You can make use of a power tool that has sharpening drill bits to sharpen your lawn mower blades. The angle you are currently using on the blade and remove metal until the two sides are aligned and sharp.
Verify the balance prior to mounting the blade,as a lopsided one will overtax the lawnmowers engine. To check the balance of the blade,hang it on a nail and check if it tilts to one direction.
Safety First
A mower blade that isn't properly balanced can cause the mower to vibrate and end up damaging its internal components. To prevent this from happening it is vital to make sure that the blade is sharpened and balanced after it's been removed from the mower. Look for [dcl=872].
A sharp blade will allow you to cut the grass evenly and cleanly and keep your lawn healthy. When you've finished mowing your lawn,take a look to whether the edges are damaged instead of being well cut. Examine the blade of your mower for marks or nicks. These are signs that the blade needs to be sharpened.
Most lawn mower blades are secured with bolts,which can be difficult to take off without damaging the mower. To make the process easier you can wedge a 2x4 in between the mower and the blade to block it and hold it in place while you loosen the bolt with an ratchet or socket. It's helpful to mark the bolt and blade with spray paint or a marker to help you remember which way to reinstall them.
Check the Balance
It's a good idea to examine the balance of the blade before taking it to sharpen it. A blade that's balanced will ensure that the mower runs smoothly and will protect the motor. It also saves you time. To achieve this,put the blade into a blade balancer and then note which end is heavier. After that,when you reinstall the blade,be sure to keep that heavier end in mind while tightening the bolt using a Ratchet.
Most mower blades are secured with a single bolt nuts or wing nuts. Since these are difficult to remove without a blade in position,it's recommended to wedge a block of wood (such as a 2x4) between the blade and the deck to secure the blade while you loosen the bolt with your wrench or ratchet. To prevent the blade from overheating,it is recommended to quench it frequently while working. Dip it into the cold water in a bucket and allow it to cool. A well-quenched blade will have a smooth dark edge that's as sharp as a butter knife.
Examine the Blade
The blades are by far the most important component of a lawn mower and they need to be kept in good order. When they are dull or bent,the cuts the mower makes aren't as clean as they should be. A dull blade can pull the grass instead cutting,leaving it slack and prone to infection.
It is a smart idea to examine your blades frequently,and to have an extra set in case of a need. You should be able to take the old blades off and sharpen them if needed.
If the blades have massive scratches or are bent,they should be replaced. If the blade has a crack,it is likely to break while mowing and send metal debris flying into the air,possibly causing injury to anyone or damaging the siding of a home.
Sharpen the Blade
It is vital to keep the blade razor-sharp so that your lawn looks great and your mower runs smoothly. A dull blade can tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This leads to uneven lawn sections and can promote disease. Sharpening your blades should be done about 25 hours following each use,based on how often you use your lawnmowers.
You can sharpen the blade of the lawnmowers manually with a file or mechanically using the bench grinder or an angle grinder. Wear safety gear,such as work gloves and eye protection in both cases. Sharpening a blade may cause sparks and small metal shards which could end up in your eyes or onto your skin.
If your mower is fitted with a bolt that holds the blade in place You can loosen it by flipping the mower upside down and wedge some scrap wood,like 2x4 between the bolt and the handle of the mower. This will stop the mower from spinning as you loosen the bolt.