How to Remove a Lawn Mower Blade
To keep a lawn mower in good working order, it is advisable to sharpen the mower blade occasionally. This is generally accomplished by taking the blade off the mower and having it professionally sharpened. Removing the blade from the mower is a straightforward process that involves a few basic steps.
First: Disable the lawn mower
To start the process of removing the mower blade, first disable the lawnmower. Doing this keeps the mower from accidentally starting and possibly causing severe injuries. Disable the mower by taking out the spark plug or disconnecting the spark plug cord.
Second: Drain the liquids, if necessary
Removing the lawn mower blade involves tipping the mower on its side, so remove all liquids from the machine prior to starting, as the liquids might spill out when the machine is tipped on its side. Use a gas siphoning tool, or tip the mower over until the gasoline drains out. It is sometimes possible to tip the mower sufficiently to drain the gas and remove the blades without having to drain the oil. Use care to keep the gasoline and oil separate if the oil is removed, and do not use the same siphon for the two liquids.
Third: Secure mower in place, and clear debris
Put the mower in an easily accessible spot up on a workbench or propped on the ground. Next, secure it in place so that it does not move while force is applied to the bolt on the mower blade assembly. Clean away any grass or other debris that has accumulated on the underside of the mower.
Fourth: Stabilize the mower blade, and loosen the nut or bolt
Secure the mower blade by wedging a piece of wood underneath the blade on the mower deck. Turn the blade until it hits the piece of wood so it cannot turn as the nut or bolt is turned. Use a wrench, and remove the nut or bolt that is holding the blade in place by turning it to the left (counterclockwise). If the nut is frozen, tap the wrench a few times with a hammer to loosen it, or use a penetrating oil.
Fifth: Take it off
When the nut is turning freely, remove the block that is wedging the blade, and hold on to the blade as it comes loose. Remove the nut or bolt and any washers, and keep track of the order these parts came off to reattach them correctly. Take off the blade.