A perfectly trimmed lawn starts with a sharp mower blade. If you're noticing uneven or ragged grass after mowing, it’s time to sharpen your blade. At STIHL Shop Mount Maunganui, we stock a wide range of outdoor power tools and equipment and provide professional servicing and repairs for all brands. Follow our step-by-step guide to sharpen your lawnmower blade effectively.
If you’re proud of your garden, it’s disheartening to see a poorly cut lawn. Regularly inspecting and sharpening your mower blade ensures a clean, even cut every time.
• Regular Inspections: Check your blade regularly for signs of dullness or damage. Don’t wait until mowing results deteriorate.
• Blade Replacement: If you notice cracks or severe damage during inspection, replace the blade instead of attempting to sharpen it.
• Sharpening Frequency: Even if no visible issues arise, sharpen your blade after every 20-25 hours of use. Alternatively, bring it to STIHL Shop Mount Maunganui for professional sharpening.
While sharpening your blade at home is possible if you have the right tools, entrusting the task to professionals ensures a higher standard of sharpening. Our team at STIHL Shop Mount Maunganui has the expertise and equipment to deliver exceptional results.
Before starting, gather the following:
• Vice
• Work gloves
• Spanner
• Monkey wrench/pipe wrench
• File
• Grinding stone or whetstone
• Balancer
Safety first! Always ensure your mower is completely off to prevent accidental activation.
• Electric Mowers: Disconnect the power cable.
• Cordless Mowers: Remove the battery.
• Petrol Mowers: Disconnect the spark plug.
Accessing the blade is crucial.
• For electric mowers, turn them upside down.
• For petrol mowers, tilt them carefully so the air filter is at the top to avoid engine oil leakage. Tip it to a maximum angle of 45°, ensuring the carburettor faces upwards.
Use a spanner or wrench to loosen the bolts holding the blade in place.
• Turn bolts anti-clockwise to remove.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
Before sharpening, clean off any grass or debris stuck to the blade. Inspect it closely—replace it if you find cracks or deep notches.
Secure the blade in a vice, ensuring the cutting edges are accessible. Use padding (like leather scraps) between the blade and the vice to avoid damage.
• Use a file to sharpen the blade edge, working in one direction only.
• Follow the curve of the blade and maintain a 30° sharpening angle.
• Pro Tip: Apply chalk to your file for smoother results.
After sharpening, check the blade’s balance. Place it on a balancer:
• If the blade stays level, it’s balanced and ready to reinstall.
• If it tilts, file the heavier side further and recheck.
Keeping your lawnmower blade sharp ensures a healthier, better-looking lawn and makes mowing more efficient. For professional sharpening or advice, visit STIHL Shop Mount Maunganui. Our team is here to help with all your outdoor power equipment needs!
