Most folks just break out the old lawn mower every year, throw some gas in it, (hopefully) crank it up, and go at their lawn without stopping to do one of the most important things - sharpen the lawn mower blade.
"But my mower seems to cut fine, why sharpen it?" - Common perception! Look closely at the blades of grass after you cut them. If the ends of your grass blades are frayed, your mower blades are in need of a good sharpening.
A good sharp blade will ensure a clean cut and a healthy lawn - frayed grass ends make for an unhealthy lawn!
First, unplug the spark plug and tuck the wire well away from the plug (it can "arc" and actually fire without being "connected"). Turn the mower on its side, making sure you don't spill out gas. If gas is in the tank, empty the tank, at least, to a level where it won't spill when tipped.
The BEST way to remove the blade is with an impact wrench - either a good electric one or an air/pneumatic air wrench. Remove the bolt holding the blade on, note the order in which the washer goes on, and note the direction of the blade.
Once the blade is off, you can sharpen it using an air grinder, an electric side grinder with a course wheel, or a hand file. When sharpening the lawn mower blade, keep with the same angle as was stock. Never sharpen the blade to the sharpness of a knife edge - the edge will quickly cleave off and break. Instead of a razor sharp edge, you are really after an ever so slightly squared off edge,
After sharpening the blade, re-attach, plug in your spark plug, gas it up, and go!
A good sharp blade will even SOUND different when cutting - you'll notice a clean cut and your grass will thrive and grow more healthy all season.
Good luck! For more tips and information on Lawn Care in Columbia South Carolina, visit my website, BusyBeeLawnCare.com
