Lawn mower blades need to be sharpened regularly in order to keep them working at their best. While it may seem like a daunting task, sharpening lawn mower blades with a file is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps. With the right supplies and safety precautions, you’ll have your lawn mower blades sharp in no time!
Preparing for Sharpening
Before beginning to sharpen your lawn mower blades, it is important to ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials that you’ll need. Grab a file, a pair of gloves and safety goggles. If you’re working outside, make sure to dress properly for the job – avoid loose fitting clothing and open-toed shoes. Be sure to wear work gloves when handling the mower blade as it is sharp and may cause injury if not handled with care. You may also want to consider wearing a dust mask as well, since filing metal can create quite a bit of airborne particles. Once you are prepared and have all the tools required, you can begin sharpening your lawn mower blades with a file.
Removing Lawn Mower Blades from the Mower
Removing the lawn mower blades from the mower is a necessary step before you begin sharpening them with a file. It’s important that this process is completed safely and properly, to avoid any damage to the blades or mower.
To start, make sure you disconnect the spark plug wire and fuel line. This will ensure that no one accidentally starts the mower while you’re working on it. Once you’ve done this, locate the blade retaining bolt and loosen it using an appropriate-sized wrench or socket set. Depending on your model of lawn mower, you may need to remove multiple bolts in order for the blade to come off.
Once all of the bolts have been removed, carefully lift up the blade from its housing. You should be able to do this with ease, as lifting it up should release the tension that was placed on the blade by the retaining bolts. If there are any washers or other pieces of hardware attached to the blade, make sure to remove these as well before setting aside your blade for sharpening.
Once all of your blades have been removed from your mower deck, store them in a safe place where they won’t be disturbed until it’s time for them to be reinstalled. This will help prevent any accidental damage while they are out of use and make them easier to find when it’s time to put them back on your mower deck.
Sharpening with a File
Sharpening your lawn mower blade with a file is an easy and effective way to keep your mower running smoothly. Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job: a file and a pair of safety glasses. When you’re ready, start by placing the file against the edge of the blade at a 30-45 degree angle. Make sure to start from one corner and move the file in an outward motion towards the other end of the blade. As you do this, pay attention to how much metal you are taking off and make sure that both sides remain even. If you find any burrs on either side of the blade, use fine sandpaper or steel wool to remove them. Once finished, flip over the blade and repeat these steps with the opposite side. When all sharpening is complete, check for balance using a level on each side of the blade before reattaching it to your mower.
Reinstalling Lawn Mower Blades on Deck
Reinstalling the sharpened lawn mower blades back onto the mower deck is an essential step in the sharpening process. It’s important to ensure that all bolts are secured tightly and that the blades are properly aligned with each other. To reinstall the blades, first place each blade back onto its respective mounting bracket on the mower deck. Then, use a wrench to tighten down all of the mounting bolts. Ensure that all bolts are tightened securely and evenly for optimal safety and performance of your lawn mower.
Once you’ve secured all of the blade mounting bolts, you should check to make sure that both blades are properly aligned with each other. To do this, look at both blades from a distance and ensure that they appear to be even in length and shape. If they do not appear even, adjust one or more of the mounting bolts until they align correctly.
Finally, it’s important to lubricate each bolt after tightening it down with a light oil or grease spray. This helps to prevent rust buildup around the bolt which can cause long-term damage to your lawn mower over time due to corrosion. Once you’ve completed these steps, your lawn mower blades will be ready for use!
Conclusion
In conclusion, sharpening your lawn mower blades with a file is an easy and cost-effective way to maintain the sharpness of your blades for a better cut. By following the steps above, you can be sure that your blades will stay in prime condition and make lawn mowing an easier and more enjoyable task. So take time to sharpen your blades regularly, and keep your grass looking its best!