How to Sharpen a Lawn Mower Blade

A dull lawn mower blade doesn’t just make the overall machine less efficient, it also results in a rougher cut. Luckily, sharpening a lawn mower blade isn’t that difficult once you know how to do it. Follow this step by step guide from Southern Trailer Works, and your lawn mower’s blade will be sharpened in no time!

Safely Remove the Blade

First, remove your lawn mower’s spark plug to ensure that the engine doesn’t engage while you’re working on the blade. Tilt the mower onto its side and then place a 2x4 board between the deck skirt and blade. If you’ve set things up correctly, the blade should resist the board when you remove the bolt. Be sure to mark the bottom of the mower blade so that you can more easily put it back when you’re done. As for unscrewing the bolt itself, use a breaker bar or long-handled wrench. 

Inspect the Condition of the Blade

Once the lawn mower blade has been properly removed, you can start inspecting it. We recommend having a spare lawn mower blade on hand for this step. That way, you can compare your current blade with a fresh one, and you won’t have to worry about ordering a new blade should your current one prove too worn out. Make sure that your current blade has a straight cutting edge and a thick trailing edge. A dented or chipped blade will need to be replaced. 

Sharpen the Blade

Lawn mower blades should be sharpened using a file that is at least 10 inches long. Start your strokes at the top of the blade’s cutting edge and push downward in a single smooth motion. Perform between twenty and thirty strokes and then compare your current blade to your spare. You can decide from there if more sharpening is needed. 

Balance the Lawn Mower Blade

Your last step will be to balance your lawn mower’s blade to make sure that you get an even cut. The best way to do this is to put a nail through a board and then set the blade’s bolt hole on the nail. If the mower blade starts to tip to one side or the other, file that side down. Balancing a lawn mower blade can be tricky, so be patient and only make small adjustments at a time. 

Shop lawn mowers at Southern Trailer Works in Schriver, Louisiana. We also offer parts and service. We’re proud to serve communities like New Orleans and Houma, Louisiana, and we hope to see you soon!