Q&A for How to Change a Lawn Mower Blade

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How often do mower blades need to be sharpened?

Grant Wallace
Landscaper
Grant Wallace is a Landscaper and Owner of Grantlanta Lawn in Atlanta, Georgia. With over seven years of experience, he specializes in lawn maintenance and landscape installation. In 2012, he earned his BA from the University of West Georgia. Grant has been profiled in Shoutout Atlanta, Canvas Rebel, and Voyage ATL.

Grant Wallace

Landscaper

Expert Answer

Residential homeowners who only mow their grass a couple of times a month only need to sharpen their mower blades about once or twice a year. To check your blades manually, remove the spark plug from the mower and run your finger along the blade. If it feels dull or round, it likely needs to be sharpened.

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Question

What do I do for a stripped bolt?

Community Answer

It depends on the definition of stripped. Is it the head of the bolt or the threads? If it's the head of the bolt it may be tricky, but an EZ out and a drill tap would get the job done, or a good pair of strong vice grips and a little heat from a propane torch should also assist with removing the bolt. If it's stripped threads on the bolt then probably take the bolt to your local hardware store and get an exact copy of the bolt depending on the threads (if it's coarse, fine or whatever). I am fairly certain it's a 3/8 fine thread on lawnmower blades, though.

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Question

Which way should the blade be installed?

Community Answer

The sharp edge of the blade should be installed facing the grass. If the blades have tabs to fit into the housing, then go ahead and fit the tabs into the housing around the shaft. Always wear gloves though (preferably leather).

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Question

What's the best way to remove a lawn mower blade without damaging the mower?

Community Answer

Use a 6 point socket or box wrench that fits the blade nut and a long extension on it for added leverage. The blade has to be held or wedged with a short 2x4 piece of wood between the shroud and blade. Be very careful of tool slipping off the nut due to not being straight-on or the wedge slipping.

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What do I do if one blade on my riding lawn mower won't stop automatically when disengaged?

Community Answer

Get a new lawn mower or take it to someone to have it fixed. This is very unsafe.

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Question

Should I turn the nut to the left or to the right to loosen it?

Community Answer

Try turning the nut to the left (counterclockwise). If that doesn't work, then try turning it the other way.

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Question

How do I find the make and model number of a lawnmower without the manual?

Community Answer

I would recommend starting with a general online search that describes your lawnmower. (For example, you could search for "small engine black push mower.") Look at the images that appear and see if you can find one that looks similar to your mower.

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Question

Should the blade move clockwise or counterclockwise?

Community Answer

The blade moves clockwise when the mower is in its normal position (when cutting the grass). However, when you have the mower up on its side when working on it, the blade needs to turn the other way, counterclockwise!

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What do I do if I replaced my lawn mower blade and the mower won't start?

Community Answer

Check the air filter to see if it has any oil, check the oil level, check the spark plugs, but most importantly, check to make sure that the blade can spin.

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Question

How do I remove a rust nut from my lawn mower blade?

Community Answer

Use steel wool to remove rust from your lawnmower blade and then polish it with WD40.

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