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| Sharpen Your Lawnmower Blades Yourself | December 26, 2006, 6:00 pm | visits: 76 | wordcount: 517
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By Mr.Andrew Caxton
Lawnmower blades are the most important part of the lawnmower. Sharpening them regularly can enable them to do their job quickly and efficiently. In this article, you will learn how to sharpen your lawnmower blades safely and quickly.
Lawnmower Blades Details
Two different types of steel are used in creating lawnmower blades. One kind of steel is called mild or carbon steel and the other is known as tool steel. Tool steel lawnmower blades stay sharp for a much longer period of time than the other steel and they do not need to be sharpened as frequently. This blade is quite expensive and it must be professionally sharpened. Carbon or mild steel blades are inexpensive and are easier to keep sharpened. It is essential to keep lawnmower blades sharp or the glass blades will tear, rather than being neatly cut. This both looks ugly and causes the grass to grow abnormally, because the grass cannot retain moisture.
DIY Lawnmower Blade Sharpening
In most cases, sharpening your lawnmower blades yourself very simply and easily. It will not take very long either. By following the directions below, you will be able to sharpen the blades of your particular lawnmower. All you need to do is consult your operation manual for directions to remove your lawnmower's blades.
1.The power source needs to be removed from the lawnmower. If your lawnmower is electric, then you simply pull out the wall cord. If it is gasoline powered, then you need to remove the spark plug. A battery operated lawnmower just needs the batteries removed. If you skip this step, you can cause serious injuries to yourself or death.
2. A spanner can help you to remove the blades. Ensure that the spanner does not slip or you may cut yourself.
3. When removing the blades from the lawnmower, you may want to number them so that you can replace them exactly as they were. The balancing weights need to stay attached to the blades or you may find that refitting the blades will be made much more difficult.
4. Place the individual blade in a vice so that you can work on it more easily.
5. Use a file or grinder to sharpen the blade. Sharpen the blade by following the contour of the blade. Check to make sure that they are as sharp as you need, but be careful with your fingers.
6. Replace the blade on the lawnmower including the balancing weight, if any.
7. You can sharpen the blades with them still in position in the lawnmower if you choose. You only have to use a flexible shaft angle grinder. You can save yourself time and energy if you have one of these grinders in your workshop.
8. Use a blade balancer to make sure that the blades are balanced. If the blades are not balanced, then the lawnmower may vibrate.
Take proper care of your lawnmower blades to help make the process of caring for your lawn easier and simpler.
About the Author: Andrew Caxton enjoys writing for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . If you would like more information on this topic please checkout his website at lawnmower blades
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