Why are new mower blades not sharp?

The main reason that some people believe that new blades should be sharpened before use is due to the powder-coated paint finish that is applied to most replacement blades by the manufacturer. This finish is particularly thick around the blade's cutting edge and to the touch, it can make it feel like it's dull.

Are mower blades sharp when you buy them?

If your lawn mower is brand new, then there won't be any need to sharpen the blade. During the manufacturing process, mower blades are always sharpened, and new mowers come with sharp blades from the factory.

Do new mower blades need to be sharpened?

At the very least your mower blade needs to be sharpened at the start of every new season, and more often if your yard is stony or large. Setting your mower cutting deck to the lowest level will cause the blade to impact objects more often and will obviously need more regular sharpening.

How do I make my lawn mower blades the sharpest?

Do new mower blades make a difference?

When you use a brand-new, sharp blade you get a nice, clean shave. The same thing happens with your grass. A sharp cutting blade makes your lawn look great and helps keep your turf healthy. If the mower blades are dull or nicked, it will smash the edge of the grass blade, leaving a torn end rather than a clean cut.

Stop Doing This!! It's Completely Unnecessary! ► Sharpening Lawn Mower Blades FAQ

Should mower blades be razor sharp?

Mower blades should be aggressively sharp, but not as sharp as a razor's edge. You should be able to touch the blade with your hand without getting cut. Contrary to popular belief, a lawn mower blade with a razor sharp edge will not cut grass better.

Do new mower blades need balancing?

Are New Lawn Mower Blades Balanced? While you should not sharpen new lawn mower blades, you should check to make sure they are balanced. Even though all of the new lawn mower blades I've bought have been balanced, it is worth checking.

Should mulching blades be sharp?

Mulching blades are supposed to be sharp so they can cut through grass, leaves, and other debris. Sharpen the mulching blades with a file until they easily cut through the grass, then tighten the blades onto the lawnmower's deck. The blades should be sharpened twice per season.

How do I know if my mower blade is dull?

A dull blade can make your lawn appear yellow, brown and raggedy. A dull lawnmower blade may even pull up portions of the grass because it actually pulls on the entire plant instead of slicing through the blades of grass cleanly.

What angle should lawn mower blades be sharpened at?

Lawn mower blades come from the factory with a specific angle on the angled edge. This angle should be kept as you grind your blades over time. The most common lawn mower blade angle is 30-35 degrees. When sharpening your mower blades it is important to keep this 30-35 degree angle over time.

What's the difference between mulching blades and regular blades?

The primary difference between a mulching blade and a regular blade is shape. A mulching blade typically has a more curved profile than a regular blade, and it is also likely to have cutting edges along more of its surface than a regular blade does.

How often should you replace lawn mower blades?

For the average homeowner, a good rule of thumb is to replace your mower blades annually. Sharpening mower blades on a regular basis will prolong the life of your blades. Be sure to take protective measures if you sharpen your blades at home - wear protective gear and disconnect the spark plugs.

What is the advantage of Gator blades?

Unlike other mulching blades that push the grass down, the high lift on a gator blade draws the grass up which in turn gives you a clean, even cut. This high lift also makes using Gator Blades in bagging operations a great choice.

Are thicker mower blades better?

Blades that are too sharp become blunt faster than fairly dull ones. Thus, you should choose thicker blades over thinner ones to avoid frequent sharpening. They should be sharp enough to do a clean cut with great ease and not too dull to leave freshly cut grass looking unsightly.

Should lawnmower blades be tight?

Generally speaking, the blade should be tight enough so that it doesn't move around on its own, but you should be able to move with your hand by applying some pressure. The manufacturer should provide a proper tightening level expressed in foot-pounds, commonly found in the mower's manual.

What causes dull mower blades?

Dull lawn mower blades do not cleanly cut the blades of grass. Instead, the grass is ripped or torn, resulting in a jagged edge. This jagged edged will brown within days, causing an uneven look to a recently cut lawn. The jagged edges also present an easy way for disease and parasites to enter the grass.

How many times can a lawn mower blade be sharpened?

Typically, most home owners just need to sharpen blades twice per season. One good sharpening at the beginning of the season and one around the middle of the mowing season should be good. If you mow over debris such as sticks or rocks, however, you may need to sharpen your blades more than that.

Does tall grass dull blades?

This means you won't get an even, overall trim, and areas of taller grass will spring up once the grass dries. It's also more likely that your mower will tear grass blades instead of neatly clipping them, resulting in more visible damage to the ends of grass blade.

What is the best way to sharpen mower blades?

The fastest way to sharpen a lawnmower blade is with a bench grinder. Wearing protective eyewear, earplugs, and work gloves, grind the edge of the blade against the spinning wheel. It'll be loud and you'll see sparks, but you'll be able to sharpen the blade in a matter of a few minutes.

Why does my mulching mower leave clumps of grass?

1 – It's too wet

Heavy mowers will start to sink into the grass and whip up moisture as they cut your grass, which causes grass to clump in matted wet wads that clog the deck of your mower and its catcher.

Is it better to sharpen or replace mower blade?

Lawn mower blades are built for durability and can usually be salvaged with regular sharpening. However, if you notice large dents and chips on the edge that aren't smoothed out with a blade sharpener, it's time to invest in new blades. Yard debris can also wear down a blade over years, resulting in thin weak metal.

Do you sharpen both sides of a lawn mower blade?

Always sharpen from the top side of the cutting edge; this will give you the longest-lasting edge on the blade. Note: The file cuts in one direction only, on the push stroke; you'll feel it bite into the steel on the blade.