So this was a fun discovery: I can sharpen a lawnmower blade with a Dremel tool and metal grinding attachment. Then I can de-gunk the caked-on grass with a Hyde painter’s tool. I’ve used lots of tools for these jobs. None work as well as this tag team.
I used the Dremel 4300 with a metal grinding wheel (included in my set) and the Hyde 17-in-1 Painter’s Tool.
I also recommend eye-protection to sharpen a lawnmower blad
A cinder block and a bar clamp are helpful too. I know that because I thought of the clamp after taking this photo. The block provides elevation and a clamping surface. The clamp enables you to get the leading edge of the blade in the air and free of any obstruction.
Using the Dremel tool, it’s kind of important to not grind a new angle on the blade. I did my best to keep the grinding surface flat against the existing bevel. Also, no need to push too hard. A Dremel is technically a ‘power tool’ but it is not a powerful tool. It’s a finesse thing. Let the tool do the work.
My blade had old grass fused to it. So I spatula-ed that off with the Hyde tool. In most places I could get back to bare metal. Now the mower blade has one less thing resisting it as it spins.
The other thing making my lawnmower suffer was the gunk built up inside the mower deck. While the Hyde tool is technically a painter’s tool—painting tips here—I also use it nearly every day for 1001 and one different things. It is easily the most versatile tool I own. Anyway, I used it to scrape the blade and get the gunk in the mower deck. I end up doing this a few times per mowing season.
TIP: I heard a story once about a guy who wanted to sharpen a lawnmower blade. He flipped the mower over, spun the blade, and the engine compressed. I’ll let you figure out the rest.
Anyway, since then, I always pull the spark plug cable before I tip my mower. Just sayin’…And, I tip the mower so the air filter is up. Otherwise, it can get soaked with oil and the mower doesn’t run correctly.
Whether you’re DIY or a pro, there’s Tool Truth. And this one is that sharp blades and clean tools work better than dull, dirty ones. Doesn’t matter if it’s a circular saw or chisel or a lawn mower. Sharp blades do more work better and easier.
The last step—and, yes I have pulled the cord and been genuinely bewildered why my mower wouldn’t start—is to re-attach the spark plug cable. Unless the face-palm thing is something you enjoy. Hope this helps you sharpen a lawnmower blade.
Where to find the Dremel 4300 kit?
Buy the Dremel 4300 tool on International Tool.
Buy this Dremel 4300 tool on Amazon.
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