Yard guides / Mowing and watering
Sharpen (or replace) your mower blade
A sharp blade cuts cleanly; a dull one tears grass and invites disease.
Look closely at your grass a day after mowing. If the tips are ragged and turn white or brown, the blade is dull. Most homeowners should sharpen at least once a season, and more often with heavy use or sandy soil.
Safety first
- Disconnect the spark plug wire on a gas mower, or remove the battery on an electric one
- Tip a gas mower with the air filter and carburetor side up to avoid fuel and oil leaks (check your manual)
- Wear thick gloves; mark the blade's bottom side before removing it
Steps
- Wedge a block of wood to stop the blade turning and remove the bolt
- Clamp the blade in a vise and file or grind the cutting edges at the original angle
- Remove the same amount from each side
- Check balance by hanging the blade on a nail or a cone balancer; file the heavy side until it hangs level
- Reinstall it the right way up and torque the bolt as the manual says
When to replace instead
Replace a blade that is bent, cracked, badly nicked or worn thin. An unbalanced or damaged blade can damage the mower and is dangerous.
General lawn care information. Grass, soil and climate vary; your cooperative extension office can give local advice. Reliable Service Crew isn't paid by any brand or lawn company.