Lawn looking uneven after mowing? Try this lawn mower blade sharpening hack instead of a bench grinder for cleaner cuts

Is your lawn still looking uneven even after mowing? A dull lawn mower blade could be the reason. Sharpening the blade is a practical DIY maintenance task that can help the mower cut grass more cleanly and efficiently.

A specialised sharpening tool can also make the process easier by reducing some of the technical challenges associated with using equipment such as a bench grinder. The Orange Ninja Multi Tool Garden and Knife Sharpener is one such tool that has been used by consumers to sharpen lawn mower blades.

Sharp mower blades do more than improve the appearance of a lawn. They cut grass more evenly and can reduce damage to individual grass blades, which may contribute to a healthier-looking lawn.

Is Sharpening A Lawn Mower Blade Difficult?

For those who have never sharpened a mower blade before, the task may seem complicated, time-consuming or potentially dangerous. However, using a dedicated sharpening tool can make the process relatively straightforward.

There are a few important points to remember before getting started. Always wear protective gloves and eye protection while working with the blade.

The aim is to restore the blade's existing cutting edge rather than create an entirely new edge. Also, sharpening is not suitable for every damaged blade. If the mower blade is significantly bent, cracked or badly damaged, it should be replaced instead.

How To Prepare The Lawn Mower Blade

Before sharpening, remove the blade from the mower. Taking it off first can make the job easier and generally allows for more controlled sharpening.

For a gas-powered lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire before removing the blade.

Once the blade has been removed, clean away any accumulated grass, dirt or other debris. The blade should then be secured firmly in a vise or clamped to a workbench.

Position it so that one of the ground bevels is exposed and there is enough space to move the sharpening tool along the cutting edge.

How To Sharpen A Lawn Mower Blade With The Tool

The Orange Ninja has a dedicated mower blade-sharpening slot built into its handle.

Place the tool against the existing bevel of the blade and move it along the length of the previously ground cutting edge. Apply steady, even pressure while moving the sharpener across the bevel.

Continue working along the entire bevel until the original cutting edge has been restored and a sharp point is formed at the outer edge.

Repeat the same process on the opposite side of the blade to ensure both cutting edges are sharpened.

Check The Blade For Balance

Blade balance is another important consideration after sharpening. Removing substantially more metal from one side than the other can cause the mower blade to become unbalanced. A simple way to check this is to hang the blade from a nail using its mounting hole.

If the blade remains level, the weight is likely distributed evenly. If it tilts noticeably to one side, use the sharpening tool to carefully remove a small amount of material from the heavier side until the blade is balanced.

The Tool Can Sharpen Other Cutting Edges Too

One additional advantage of the Orange Ninja is that it is not limited to lawn mower blades. The tool can also be used on various other cutting edges, including knives, scissors and pruning tools.

For homeowners who regularly maintain their garden or household cutting tools, having a sharpener that can handle multiple types of blades can make it a useful addition to a basic toolkit.

When Should You Replace A Lawn Mower Blade?

Sharpening is useful when a blade has simply become dull through regular use. However, a blade that is bent, cracked or severely damaged should not be restored through sharpening. In such cases, replacing the blade is the safer option and can also help ensure that the mower operates properly.