Notice your lawn looking a little uneven? That could be one of the signs of dull mower blades, an issue that can lead to ragged cuts and unhealthy grass.
Lawn mowers are hardworking lawn maintenance machines that keep grass looking neat and trim. But mowers need regular maintenance to continue doing their job at their best. Besides oil changes and spark plug replacement, lawn mower blades need regular attention throughout the mowing season to stay sharp. Dull lawn mower blades can make it harder to mow your lawn and invite disease and fungus to grow on grass blades that are torn rather than cut. Ahead, learn 10 signs it’s time to check your lawn mower blades’ sharpness, so you can keep them working at their best.
How to Spot the Top Signs of Dull Mower Blades
Wondering if it’s time to sharpen or replace your mower blade? There are a few symptoms that your tools aren’t cutting as well or as quickly as they could. You can keep your grass from becoming damaged and your mower from working too hard by learning how to tell when the blades are dull. Here are the most important signs to look for before your next cleaning schedule.
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Uneven Grass Height
An uneven lawn is an obvious sign that something might be off with your lawn mower blade. If fixing the alignment or tightening it doesn’t work, it might be time to sharpen the blade for cleaner cuts while mowing.
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Mowing Areas Multiple Times
A dull mower blade can force you to make several passes in the same area. If this happens often, it’s one of the early signs of dull mower blades—and a cue to sharpen or replace it.
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It’s Taking Longer to Mow
Longer mowing times may not mean you’re out of shape or dawdling in the yard. It could be that your mower isn’t moving as swiftly through the grass as it used to. Here are some tips to make sure you’re mowing the most efficient way.
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You Need to Push the Mower Harder
For push or walk-behind mower owners, dull blades can turn simple lawn care into a full-blown workout. This extra effort is a common sign of dull mower blades and a good reason to check your blade sharpness.
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Torn, Not Sliced, Grass Blades
Sharp mower blades cut grass evenly. Dull blades won’t give you that clean yard look. You can learn a lot by examining the cut of your grass blades. Is the mower properly cutting the grass or yanking it out of the ground? Jagged tips mean it’s time for a sharpened blade.
Pro tip: Try these DIY blade sharpening tips using a flat file or handheld sharpener to restore cutting performance.
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The Blade Is Dented or Bent
Visual damage like dents or bends is a clear sign of dull mower blades or worse. Blades can get damaged over time. If there are any sizable dents or if the blade is bent, it needs to be sharpened or completely replaced.
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Frequent Stalling
While multiple factors can cause stalling, dull mower blades that force the engine to overwork are a common culprit. Sharpening your blades may resolve the issue—and it’s part of knowing how to maintain mower blades.
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Discolored Lawn
A dull blade can leave yellow or brown streaks, a classic case of damaged grass from dull blades. Grass that’s shredded instead of cleanly sliced loses moisture and becomes disease-prone.
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Blade Pulls Up Chucks of Grass or Dirt
Rather than cleanly slicing through grass, a dull blade can not only pull clumps of grass from your lawn, but some dirt as well. The blade should always slice the grass, not pull.
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It’s Been a While
Lawn mower blades should be sharpened every 20 to 25 hours of use time, according to The Home Depot. If you’d rather not sharpen the blade, they’re not overly expensive to replace.
What to Do About Dull Blades
Noticing the signs of dull mower blades is only the first step—knowing how to fix the issue keeps your lawn healthy and your mower running smoothly. Regularly taking care of your mower’s blades is a significant part of getting clean cuts when you mow, whether you sharpen them yourself or get new ones.
DIY blade sharpening methods
Sharpening your mower blade at home is a simple DIY activity that can make the blade last longer and work better as you mow. To sharpen safely and well, do the following:
To keep the engine from starting by accident, unplug the spark plug.
Use a wrench to take off the blade, and make sure you remember which side is down.
Put the blade in a vise or clamp to hold it steady.
Use a flat file, bench grinder or blade sharpening equipment to sharpen the edge. Always keep the edge at the same angle.
Use a blade balancer to check the balance. Blades that aren’t even can cause damage and vibration.
Put the blade back on, making sure it is tight.
Tip: Always wear gloves and eye protection. Handheld sharpening equipment or power grinders are the best for getting speedy results.
Tools you need to maintain mower blades
It is safer and more effective to take care of your mower blades when you have the correct tools. Here’s what you need:
A socket wrench or blade removal tool for loosening the blade bolt
A vise or clamp to keep the blade still as you sharpen it
A flat file or bench grinder to sharpen the edge of the blade
A blade balancer to make sure the weight is evenly distributed after honing
Safety gear like gloves and glasses
Replacement blades so you can swiftly change out broken or worn ones
These tools help you keep up with routine maintenance and avoid damaged grass from dull blades, whether you’re sharpening or replacing them.
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