How to Loosen Bolt on Lawn Mower Blade- Easiest Way with Warning
Do you want to know how to loosen bolt on lawn mower blade? Lawn Mower or grass cutter machine cuts the grass on the ground. The lawn mower has one or several blades, which are connected with a stuck bolt. The design of the lawn mower can detect the height of the cutting grass.
An operator or lever or nut and bolt of the machine adjusts the height of the cutting grass usually. The machine’s blade is tightly connected with a bolt, which needs to be loosened before repairing or removing and the blade can be damaged after using it.
So one must have the knowledge of how to loosen bolt on lawn mower blade if he wants to check the parts or repair or connect a new blade. Are you worried? Can’t loosen the bolt on lawn mower blade? It is not so hard to loosen a bolt on the machine if you follow a series of ways.
How to Loosen Bolt On Lawn Mower Blade
There are many types of lawn mower, it has different sizes of bolt. If you want to get the standard sizes, it must include1\2 inch, 5\8 inch, and ¾ inch. However if the machine’s blade is damaged or looks dull, you have to replace or remove it. You may face the problem if your bolt is frozen or so tight.
Are you looking forward to knowing how to loosen bolt on lawn mower blade? The following series of methods help you.
- Have to put on hand gloves and drain the fuel tank.
- Switch off your engine, you have to gas out from the fuel tank with a pump. Then disconnect the wire from the spark plug carefully and secure it safely so that it does not get any connection with the plug. In that case, you can use tape so that it does not get a connection.
- Always have to take care as if the engine is not getting started accidentally.
- Turn over your machine so that the air cleaner faces of the engine are upward. In this case, you need thick gloves for your hand due to ensure your safety. Since there are various types of lawn mower, so you can refer to the user manual before starting the methods.
- Have to push a wooden wedge or block between the blade and the mower housing to prevent the blade from rotating anticlockwise, if you need to loosen the bolt.
- To loosen the bolt from the machine’s blade you need a spanner of the correct size to put on the head of the bolt and have to force the spanner handle in the anticlockwise ( the bolt is turning left). In that case, you can use a 16mmm spanner.
- Bolt’s size of the lawn mower may differ, it basically depends on the mower’s model. The standard size of the bolt’s head is 1\2 inch or 5\8 inch or 3/4 inch. When you turn the spanner, the bolt of the blade will turn. In that case, you need to pressure by the hand and hold it when you want to loosen the bolt.
- Have to spray powerful oil on the bolt, if you fail to turn the tight bolt and wait 10 or 20 minutes. Rotate the bolt again to loosen it. Select the blade’s bottom side, detach the bolt that loosens and drag the blade, if you want to sharpen the blade or replace the blade.
- Have to reattach the blade following the removal steps, tight the bolt on the lawn mower blade by rotating it clockwise. Put a wooden wedge to stop the blade in a way the blade from rotating clockwise.
Reasons to Loosen the Bolt on Lawn Mower Blade
Any problem may you face while using any machine. In that case, you shouldn’t get nervous, instead you need to find a solution. Like other machines, lawn mower machines have various problems. You must know how to loosen bolt on lawn mower blade if he is facing one of the following problems.
- If you can’t remove blades.
- If your machine is damaged.
- If you need to sharpen the blade.
- If you need to change the blade.
- If the machine’s bolt is so tight or getting so rust.
Warnings
Have to pay full attention, when you use the penetrating oil, put a wrench socket on the bolt’s head, when force the wrench handle to loosen the bolt from the blade, and don’t forget to put gloves in your hand to protect your hand from any skin problem.
If a drop of fuel on the lawn mower, it may create a flammable. If you turn the blade accidentally, you may cut yourself.
Verdict
People who use the lawn mower for their personal or commercial needs, they have to properly maintain the machine. People who are not serious about the loosen bolt on lawn mower blade, it may damage the machine. So when you need to loosen the bolt on lawn mower, you must be more serious as if any part of the machine is secured.
If any part of the machine is damaged while using it or it needs to be replaced with something that is attached to the bolt, then he needs to know how to loosen bolt on lawn mower blade. If you follow the ways, I think you can easily loosen the bolt.
Many lawn mower has one or 2 bolts for security, you can loosen the bolts in the same ways. The whole process has done so carefully as if there is no problem in any part of the machine. When you need to loosen the blade on lawn mower, you will make sure that you have all the essential tools.
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How To Remove Stripped Bolt From Lawn Mower Blade?
Do your lawn mower blades have completed their lifespan, and now they need replacement? But you are unable to replace it because of a stripped bolt. Yes, you cannot replace the blades until you win the war against the blade bolt. The basic ideas about removing stripped bolts from lawnmower blades are a huge help. But do you know basics of the how to remove stripped bolt from lawn mower blade?
You have several ways to remove the stripped bolt from the blade. For smaller lawn mower blade bolts, use a hammer and punch. If the large bolt is stripped, use an impact wrench and socket to remove the bolt.
However, you need detailed information to perfectly complete this job. We recommend you read the content below to learn the safest ways to remove stripped bolts from lawn mower blades.
Methods to Remove Stripped Bolt from Lawn Mower Blade:
You may find several ways to remove the stripped bolts from the lawn mower blade. But when it comes to simple and effective ways, very few of them meet the criteria.
Here we have listed the two easiest methods that may help you to remove the bolt from the blades of each lawn mower model.
How to Off the Bolt from the Lawn Mower Blade? (Simple Solutions with 2 Easy Methods)
It will be irritating when you cannot replace the blades because of the tiny bolt. You need quick solutions to remove the bolt to continue your job.
Things You Will Need:
For both of the methods, you will need the following tools:
- Hammer
- Punch
- Wrench
- Extension Bar
- Beam
- Socket ( 24mm)
- Long hollow metal pipe
- Metal Block
Method 1: Remove Bolt Using Socket and Impact Wrench
To make your job easier, buy Olympia Tools Adjustable Wrench. It is inexpensive but straightforward to apply for bolt removal jobs.
Step 1- Fix the Lawnmower to Protect it From Moving
First, you will need to fix the lawn mower at a place where you can protect it from moving. You can use the beam, jack, block and breaker bar, or anything else to keep the lawn mower in place while applying force.
Step 2- Attach the Socket and Impact Wrench
Take the 24 mm socket and then attach the impact wrench with the socket. See the threads side; you will need to turn it clockwise. For the clockwise, adjust it left-handed.
If your bolt size differs from mine, you may need another size instead of 24mm.
Step 3- Attach the long Pipe.
Then take a long hollow metal pipe to attach it with the long wrench. Taking a hollow pipe with little more than the wrench diameter will be good. It will provide more control over the wrench to perform the functions.
Step 4- Use the Metal Block to Support the Lawn Mower.
Now take the metal block and use it from the side to give excellent support to the lawn mower to protect it from moving.
Step 5- Set the Socket Onto the Bolt.
Then take the wrench attached to the long pipe and set the front end socket on the bolt. Make sure it is correctly adjusted on the bolt. Confirm it by applying a little force.
Step 6- Loosen the Bolt.
Now apply force and try to rotate the bolt clockwise. It may take two to three pulls.
Step 7- Off the Bolt from the Blade
Once the bolt is loose, you can easily get it off the blade. Remove the pipe and rotate the wrench clockwise. After a few turns, you will remove the bolt from the lawn mower blade.
You Can Watch This video, This video shows you how to Remove Stripped Bolt From Lawn Mower Blade:
How to tighten a loose lawn mower blade
If you see corrosion, you should remove it with a brush. It will ease you to access the bolt.
Step 2- Put the Punch on the Bolt.
Then take a smaller size punch and put it over the bolt. It will help you to hit the bolt to loosen it.
Step 3- Push the Punch With a Hammer.
Then hit the punch with the hammer. Please do not hit it too hard; it may damage the bolt. Hit it a few times. You will see it will become loose after four to five hits.
Step 4- Rotate the Bolt With a Punch.
Now, keep the hammer aside and try to rotate the bolt with the punch.
Step 5- Rotate the Bolt with Your Hands.
Once it is enough to loosen, you can rotate it with your hands. Rotate the broken stripped bolt with your fingers clockwise to remove it from the blade.
Step 6- Remove the Bolt.
After a few clockwise turns, you can remove the stripped bolt.
Why does the Lawn Mower Blade bolt Get Stuck?
A few major reasons for a lawn mower blade bolt to get stuck can be:
It may get stuck because of corrosion
Grass or debris residuals may also cause it to be stuck
Broken bolts also stuck when hit with something
What are Helpful Tips for the Easy Removal of Lawn Mower Blade Bolts?
Whatever bolt removal method you use to remove the bolt from a lawn mower blade, it is a must to take the following steps before starting your job.
Make sure the lawn mower spark plug is disconnected
Ensure you have drained the oil and fuel properly
Before accessing the bolt, clean it and ensure you have removed debris and corrosion, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are all lawn mowers blade bolts reverse threaded?
Yes, all of the mowers have reverse thread bolts with their blades. You need to move it counterclockwise to tighten the bolts and loosen the lawn mower blade clockwise.
What size is the lawn mower blade bolt?
Most lawn mower blade bolts are 5/8” inches in diameter. You will need 15/16” socket or wrench tools to remove the bolts.
Do I need an impact wrench for the lawn mower blade bolt removal job?
Having an impact wrench for the lawn mower blade bolt is not essential. But it will be very simple if you have a high torque impact wrench.
How often should I replace the lawn mower blades?
Generally, the lawn mower blades have a one-year lifespan. You can replace them annually. But if there is a problem such as blade damage because of hitting something, you will need to replace it for a smooth mowing experience.
Final Verdict
Lawn mower blades are attached with the bolts. It is essential to remove the bolt to access the blade. But if it is stuck, you will need special treatment to remove the bolt. Once you have removed the bolt, it will be easier to replace the blade.
However, I recommend you to take care to protect your lawn mower blade bolt from stripping. Ensure cleaning and careful riding to keep bolt removal jobs easier.
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How To Remove Your Lawn Mower Blade? (2023 Guide)
Sometimes your lawn mower blade just needs to be replaced. Sharpening can keep you going for a little while, but the metal itself will eventually wear out and get too thin from repeated sharpening.
When it’s time to replace your blade, you need to know how to remove your current lawn mower blade first.
The process is relatively simple and can be done at home with a minimum of tools. Some professionals might offer a blade change service for a fee, but this is so easy I don’t think it’s worth paying for unless you have a large riding lawn mower.
I’ll cover riding lawn mowers too, just in case you have the equipment needed to make that change.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- How to tell when your lawn mower’s blade needs to be replaced
- How to replace 3 kinds of lawn mower blades
- And much more!
What Are the Reasons You Need To Remove Your Lawn Mower Blade?
Lawn mower blades tend to be pretty durable and long lasting tools, especially when you know how to sharpen them. But, they do eventually wear out and need replacement. A poorly mowed lawn is only the least of your problems when you have a lawn mower blade that needs to be replaced.
That doesn’t mean that a bad mowing job isn’t a big problem, though. Uneven, ragged, mowing can seriously stress your lawn and made it difficult to keep your grass healthy.
Removing your lawn mower blade is the first step to replace it, so it’s an important skill to have.
Of course, replacing your lawn mower’s blade isn’t the only time you might need to remove the blade. For instance, if you have blades for different uses, you might need to switch between them in the middle of the season. Or, your blade might need some maintenance like a sharpening session or a thorough cleaning.
fixing a LOOSE lawnmower blade that “continues to loosen”
Some people will remove lawn mower blades to help winterize their mowers. I don’t think that’s particularly necessary unless you live somewhere with high humidity and rust risk in the winter. But, it can sometimes make storage easier or give you an opportunity to do some maintenance on the blade during the off season.
How To Tell When It’s Time To Replace Your Lawn Mower Blade?
Knowing that you might need to replace your lawn mower’s blade won’t do you any good if you can’t tell when it’s time for a replacement. Here are a few signs to look for that it’s time to replace your blade:
Your Lawn Mower Blade has Bent or Twisted
Despite being relatively simple tools, lawn mower blades are still optimized to provide good cutting power. Any sign that your blade has started bending or twisting means, at a minimum, that your blade isn’t performing the way it should any longer.
At worst, your blade could be starting to damage your lawn mower itself, or may start damaging your lawn mower soon.
As soon as you notice signs of bending or twisting in your lawn mower’s blade, it’s time for a new one.
Nicks and Gouges Make It Difficult to Sharpen
Re-sharpening your lawn mower’s blade can extend the life quite a bit, but sometimes the surface scratches on your blade are too deep to work around. Scratches are a normal part of any used lawn mower blade. Grass, gravel, rocks, and even small clumps of dirt can all cause scratches over time.
Usually small surface scratches are no problem. You can buff them out while sharpening, and many scratches won’t be anywhere that affects the function of the blade.
However, if you’re starting to get deeper scratches and gouges, more than about 2-3mm deep, it may be time to consider replacement. That’s because deeper scratches and gouges can cause weak points in the blade. The last thing you want is your lawn mower blade cracking while you’re using it.
In a worse case scenario a deep gash could crack and eventually break free entirely. If you’re lucky, a broken blade will damage your lawn mower. If you’re not lucky the blade could fly free of the mower and cause damage to you, or the people, plants, and buildings around you.
It Isn’t Holding An Edge
This is less common, but some blades will lose their ability to hold an edge over time. Usually this happens with blades where only the original cutting edge was fully hardened, and problems with hardening can happen with any manufacturer and model.
Over time these blades just won’t take or hold an effective cutting edge, losing their ability to cut grass at the same time. If you’re having to sharpen your lawn mower’s blade more and more often it’s probably time to remove the blade and replace it.
It’s Not Performing Well
The last reason is both the most common, and the simplest. You might need to remove and replace your blade simply because it doesn’t seem to be working as well anymore. Sharpening may be an option at this phase, but it depends on the blade and owner. Lawn mower blades are usually pretty affordable, so I know plenty of people who don’t bother sharpening their blades when they’ve started to go dull.
If you’re getting uneven clumps of grass after mowing, chances are you either need to sharpen your blade, or replace it.
How To Remove Your Push Lawn Mower Blade
To start with, let’s talk about one of the most common kinds of lawn mower—the motorized push behind lawn mower. Chances are, if you have a suburban-sized lawn, this is the kind of lawn mower you use.
Step 1: Get Your Lawn Mower Ready
The first step to remove your lawn mower’s blade is to get it ready to be tilted or flipped over. For gas-powered lawn mowers that means you should drain the gas tank (if possible) and remove the spark plug.
Remove the battery from battery powered lawn mowers.
Unplug electric corded lawn mowers.
This prep helps prevent accidents and can also help your lawn mower last longer in the case of gas-powered mowers.
Once the power source is safe, either tilt your lawn mower up so you can access the blade, or consider flipping it entirely on it’s back. I like to place a tarp under the lawn mower to help prevent scratches on the outer casing.
Step 2: Remove Fasteners
Your lawn mower’s blade should be held on by 1 to 3 bolts in the center of the blade. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to loosen these bolts with your hands, so you’ll need a wrench, or in some cases a screwdriver, to get them free.
Try to only use tools the right size and shape from the bolt to prevent stripping them or changing the shape. Most lawn mower blade fasteners can be replaced, but some are a non-standard size or length and can be hard to find.
Once the fasters are loose, put them in a small bag or a to keep them safe.
Step 3: Lift the Blade Off
With the fasteners gone your blade should lift free of the lawn mower. I recommend having a can of WD-40, or a rag and some water, in case the blade is stuck in place. Gently work the blade free until it’s completely loose.
Remember, don’t use too much force at this phase or you’ll risk breaking either the blade or it’s attachment points.
How To Remove Your Riding Lawn Mower Blade
Step 1: Park Your Riding Lawn Mower
First you’ll need to drive your riding lawn mower into a garage, barn, or other sheltered area and park it. You don’t want anything to move while you’re working, so go ahead and use the brake systems and other lock settings to keep the lawn mower as immobile as possible.
Step 2: Lift The Lawn Mower So You Have Work Space
The next step is getting the lawn mower lifted enough that you can get your tools underneath and have room to work. Some people drive up a ramp onto a special maintenance frame to get access, while others lift the lawn mower onto wooden blocks.
I personally recommend using a riding lawn mower and tractor lift since it’s the safest and most secure option. However, those lifts can be relatively expensive equipment so not everyone uses them.
Whatever method you choose, check to make sure the lawn mower is secure and unlikely to fall. Think about this the same way you would think about lifting a car and working under it, the risks are very similar.
Step 3: Match The Bolt To The Appropriate Wrench
The larger, tighter bolts of a riding lawn mower’s blade generally need a wrench to remove. I recommend checking to make sure you have the right size, or setting the width of an adjustable wrench, before you start to get to work.
The wrench is a good fit if it’s wide enough to reach all the way around the bolt without any wiggle room. The more space between the sides of the bolt and the wrench, the more likely you’ll accidentally curve the corners of the bolt when you remove it.
Step 4: Remove the Fastener
Most riding lawn mower blades only have a single attachment bolt, but some do have more than one. Use the wrench to remove each bolt, until the blade is free.
I don’t recommend using a breaking bar unless absolutely necessary in this process. A small amount of WD-40 should be enough to loosen particularly stubborn bolts. Alternatively you can use a rubber mallet on the end of the wrench to provide some more force without risking damaging the bolts.
Step 2: Remove the Blade
Slowly and gently remove the blade if it didn’t come free on it’s own after you’ve removed the fasteners. Once the blade is free I recommend taking a moment to clean the area and remove any rust or corrosion that could make reattaching or removing the blade more difficult in the future.
How To Remove Your Reel Lawn Mower Blade
Reel lawn mowers are a little different, if you need to replace or repair the blades you’re not going to remove them from the lawn mower. Instead, your best option is to remove the other components of your reel mower and then replace them after sharpening or repairing the blade.
In some cases, you might replace the whole reel blade and then reattach the other components to the new blade.
Step 1: Remove the Drive Wheels
First, lay your reel mower on a flat space where it’s relatively stable. Your drive wheels are on either side of the blade, usually covered by a plastic hub cap. You can use a screwdriver to remove the hub caps without damaging them. Set the hub caps aside.
There is a clip holding both wheels to the axel. Use the same screwdriver to pull the clip loose. Set aside.
Next is a pinion gear. This can be removed by turning it counterclockwise until it comes free. You should be able to turn the gear with your hands.
There’s one more clip you’ll need to remove, also on the axel. Pull this away from the assembly plate. While you can dissasemble the assembly plate as well, it isn’t necessary and can cause irreparable damage to your lawn mower, so I don’t recommend it. Instead you’ll work around it to get this pin free.
Once the last pin is out you should be able to remove the blade from that side. Repeat on the other drive wheel.
Step 2: Remove the Rear Wheels
Most lawn reel mowers have a set of rear wheels for added stability. Some will also have a set of front wheels, but the removal process is the same for both.
All you need to do here is unbolt the wheels from the main assembly with a wrench. Try to make sure the wrench fits securely before you start to help avoid damaging the bolts.
Step 3: Remove the Mower Handle
Most reel mower handles are held on with a small pin near the bottom of the handle. Use a screwdriver to help remove the pin, and push the lawn mower handle toward the bottom to help remove some pressure from the pin.
Once the pin is free, the handle should be easy to remove. If it sticks, clean off the bottom of the handle and grease it with some mineral oil or WD-40 to help prevent further corrosion and make future maintenance easier.
Once the handle is removed you should be left with the blade and the assembly plate. Removing the blade is simple at this point, or you can sharpen the blade still attached to the assembly plate.
My Final Thoughts On Removing Your Lawn Mower Blade
Removing your lawn mower blade might not be fun or exciting, but it is an important skill to have. This guide should cover just about any standard lawn mower in the United States, but it’s also a good idea to check your users manual if you have it.
Remember that not all maintenance means you have to remove the blade. You can even sharpen some blades without taking them off of the lawn mower. I’ve written a guide to sharpening blades without removing them, but it does work best for blades with a simpler design.
As always, if you’re concerned that you can’t safely perform maintenance on your lawn mower yourself you should take it to a professional instead. No amount of savings is worth taking unnecessary risks to maintain your lawn mower.
With that in mind, happy mowing, and may your lawn mower never need more than basic maintenance!
Should Lawn Mower Blades be Tight or Loose?
When you first purchased your lawn mower, you probably had a look over the user manual. You may have noticed that it instructed you to leave the blades slightly loose and this could be confusing if you aren’t familiar with the machine. It probably left you wondering; should lawn mower blades be tight or loose?
How Tight Should A Lawn Mower Blade Be?
While you may think that your lawn mower blade needs to be extremely tight in order for it to be secure, this is a common misconception. You will need to make sure that the blades don’t move around a lot so it needs to be tight enough for this. But on the flip side, it shouldn’t be that the lawn mower blade is hard to turn by hand, using a little force.
In your user manual, the ideal tightness of the blade will be detailed and this information is given in foot-pounds. Yes, this sounds confusing and without the right equipment, you would have no way of knowing the correct foot-poundage when adjusting the blades. However, purchasing a torque wrench can be extremely useful in getting this right.
The ideal tightness of the blades will vary by brand. Some manufacturers will suggest having the blades tightened as much as possible whereas others will suggest a little slack. The reason for this is that various brands make their mowers in different ways.
For example, some mowers are designed to give the blade some room for movement even when it has been tightly secured. Furthermore, you need to consider the durability of the blades and how they will react in the event that they impact with a solid object while mowing.
Can You Over Tighten A Lawn Mower Blade?
It is important to follow the instructions in your user manual because if you don’t, there is a risk of over tightening the blade and this will ultimately lead to damage. There are several ways that this can be detrimental to the health of the blades:
- Over tightening the bolt could cause it to break and this can be a nightmare situation when it comes to removing the bolt. While tightening the bolt too much can cause breakage, there are other things that could do this including putting on too much pressure when tightening and repeated tightening.
- If the blade is too tight, this can affect how it reacts when impacting with a solid object. When it is tight, there may not be as much give and this could result in the blade breaking.
Replacing blades or the entire mower can be a time-consuming and costly affair so it is important to avoid over tightening the blades as much as possible.
What To Do If A Lawn Mower Won’t Tighten?
In contrast to our previous point, you want to make sure that the blade is tight enough. Finding that balance may take a little practice but in some cases, it can be downright frustrating. At times, you might find that the lawn mower blade is loose and won’t tighten at all.
The solution to this is not normally to do with the blade but more to do with the bolt that holds the blade in place. Over time, as this is tightened, the threads will wear away. This is completely normal and not something that can be prevented. However, upon attempting to tighten the blade, the bolt will simply turn rather than tighten.
The only thing you can do in this situation is to purchase a new bolt. However, we would advise you to source one from the manufacturer otherwise it may not fit the mower.
Is It Normal For A Lawn Mower Blade To Be Spinning Freely?
If you notice that the lawn mower blade spins freely then this is a signal that there is a problem. This is not normal and should be addressed as soon as possible. Typically, this is as a result of the blade bolt coming loose.
Whether you are using a push mower or you have a loose blade on a riding lawn mower, the fix should be the same; tightening the bolt. However, if the blade remains loose, this could signal another issue.
What Causes A Lawn Mower Blade To Keep Coming Loose?
Aside from a loose bolt, there are problems that could be coming from the blade itself. If you want to make sure that your lawn mower continues to operate safely and effectively, you may need to do a little detective work. As a general rule, the following things are usually to blame.
The Bolt Is Too Tight
We have already discussed the fact that a bolt can be overtightened and while it may seem counteractive, this could cause the blade to come loose. Despite being tight, the bolt may not be able to keep the blade in place and you will typically have to purchase a new bolt to solve the problem.
The Bolt Is Too Loose
If you have tried to loosen a lawn mower blade, you may have gone a little too far and not tightened the bolt enough. Many lawn mower owners become too cautious when tightening the bolt and this can result in it not being secure enough. One of the best ways to tighten it to exactly the right level is to use the torque wrench that we discussed earlier and by following the foot-poundage described in your user manual.
The Blade Is Deformed
Blades are shaped in a specific way to keep them balanced and at the correct angle for cutting. When this is knocked out, the overall performance can be affected. Furthermore, you may notice that, no matter how many times you tighten the blade, you end up having to do it again because it just keeps coming loose.
This is normally a result of a deformed blade which can easily happen if it hits a hard object while mowing. This is why it is important that you clear the mowing area and avoid allowing the blades to make contact with walkways and other solid garden structures.
Since mower blades are normally made from steel which is incredibly robust, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to manipulate the blade back to its original shape. In this case, you will likely have to purchase a new blade.
The Blade Is Not Balanced
As we have mentioned, your mower blades must be perfectly balanced to perform correctly. If they are not, then this can cause them to come loose. A lot of home gardeners find that the blade starts to come loose once they have sharpened it and this can be as a result of over-sharpening the blade. Although, there does have to be a significant amount of over-sharpening for it to make a difference.
You can even things out by sharpening the heavier side and if you aren’t sure how much to take off, you could try using a blade balancing tool to assist you.
The Blade Is Not Centered
If you want your mower to perform at its best, you should replace any parts with those that come from the same manufacturer as these will be designed to fit your machine perfectly. However, all too often, people go for parts from other manufacturers because they may be easier to come by or cost less. But this could come at a heavier price; loose blades!
When the blade doesn’t fit in the mower correctly, this can cause excessive vibrations and these will loosen the mower blade significantly. For this reason, we would always advise using the correct parts for your mower.
How To Tighten Or Loosen A Lawn Mower Blade
Part of your mower maintenance is going to involve making sure that the mower blades are at the optimal tightness. When you check them, you may find that they are too tight or too loose and it is important to know how to loosen lawn mower blades or tighten them when necessary.
Tightening the blade is typically very easy and involves turning the bolt with a gentle pressure to the right until you reach the desired tightness. However, when it comes to loosening your lawn mower blade, it can be more tricky, especially if it is stuck.
A too-tight blade bolt is normally a result of being over tightened or because of a build up of rust. It can be hugely frustrating but it is also relatively easy when you have the right tools.
If you have an impact driver, this can make removing even the most stubborn bolts as easy as shelling peas. However, if you do not have access to one then there are some other effective options.
- Using products like WD40 can go a long way in loosening the bolt but if there is a lot of rust build-up then you may need something more specific such as Nut Buster which will break down the rust and allow you to unscrew the bolt.
- If the bolt is just a little tight, then you can lock the blade by placing a piece of wood in the deck to keep the blade in place. This can make loosening the bolt significantly easier.
- For rounded bolts, you can use a vice grip to get a tight grasp on the bolt and then use a hammer to hit the wrench from the left, hopefully applying enough force to loosen the bolt. However, you should be careful only to strike the wrench to avoid damaging your mower.
How To Take Off A Lawn Mower Blade
When it comes to taking off a lawn mower blade, there are some specific steps you will need to follow if you want the job to be quick and easy. Furthermore, you should always consider your safety above everything else which is why we would always suggest wearing the appropriate protective gear including a thick pair of work gloves. If the bolt is stuck, this could mean that the tools slip and there is a significant potential for injury.
- Before you begin any work, be sure to shut off the engine and give it time to cool. You will also need to drain any remaining fuel from the system. You can either allow the tank to drain naturally or siphon the gas out. Furthermore, the wire should be removed from the spark plug.
- Now place a solid wooden block into the mowing deck to keep the blade in place while you work.
- It is now time to remove the blade. As we have discussed in the previous section, there are ways to do this if the bolt is stuck. Otherwise, you can simply use the correct size wrench. There will be information on what size you need in the user manual.
- Before you remove the blade, be sure to mark the bottom side so you know which way to reinstall it. You can then take it out.
- You are now free to sharpen the blade or perform other maintenance on it before installing it by following these steps in the reverse order.
Summary
While your lawn mower blades do need a certain amount of movement, they should be tightened sufficiently. Although, this will vary by manufacturer and the best way to know how tight they should be is to look in the user manual. If the blade keeps coming loose, this could be a result of several issues, however, most of these are usually easy to rectify.