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Would you use this lawn mower blade?

5 years ago

Last mowing I hit a curb and got a nick in the blade. I brought it to a shop to buy a new one but the guy said he could sharpen it instead. This is what I got back:

It looks a little jagged to me.

Featured Answer

mishmosh

5 years ago

Dings from rocks and branches are OK by me. I can still get them sharp enough. Even after I sharpen my blades I still grind the edge to make a small flat edge. I don't think mower blades are supposed to be razor sharp.

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Comments (8)

danielj_2009
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Give it a try and see how the grass blades look. In my book mower blades are cheap so if there is any doubt just buy new ones.

Edit: I realized that I'm talking about two different blades (edited above). lol.
Joe BigBlue thanked danielj_2009
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I say 'knife sharp'. New blades are dull for liability purposes. The durability of the sharp edge argument is invalid, because once the edge wears down to the new equivalent, it will then still cut as well as a new blade. In the meanwhile, though, it will cut a lot better than a new one. I like to hear the 'hiss' of a really sharp blade hitting the grass, and there's no doubt the cut is better. I sharpen my blades with a 10" flat file, with the blade in the vise. If I go too long and the edge gets beat up, I'll use the bench grinder to re-shape it. There is no 'ultimate test' for sharpness. Looking at the sharpened edge, you should see no reflection. A reflection from the edge indicates an area that needs more attention. Make sure to maintainthe original edge angle, keep the edge straight and avoid setting it back at the starting point closest to the hub - the correct way is to gradually angle the edge over time, not keep it parallel to the back of the blade. This avoids setting up a stress point at a 'corner'. When the end of the blade gets down to 1" width, throw it away. In reality, the high-lift back edge will be worn too thin long before that.
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Mr Roadbike sir.Never buy a part until the problem is identified. A bad crankshaft is too expensive to fix. Engines are cheaper. A crankshaft would only be done if you had a thing for the mower. A dedicated LB guy would replace the crank f'rinstance. Me, a hacker, would just find and fix up a good replacement mower. They are everywhere. Some better than others. I have rescued 3 mowers from Craigslist free stuff. I'm into my 5th season with a C'list free stuff 2 stroke LawnBoy. It is my favorite mower. I use a Toro 3 speed with a 4 stroke Suzuki for keeping back the under brush. All that one needed was a 5/16 shoulder bolt on a height adjuster. 2nd summer for it. Waiting on the shelf is a personal pace Lawngirl with a Tec OHV. I fixed that with 2 3/8 bolts I had in a can on the shelf. I got it running on the 1st pull. It mows fine and I stored it for the future.I haven't bought a mower in 20 yrs. I am doing better and better since I found this and a few other small engine sites. I sorta like fixing stuff and keeping it going, and I am spending more time mowing than I do fixing mowers. So I figure I'm ahead or at least even. When I see the stuff being sold for car money, my cars anyway, I 'm glad I can tinker my old stuff.
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Ted (Zone 4) IA
5 years ago
So long as the blade isn't bent it should be OK. Be sure to check for this. He should have balanced it as well. Razor sharp is excessive, as the edge will simply fold over, but a good sharp blade is a thing of beauty. New blades aren't generally sharpened.
Joe BigBlue thanked Ted (Zone 4) IA
Joe BigBlue
Original Author
5 years ago
If you look in the first pic from right to left do you guys see where the straight edge suddenly starts to become jagged?

I'm concerned this will result in a jagged cut, thus resulting in damaged grass, etc.

Or is it ok?
danielj_2009
5 years ago
I don't think something like that will give you a ragged cut height, if that's what you are asking. I'd be more concerned about whether it rips a certain number of blades rather than cut them. The only way to know is to use it for a couple of weeks and do an inspection of the grass blades.
Joe BigBlue thanked danielj_2009
forsheems
5 years ago
If I'm seeing this right the guy also sharpened the bottom side of the blade. That's a no-no. Blade gets sharpened on the top side only. If it were me I would replace it.
Joe BigBlue thanked forsheems
Joe BigBlue
Original Author
5 years ago
Yeah I don't like the way it looks I'm replacing it.

Thanks for the tip on the sharpening top side only!

What's your opinion on a new blade? Needs to be sharpened or no? New blades always feel dull to the touch imo.
forsheems
5 years ago
I've always sharpened new blades. I don't think they are sharp enough from the factory and that thick coat of paint doesn't help either. On the other hand, I'm pretty anal about my blades anyway. Mine get sharpened about once a month in the spring when I mow twice a week and about every two months during the summer when I'm only mowing once a week. Even then I still check them often and if they're not up to my standards I'll throw a quick sharpening on them. I use a flap wheel on a 4 1/2" grinder and it only takes a few minutes to do all three. Very little material is removed and the blades seem to last longer than if you wait too long and need to grind a lot of material off to get them sharp again.

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