Gretna: (402) 332-5577

Lincoln: (402) 474-3624

Lawn Mower Blades: How to Decide if You Should Sharpen or Replace

sharpening lawn mowing blades

Are you tired of your lawn mower leaving behind an uneven, ragged cut on your once-pristine lawn? Well, the secret to a perfectly manicured yard lies in the sharpness of your mower blades. 

But here’s the dilemma: should you sharpen those dull blades or invest in brand-new ones? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of lawnmower maintenance and help you decide whether it’s time to give your blades a makeover or bid them farewell for good. 

Get ready to learn everything you ever needed to know about lawn mower blades, and leave neighbors green with envy.

Why Lawnmower Blades Matter

Lawn mower blades are one of the most important parts of the lawnmower. They are responsible for cutting the grass and can make a big difference in the quality of cut in your lawn. If you have dull or blunt mower blades, it will create a ragged cut and tear the grass, which can lead to brown patches and an overall unhealthy lawn. A sharp blade, on the other hand, will give you a clean cut and help your lawn look its best.

There are two main options when it comes to maintaining your lawn mower blades – you can either sharpen them or replace them. 

Benefits of Sharpening or Replacing Your Lawn Mower Blades

It’s important to keep your lawnmower blades in good condition so that your lawnmower will operate effectively and efficiently – you can do this by sharpening or replacing them.

Sharpening your lawn mower blades is a fairly simple process that you can do yourself with a sharpening stone or file. It’s important to take care not to over-sharpen the blades, as this can damage them. 

Replacing your lawn mower blades is also an option and may be necessary if they are severely damaged or worn.

There are several benefits to keeping your lawn mower blades sharp or replacing them when necessary. Sharp blades will result in a cleaner cut, which is important for the health of your lawn. They will also produce less noise and vibration, making mowing more pleasant for you. In addition, sharpened or new blades will improve the fuel efficiency of your lawnmower as well as its overall performance.

Should You Sharpen or Replace Your Blades?

If you notice your lawn mower isn’t cutting grass as efficiently as it used to, it might be time to consider sharpening or replacing the blades. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

      • How often do you use your lawnmower? If you mow regularly, you’ll likely need to sharpen the blades more frequently.

      • What type of lawn do you have? If you have a tougher grass that’s harder to cut, you may want to go with a sharper blade.

      • Do you mind taking the time to sharpen the blades yourself? If you don’t mind, then sharpening them may be the better option. However, if you’d rather not deal with that hassle, then replacing the blades might be easier for you.

    How to Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blades

    If you’re looking to prolong the life of your lawnmower and keep it running smoothly, it’s important to regularly sharpen mower blades as part of your lawn mower maintenance. With sharpened blades, your lawnmower will have an easier time slicing through grass, resulting in a healthier (and more enviable) lawn. Here’s how to sharpen your lawn mower blades:

        1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting accidentally.
        2. Tip mower on its side with the air cleaner pointed up.
        3. Remove the blade bolts with a wrench or socket and ratchet.
        4. Remove the mower blade.
        5. Using a file or rotary tool, remove any nicks or burrs from the cutting edge of the blade. Be sure to work slowly and carefully so as not to damage the blade.
        6. If the blade is significantly dull, you may need to use a grinding wheel to restore a sharp edge. Again, work slowly and carefully.
        7. Once you’ve restored a sharp edge to the blade, use a honing stone to further refine the edge. This will help ensure that your lawnmower cuts cleanly and efficiently.
        8. Install your sharpened blade. Be sure to line up the bolt holes correctly.
        9. Tighten the bolts securely with a wrench or socket and ratchet.
        10. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

      How to Replace Your Lawn Mower Blades

      If your lawnmower blades are damaged, dull, or excessively worn, you’ll need to replace them. Here’s how:

          1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent the engine from starting accidentally.
          2. Tip mower on its side with the air cleaner pointed up.
          3. Remove the blade bolts with a wrench or socket and ratchet.
          4. Take off the old blade and install a new one. Be sure to line up the bolt holes correctly.
          5. Tighten the bolts securely with a wrench or socket and ratchet.
          6. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

        Trust the Professionals for Quality Service

        If you’re not sure whether to sharpen or replace your lawn mower blades, it’s best to trust the professionals. We will be able to assess the blades and determine what needs to be done in order to get them back into top shape. Sharpening or replacing blades is an important part of lawn mower maintenance, so it’s best to bring in an expert if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself.

        Stop by any of our convenient locations for help, service, or even some friendly advice today!

        Resource preview: "The Search for Groundskeeping Equpiment That Makes the Cut"

        Download the Case Study

        Discover the versatile, single-power unit you can use year-round for all your groundskeeping needs.

        Resources

        Come along for the ride

        All-New Stihl Zero-Turn Mowers