The 5-Minute Sharpening Trick
Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it, leaving jagged edges that turn brown and invite disease. While a professional bench grinding is recommended once a year, you can easily touch up your blades mid-season without the hassle of removing them.
What You Need
- Heavy leather gloves
- A spark plug wrench
- A rotary blade sharpener attachment for a power drill
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Safety First! ALWAYS disconnect the spark plug wire before reaching under the mower. This prevents accidental engine starts.
Step 2: Tip the Mower correctly. Tip the mower so the carburetor and air filter are facing UP. If you tip it the wrong way, oil will flood the engine.
Step 3: Use the Drill Attachment. The rotary sharpener has a plastic guide that rests against the back of the blade, ensuring the grinding stone hits the edge at the perfect angle. Run the drill along the cutting edge 3-4 times on each side.