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How to remove the blades of a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower

Briggs and Stratton Lawnmowers are lovely and helpful machines that do all your mowing efficiently. Like all devices, they need maintenance, especially the lawnmower’s blades that get worn out over time. A sharp blade can cut twice as fast as compared to a dull one. Briggs and Stratton lawnmower blades are firmly fixed with nut bolts that can be loosened to remove them. In day-to-day mowing, you will need to check your blade regularly. If you find them to be dull, remove the blade and sharpen or replace it. When removing a Briggs lawnmower blade, you should take the necessary precautions and correctly follow the removal steps.

How to remove the blades of a Briggs and Stratton lawnmower, step by step:

  • Step 1. Check the operator’s manual
  • Step 2. Remove the spark plug and disengage the ignition wire
  • Step 3. Remove the fuel from the chamber
  • Step 4. Tip the mower and use a cleaner spray
  • Step 5. Remove the bolts retaining blade

This blog post provides an easy to follow step by step approach to remove your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower’s blade. We will show you the necessary precautionary measures and ways to deal with potential issues.

Steps To Follow:

● Step 1: Operator’s Manual

Different companies produce various lawnmowers, but they all have a blade and will cut your grass. But the exact way the blade is attached will differ. Even between Briggs and Stratton models, this can be different. Also important is the blade’s orientation, the tightening screw, and overall construction. It is always advisable to check your Briggs and Stratton operator’s manual for your specific model’s.

● Step 2: Spark plug and Ignition wire

The first step when dealing with a gas mower is a safety precaution. To make sure that the engine can’t start unintentionally, disengage the ignition wire. If you are using a Briggs and Stratton cordless model, make sure that you remove the batteries. If you use a Briggs and Stratton electric lawnmower make sure to remove the wall plus. Also turn the ignition off, if that is possible with your model.

If you have a gas model, you could consider removing the spark plug. Removing it and disengaging the ignition wire are safety measures to ensure that the mower may not turn on accidentally. Dealing with a super sharp object like the blade of a mower can cause some serious injury. Additionally, for models that do not have a nutrual gear, removing the spark plugs makes turning the blade much more comfortable than when the spark plugs are still present.

Depending on your lawnmower model, the spark plug may be positioned on the side of the chamber next to the pull cord. In the case of riding a lawnmower, you may even have to remove the seat to see it.

● Step 3: Empty the fuel chamber

The next step is to remove the fuel present in the combustion. Do this to avoid any fuel spilling when you tip the mower aside. This can be done quickly using a siphon pump. The siphon pump sucks the fuel from the chamber through a tube. It is a quick, easy, and fast process. You can store the extracted gas in a suitable container and add it to the gas tank later. If you want to keep gas for a more extended period, it is good to use an airtight container. A suitable container will be marked with “UL.” This symbol shows that the container is made for a specific reason and will not ignite the fuel.

● Step 4: Tip the mower and prepare it

While working on your lawnmower it can take some time, so make sure that you place it conveniently to avoid any stress on your back and ensure proper light to the machine. After you remove the spark plug and fuel, tip the mower to its side. If you have a larger and heavy model, you can use a jack for this. There are also special tools to help with this. An alternative is to lift your lawnmower up, so you can reach the underside. Always make sure that the lawnmower is correctly balanced and stable, and that it can not suddenly move when you are working on it.

The mower’s base will now expose its blade, and you can see the blade retainer bolt in the centre of the blade. Before removing it, use some cleaner spray like WD-40. This will help remove the rust, soften the tightness, and ease the unscrewing. And it helps increase the life of the bolt and its threads.

● Step 5: Remove the blade

When you have tipped your Briggs mower, you can easily see the blade and its fixing mechanism. Make sure that you have your safety gloves on. Then, ensure that while you remove the central bolt, the blade doesn’t rotate. Use a universal blade removal tool or a piece of wood to fix the blade at one position. The blade won’t be able to move. This will help in terms of safety and ease of removal of the bolt.

The blade tightening bolt can be easily removed using a torque wrench or some pliers. The torque wrench is a better tool. It is fast as it clicks in one direction. So, please keep it in anti-clockwise orientation and give regular rotations to remove the blade thoroughly.

Following these steps in the correct order, and one can easily remove the mower blades. Keep in mind that when you reattach the blades, you will repeat the same steps backwards by connecting the spark plug at the end. Depending on how often you use your lawnmower, and how big your lawn is, you should check, sharpen and if needed, replace the mower blades at least once per season.

● Some Precautionary Measures

A blade is a cutting tool. When working on them, take the following points as a precaution:

  • Location: Try to work in a safe location with a hard floor. So when you spill oil or fuel, you can clean it easily without damaging the environment.
  • Gloves: Use safety gloves throughout the procedure.
  • Fuel: Remove the fuel and spark plug.
  • Clean workspace: Work in a clean workplace away from any water source.
  • Cleaning spray: Use a cleaning spray to loosen and moisten the bolts.

Frequently asked questions

1.How can we get a broken bolt out of a lawnmower blade?

A broken bolt in a lawnmower blade may cause an issue. But with a little bit of effort, it can be taken out. First, use WD-40 or other lubricant to help with this process. If you can still see part of the bolt, you can try to remove it with a vise grip. Giving it some punches with a hammer may loosen it as well. If there is no part of the bolt sticking out you can use a special kit to remove the broken bolt. With a special drill, you make the top of the broken bolt such that you can use the added removal tool to it and get it out. If that also does not work, you have to drill it out. But this probably means that you need to add new threads and have to use a bigger bolt. If you do not feel comfortable with the above methods, it is good to find a good mechanic that can help you.

2.How to create a pilot hole?

A left-handed drill can be used to create a pilot hole. A pilot hole is essential as it helps to avoid damaging threads of the bolt because if the thread of bolt holes or bolt gets damage, it may either result in the removal of bolt impossible or one may not be able to put new bolt after changing the old one. To remove the broken bolt, reverse drill slowly. A magnet can easily attract out the left metal pieces of the broken bolt. One must remove the left behind pieces of the bolt also. Otherwise, it can cause a problem whenever it’s time for a new bolt to fix in its place.  Even after trying these instructions, if you face issues, go for a welding shop that ought to have better tools to get the snapped bolt off the hole.

3.What direction should we move the nut to change the mower blade?

Many walk-behind lawnmowers rotate in the clockwise direction, and we must turn the blade’s retaining bolt to a counter-clockwise direction. Make sure to check the lawn mower’s fit, too, pay attention to how the blade fits into the blade adapter, and then tighten the blade retaining bolt by moving it in the clockwise direction to a torque of specified mower manual.

Final Remarks

To conclude, removing a blade from your lawnmower is not a difficult task. It sounds easy, but a lot of users forget specific steps. Maintaining your lawnmower well means that you can use it for many years to come. A lawn mower’s blade must be checked regularly during the season. And if needed, it must be sharpened or replaced. Sharpening should be done at least once per mowing season to ensure it keeps cutting well.

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  1. Ivan Foster says:

    I never thought about removing the spark plug as a safety precaution, great tip!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Ivan, thank you for your feedback on removing the spark plug as a safety precaution. It’s essential to take all necessary measures when working on your lawnmower to ensure safety.

  2. Ivan Armstrong says:

    This article is very informative and easy to follow.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Ivan! I’m glad you found the article informative. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about maintaining your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower blades.

  3. Wendy Perkins says:

    What type of tools do I need to remove the lawnmower blade?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Wendy, to remove a lawnmower blade, follow these steps: 1. Consult the manual 2. Disconnect spark plug and ignition wire 3. Empty the fuel 4. Tilt the mower 5. Remove the blade bolts. Stay safe!

  4. Sarah Terry says:

    I appreciate the detailed steps provided in this article.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Sarah Terry! I’m glad you found the steps helpful. Maintaining your lawnmower blades will ensure efficient mowing. Let me know if you have any questions.

  5. Keith Richards says:

    Is it necessary to wear safety gloves when removing the blade?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Keith, safety gloves are essential for blade removal to prevent injury. Always follow proper precautions to ensure a safe maintenance process. Stay safe!

  6. Austin Mitchell says:

    What should I be careful about when removing the blade to avoid injury?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Austin, when removing the blade of your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower, remember to disconnect the spark plug, clear the fuel chamber, and use the correct tools to avoid injury. Stay safe!

  7. Vernon Rose says:

    The step-by-step guide was so easy to follow, thank you for sharing!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Vernon! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. Let me know if you have any questions while maintaining your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower.

  8. Brayden Caldwell says:

    The precautionary measures mentioned are very important for safety.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Brayden! Safety measures are essential, especially when dealing with sharp blades. Always follow the recommended steps to ensure a safe and efficient removal process.

  9. Jimmie Taylor says:

    Thank you for the reminder to check the operator’s manual for specific instructions.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Jimmie! Checking the operator’s manual is vital for safe blade removal. Always follow the steps correctly to ensure proper maintenance of your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower.

  10. Jacqueline Simmmons says:

    This post is so helpful, I didn’t know how to remove the lawnmower blade before.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for the kind words, Jacqueline! I’m glad you found the post helpful in removing your lawnmower blade. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

  11. Wade Spencer says:

    The step-by-step instructions make it seem like I can easily do this myself.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks for the positive feedback, Wade! I’m glad the instructions seem straightforward. Remember to follow the steps carefully and use the necessary precautions when removing your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower blade.

  12. Crystal Crawford says:

    How often should the lawnmower blade be sharpened or replaced?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Crystal, it’s recommended to sharpen or replace the lawnmower blade at least once per mowing season for efficient cutting. Follow the steps in the blog to remove the blade safely.

  13. Miriam Gomez says:

    Can I use any type of cleaning spray to loosen the bolts?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, using a cleaning spray like WD-40 can help loosen the bolts on your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower blade. Just be sure to follow all necessary precautions.

  14. Elizabeth Banks says:

    I’m glad I came across this article, now I know how to properly remove my lawnmower blade.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Elizabeth! I’m glad the article was helpful. Remember to follow the steps precisely and stay safe while removing your lawnmower blade. Enjoy your freshly sharpened blade and happy mowing!

  15. Leah Horton says:

    I never knew I had to empty the fuel chamber, thanks for the heads up.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for reading! Remember to always follow the steps carefully when removing the blades to ensure safety and efficiency. Happy mowing!

  16. Brandon Mitchell says:

    I didn’t know about emptying the fuel chamber before removing the blade, good to know.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks for your comment, Brandon! I’m glad you found the information about emptying the fuel chamber helpful. It’s always great to learn new maintenance tips for your lawnmower.

  17. Zack Carroll says:

    Do I need any special equipment to empty the fuel chamber safely?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Zack, to empty the fuel chamber safely, follow the steps in the blog post: remove spark plug, drain fuel, and clean spray. Always refer to the operator’s manual for specific instructions.

  18. Phyllis Henderson says:

    The importance of a clean workspace is something I never considered before.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Phyllis! Keeping a clean workspace is crucial for safety and efficiency when maintaining your Briggs and Stratton lawnmower blades. Happy mowing!

  19. Kristin Mason says:

    Is there a specific way to store the fuel that is removed from the chamber?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your question, Kristin. To store the fuel removed from the chamber, you can use a siphon pump to extract it and store it in an airtight container marked with “UL” for safety.

  20. Celina Jacobs says:

    This article makes me feel confident to try removing my lawnmower blade on my own.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Celina Jacobs! I’m glad this article has given you the confidence to try removing your lawnmower blade. Remember to follow the steps carefully and stay safe while doing so. Happy mowing!

  21. Salvador Stewart says:

    Can I sharpen the blade myself, or is it better to get a professional to do it?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      It’s better to have a professional sharpen your blade to ensure proper maintenance and prevent any accidents. Safety first!

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