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You can restore an edge to a blade running it across a bench grinder. Always keep the blade moving so that the surface stays even. Try to balance out how much you grind on either end of the blade, so that one end is not heavier than the other, as this can cause a lot of vibration in the mower. To determine whether or not you have achieved a good degree of balance in the blade, pound a finish nail at ninety degrees into a stud where no one will catch themselves on it. You can then hang the blade on it through its center hole and check for balance. The side that hangs down is the heavier side and will need more material removed until the blade balances evenly.
For safety's sake, I always remove the spark plug wire from the plug, although most modern mowers have an automatic shut-off up at the handle. To some that might sound needless, but it's not always wise to leave your safety up to the proper functioning of a safety device by itself.
When re-installing the blade, always clean where it mounts back on, to assure that it seats fully. Make sure your allignment pins are where they are supposed to be, and don't leave out the lock washer that seats below the securing nut. Clean the threads of the shaft, so that it also assures a tight fit. Tighten it down until you have metal to metal where the blade seats and the lock washer is fully compressed. Make sure the nut is good and tight, and that the blade is evenly seated on the shaft.
To find the prefered edge, examine a replacement blade the next time you are in a store that carries them. (simpler than me trying to explain to you).
Best done with a cool engine, and when the gas tank hasn't just been filled.

13 years ago. Rating: 4
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"THE QUICK & EASIEST WAY IS WITH A (BENCH-GRINDER)!"

13 years ago. Rating: 2
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