If you use lawn mower frequently, then the blade can get blunt and result in uneven grass cuttings with jagged edges which discourages the plant growth. So, a lawnmower blade sharpener is essential to sharpen the dull blades and enhance mower longevity. Investing in a lawn mower blade is not simple with so many models and options. To choose the best lawn mower blade, you need to consider the below factors.
Power Type –
Manual and electric-powered lawn mower blade sharpeners are two main power source options available out there. Manual sharpeners (handheld files) are cheaper and consume a lot of time for grinding the blade. While electric motors (drills or angle grinders) sharpen the blade quickly and easily, which makes it a bit expensive.
Speed –
As a user, you have to know how fast the grinder will sharpen your blades, and in how much time? Usually, manual models take around 30 minutes to a couple of hours, whereas electric grinders take less time (based on their RPM and horsepower). Choose according to your requirements.
Sharpener Material –
It is referred to as the grit used to grind the metal on the blade. Carbide and corundum are the two main types of materials found in these sharpeners. Among them, carbide is a carbon-heavy metal used in handheld sharpeners. Corundum is aluminum oxide used in drill-type sharpeners. Also, we recommend you read our comprehensive “Buying Guide” to know how to select your well-suited sharpener. We have researched several products available in the market and listed the Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpeners with a detailed description, its best features, and components.
Best Lawn Mower Blade Sharpeners: Reviews
1. Oregon 88-023 Professional 1/2 HP Lawnmower Blade Grinder
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Oregon is quite a popular brand of sharpening tools that makes products for various kinds of power tools. You can also find a blade sharpener from Oregon that is made for lawn mowers. The Oregon 88-023 lawn mower blade sharpener is present in the 1st position in this article as it is one of the most powerful electric options out there. You get a ½ HP motor in this sharpener that is more than enough for easily sharpening the blades of your lawnmower. This blade can reach a spinning speed of 1750 RPM without any issues. You can use this blade sharpener to sharpen up to 6-inch blades of your lawn mower. It comes with an easy to turn rotary adjusting handle that offers precise control. This sharpener also offers height adjustment as per your wish. A great thing about this blade sharpener is that it provides a reversing switch that can be useful for both left and right-hand cut blades. Best Features:
½ HP motor Spinning speed of 1750 RPM Sharpens up to a 6-inch blade Easy to turn knobs Height adjustment as per need On-off safety switch Reverse switch for both left and right-hand cut blades
Components:
Blade sharpener User manual Warranty card
2. Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener
Work Sharp is a brand that makes sharpening tools that have a high user rating. This is also true for the lawn mower blade sharpener from Work Sharp that is a powered model. Work Sharp’s Knife & Tool Sharpener is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is one of the best affordable powered options out there. Even though this tool is made for sharpening knives, you can also use it for sharpening the blades of your lawn mower without any issues. This is possible because it comes with three different abrasive belts. It comes with a p80 coarse, p220 medium, and a 6000 fine abrasive belt that can be easily changed. You can use this tool sharpener to grind the blade of your lawn mower at an angle of 40 degrees or 50 degrees. One of the best things about this blade sharpener is that it offers an excellent build quality along with a 1-year warranty. As a result, it should easily last for a long time. Best Features:
Easy to replace abrasive belts Includes three abrasive belts Grind blades at either 40 degrees or 50 degrees Sharpen blades as well as knives Offers a great build quality Comes with a 1-year warranty
Components:
Blade sharpener User manual Warranty card
3. Smith’s 50603 Mower Blade Sharpener
Smith is a brand of smithing tools, including blade sharpeners. It makes sharpening tools for all kinds of blades, including lawn mower blades out there. This Smith’s 50603 lawn mower blade sharpener is present in the 3rd position in this article as it is the cheapest standalone blade sharpener mentioned in this article. But unlike the previous options, this one is a manual blade sharpener and does not include a motor. Even though this is a manual blade sharpener, you can easily sharpen the blades of your lawn mower without any issues. A great thing about this blade sharpener is that it can quickly sharpen blades without requiring a lot of labor. This is possible due to its sharp and durable head that can sharpen a lot of blades without getting dull since it is made out of carbide. You can also replace its blade in the future if needed without any issues. Its large size handle makes it quite comfortable and ergonomic to use for sharpening blades of your lawn mower. Best Features:
Affordable price tag Quickly sharpens blades Durable head Large-sized handle for comfort and ergonomics Replaceable carbide blade Large safety guard
Components:
Blade sharpener Wire cleaning brush User manual Warranty card
4. Sharpal 103N Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
Sharpal is a leading manufacturer of patented knife and tool sharpeners for the outdoor and sports, garden and workshop, and culinary and kitchen industries. The brand’s products are known for their versatile applications. Like all other offerings of the brand, this lawn mower blade is also a versatile one using which you can sharpen single and double beveled blades. The sharpeners are made of 5 sharpening parts including 3 different slots with preset optimal sharpening angle. Among them, one is specifically designed for carbide bars and the other for ceramic bars. The sharpening abrasive materials undergo rigorous testing to ensure their durability before being released into the market. It is resistant against wear and has a long lifetime. The handle is oversized to provide a comfortable grip when using gloves. Besides, the rubber overmolding and base further improve the grip. There is also a large hand guard for protecting your hands from the blades. Sharpal backs this lawn mower blade sharpener with a 3 years warranty from the date of purchase. Furthermore, you also get reliable after sales service for this product. Best Features
Versatile blade sharpener 5 sharpening parts with 3 different slots Preset optimal sharpening angles Oversized handle with rubber overmolding for secure grip Hand guard for safety 3 years warranty
Components
Blade sharpener User manual Warranty card
5. Grizzly Lawn Gear Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
Grizzly is another smaller brand of power tools that makes products for garden tools, including lawn mowers. It even makes a grinding kit that can be used to sharpen the blades of your lawn mower. You get a total of 3 grinding wheels in this kit that can be quite handy for easily sharpening the blades of your lawn mower. And just like the previous option in this article, these grinding wheels can be simply attached to your drill machine. This means that you can easily and quickly grind the blades of your lawn mower without having to do a lot of labor. Even though this has a very affordable price tag, it can offer a few accessories with this that can be quite handy while sharpening blades of your lawn mower. This includes things like a blade balancer as well as gardening gloves. If you are using these grinding stones with a powered drill, it will only take 10 minutes to sharpen your lawn mower completely. Since these are stone grinders, they come with a lifetime warranty along with a money-back guarantee. Best Features:
3 grinding wheels Comes with free accessories Low price tag Easy installation and application Sharpens lawn mower within 10 minutes Offers lifetime warranty and money-back guarantee
Components:
Blade sharpener Blade balancer Gardening gloves User manual Warranty card
6. All American Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
All American Sharpener is a relatively small brand but the performance and quality of its products are right there at the top along with other prominent brands. Some of its popular products are lawn mower parts, lawn mower accessories, power tools parts, sharpening stones, chainsaw accessories, and knife sharpeners. One of the distinct advantages of this blade sharpener is that it has a unique design with a vice head that holds the mower blade and an articulating arm using which you can attach the grinder. With the help of this articulating arm, you can easily sharpen the blade by setting the desired angles. Along with the blade sharpener, you get 4 pins to connect the angle grinder. You can adjust the sharpening blade between the angles of 15 and 45 degrees for precision sharpening. The pivot head helps you to sharpen mulching blades. The blade sharpener secures the blades firmly to sharpen the blades perfectly within a few seconds. As the grinder is not limited by a cord, you can easily carry it and use it anywhere. Even though there is no mention of warranty on the product page, All American Sharpener provides lifetime warranty on all its products. Best Features
Articular arm creates the desired angles for sharpening Blade is secured firmly while machining Blade can be set at an angle between 15 and 45 degrees Cordless and portable Backed by a lifetime warranty
Components
Blade sharpener 4 Adapter pins User manual Warranty card
7. AccuSharp Garden Tool Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
AccuSharp specializes in developing knife and blade sharpeners to provide the sharpest edge for your tools. Whether your sharpening needs are in the kitchen, workshop, yard, hunting, or other outdoor sports, the brand’s sharpeners will help you maintain the best edge. This is another versatile option that allows you to sharpen not just your lawn mower blade, but all single edged items in your toolshed. The blade is constructed from diamond-honed tungsten carbide which is one of the hardest known materials. With its innovative performance, you can sharpen your lawn mower blade in approximately 10 seconds. The sharpener features a reversible design that allows you to use both sides of the sharpener so that it lasts double its lifespan. Furthermore, it will not rust and you can clean it using a soap solution or in your dishwasher. With these features, the sharpener will last approximately for 5 to 10 years. The sharpener is equipped with an ergonomic handle that is suitable for both left and right-handed users. For your safety, the sharpener comes with a full length guard that protects your fingers during the sharpening process. Best Features
Sharpens all single edged items Made from diamond-honed tungsten carbide Sharpens your lawn mower blade in ten seconds Both sides of the sharpener can be used Lasts for 5 to 10 years Ergonomic handle for right and left-handed users Full length guard for protection
Components
Blade sharpener User manual Warranty card
How to Choose the Best Lawnmower Blade Sharpener:
The following are the must to consider various key factors while shopping for a lawnmower blade sharpening tool. This will help you pick the right option suitable for your requirements.
1. Speed:
One has to consider the speed of their sharpener to know how fast your grinder will sharpen the mower blades. This determines the time you spend sharpening the mower blades. Usually, the sharpener will sharpen the blades in either manual (handheld) or electric (grinders). Manual Sharpeners – It is a bit time-consuming process that takes around 30 minutes to a couple of hours to achieve the desired edge. Electric Grinders – These grinders take less time (within a few minutes) to sharpen the blades compared to their counterparts. However, the speed depends mostly on the particular grinder’s horsepower and RPM speed (number of times the grinding wheel spins per minute). The higher the RPM, the blades will have the better, sharp, and smooth finish. Keep in mind that the fastest sharpener won’t always consider the best option. All you need is to select and use a sharpener whose speed relates to the blade, why because the excessive speed will generate overheat and thereby damage the blade. Also, it might cause injury to the operator.
2. Power Type:
Manual and electric are two types of power sources available to sharpen your lawnmower blades. Here the manual models are cheaper, yet need lots of time and labor to sharpen the blade than electric-powered models. You can sharpen the blades quickly and easily with a model running on an electric motor. You can choose either of these blade sharpener types as per your requirements.
3. Motor Power:
If you buy a powered lawnmower blade sharpener using an electric motor for spinning the grinding wheel, then check its motor power. High motor power will let you use the blade sharpener even for heavy-duty applications without any issues. Most blade sharpeners offer motor power mentioned as 1/4 HP or 1/2 HP, and as you would expect, the higher power rating of 1/2 HP will result in a better performance. It let you sharpen a lot of blades within a short time.
4. Usage:
Based on your usage, you have to pick the right type of sharpener from the range of hand-held, heavy-duty angle grinding wheels, and powerful motor grinders. A professional, industrial-style grinder is not required to sharpen a compact mower blade. Similarly, a cheap hand-held sharpener is not used to sharpen a professional landscaper sharpening blade for commercial or large-scale settings. Instead, look for a professional solution that lets you sharpen multiple lawn mower blades. Moreover, you should know how often and how you use the tool before buying these sharpeners.
5. Guide Material and Durability:
These sharpeners have a guide used to control the angle of sharpening, which confirms the blade to stay at the correct angle without shifting. Mostly, these guides are constructed with plastic material. If it is made of low-quality plastic, then it might overheat, melt, and generate smoke. Also, applying too much force while sharpening will melt this plastic guide. So, this plastic used to build a guide should be strong and durable that won’t easily break or melt. Moreover, you have to check the online reviews and ratings before buying a product. Some guides have a problem with mulching blades. If having a mulching blade, then ensure to check if the dull lawnmower blade works in your selected guide.
6. Sharpener Material:
It refers to the grit grinding away the blade’s metal. Based on the sharpener type, the use of sharpener material will vary. Usually, corundum and carbide are two components used in blade sharpeners, which are harder than metal on the blade and thereby offer perfect sharpening results. Corundum (hydrated aluminum oxide) is a common material used widely for drill-type sharpeners. This hard material will provide the essential strength required to shave down the blade edges. While carbide is a carbon-heavy metal used widely in handheld sharpeners. Its excellent molecular structure offers the required strength to make it work as a sharpener.
7. Compatibility:
Some sharpener models are traditional blade files and grindstones, which are used to sharpen any type of blade, while some other models have compatibility issues. So, ensure to select the right model (according to your needs) for the perfect sharpening of the blades without any issues. If using power drill-attachment sharpener type, where you have to fit the sharpener to the drill for producing the required force. Then you have to check whether your drill is compatible with these attachments or not. Moreover, you have to check the blade size (usually 5 or 6 inches) and sharpener angle (30° or 40° grinders) to sharpen the mower blades. If a blade sharpener is not fully compatible, then it won’t sharpen the blades and might result in causing issues while cutting grass with this mower blade.
8. Ease of Use:
The ease of use is an essential factor to check before buying any product, including this blade sharpener. Irrespective of its type, you have to use it intuitively. For instance, using a drill attachment sharpener type, then you should keep it in the drill with ease. Ergonomics play a key role in this ease-of-use feature, and you should be comfortable while using this sharpener to sharpen the blade without much strain or effort. For this, check the reviews to know whether the product has proper ergonomics or not. Especially for left-handed users, they should check if the product is designed to use for lefties. Usually, most models are meant with right-handed people, so ensure to check the feature for your comfort and ease of using the sharpener before buying.
9. Versatility:
Even these are labelled as lawnmower blade sharpeners, but they are versatile and can be used to sharpen several different types of blades. It is an excellent option for gardeners who use varied blades, which are used to sharpen all these blades. Remember that sharpener will sharpen one type of blade while destroying the other type. For example, using a heavy-duty commercial sharper is a perfect option for large mower blades (or other large blades), yet damages the thinner blades. While some sharpener models are used to sharpen standard blades, high-lift, mulched, and others. So, you have to decide based on your sharpening requirements that your tool should be versatile without damaging other blade types.
10. Safety:
Though blade sharpening is essential for those who work regularly, yet it can be dangerous and cause accidents, if not paid proper attention to it. So, prefer to choose a model having some safety features to safeguard you from friction, cuts, or sparks.
Handheld sharpener offers finger guards as a minimum safety feature, why because the fingers are most exposed and suffer a lot from bruises or cuts. Mostly, these guards are oversized that let you use them after wearing gloves. Purchase eye protection or goggles separately while using motor grinders to prevent sparks and metal fillings from affecting your eyes. Safety gloves, and a protective apron or non-flammable clothing are suggested while using these sharpeners.
11. Durability:
It is essential to pick a strong, durable and long-lasting lawnmower blade sharpener to improve the life of blades and make them used for a long time. Usually, sharpeners made of carbide are much more durable and offer a longer warranty period.
12. Price:
Different sharpener models come at different price rates that depend mostly on their features, built quality, and construction material. The general price range of the sharpeners will be from $5 – $300 (or more). For instance, a handheld sharpener will cost you less than a heavy-duty grinder. There is a proper balance between your needs and budget range to buy a sharpener. Yet be sure that the sharpener you choose/purchase is worthwhile.
13. Warranty:
The warranty offered by most manufacturers will vary from one sharpening tool to another, as it provides peace of mind if anything happens wrong. Check the warranty, and return policy before making its purchase, why because some models won’t offer any warranty. In general, a lawnmower blade sharpener offers a warranty of 1 or 2 years against its manufacturing defects.
Types:
There are several types of lawnmower blades available, in which each one has a different approach to make the blade for a perfect, smooth, and sharp cutting. As a user, you have to know which type of sharpener is suitable for a particular work. Don’t use a power tool for sharpening a ride-on mower to mow a massive yard. Similarly, use a hand-file for small push mower blades to mow on a small patch.
Handheld –
This type is an ideal option for lawn mower blades used to mow small grassy spaces, but not for medium-large yards. It is an eco-friendly and versatile sharpening tool that can easily sharpen household knives and other sharpening tools. Yet it takes elbow grease more than other types and is also a time taking process. It requires a minimum of 30 pulls per one side of the blade. So, it won’t be an efficient option as powered types.
Drill Attachment –
Here the drill attachments use a ¼-inch hex for connecting to any of your drills. It is made of beveled corundum and has a guide that lets you precisely position the blade. After connecting to the blade’s angle, it smoothes out the blade with its rapid rotations. Though you require more time to set up, yet need less time in its application. An inexperienced user can easily use drill attachment, yet results in an off-balance. So, this type is the perfect option for experienced users and mowers used for medium yards.
Angle Grinder –
This handheld tool is the expensive, powerful, and most preferred option by several landscaping professionals that can be operated with an electric cord or rechargeable batteries. With its rotating disc, this tool will connect to the blade edge at an angle, which is hand-controlled. Multiple handles in several models will let you have a proper balance of control and speed. It is an ideal option for commercial settings or large yards, as its disc design is less prone to damage the integrity of the mower blade. With a dedicated disc, you can sharpen multiple tools with this type, which ranges from metalworking to construction.
How to Use this Lawnmower Blade Sharpener?
Though sharpening your mower blades might be threatening at first, yet with the use of the right tools, the process is simple and easy. Just remember that specifications will vary based on the type of mower. For instance, a ride-on mower is not at all same as a push mower, even though they are used for the same purpose. Here is the detailed step-by-step procedure that explains how to use this sharpener to sharpen your mower blades.
1. Setting Up –
Before you make use of this sharpener, you need to set up a few things like a clean workspace, tools, or sharpening supplies (includes power supply when using electric unit) handy. Then wear a proper working kit like hand gloves, safety goggles for eyes, and hearing protection (based on the sound your sharpener will do). Also, a set of adjustable wrenches to take out the blades.
2. Remove the Blades –
Turn off the mower and disconnect it from the power source. To prevent spills, you have to drain the gas tank and then place the mower on its side to confirm that carburetor and filter have to face upwards. For this, use a marker to mark the blade’s bottom. Locate the nut connecting the unit’s blade and loosen it with a wrench till the blade releases. Cover it with dry bits of grass and dirt that let you need to clean it.
3. Clean the Blades –
After separating the blades, clean the surface with the help of a dry cloth. Also, apply lubricant if any particulate is ingrained on the blade. Leave it for a certain time to get dry and clean and then use it for sharpening.
4. Blade Setup and Sharpening Tools (Hand Files, Drills, & Grinders) –
Grip the blade in proper position with a vice grip to clamp it in a place for its sharpening. Ensure that blade’s cutting edge should face upwards. Also, look for any crack or dent to make is sharpening is a better option compared to replacing. Now get ready to sharpen the blade with any type of tool.
Hand Sharpener –
Keep the sharpener at the top of the blade’s cutting edge, and move the file in one direction with a grain. However, moving forth and back will damage the blade and sharpener as well. You feel protrusions on the blade if not applying the proper amount of pressure while moving the sharpener. Or else apply a little more force to keep the sharpener working over the blade’s perfect angled edge. Usually, it needs less than 50 file strokes to sharpen the blade. After smoothing all rough patches, you have to flip them to continue the same process on the other side.
Drill-Powered Tool –
Gloves and eye protection is must to wear accessories to use this power tool. Just like a manual hand tool, you have to do the same clamping process. A ¼-inch shank along with a guide piece is used by standard drill attachments. Here the beveled side offers a proper angle while sharpening and then hook it to the drill. Turn on the machine and a guide should be placed against the rear of the blade. Thus, the blade’s edge has to fit perfectly into the bevel to provide a precise angle to sharpen. Ensure to use a low-medium pressure to run the sharpener on the blade, and not more than 2 passes per side.
Angle Grinder –
It is used by professionals to do the sharpening task efficiently and with ease. Simply clamp the blade as other methods, then set this grinder with a flap disc. Usually, several sets come with this part. The cutting edge of the mower blade is lined with the grinder blade. move the grinder back and forth with minimal pressure. Also, smooth the rough patches of the blade’s edge by tracing its angle.
5. Blades Balancing –
Balancing the blade is essential for its even sharpening. If not, one side grows lighter than the other side and thereby affects its performance as wobble, which, in turn, results in extra vibrations and damage the mower. To get rid of this issue, balance and hold the blade with a screwdriver on the handle laterally. It has to be in that position, and in any case, it lowers, then you have to sharpen the blade, where it has lowered to make it even.
6. Re-Install the Blades –
After even sharpening of the blades, you have to re-install them onto the mower. For this, remove the leftover debris or grass to clean the area. Then take your blade and check the identifying mark you kept while taking it out. Now insert the blade onto the bolt and tighten using a socket wrench till you confirm it is properly installed. Refill the tank (for a fuel-powered unit) or reconnect the parts (if using an electric model).
7. Mow –
Test whether the mower starts and functions properly, then run it on a patch to ensure that everything is working properly (cuts evenly and smoothly). You need to sharpen the blade a minimum of twice a year to make your mowing process simple, quick, and easy. Set this sharpening as your regular maintenance to enjoy a proper and nice-looking lawn without purchasing new blades.
Conclusion:
Lawn mower blade sharpeners can be quite handy to have if you use your lawn mower quite a lot for cutting trees. As per the name, these can be used to sharpen the blades of your lawn mower. Thus, we have mentioned some of the best lawn mower blade sharpeners in this article, along with all of their details. You can also find a great buying guide here in this article with all of the information regarding such blade sharpeners. But if you are still not able to choose the perfect one for you, here are some of our recommendations:
The Oregon 88-023 lawn mower blade sharpener or grinder is one of the most powerful options available out there. As per its name, it comes with a ½ HP motor that can be used to quickly and easily sharpen any lawn mower blade. It offers a motor speed of 1750 RPM and a blade size support of up to 6 inches that is quite great. You can also change the height of this grinder as per your needs and requirements quite easily. But if you are looking for a value for money electric powered blade sharpener for your lawn mower, then you can go with the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener. Even though this is mainly made for knives, it can also sharpen lawn mower blades. It comes with three abrasive blades, including P80, P220, and 6000. This sharpener can be used to sharpen blades at an angle of either 40 degrees or 50 degrees as you wish. On the other hand, Smith’s 50603 mower blade sharpener is the cheapest option present in this article. And even though this is a manual sharpener, it still offers a great performance to the users. Its large handle allows you to use it with gloves for extra safety while sharpening the blades of your lawn mower. It comes with a replaceable carbide blade that can last for a long time for sharpening multiple lawn mower blades.
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