How to Remove Mower Blades?
Removing mower blades typically involves securing the blade to prevent it from turning and then loosening the main bolt or nut holding it in place.
Before you begin, always prioritize safety. Ensure the mower engine is off and cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. This prevents the engine from accidentally starting while you are working on the blade. Wear heavy-duty work gloves and safety glasses.
Gathering the right tools makes the job much easier.
- Socket or Wrench: You'll need the correct size socket or wrench for the blade bolt or nut. Sizes vary by mower model.
- Block of Wood or Blade Removal Tool: Something sturdy like a 2x4 piece of wood or a specialized blade removal tool is essential to wedge against the blade and the mower deck. This prevents the blade from spinning while you try to loosen the bolt. As referenced in the video snippet, a 2x4 is used for this purpose.
- Penetrating Oil (Optional): If the bolt is rusted or seized.
- Torque Wrench (For Reinstallation): While not needed for removal, a torque wrench is crucial for tightening the new or sharpened blade correctly to the manufacturer's specification upon reinstallation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Mower Blades
Follow these steps carefully to safely remove your mower blade:
- Prepare the Mower: Tip the mower onto its side. Usually, it's best to tip it so the carburetor is facing upwards to prevent fuel or oil from leaking. Clean away any excess grass and debris from around the blade and bolt area.
- Locate the Bolt/Nut: Identify the bolt or nut holding the blade to the spindle. Note the direction of the bolt – most are standard threads (lefty-loosey), but some might be reverse threads. Check your mower's manual if unsure.
- Secure the Blade: Wedge your block of wood or blade tool between the mower deck and the blade. Position it firmly so the blade cannot rotate when you apply force to the bolt. This is where you use a block similar to the 2x4 shown in the reference video, but for loosening instead of tightening.
- Loosen the Bolt/Nut: Place the socket or wrench onto the bolt or nut. While holding the blade securely blocked, turn the wrench counter-clockwise (for standard threads) to loosen the bolt. It might require significant force, especially if it's been on for a long time. If it's stuck, apply some penetrating oil and wait a few minutes before trying again.
- Remove the Bolt/Nut and Blade: Once the bolt or nut is loose, carefully unscrew it by hand. Pay attention to any washers or spacers; note their order. Slide the old blade off the spindle. Be careful, as the blade edges can be very sharp.
Tips for Blade Removal
- Check Manual: Always consult your mower's owner's manual for specific instructions and bolt specifications for your model.
- Direction Matters: Double-check the bolt's thread direction before applying force. Forcing a standard wrench on a reverse thread bolt will only tighten it further.
- Use Leverage: A longer wrench or a breaker bar can provide better leverage for stubborn bolts.
- Inspect the Blade: Once removed, inspect the blade for damage, excessive wear, or bending.
Remember to take pictures during the process if you're unsure about the order of parts like washers or spacers, which is helpful during reinstallation. The video snippet mentions manually screwing in the bolt and then tightening it with a wrench and torque wrench after sharpening, emphasizing the tightening process and using a 2x4 for stability during that phase. The same principle of using a block for stability applies to the removal phase when you are loosening the bolt.
