Q&A for How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades

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What type of file should you use to sharpen a lawnmower blade?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

A good metal file with two different finishing sides on it, about 2 inches wide and 10 inches long, will work nicely.

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Question

Where can I get my lawn mower blades sharpened?

Anthony "TC" Williams
Experienced Landscaper
Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.

Anthony "TC" Williams

Experienced Landscaper

Expert Answer

Most small engine repair businesses or a mower dealer with a service department should be able to do it for you.

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Question

Can I sharpen without taking the blade off?

Community Answer

Certain products are available that you put onto your drill, then run it up and down the blade. Do it equally on both sides to keep it in balance. Every couple of years you should take the blade off and balance it, but this is a quick fix to restore a sharp edge mid-season.

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Question

I just had my lawn mower blade sharpened. It's put on correctly, but why is there one strip in the middle (while mowing) that isn't getting cut?

Community Answer

That blade may be worn after several sharpenings and not the same length as the other blades, causing a gap while cutting.

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Question

I just replaced my mower blades with new ones, do I need to sharpen them?

Community Answer

No. Most lawnmower blades come pre-sharpened. Only sharpen them if they appear dull.

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Question

Is the bolt screw clockwise to tighten?

Community Answer

Usually, yes. On machines with two or more blades, one can be a left-hand thread. A general rule of thumb is to push the wrench towards the sharpened edge to tighten.

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Should I sharpen new replacement blades?

Community Answer

No, you don't need to sharpen new replacement blades unless they look particularly dull (which they shouldn't).

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Question

How do I sharpen the blades for a ZTR? Should I jack it up or remove the deck?

Community Answer

I use a chain hoist and elevate the front of the mower to about 20 degrees (or whatever it takes to comfortably access the bolts securing the blades). I use a pneumatic impact to loosen the blades. This overcomes the problem of having to secure the blades to prevent spinning. Just be careful not to over-torque the bolts when reinstalling the blade. I usually drop the pressure to my impact driver to avoid over-tightening.

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How do I tell if my sharpened lawn mower blades are balanced?

Community Answer

I put a large shank screwdriver thru the center hole and hold it parallel to the floor, so the blade is like a propeller on an airplane. If one end of blade consistently drops down lower than other end, I file or sharpen a little more off that heavier end and recheck balance. Repeat that process until blade sits evenly.

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