How to Install a Lawn Mower Blade

So you're outside cutting your grass and things are going just fine until suddenly your mower blade breaks! What are you going to do? Installing a new mower blade so you can finish the job is really your only option. Even if your blade isn't completely broken, but it's chipped, or dented, or just dull, you need a new one. Don't worry, though, installing a new blade is really not that complicated. In fact, putting a new blade on your lawn mower is a pretty simple job, and you should be cutting your grass again in no time.

To install a mower blade, you'll need to have a few tools and other items on hand in addition to your new blade. If you don't have a spare blade lying around, you can pick one up at your local garden or hardware store. Make sure you know which size of blade to purchase before heading to the store; if you don't have the blade's serial number handy, then you'll need to remove the old blade and take it with you. Once you have your new blade, grab some gloves, a wood block, an adjustable wrench, and a socket set. Now, before you do anything else, make sure you disconnect your spark plug - you don't want that thing starting up while you're working on it! Then get your gloves on to avoid cuts from the blades, and place the wood block under the mower deck to prevent the blade from moving while you're swapping it out. Once the block is in place, use your adjustable wrench to remove the bolt that's attaching the blade to the deck. With the bolt and washers out of the way, you can remove the old blade and put the new one in its place. Make sure you position the new blade with the curved edges facing toward the mower deck. Now all you have to do is secure the new blade; using the original washers and bolt, tighten the blade into place with your wrench. Once your blade is securely fastened, you're done!

With your new mower blade in place, you're ready to tackle your lawn again. Installing a mower blade is not only a simple task, it's also one that can save you time and fuel, not to mention your grass. Studies have shown that mowers operating with sharp blades have better fuel efficiency, using up to 20 percent less gas than mowers with dull blades. Sharp blades will also give your yard a clean cut, which is better for your grass as it won't rip or tear your lawn and increase the chance for disease in your yard. If you haven't changed your mower blade recently, now is the time to examine your blade and make sure it is sharp and not dented or chipped. Now that you know how to properly install a new mower blade, it'll be no problem trading out that old blade for a new one.