[GPI]

Cutting It Down With Lawnmower Blades
By Andrew Caxton

Lawnmower blades are the most important part of the lawnmower.
Sharpening them regularly can enable them to do their job quickly and efficiently.
In this article, you will learn how to sharpen your lawnmower blades safely and quickly.

Lawnmower Blades Details.
Two different types of steel are used in creating lawnmower blades.
One kind of steel is called mild or carbon steel and the other is known as tool steel.
Tool steel lawnmower blades stay sharp for a much longer period of time than the other steel and they do not need to be sharpened as frequently.
This blade is quite expensive and it must be professionally sharpened.
Carbon or mild steel blades are inexpensive and are easier to keep sharpened.
It is essential to keep lawnmower blades sharp or the glass blades will tear, rather than being neatly cut.
This both looks ugly and causes the grass to grow abnormally, because the grass cannot retain moisture.


Mower blades, photo / pic / image.
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DIY Lawnmower Blade Sharpening .
In most cases, sharpening your lawnmower blades yourself very simply and easily.
It will not take very long either.
By following the directions below, you will be able to sharpen the blades of your particular lawnmower.
All you need to do is consult your operation manual for directions to remove your lawnmower's blades.

1. The power source needs to be removed from the lawnmower.
If your lawnmower is electric, then you simply pull out the wall cord.
If it is petrol powered, then you need to remove the spark plug.
A battery operated lawnmower just needs the batteries removed.
If you skip this step, you can cause serious injuries to yourself or death.

2. A spanner can help you to remove the blades.
Ensure that the spanner does not slip or you may cut yourself.

3. When removing the blades from the lawnmower, you may want to number them so that you can replace them exactly as they were.
The balancing weights need to stay attached to the blades or you may find that refitting the blades will be made much more difficult.

4. Place the individual blade in a vice so that you can work on it more easily.

5. Use a file or grinder to sharpen the blade.
Sharpen the blade by following the contour of the blade.
Check to make sure that they are as sharp as you need, but be careful with your fingers.

6. Replace the blade on the lawnmower including the balancing weight, if any.

7. You can sharpen the blades with them still in position in the lawnmower if you choose.
You only have to use a flexible shaft angle grinder.
You can save yourself time and energy if you have one of these grinders in your workshop.

8. Use a blade balancer to make sure that the blades are balanced.
If the blades are not balanced, then the lawnmower may vibrate.

Take proper care of your lawnmower blades to help make the process of caring for your lawn easier and simpler.

Andrew Caxton is a reliable journalist who has published more articles on this issue for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . A focused website that offers the best articles on lawn care and lawnmower blades , read more at lawnmower blades
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[crosstownk]

Its important to note that a petrol engined lawn mower should not be turned upside down as oil could fill the combustion chamber and make starting nearly impossible. Any time I service the blade I mount the lawn mower across 2 high stools to allow easy access to the underneath.
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Apples have been around since Adam

[GPI]

High stools eh .
Good point crosstownk.
Oil filling the combustion chamber makes starting very smokey or nearly impossible.
If a person was to drain the oil from the sump in winter before storing, that would be a good time for sharpening or else in spring before refilling the sump with oil.
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If you benefited from irishgardeners.com, please link to us or tell others, so that the site can grow and benefit more gardeners.

Remember, a weed is just a plant in the wrong place.
Garden Consultation & Design in Ireland!

[crosstownk]

In my case I have standard petrol lawn mower - not a ride on - so it's handy enough to put it on two stools.

Draining the oil before tackling the blade is the best policy as it's the perfect opportunity to change the oil (4 stroke assumed). And remember to turn the engine over by hand/rip cord slowly before starting next season - just in case something is partially siezed or jammed. If it wont turn over by hand don't attempt to start it - just in case something gives way!!!
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Apples have been around since Adam