How long do lawnmower blades last? With Helpful Tips

Are you interested in learning about the longevity of your lawnmower blade? We have the expertise to provide you with the necessary insights. Let’s explore the factors that contribute to the lifespan of a commonly used piece of garden equipment.

How long do lawnmower blades last:

Lawnmower blades typically last 1-2 years before needing replacement. Lifespan depends on mowing frequency, yard debris, and storage. Slades need replacement, including uneven grass cutting, frayed tips, and dents/cracks.

Are you looking to keep your lawnmower running smoothly? It all starts with understanding the lifespan of your lawnmower blade. Let’s explore the factors contributing to its longevity and the signs that it’s time for a new one. Continue the journey with us!

Signs of Lawnmower Blade wear and tear:

Blades are the most essential part of a lawnmower. You will not get the desired results if the blades are malfunctioning. To check if your mower blades are malfunctioning, you need to look for two things:

● Grass height

Lawnmowers with fine blades cut the grass evenly on each trip. If your lawnmower is cutting the grass unevenly, it means the blades of the mower are faulty. All you need to do is examine your lawn’s grass height after every mowing. Uneven grass height indicates blade malfunction.

● Grass edges:

If the grass tips are torn, it may be time to sharpen or replace the blades. Dull blades rip the grass edges, which makes them turn brown quicker. Uncleanly cutting grass makes your lawn look ugly and can also enhance the chances of grass diseases.

Sharpen the Blades, or Replace Them?

You have to sharpen the blades each time they get dull, but how would you know if they had reached their end?

You cannot keep sharpening a single set of blades forever. There is a stage when further sharpening of blades will not do any better, and you will have to replace them. Let us look at the possible situations to show that it is time for a replacement.

• Bends and dents in the blade
• Cracks on the blade surface
• Worn surface and edges

• Understanding Blade Replacement Conditions

These are the conditions in which the blades must be replaced because there will be no benefit in sharpening them. Yard debris wears down a blade over the years, resulting in thin, weak metal whose surface can be cracked easily.

If your blades are overused, replace them quickly to avoid breakage. On the off chance that blades break while you are cutting, they can cause injury. Besides, it is recommended that you should not wait for your blades to go bad beyond repair to get a replacement.

Predictive or preventive replacement is better than replacement after a complete failure. Having multiple substitution blades nearby is helpful, especially if you need to utilize the sharp edges for various purposes.

Why do the Lawnmower Blades Lose their Health:

The rotating speed of the blades is very high; if they hit a rock at this speed, it will break them. Thus, if you hear something hitting the cutting blades, stop the mower and quickly look for dents in the blades.

See if the blades are curved or warped. If you find such contortions in the blades, it is time to replace them. Corrosion is another common source of blade damage. Rusted blades can be cleaned with a metal file. If the rust layer is too strong and thick to be filed off, you should replace the blades.

Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Lawnmower Blades:

Apart from sharpening, which will prolong the blade life, let us look at other factors most people ignore.

● Peripheral parts:

Look after the other parts of the mower. If the rest of your mower is not functioning well, it will affect the blades. Change the oil, oil the moving parts, change the fuel channel, and ensure the elastic fittings are not exhausted.

● Look out for rocks in your lawn:

Clear your yard, and look for things that can cause damage to the blades, such as rocks, metals, and twigs, before you begin mowing.

As previously explained, these things will damage the blades, and you must replace them. Also, try to be more attentive while mowing, ensuring you don’t hit a rock and break your mower blades.

● Storage:

Store the mower indoors, and use a waterproof cover for it. Water can affect the mower, causing rust in the blades; thus, the blades will become weak and thin.

How to Replace Them: Your Lawnmower Blade

The replacement procedure is relatively easy and can be performed at home. Ensure that the replacement set matches the set being replaced. Most important are the center hole’s thickness and diameter. The user manual can provide the correct blade dimensions for your lawnmower.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can replace your lawnmower blades:

● Step 1: Seal the gas tank/cut the power

1. Safety: Wear safety gloves before performing the replacement procedure.
2. Seal the gas tank: Remove the lid and place a plastic bag over the gas can’s top, sealing it. After doing this, replace the lid in its previous position. This is to ensure that no gas spillage occurs while the mower is in the tilted position.
3. Electric lawnmower: If you are working on an electric mower, ensure it is not plugged in.

● Step 2: Tilt the Lawn Mower

Park the mower in an open flat area with the parking brake applied. You’ll need to tilt the mower to access the blades.

When tilting the mower, ensure the carburetor and the fuel tank are on the top side to avoid leakage. Place a wooden block diagonally at the mower’s far side to make it more stable in the tilted position.

● Step 3: Remove the Old Blade

Use a socket wrench to loosen the nut holding the old blade in place. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen and remove the nut. Before removing the blade, please take a picture of it on your phone. This will help you put the new set in the correct position.

● Step 4: Install the New Blade Set

Refer to the photo you took earlier and install the new blade set. The direction of the cutting edge is crucial and should match the image. Consult the manual for the correct cutting-edge direction for your model.

Use the socket wrench to tighten the nut, turning it clockwise this time. Ensure the nut is tight, or the blade will vibrate and not cut properly or even fall off.

● Step 5: Finishing

Once you have completed the replacement procedure, lower the mower carefully and slowly. In case of a gas mower, reopen the mower fuel tank lid, remove the plastic bag, and put the lid back again.

With this done, the replacement procedure is finished. Your mower is now equipped with fresh, sharp blades and ready to be used.

Blade precautions and safety:

• Wear good quality protective gloves to avoid injury from sharp edges.
• Make sure that the blade replacement does not nullify your mower’s warranty. Consult the warranty card or contact the manufacturer for more information.
• When tilting to excess the blades, ensure the carburetor is on the top side.

Types of Lawnmower Blades:

Lawnmower blades are interchangeable; however, you must ensure that the center hole and the new set’s blade length match the one you are replacing.

Most blades fall within the range of about 16.75 inches to 22 inches in length. Most mowers can facilitate blades as long as 21 inches or 22 inches.

Lawnmower BladesTypeSizeMaxpower Commercial Mulching BladeMulching Blades21 inchesEGO Power+ Lawn Mower BladeHigh-Lift Blades21 inches8Ten Lawn Razor Hi-Lift BladeN.A	20.75 inches
Honda Lawn Mower Blade	High-Lift blades	20 inches

Related Questions:

● How much does a new set of lawnmower blades cost?

The blade price is moderate; they are not too expensive. Prices can vary from $10 to $50 or even higher. The cost will vary significantly according to blade size, brand, and quality/material. 

● How to find the size of lawnmower blades?

You will have to take a few measurements to determine the size of your lawnmower blades, the length of the blades measured diagonally, and the diameter of the center hole. After measuring the length, measure the blades’ width and measure the blades’ thickness at the center point.

The new blades should fit correctly in your lawn mower; you can use smaller or bigger blades as long as they fit tightly and don’t touch the cutter area boundary while rotating. 

Remarks

Good condition of lawnmower blades is crucial for having a well-mowed lawn. Dull blades will not cut the grass appropriately, so sharpening mower blades is a skill you’ll need to learn. Honing or sharpening old blades increases blade life, but the blades will become weak and thin after multiple points. This is the stage where you must replace them.

The replacement procedure is not too complicated. If you’re looking to buy new lawn mower blades, this guide will help. The guidelines presented in this blog post will help you replace your old lawnmower blades with a new set.

• The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Whether you sharpen old ones or buy new lawn mower blades, both methods have their usage and benefits. Generally, regular maintenance, including the decision to sharpen or replace mower blades, contributes to mowing best practices.

This guide on mowing best practices will give you the knowledge to keep your lawn looking its best. Always ensure proper protection, whether you fix your lawn mower blades or sharpen old ones. Safety should always be your priority. Happy mowing!