- 1). Remove the blade. To do this, turn over the lawnmower and loosen the nut holding the blade in place. It may be necessary to hold the blade in position while you turn the nut. Be careful not to cut your hand on the blade. Wear a thick glove or wrap the blade in a piece of cardboard before you do this.
- 2). Clean the blade with water and a rag to remove excess dirt before you start sharpening. Then take a heavy file and work it against the metal of the blade to renew the edge that has been dulled. Work evenly down the length of the blade and alternate working between the different sides of the blade so you keep the blade in balance.
- 3). Check the balance of the blade periodically. Simply balance the blade from its midpoint on your fingertip -- if it tilts consistently to one side, you've removed too much metal from one side of it. File the blade so that it balances evenly. An unbalanced blade can damage the engine of your mower.
- 4). Replace the blade, ensuring that the bolt is tight. Start the mower and run it for several minutes, then check to see that it is still tight.
SHARE
