Do Brand New Lawn Mower Blades Need To Be Sharpened. New lawn mower blade seems dull

goodgreen

Yeah, I guess I’m confused. I just started to sharpen my own for the first time. And it seems that the sharper I make them, the quicker they go dull. What is the proper procedure?

ExMark Radius e-series 48″ mower, Big Dog Alpha 42″ mower Husqvarna HU775H Power Mower w/bagger, Husqvarna Trimmer Husqvarna 570BTS Backpack blower, Husqvarna 445 Chain Saw Husqvarna 327ES Power Edger, Echo HC-150 gas hedge trimmer, Ford F150 XL, 2018 Northbound Trailer

bigbone

I see what you mean about getting them razor sharp because that is what I was doing. My next question then would be what does a dull blade feel like? Would it be when the edge is completely rounded off?

1980 Ford F150 305 truck Hustler Fastrack 52″ 18hp Honda ZTR Gator Blades Echo SRM-261T trimmer Echo PAS-260 with trimmer and edger attachments Xtreme Trimmer Rack STIHL BG85C Blower STIHL FC75 Edger Toro Recycler push mower

“Collect so much grass popo thinking we mow lawns”

That must have been typed in that little known Bama Language style, because I doubt if anybody else understands what you just typed.

I’ve read a lot of his posts/replies. I always have to read it two/three times just to make sense of it.

Like others have stated the real cutting edge is at the tip. You want a nice crisp 90 degrees corner at the end. I think one reason that they most appear dull is that the edge is cut in with an end mill and not ground in the way we re-establish the cutting edge.

I use a blade grinder and set it up for a 30 degree angle on the bevel. When sharpened like this they are every bit as good as a brand new blade until you get to the point where you have removed allot of material from repeated sharpenings. I think allot of guys get the angle to shallow trying to make a knife edge and yes they will dull out faster that way.

Runner

I completely disagree with those that don’t think a new set of blades should be sharpened. These blades are nowhere near sharp. Yes, they cut ok when new, but that is because of the fresh square tip. I sharpen mine nearly razor sharp all the time, and they don’t dull any faster than if I was to not sharpen them this much. I can run a blade a full day or two before sharpening, and even then when I pull them off, they are STILL MUCH sharper than brand new blades. While they won’t stay razor sharp for quite as long, they dull down just a bit, and still stay sharp and cut well. I swap out frequently (every couple of days) because sharp blades is SO important to not only the turfs health, but to productivity.

Thank you, Dad. for always being the dad that you were. You truly are my Hero. You always were.

Do You Need to Sharpen New Lawn Mower Blades?

If you own a new lawnmower, there’s no need to sharpen the blade. Throughout the manufacturing process, blade sharpening takes place, which means that new mowers come with sharpened blades from the factory.

Some people think new blades need sharpening because of the paint finish on most replacement blades. You’ll notice that the finish is especially thick around the cutting edge, and it can feel dull to the touch.

How Often Should Blade Replacement Take Place?

If the blades show signs of considerable damage or if the edge is worn beyond repair, you might need new blades. Some common types of damage in lawn mower blades are curved edges and cracked blades.

Some lawn mowers have different recommendations for when the blades need replacement. It’s advisable to follow manufacturer recommendations. If you’ve misplaced the manual, the general rule of thumb is to replace the blades after every 200 hours of use. High-quality blades such as Oregon Mower Blades will easily give you 400 hours of use.

Keep an eye on your blades’ condition and how well they’re cutting your lawn so you’ll know when it’s time for a replacement. Remember, a badly damaged blade can break while being used and can cause injury and damage to the tool itself.

Does It Matter Whether the Blades Are Sharp?

If you’re like most lawn mower owners, you might wonder: “Do sharp mower blades make a big difference?” You might think that your lawn mowers blades will function just fine, even if they’re somewhat dull. However, while dull blades still cut grass, they will merely rip through grass and produce jagged tips.

Torn tips from dull blades make grass vulnerable to diseases and pests. Furthermore, the grass is likely to turn yellow or brown if cut using a dull blade. On the other hand, sharp blades provide a clean and healthier cut. They also trim grass neatly.

Most homeowners sharpen their lawn mower blades before the mowing season starts every year. However, if you mow your lawn almost daily for hours at a time, your blades will require sharpening twice a year.

Keep in mind that mowing over hard objects like rocks can harm mower blades and make them dull much sooner.

Do You Need to Balance New Blades?

Like most homeowners, you’ve probably wondered: “do new lawn mower blades need to be balanced?” Some mower blades arrive unbalanced and can vibrate considerably when used.

Balancing simply ensures that your blade’s weight is evenly distributed from one side to the other.

Typically, a blade becomes unbalanced during sharpening when one side undergoes more metal grinding than the other. In such cases, you simply need to use a balancer, which could be as simple as using a wall nail for testing balance and using a grinder to shave off the blade’s heavier side until it becomes balanced.

Regular Vs. Mulching Blades

The subtle differences in shape between regular and mulching blades make grass clippings seemingly disappear. Here’s how they’re different from each other:

3-in-1 Versus 2-in-1

Regular blades are at times called “2-in-1” since they can discharge chute or hurl them into a collection bag. Mulching blades are frequently referred to as “3-in-1 blades” since they perform three tasks rather than two. Mulching blades can bag or discharge clippings and cut them into fine mulch, leaving them on the lawn.

Aerodynamics

Regular blades are at times called “high-lift” since they’re meant to produce an aerodynamic lift on clippings that pull them up while flinging them through the discharge chute. On the other hand, a mulching blade produces a circulating air stream that guides the grass clippings toward the blade after being cut, unlike an ordinary blade’s one-directional lift.

Signs that You Need a New Mower Blade

People frequently ask, “How do I know if I need a new mower blade?” Watch out for these signs:

Bent Blades

It’s common to see blades bending when you mow over rocks or other huge objects accidentally. Note that a bent, off-balance mower blade is a safety concern and might cause premature mower damage by damaging the bearings.

Signs of Gouges, Dents, or Missing Pieces

Deep gouges, dents, and missing pieces are a safety hazard. If there’s damage, it’s time to replace the blades. Pebbles and other tiny debris can be hurled at elevated speeds, which could cause lethal accidents. Beware that damaged blades increase the likelihood of items being dangerously propelled.

Do Brand New Lawn mower Blades Need to be Sharpened?

Lawnmower uses revolving blades that function by cutting the grass and making the grass surface appear even. You could also use a walk-behind mower machine that needs a worker to walk behind the machine and provide accurate directions. The fresh-cut grass smells wonderful. But, the joy of cutting grass with a lawnmower turns into an annoying job when you have a dull lawnmower blade.

To ensure that the lawnmower blade will cut the grass surface efficiently, you need to invest your time and efforts in the maintenance of the revolving blades. The machine comes equipped with blades that are responsible for shaping the grass. But the question is ‘do you need to sharpen the brand new lawnmower blade’? How often does the blade need to be sharpened? And, when should you consider replacing these blades?

Let’s find out the answers. Do Brand New Lawn mower Blades Need to be Sharpened?

How to Know If Your Lawnmower Blades Need Sharpening?

How faster you need to sharpen the blades depend on the number of hours and days you use the machine. For example, if you use the lawnmower for 30 minutes on a regular basis, you will need to sharpen the tool every after 40-50 sessions. In simple terms, the more you use the blades, the faster it needs to be sharpened. However, you must look out for certain indicators that suggest your mower blades need sharpening. For instance, you should keep an eye on the grass when using the lawnmower blades. It should give a clean cut.

Make sure that you test the lawnmower blades for scratches, dents, and other major physical issues. Once you have used the blades quite a few times, you will notice some hairline nicks forming over the blade’s surface. Minor dents and cuts can be fixed with sharpening. However, if there is a bigger scratch that has also bent the blade either up or down, you will have to replace it with a brand-new lawnmower blade.

Do You Need to Sharpen a New Lawnmower Blade?

Now that you have purchased a fresh and brand-new lawnmower blade, you might be wondering if the new blade needs to be sharpened. Fortunately, the answer is no. A brand-new blade already comes sharpened. So, there is no need to sharpen it again. Rarely, brand-new lawnmower blades feature a coat of paint. If that is the case, you may want to sharpen the paint off so that the blade works efficiently on the grass surface. Usually, some manufacturers apply a thin layer of paint to the blade. The paint doesn’t last. It wears off after the first few mowing sessions.

Usually, sharpening a new lawnmower blade is not necessary. Even if your blades come with a thin layer of paint, you can use it without sharpening the paint off. However, if you are super concerned, you can try your fresh blade on a small area of your lawn. Try to mow the corner section of the garden and check the grass blades after that. If you notice a proper cut, then your mower blades are doing a fine job. You don’t have to waste your time sharpening them.

Why is it Necessary to Sharpen the Mower Grass Blades?

The homeowner often thinks that lawnmower blades will work fine even if they are a bit dull. Sure, dull blades will cut the grass. However, such blades rip through grass and result in jagged tips. These torn tips make your grass vulnerable to pests and diseases. The grass is also likely to turn brown or yellow if it is cut with a dull blade.

On the other hand, a sharp mower blade gives a clean and healthier cut. It trims the grass quite neatly. Lawnmower blades need sharpening once in a while. Most homeowners sharpen the mower blades before the beginning of the mowing season every year. But if you mow the lawn nearly every day for hours, your lawnmower blades will need sharpening twice a year. Similarly, it is hard for the lawnmower machine to mow a rocky and large lawn. The machine is likely to bump into rocks and objects that can harm the mower blades and make them dull.

Homeowners need to check the blades after every session and ensure that there is no major scratch or nick on them. Should you notice any unusual dullness, get the blade sharpened straight away. The more you delay the blade’s sharpening, the higher the chances you will need blade replacement.

Do brand new lawn mower blades need to be sharpened?

If you are new to homeowning and are looking to buy your first mower, you might run across some conflicting information on online message boards about whether you should sharpen new lawnmower blades or not.

In general, no, you don’t have to sharpen new blades. If you purchase a lawn mower factory new and according to specifications, the blade should be ready to go. If you do feel the need to sharpen your new blades, you should make sure that the blade is properly balanced before you head out to work, since you don’t end up with a wobbly mower, as this could damage your mower in the long run.

John Deere mower blades

No New John Deere mower blades don’t need to to be sharpened. In fact John Deere has a self-sharpening blade on the market for 60-inch decks, so some of you with riding mowers may not even require sharpening at all.

Honda mower blades

Customers generally report that Honda blades are sharp enough to provide a clean cut as soon as they are purchased,so they don’t need to be sharpened (replacement blades also come cheaper than John Deere).

Husqvarna blades

No. In fact, Husqvarna specifically asks that you not sharpen their new blades. Their official website claims that “A new blade is precision designed and manufactured for excellent quality of cut and balance.”

Why are some new mower blades not sharp?

Sometimes, brand-new blades will have a coat of paint on the cutting edge that might need to be sharpened off for the best cut, but more often than not, this coat of paint is only thinly applied so customers don’t cut themselves taking a new blade out of the box, so it should flake off after you run the mower for long enough.

In general, check the mower’s instructions and the blade itself (carefully of course, don’t hurt yourself) if you want to play it safe. It also won’t hurt to give the new blade a quick test run in an inconspicuous area if you’re really not sure about its efficacy. However, if you are buying used or borrowing your neighbor’s mower, it’s a good idea to at the very least check the blade to see if it is sharp enough before you mow.

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How often should lawn mower blades be sharpened

For a residential setting (that is to say, your front lawn), you should sharpen your blade twice a year, maybe more if you live in a temperate area with a long mowing season. But here’s a solid tip that I learned while working for Josh and Elise Wykle, the owners of Lawn Impressions, a great lawncare business in Mecklenburg, NC, when I was a teen.

If you notice something’s up with the way your mower is cutting, check to see if there’s anything wrong with the blade, even if it’s a bit early. Your blade might be too worn down, it might have sustained some damages, or it might be improperly balanced. It’s better to catch these problems early so they don’t cause sustained damage to your lawn or to your mower.

What should a sharpened lawn mower blade look like

A sharpened blade has a shiny and bright cutting edge (which is the slanted part, not the back part of the blade. Don’t sharpen the back part of the blade ). Also, when you are sharpening your blades, you want to make sure your blades are free of any major nicks or defects.

Remember, your blades can get damaged should you accidentally run over something hard like a root or a rock (or in my case last year, an old bit of scrap metal hidden in the overgrowth), and these damages can result in an uneven cut no matter how sharp your blades are. Now, smaller nicks can be eliminated with sharpening, but if you see something too major to be fixed when you’re checking your blades, or notice that the quality of your grass is not improving even after sharpening them, you should invest in some new blades.

When should I sharpen my lawn mower blade?

While, like I stated earlier, it’s a good idea to check on your blades as soon as you notice performance issues starting, you should sharpen your blades after every twenty-four hours of mowing. A pretty simple way of figuring out when exactly you have reached twenty-four hours is to time how many minutes it takes to mow your lawn, then divide 1440 (the number of minutes in twenty-four hours) by the number you got. This should give you a solid estimate of how many times you can mow your lawn before the blade needs sharpening.

Related questions.

How many times can I sharpen my lawn mower blade

This is a bit of a tricky question, since lawn mower blades come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and different yards could contain more or less obstacles for a blade to be nicked or dented on, which could then require more frequent sharpening. According to official specifications, you can sharpen your blade and as many times as you need, until more than a third of the blade’s original width is gone.

After this point, you need to throw it away. It’s a good idea to take a measurement each time you sharpen your blade, so you know when to replace them without having to rely on guesswork or your own memory, which, if your memory is anything like my own, is probably less than optimal.

How much does it cost to sharpen lawn mower blades

Once again, a bit of a tricky question. There’s a wide range of tools out there, but luckily, the price range is flexible enough that you can purchase a tool regardless of your budget. If you’re looking for the cheapest options, you could pick up a sharpening file for about 10 depending on where you look.

There are also whetstone attachments that you can purchase for your power drill for about the same price, although multipacks featuring replacement whetstones, blade balancers and gloves can cost somewhere around 15-20. However, if you have some money saved up, you could invest in a bench grinder. These can go for as cheap as 40 and as expensive as 2000, but some of the highest reviewed grinders out there usually cost around 130-330.

In addition to buying your sharpening tools, if you haven’t already, it would be wise to purchase other essential tools for blade sharpening. You need a vise clamp to hold the mower blade still while you sharpen it, and depending on the length of the vise, it should cost around 20-90. You should also pick up a lawn mower blade balancer, so you don’t accidentally throw off the balance of your mower and damage it. Some of the fancier balancers such as the Oregon 42-047 are a little over 100 if you have deep s, but the simpler models like the Oregon 42-100 are somewhere around 10, and some 15 whetstone multipacks come included with a balancer.

Lastly, while not essential, I recommend picking up the Arnold Blade Removal Tool while you’re at it. The Blade Removal Tool was specifically made to hold the blade in place while you work on loosening the nut with your combination wrench, and it can definitely save you some hassle.

What is the best lawn mower blade sharpener

There are plenty of gadgets out there that market themselves as the perfect blade sharpening tool. Two of the highest rated blade sharpening tools of 2020 are the Magna-Matic MAG-9000 and the Oregon 88-023. However, these also cost a pretty penny, the MAG-9000 costing a whopping 750 and the 88-023 coming in at about 430. The Wykles personally recommend a bench grinder for the job; not only are they the most efficient way of keeping your blades sharp, they also cost much less. I’ve provided a cheat sheet for some of the best reviewed of these grinders and their average below.

JET 577102 – 8-inch, 1 HP, Model # JBG-8A ~ (330.00)

RIKON Variable Speed Bench Grinder- 8-inch, ¾ HP, Model # 80-800VS ~ (200.00)

DeWALT DW758 – 8-inch, ¾ HP, Model # DW758 ~ (130.00)

Central Machinery Bench Grinder- 8-inch, ¾ HP. ~ (50.00)

WEN 4276 Bench Grinder- 6-inch, 2.1 Amps ~ (50.00)

brand, lawn, mower, blades, need, sharpened

It can be intimidating to tackle DIY lawncare for the first time, and just like any other long-term task, it has a lot of steps to follow. However, trying to tackle all those steps at once will overwhelm you. Becoming fluent with just one step at a time will help you not only remember everything better, but also become a skilled and natural homeowner. Just remember to stay sharp!

Can you sharpen a lawn mower blade by hand?

If you don’t have a power tool to help sharpen a mower blade you can use a metal file like the Draper Flat File from Amazon. You can sharpen by hand without removing the blade, but ideally you want to remove the blade and hold it in a vice.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions on removing a blade, but you will typically need a spanner or the right size socket spanner to undo the central bolt to remove it. Place your blade in a vice and push the file across the blade from the outside edge into the middle until done. Do not create a razor sharp edge as this will damage easily.

What is the best tool to sharpen mower blades?

A flat metal file is a great choice for sharpening blades; they are inexpensive and simple to use. But If you’re looking for a little more assistance a drill and a multi purpose blade sharpener attachment like the Multi-Sharp Multi-Purpose Blade Sharpener from Amazon are a good choice.

This type of attachment features a circular stone that is shaped to create the right cutting angle on a blade. You’ll need to place it in the chuck of a drill and make sure it’s fully tightened. You can use the outside of the sharpener to get rid of heavy nicks and dents. Then place the sharpener on the blade at the right angle – see manufacturer’s instructions – and power up the drill and move the sharpener back and forth along the blade until done. Repeat on the other blade edge to finish.

Why Do I Have to Sharpen My Lawn Mower Blades?

Sharpening your lawn mower blades provides many benefits. Not only will your lawn be healthy and free of diseases, but you’ll keep your lawn mower in good working condition for many years to come. We recommend sharpening your lawn mower blades twice per season or after 25 hours of use.

How Much Does It Cost to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?

For DIY-savvy homeowners, the cost to sharpen your blades runs 20 to 60. It all depends on the type of mower you own—reel mowers require less tending, whereas gas and electric mowers require more prep and tools for blade sharpening.

If you don’t have the tools or experience handling sharp blades and working with a lawn mower, hiring a lawn mower repair pro is a great choice. A professional will ensure the job gets done without issue, and you’ll also have the option of adding additional tune-up repairs. You can expect to pay between 25 to 100 for a professional blade cleaning and tune-up.

It costs between 10 and 250 for a lawn mower tune-up

How to Prep for Sharpening Your Lawn Mower Blades

Safety disclaimer: Working with any kind of blade poses a danger. If you don’t take the proper precautions, you could injure yourself. Wear safety goggles, gloves, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to shield yourself from metal shavings and sparks. If you aren’t certain of your ability to handle this DIY project, contact a local lawn care service.

Don’t skip any steps when it comes to prep—your safety depends on it.

  • Turn your mower on its side (making sure the air filter and carburetor are lying face up) and prop it up with cement blocks.
  • Place a two-by-four piece of lumber between the blade and the lawn mower to keep the blade still.
  • Grab a clamp to hold the wood in place. Take a moment to mark the bottom of the blade with a marker, so when you put it back on, you’ll know which side faces up (this is a huge time saver).
  • Loosen the blade by locating the nut attached to the drive shaft. Turn the nut counterclockwise with a wrench until the blade comes off.

If your blades are rusted or full of debris, you’ll want to spray them with penetrating oil and scrub them clean with a brush or cloth before starting your blade sharpening project.

How to Sharpen Your Lawn Mower Blades

The most common lawn mowers are gas and electric models. You’ll simply need to remove the battery for an electric mower before you begin sharpening.

However, if you have a gas-powered motor, you’ll need to grab your safety glasses and gloves and disconnect the spark plug wire. Ensure you tape the wire to the outside of the mower with heavy tape so it doesn’t accidentally plug back in and turn on. Finally, you’ll need to drain the gas tank to prevent any fuel spills.

If you have the proper knowledge and experience, this DIY should take you under an hour. There are three blade-sharpening options to choose from below, but the final step applies to all.

Sharpen With a File

Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Place the blade into a vise with the sharpening edge facing upwards.

  • Grab a 10-inch metal file and stroke the blade in one direction only at a downward 45-degree angle.
  • Apply pressure and continue stroking until your edge is as sharp as a butter knife (this can take up to 50 strokes).
  • Turn your blade over and repeat on the other side.

Use a Blade Sharpening Kit

A blade sharpening stone fits on any standard electric drill, and you can purchase a kit (for around 15) at any local hardware store. The kit includes a 2-inch aluminum oxide angled wheel that sharpens your blades in minutes.

  • Put on your gloves, safety glasses, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
  • Place your blade in a vise.
  • Insert the blade sharpening stone into the drill and tighten.
  • Line up the stone with the blade—placing the flat part on the back edge and the curved part on the curved edge of the blade.
  • Run the stone over the blade (back and forth) for a few minutes until the blade is as sharp as a butter knife.
  • Turn the blade over and repeat on the other side.

Sharpen With an Angle Grinder

Angle grinders cut through tile and are tough enough to remove grout and polish metal. They also provide a quick way to sharpen your mower blades.

You’ll see sparks fly for this option, so you’ll need gloves, protective eyewear, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and ear protection.

  • Place your blade in a vise.
  • Choose a flap disc attachment (grind, blend, and finish all in one).
  • Place the grinder along the cutting edge of the blade.
  • Run the grinder along the edge, moving back and forth.
  • Sharpen until the blade is as sharp as a butter knife.
  • Turn the blade over and repeat on the other side.

After sharpening your blades, they can become unbalanced—which could damage your mower. We recommend purchasing a blade sharpening and balancing kit to perform a balance test. These kits are universal. You can find them at your local hardware store for around 12. If your blade is off balance, simply file it down until balance is achieved.

brand, lawn, mower, blades, need, sharpened

Place Your Blades Back Into the Mower

  • Clean the bottom of your mower with a brush, and scrape off any clumps of grass.
  • Reattach your blades, ensuring that the side you marked is face up.
  • Wedge your two-by-four under the blade and clamp it. Tighten the nut with a wrench.
  • Reconnect the spark plug, fill the tank with gas (or insert an electric charger), and you’re all set!

The average cost for a new lawn mower is between 80 and 3,200, depending on its type and special features

Additional Questions

What’s the best way to sharpen a lawn mower blade?

The quickest way to sharpen a blade is with an angle grinder. However, a blade sharpening stone is less hazardous and does a great, fast job at sharpening your blades.

What type of file do I use to sharpen my mower blades?

You’ll want to use a 10-inch mill bastard file for sharpening your blades. These files are great for sharpening saws, chainsaw teeth, and knives. You can purchase them at any hardware store for around 7 each.