A Sharp Lawn Mower Blade Performs Better

Homeowners who regularly mow the lawn will need to maintain the lawn mower parts for the best results. Blades get dull over time and when the edge is gone, the grass is in danger of being damaged instead of getting a clean, healthy cut. With the proper instructions and a few ordinary tools, anyone is capable of sharpening the cutting surface.
There are a handful of tools and a couple safety items that must be gathered before this type of work can be done.
* The eyes should always be protected by safety goggles when working with sharp objects.
* When working with tools, a thick pair of work gloves will keep the hands protected and aid in gripping the handle.
* Spraying the bolts with WD-40 will help loosen them up and make them easier to remove.
* A bench grinder is the best tool to use but if a file grinder or angle grinder is used, a vice grip will be needed.
* Any ordinary ratchet and socket set may be used to remove the cutting blade.
* The spark plug must be removed with a special wrench before any work can start.
* The cutting surface will have to be cleaned off with a scraper.
* It is necessary to secure the mower blade with a vice grip or C-clamp before attempting to sharpen or clean it.
The most important thing to address is the possibility the motor will start while working on the various parts. To prevent this from happening, the spark plug should be taken out before touching any other part. Remove the cap covering the fuel tank and stretch a piece of plastic across the opening. Return the cap and tighten it up. Taking this precaution will prevent gas from leaking out while the machine is being manipulated. The user must remember to remove this plastic before the next time the grass needs to be cut.
Tilting the lawn cutter up will provide easy access to its blade. Turning the machine completely upside down should be avoided to keep oil from leaking into the cylinder. The bolts may be stuck on pretty good. Coating the bolts with some WD-40 will make it easy to get them off. It will be necessary to keep track of where the bolts need to be replaced for when it is time to put the machine back together.
Remove the blade and wipe off any debris, dirt and dust sticking to it. Taking the time to clean the surface first will make it easier to sharpen the edge. This step will also help prolong the life of the machine because it will keep rust from forming.
An ordinary bench grinder is the best tool for this job. There is less risk of injury because the user has better control during the sharpening process. If an angle or file grinder must be used, a clamp or vise must be used to secure the part. All grinding must happen on the side closest to the motor. The side closest to the grass should be left alone. The beveled side is the one that should be sharpened.
Anyone who takes the right precautions is capable of doing this type of maintenance. Proper maintenance of lawn mower parts will ensure the grass is cut correctly and the machine will last a long time.

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