Gone are the days of struggling to sharpen lawn mower blades. With various innovative products in the market, the task has become more manageable and even satisfying. From tools that allow you to sharpen without removing the blade to those that ensure a perfect sharpening job but require blade removal, there are options to suit every preference. Whether you enjoy seeing sparks fly or simply want a quick and easy solution, there is a product out there for you.
Tools that make sharpening easy
Easier blade sharpening generally means leaving the blade on the mower or mower deck. None of these solutions are perfect because they don't allow you to properly balance the mower blade, which can lead to stress on the engine and other mower components. However, these tools are so easy to use that they might offset the benefits of a slightly longer mower life or slightly less frequent mower repairs. For freehand options, try anything from angle grinders or rotary tool grinding stones and die grinder bits to highly-regarded hand tools like Smith's 50603 Handheld Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener and the SHARPAL Chef Knife and Scissors Sharpener & Garden Tool Sharpener. Perhaps the most familiar of these is the GardenSharp Lawn and Garden Tool Sharpener ($12.99 at Tractor Supply), which is identical to the popular AccuSharp knife sharpeners.
Tools for Effortless Sharpening
When it comes to sharpening tools for your mower, handheld electric options like an angle grinder or Dremel can be useful. While some mower-specific grinding wheels for drills may seem promising, they are often criticized by users. For a better solution, consider the Dremel A679-02 mower sharpening attachment (priced around $22 on Amazon), which helps guide the sharpening angle and can extend the life of your mower blades while keeping them balanced.
While the A679-02 is a convenient tool for using a Dremel rotary tool at home, more advanced sharpening solutions that involve removing the mower blade tend to provide higher quality results, albeit at a higher cost. Some of these solutions act as guides for your angle grinder or a specific tool for cutting. For example, the All American 5000 Sharpener Kit ($269.99 from Amazon) includes an angle grinder, but there have been reports of the tool falling apart during initial use. On the other hand, the more affordable Model 5005 Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener ($47.98 from Amazon) has received better reviews despite not including an angle grinder.
The Best Tools for Sharpening Mower Blades
Looking to sharpen your mower blades? There are a few options on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Let's take a look at some popular choices:
1. VEVOR Lawnmower Blade Grinder ($290.99)
The VEVOR Lawnmower Blade Grinder is marketed towards mower repair shops, but some users have found it to be quite similar to cheaper drill grinding wheels. Reviews for this product are mixed, so it may not be the best option for everyone.
2. Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife Sharpener Tool ($139.95)
For a more reliable option, consider the Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife Sharpener Tool. This tool, designed by renowned knife designer Ken Onion, is highly regarded for its ability to grind mower blades with precision. Pair it with the Work Sharp Blade Grinder Attachment for even better results.
