For you to get the most out of your lawnmower whether it’s powered by gas, electric, or battery, you need to keep the blades sharp and maintain it well. If you notice your lawnmower isn’t cutting the grass the way it’s supposed to, most likely it’s because of a blunt mower blade. Most people don’t remember to sharpen the blade before and after mowing their lawn since consistent use can quickly dull the blade.
The best file to sharpen your lawnmower blade should be made of monocrystalline diamond or high-quality carbon metal and extra industrial chemicals like chromium to increase the file’s sharpening quality. This will also increase the durability of the file so you don’t have to keep going back to the hardware store to buy a new file.
Best file to sharpen the mower blade
Product | Material | Check on Amazon |
Sharpal 103N multi-sharpener | Tungsten carbide and ceramic | Check price |
Grizzly lawn mower gear drill attachment kit | Corundum stone | Check price |
AccuSharp garden tool sharpener | Diamond-honed tungsten carbide | Check price |
Corona mill bastard cut file | Carbon and chromium | Check price |
Sharpal 181N dual-grit diamond sharpening stone file | Industrial monocrystalline diamonds | Check price |
Sharpal 103N multi-sharpener
A versatile sharpener that you can use to sharpen single and double-beveled blades like mower blades, knives, scissors, pruners, axes, etc. It’s designed with 5 sharpening parts with 3 sharpening slots to help you customize your sharpening angle, a ceramic bar, and a carbide bar to help sharpen different blades. It has an oversize handle you can comfortably use with gloves and a large hand guard to protect your hands from the sharp blades. The handle also has a rubber grip to provide a comfortable and secure grip.
Grizzly lawn mower gear drill attachment kit
A thick heavy-duty corundum sharpening stone with a drill attachment that is durable and long-lasting. This sharpening stone can sharpen any type or size of the blade. It can sharpen the blade in less than 10 minutes and you don’t have to use a lot of effort or spend a lot of time sharpening the blade. It comes with a manual and is very easy to install. You also get free gardening gloves to protect your hands and a blade balancer that will ensure your mower blade is sharpened evenly to give you a precise cut.
AccuSharp garden tool sharpener
An easy-to-use garden tool sharpener that can sharpen any blade from lawnmower blades to shovels. It has a unique ergonomic handle that will be comfortable for people who are both right-handed and left-handed. This sharpener is made with diamond-honed tungsten carbide that can be used on both sides for increased durability and longevity. The full-length guard will protect your fingers and you can easily clean the sharpener in soapy water or a dishwasher.
Corona mill bastard cut file
A good file to use for sharpening your mower blades or any other blade that needs sharpening. Its made of carbon and has undergone high-temperature metal treatment to increase its performance, hardness and strength. It’s a light and durable file that is abrasion and corrosion-resistant thanks to the industrial chemical chromium and has a soft handle for a comfortable and secure grip. It has an effective tooth angle that will ensure your blades are sharpened in no time.
Sharpal 181N dual-grit diamond sharpening stone file
This is a multi-functional sharpener and an all-in-one blade made with a stainless steel base coated with industrial monocrystalline diamonds that are durable and can sharpen almost any type of hard material. This file has a coarse 325 grit that will quickly sharpen blades that are dull, blunt, rough, and damaged while the extra-fine 1200 grit will sharpen fine surfaces and leave extra-fine edges. It has a genuine cowhide leather sheath that you can use to polish the sharpened edges to make them smooth.
How to know when to sharpen your mower blade
Most people sharpen their mower blades twice per season, at the beginning and in the middle of the mowing season. Here are a few things that will help you determine if your mower blade needs sharpening.
- Check if your lawn has an uneven cut. Your grass should have the same height as one pass of your mower. If it looks uneven, your blades are probably dull.
- Check the grass blades, if the tips are torn and don’t have a clean slice, it’s time to sharpen your mower blades.
- You can also inspect the blades and check for dents or large chips on the cutting edge. Blades with inconsistencies will tear your grass. Also check the thickness of the blade because after mowing over rocks, sticks, and other debris the blade will erode and become thin which means it’s time to replace it.
How to sharpen your mower blade
- Remover the blade from your mower using a wrench or use your hands to loosen the bolts. If you have to lift your mower to reach the blade, make sure the air filter is facing up so gas doesn’t drip into the filter. Also, remove the spark plug to avoid accidental engine start.
- To sharpen place the blade in a vice and start filing the blade from the inside towards the outside following the blade’s cutting edge.
- Once you’ve sharpened the blade, use a blade balancer to balance it to avoid unwanted vibrations or damage to your lawnmower engine. Reinstall the blade then reassemble and thread the bolt by hand or using a wrench.
Conclusion
To keep your mower blade sharp with smooth and refined edges, you should get a blade sharpened made with durable material and one that will sharpen the blade easily and quickly.
FAQ
Are new mower blades pre-sharpened?
New mower blades all come pre-sharpened and have a good cutting edge although they may appear dull. You don’t need to sharpen them, just use them as they are.
Can a mower blade be too sharp?
If your mower blade is too sharp it will quickly become dull faster than the less sharp blade. the blade should be as sharp as a butter knife.