What Is The Best Way To Sharpen Lawnmower Blades
A bench grinder is the fastest and most efficient means of sharpening your blades, but a handheld angle grinder is inexpensive and a very close second. You can typically find a nice, portable angle grinder for under $60 and it will save you a lot of time filing if you invest in one for sharpening your mower blades and DIY tools at home.
Create A Balance Point
Hammer a 16D or similar nail into a stud in your shed or shop and hang the blade from its center point. In theory, you could simply hold out a nail and do this step by hand if needed. Some blades are harder than others to balance due to the nature of the center hole. The easiest to balance use round holes.
What You Want To Achieve
Ive debated how sharp a mower blade should be many times some will say as sharp as a razor, and others will say as sharp as a butter knife. I like to refer them to what a new blade looks like and ask whether they would sharpen a new blade. In my experience, Ive never seen a razor-sharp new blade.
The points we can all agree on and what you want to achieve:
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Try These Tools To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
Tools to sharpen lawn mower blades improve the appearance of your freshly cut lawn. But which tool is right for the job?
If youve noticed your grass is ragged and unkempt, even after a fresh mow, you may need one of these tools to sharpen lawn mower blades. From hand files and sharpening stone attachments to rotary tools and bench grinders, weve got advice and information on all the tools to sharpen mower blades you need.
Depending on which tool you use, you may be able to simply tip your lawn mower to one side and sharpen the blades, or you may need to remove them first. You may also need extra safety equipment, such as safety goggles and gloves.
Our guide features five tools that will help you know how to sharpen lawn mower blades , and weve consulted a top gardening expert for their tips on the best approach, as well as important safety precautions to take.
Top tools to sharpen lawn mower blades:
And if youre looking to replace your old lawn mower, or making the switch from electric, our buying guides to the best gas lawn mowers or the best electric lawn mowers are certain to have the perfect fit for your backyard, whatever its size.
All American Sharpener 5000

Looking for a sharpener that will sharpen mulching and standard blades? The All American Sharpener 5000 is the tool for you and is one of the most affordable models on the market today.
The tool is able to hold your mower blade securely in order to provide a perfect sharpening session in a matter of seconds. Therefore, you dont need to worry about the security of your hands when sharpening your tools.
Also, the sharpener is 100% portable and comes with a cordless grinder. This means that you can easily carry your product from one place to the other with ease since its flexible.
It is also a lightweight product. Hence, you will have an easy time carrying it to your lawn mower and back to your store. It also comes with M8 by 1.25 adapter pin that attaches the majority of grinders to its assembly.
Hence, even if the sharpener loses its effectiveness, you can easily replace it with a new one without needing to purchase the entire assembly. This will save you money that you would have used to replace the whole assembly.
Another thing, the tool is able to sharpen multiple blades efficiently and easily. And it will take you just seconds to do this.
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Should Lawn Mower Blades Feel Sharp
Yes, mower blades should feel sharp, but they should never feel razor sharp. You should be able to trace your fingers and notice an edge, without it being sharp enough to cut your finger. A common novice mistake is sharpening mower blades to razor sharpness and this should not be done
It thins out the metal, making it more prone to damage, and the oversharp blade will become dull very quickly.
Funvolution Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
Get your lawnmower blade in prime condition with the Funvolution Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener.
With a simple attachment to power drills, the process of sharpening blades has never been easier and more convenient.
This blade sharpener kit includes four stone grinders that can be attached to any power or hand drill.
Each stone grinder is 0.78 inches thick, thicker than ordinary grinding wheels. With a 50 x 47 mm / 1.97 x 1.85 inch for each stone, they are small enough to fit in tight spaces and rugged enough to sharpen your blades.
They are made of corundum, a natural abrasive and high-quality ceramic material that is durable and has a long service life.
The blade sharpener can be used repeatedly to sharpen or realign any lawn mower blades and can resist high speeds making it suitable for various types of blades and knives.
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Position The Mower On Its Side
The first step may seem obvious but weve been around for a whileand weve seen some crazy stuff. In case it isnt already clear, dont sharpen the blade on the mower. For one, it doesnt give you enough room to maneuver the grinder. Secondthe majority of the work needs to take place on the top side of the blade. Third, its dangerous since theres no good way to keep the blade from spinning around on you.
To remove a lawnmower blade, first, get the mower into a safe position. For a gas mower, remove the spark plug wire to ensure the motor cannot fire. Then turn the mower onto its side to expose the blade. Turning it this way helps keep the engine from flooding and oil from leaking.
How Long Should It Take To Sharpen A Blade
The first time you sharpen your blade it will likely take 5 to 10 minutes per edge depending on how bad your blade is. Most of this time will be spent establishing the correct angle. Time will vary depending on the type of grinding wheel you use and how aggressively you grind away material. We suggest small amounts of material removal so as to not overheat the cutting edge. Once you have established the correct angle it should only take a minute or two to sharpen each edge.
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Deet Power Drill Hand Drill Whetstone Universal Lawnmower Blade Drill Cuts Sharpener
One of the best blade sharpeners available is DEET Power Drill Hand Drill Whetstone Universal Lawnmower Blade Drill Cuts Sharpener 5 Pcs, for Garden, Courtyard, Kitchen, Garden, Office.
This tool comes with a high-quality diamond surface that can sharpen the blades of your lawnmower in a short time and with ease.
It also comes with a sturdy handle and a convenient storage case that makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. The DEET blade sharpener is safe for use on many materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
Universal Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
This is the best blade sharpener is the Universal Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener by Grinding Rotary Drill Cuts Sharpener Garden Tool.
Its a universal lawn mower blade sharpening tool that can sharpen blades on gas and electric mowers.
The two interchangeable carbide inserts make this a versatile, easy-to-use tool. Plus, it comes with a carrying case for portability and storage.
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How To Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades Without Removing
If you want to sharpen your lawn mower blades without removing them, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to identify the bevel of the blade. The bevel is the angle of the blade that meets the cutting edge. Second, you will need to use a file or grinder to sharpen the blade. Third, after sharpening the blade, you will need to balance it. Finally, once the blade is balanced, you can reattach it to the lawn mower.
Everhope 50mm Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener

The first on our list is the 4EVERHOPE 50MM Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener for Power Hand Drill Grinding Drill Mower Sharpener .
With this sharpener, youll be able to sharpen your blades in seconds. This tool is perfect for mowing those tough lawns that require a powerful cutting edge.
This sharpener can also be used for power drills and hand-held grinders, providing a range of uses.
The included guide rod makes it easy to hold onto when sharpening your blades, line up the blade with the slot and push down using your foot. Its easy to store away as well, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
To ensure that this tool works as intended, 4EVERHOPE designed it with a solid body and an anti-slip handle that helps avoid slippage when in use.
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Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Safety Tips
Your lawn mower may be off when youre trying to sharpen the blades, but theres still a chance of injuring yourself if you dont take your safety seriously. Basic safety measures you should observe:
- Put on protective gear. This includes cut-resistant gloves, protective eyewear/goggles, and an apron or overalls.
- Consider working on a flat surface for improved stability and access to the blades
Tecson 4 Pack Lawnmower Blade Sharpener
This Tecson 4 Pack Lawnmower Blade Sharpener is a universal tool that will fit all your needs. It can be used for lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and more.
It has a convenient design to not take up too much space in your toolbox or garage. You can use this sharpener with power drills and hand drills.
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Whats The Difference Between Mulching Blades And Regular Blades
Standard mowing blades tend to be rectangular and straight, while mulching blades will typically have a noticeable curvature to them, as well as an extended and even extra cutting edges along the length of the blade. Mulching blades also have teeth that help in shredding leaves and which face up when installed underneath your mower.
John Deere mulching blades are a rare exception, as they are rectangular and smaller on one side, but such exceptions are uncommon.
Is It Worth Sharpening The Mower Blade
Mower blades dull over time from contact with grass and debris. A sharp mower blade cuts grass cleanly, leaving a nice, even edge. It also helps reduce stress on the mower engine by working more efficiently. There are a few ways to sharpen mower blades. The easiest is to use a rotary blade sharpener, which can be found at most hardware stores. Another option is to remove the blade and take it to a professional lawnmower repair shop. Or, if youre feeling handy, you can sharpen the blade yourself using a file or grinder. The bottom line is that its definitely worth taking the time to sharpen your mower blade regularly. Not only will your lawn look better, but your mower will run more smoothly and last longer too.
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Make Sure You Have All The Right Tools
One more thing make sure you are prepared with all the right supplies.
That includes a
You can use a number of additional sharpening tools as well, depending on your preference, but a bench grinder may be a little difficult to use because of the awkward shape of the mower blade .
What Is The Thread Size For My Angle Grinder Adapter Pin
- WE NOW SUPPLY 4 DIFFERENT THREAD SIZE PINS WITH EACH SHARPENER ORDER. One of these will fit your grinder.
- If you do not know the thread size of your grinders side handle and want to know, you can refer to our growing list of grinder models and their pin threads.
- If your model is not on our list yet, the simplest way to determine the thread is to take your grinders side handle to the nut and bolt section of your nearest hardware store. Then try different nuts on it until you find the correct thread. Typically it will be M8x1.25, M10x1.5, or 5/16-18.
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How To Sharpen A Lawn Mower Blade With A File
I will start with the simplest method Ive used over the years. Its a technique that never fails with results that have often surprised me with how easy and effective it is. So here are the steps youll need to sharpen a lawn mower blade with a file.
Place the Blade In a Vise
Take your blade and place it in your vise with the edge you intend to sharpen facing upwards and away from you.
Place the Blade on Your Work Surface Using a Clamp
If you dont have a vise, you can alternatively use a clamp. Place the blade flat on the surface again, facing upwards and away from you.
Sharpening the Cutting Edge
Work the file using a long continuous downward motion starting from the blades center. Each pass of the file should extend the blades full length to ensure even metal removal. The angle of the stroke should match the angle of the intended sharpened blade edge this is where you can check your angle with your protractor.
Continue the filing passes until you have achieved the sharpened angle and filed past any chips in the blade. Once complete, remove the blade, rotate it in the vise or clamp, and repeat the sharpening process for the opposite end.
Remove the Burr
Balancing the Blade
Take your balancing tool and check if the blade is balanced. Whats a balancing tool, you ask? This tool will check if both sides of the blade match in weight. If you dont have a tabletop balancer, you can use a nail on a vertical surface I prefer to use a nail.
Rotary Blade Sharpener Lawn Mower Garden Tool Sharpener

With a rotating blade sharpener, you can sharpen lawn mower blades easily.
This tool can work with both circular and straight blades of different sizes. Its also compatible with both power drills and manual tools.
The rotary blade sharpener is made from high-quality steel and has a holster for easy storage.
The kit includes one 50mm guide for the drill and a smaller 30mm guide for the manual tool. Its easy to use, affordable, and convenient to store away quickly when not in use.
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Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener Faqs
Q: How do I sharpen my lawn mower blade?
A: When sharpening your lawn mower blade or blades, follow these steps:
- Remove the blade from your mower.
- Remove the rust with a bush.
- Choose a firm sharpening surface.
- Use a grinder if the blade is damaged.
- Run your blade at an angle on the grinder.
- Balance the blade.
- Check if it sharp.
Of important, ensure that you use the right sharpening tool to sharpen your mower blades. Some blades should be sharpened by specific sharpeners while some can easily be sharpened by all sharpeners.
Q: Which is the right sharpener for sharpening my mower blade?A: The right sharpeners should last long and be affordable. It should also be suited for your specific blade.
Q: How long does a blade sharpener last?A: This will depend on how you take care of it and the frequency of use. Some sharpeners will last longer than others.
Q: Where can I get the right blade sharpener?A: You can find blade sharpeners in different places, including online store and your local store.
Q: How Often Should I Sharpen My Lawn Mower Blade?
A: It depends on different factors, but most lawn mower blades need to be sharpened every 20 to 24 hours. That means sharpening it once or twice per year.
However, if you are a commercial mower, then you should sharpen these blades once or twice a week.
Q: How Tight Should Mower Blades Be?
Q: Should I sharpen a new mower blade?
Q: How to use an angle grinder to sharpen lawn mower blade
Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening Tool
I generally sharpen the blades for my 60 inch cut mower 5 sets per session. The mower uses 3 blades, so that’s 15 blades. I use a Bench grinder but holding them while sharpening is a tiring, difficult job. I thought, “There must be a better way of doing this.” I made this tool which consists of a pair of Vice Grips welded to an adjustable bracket that slides back and forth on a long rod mounted on the front of the bench, below the grinder. It really works good. Sorry I cannot furnish photos of it’s construction, but I would be glad to take some more detailed photos of it if anyone is interested.
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Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpeners Reviews & Buying Guide In 2022
Restore the sharpness of the lawn mower blade to reduce fuel consumption by 20%, maintain its quality and get prefect grass cuttings.
Lawn mower blade sharpener is a budget-friendly and convenient tools compared to manual sharpening or replacing new ones.
If you use lawn mower frequently, then the blade can get blunt and result in uneven grass cuttings with jagged edges which discourages the plant growth. So, a lawnmower blade sharpener is essential to sharpen the dull blades and enhance mower longevity.
Investing in a lawn mower blade is not simple with so many models and options. To choose the best lawn mower blade, you need to consider the below factors.
Manual and electric-powered lawn mower blade sharpeners are two main power source options available out there. Manual sharpeners are cheaper and consume a lot of time for grinding the blade. While electric motors sharpen the blade quickly and easily, which makes it a bit expensive.
As a user, you have to know how fast the grinder will sharpen your blades, and in how much time? Usually, manual models take around 30 minutes to a couple of hours, whereas electric grinders take less time . Choose according to your requirements.
- Sharpener Material
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