someone else. Here are the best tips for sharpening lawn mower blades at home so anyone can get the job done!
Best Tips for Sharpening Your Lawn Mower Blades
The best way to determine if it’s time to sharpen your lawn mower blades is to monitor them for dullness. If you’re not quite sure that the eye test will work, then check out the signs listed in the first step of this Home Depot article. After 25 hours of usage, you should sharpen your blades. Depending on the size of your lawn, that works out to usually two sharpening sessions during lawnmowing season.
When it is time to sharpen your blades, there are a few methods you can use. There’s always the option of taking them to a professional service, but learning how to sharpen lawn mower blades is actually a fairly easy process. The first step is deciding what method to use.
Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Tactic #1: The Bench Grinder
The most popular way to sharpen your lawn mower blades is to use a bench grinder. With this method, you’re getting a sharp edge on your blades in the fastest way possible. Make sure to have safety goggles handy and to wear protective gloves. Sparks will fly as you sharpen, but in a matter of minutes, you’ll be ready to hit the lawn!
Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Tactic #2: The Clamp & File
Another method that’s popular when people start to learn how to sharpen a lawn mower blade is to use a clamp and file. By taking your blade off and clamping it to a workbench, you can use a common file to grind out imperfections. Make sure to work the blade at its edge and run the file perpendicular to the metal. It takes longer than the bench grinder, but it’s also the best way to avoid all the sparks that come with utilizing power tools.
Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Tactic #3: The Sharpening Drill
A third method you can consider using to sharpen your lawn mower blades is with a blade sharpening drill. These drills are less expensive and smaller than bench grinders. If you’re thinking of buying equipment to sharpen your blades and want to keep things inexpensive, then this is a great option. Because of its smaller size, it takes longer to learn how to sharpen lawn mower blades this way, but you’ll rarely ever make a mistake. It’s easy, affordable, and quick to do with this dynamic drill.
No matter the age of your lawn mower, sharp blades make all the difference. As you maintain your mower for the long haul, make sure to keep the blades sharp. Removing them for sharpening also gives you a good chance to clean them off and avoid rust. Keeping a lawn looking pristine isn’t just about keeping the neighbors happy. It’s a point of pride for you and your home. Take time to learn how to sharpen lawn mower blades and ensure the best looking lawn possible this year.