Table of Contents
Introduction
Our editors set out to show how to sharpen mower blades in seconds, often without taking the blade off the mower. The tool is the Arnold Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener, and in the video it cost $6.98 on Amazon. Find it on Amazon (affiliate, we may earn a commission). Prices change, so check current pricing.
How It Works
The sharpener chucks into a drill. It has a plastic guide on the bottom and a grinding stone on top. The blade’s cutting edge fits between them, so the stone puts an edge on the blade as you run it along.
How to Use It
1. Safety first. Wear safety glasses. On a battery mower, remove the batteries. On a gas mower, disconnect the spark plug.
2. Find the cutting edge. On a mower blade, it’s the section near the ends, not the whole blade.
3. Run the sharpener along the cutting edge a few times.
Badly damaged or rolled blades take longer, and if you want a better job, spend more time on it. Our editors also noted it’s a little harder on curved blades.
For gas mowers, our editors said not to tip the mower in a way that lets gas and oil leak out. In the video, they suggested having someone stand on the handles while you work underneath.
Don’t Overdo It
The blade came out sharp enough to cut paper. Our editors thought that might be sharper than needed. A mower blade should be sharp, not razor sharp.
Final Thoughts
For a few bucks, a drill-driven sharpener like this is the easiest, fastest way our editors have seen to touch up mower blades. For more lawn care tips, see our guide to getting a green lawn and more lawn mower reviews.
FAQ
Do I have to remove the blade?
Often not. Our editors sharpened blades on the mower, after removing the batteries or disconnecting the spark plug.
What do I need to use it?
A drill and safety glasses.
Which part of the blade do I sharpen?
Only the cutting edge near the ends of the blade.
How sharp should a mower blade be?
Sharp, but not razor sharp. Our editors thought paper-cutting sharp was more than needed.
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