How To SHARPEN And BALANCE A Lawn Mower Blade (The Correct Way)

How to sharpen and balance a lawnmower blade the correct way. Easy and thorough DIY steps to sharpen a lawn mower blade and balance it as well to give your grass that nice clean cut.
Buy a proper blade balancer here ➜ amzn.to/2BmvxUO
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For more videos like this, check out:
How To Install A Lawn Mower Blade Properly ➜ • How To INSTALL A Lawn ...
Proper Way To Tip A Lawn Mower Over ➜ • Proper Way To Tip A La...
How To Adjust the RPM Speed on a Lawn Mower ➜ • How To Adjust the RPM ...
How To Fix A Surging Engine On A Lawn Mower ➜ • How To FIX A SURGING E...
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#stevessmallenginesaloon #smallenginerepair #smallengine #repair #diy #fix #troubleshooting #howto #engine #howitworks #doityourself #lawnandgarden #lawnmower #mower #lawnmowerrepair #mowerrepair

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Buy a proper blade balancer here ➜ amzn.to/2BmvxUO Check out these other informative videos: How To Install A Lawn Mower Blade Properly ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKTFhad7fJVqbs0 Proper Way To Tip A Lawn Mower Over ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5aoh5ydqLukqKc How To Adjust the RPM Speed on a Lawn Mower ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYrVcmaHeq55pKc How To Fix A Surging Engine On A Lawn Mower ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gICsY2xpmZ2Li8k Make sure to check out the Saloon here too… Click here for my website ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon Follow me on Facebook ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon Follow me on Instagram ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ Follow me on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon

[@johnmonroney8614]

I use vice grips to hold blade on my trailer ramp in the upright position or Up for travel loaded and closed. Blade is torso height. And i use angle grinder. But there also is an optimal angle for the blade is 30°

[@terryiommi311]

@@johnmonroney8614 aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

[@superbillybunter]

like your vid cheers from down under aus.

[@richardbartolo2890]

Steve: I bought a a used lawn mower it runs good, But it seems to cut the grass much better when the mower is pulled back wards over the lawn. I brought it into a repair shop they did a full maintenance on it, Plus a new blade and set the blade up to cut the lawn pretty low like I asked them. It runs great and cuts a little better, But it still cuts better when its pulled backwards over the lawn. What's up with that ?

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

Did i detect a bit of animosity torwards another Lawnmower youtuber Taryll fixes all possibly ? I dont watch that guy I cant stand the long running joke on his channel You know those rubber bubba teeth he always wears Its an insult to us southerners The stereotype is southerners all have rotten teeth it isnt anywhere near true

[@jhirn2957]

I’ve been sharpening with the wrong beer all this time.

[@jerkyturkey007]

I always thought the proper beer was Molson Canadian, live and learn.

[@mattwaters6987]

How dare you! 😂

[@chocolate_chip21]

😂😂😂😂

[@PaulMFDouglas]

I always hit something right after sharpening the blade, never fails.

[@medicduckster]

Never fails 🤣

[@dr.detroit1514]

Same luck I have with with new tires. Always right after, I get a flat or a tire gets ripped up somehow.

[@g.d.7629]

Join the crowd!!!!

[@damienmikkelsen6056]

Spend an hour making it perfect first 5 feet never fails to find a rock

[@tjr8063]

I feel ya brother

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

If there are any nicks and edges curled down, you can grind the bottom side flat. You're not sharpening it yet, just repairing the bottom so you have a flat surface to grind to. Then go at the bevel side until you get a nice sharp edge. You'll get there a lot faster than grinding only from the bevel side.

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

I got tired of grinding the blades to balance them. now I just drill a small hole on one side, sometimes I don't have to drill all the way through! much easier, I've got it down to an art, been doing it for years and seems to be the best alternative to just grinding off more material

[@SB-bs7uv]

Well the other day you taught me how to change my engine oil and how to filp my mower properly so it doesnt get water logged. Today its sharpening and balancing my blade. Thanks KZbin dad

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@pamandjohnmc]

I've always used a hand file to sharpen my blades. It takes a little longer, but it's easier for me to keep the sharpened edge straight.

[@agtjamesb007]

Same here. No risk of overheating it and making it brittle, and less likely to remove too much material and un balance it. Unless there are deep ruts chips and gouges, I always do it by hand.

[@EdwardHaas-ys2mv]

Hey Steve! Where do you live I want to move next door….and now I finally figured out what that conical thing in my garage is. couple comments on your videos: Your lighting is great nice work! You are brief and to the point (I could even tolerate another mid-vid commercial) Keep up the good work! Thanks

[@slipperyjohnson7016]

I don't drink, but I've been getting my blade off for years so I'm quite good at it.

[@kargo27]

Good video, Steve. The nail trick actually does work and the reason why that balanced blade wasn't moving wherever you put is because it IS balanced. If you put an unbalanced blade in there the heavier end will most definitely drop down. All that to say, I still use the plastic conical balancer that you use because you get a front to back and side to side view of where to balance it.

[@tonyjr6841]

Been using the nail for 40 years. Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

[@petepeabody8905]

Thank you. I've been sharpening my mower blades wrong all these years and never knew it. This will now insure that the grass is being cut properly and that my blades are balanced too. Great job

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@sawdustadikt979]

I unfortunately killed my mower with the nail balancing method. The big shame is that it was a 40 year old GIANT MOW. I loved that old small manufacturer mower. One of the shafts came lose and I brought it to shop, they said it wasn’t worth fixing, I said I want it fixed and the cost is the cost. They then refused to fix it. That happened with a total of four shops. Let’s just say I really like old, one off equipment. I’m a self employed carpenter and I don’t care how weird or custom someone wants something, if their willing to pay, I will build it. So it was really frustrating to have that many businesses that were not up for making money. Anyhoo, just got me an old scag, got one of these balancers and came to my favorite KZbin channel for these types of things! Thank you Steve!

[@Wyogoose]

If I may, I would suggest a 40 or 60 grit flap wheel rather than the hard abrasive rock wheel. The cut is much smoother and cooler. If the steel turns blue, any temper has been removed. Thank you for sharing all that you do..

[@mikekopisz1227]

Yup...cooler the blade is kept while sharpening, the longer the edge will last

[@theobserver9131]

I have not had much luck using flap wheels on steel, they get worn out in one or two minutes. Maybe I need to buy a better brand.

[@mikekopisz1227]

@@theobserver9131 use 3M flappers...they last forever

[@theobserver9131]

@@mikekopisz1227 Cool! thanks. 3M used to be in my home town, Northfield MN!

[@TheIronDuke9]

@@theobserver9131 Also keep in mind flap wheels come in grit sizes like sandpaper, if you're using a fine grit on rough steel it's going to wear super fast compared to a course grit disc

[@ep7672]

I love that you actually produced examples of the wrong way to sharpen a blade. You are a very thoughtful and generous creator. Seriously, thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

WOW! You're Welcome...

[@mackmay5442]

Great video, I learned a lot about sharpening blades that I did not know, including which beer is best for sharpening blades.

[@neoone9820]

I passed over all the other videos until I found Steve. Someone I've never met. Yet trust with my small engines.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@insertgoodname4809]

The socket extension trick is *absolutely invaluable!* Best video on youtube!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thanks!

[@timbylander7015]

This is THE ONLY small engine’s KZbin Chanel you will ever need.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@bottmar1]

You are one of the few that knows to mount the blade in a vice so you can see the blade edge and easily know when the blade is sharp. Also grinding down rolls less metal off of the sharpened edge. When you hand held the blade as shown, the grinder will roll metal of the edge which needs to be removed from the other side of the blade.

[@yxcvmk]

11:00 excellent help for those home pros who don't need a specific too for just that one job. In your shop, I totally see the need for the balancer. In this case it's not really about saving the 5 bucks it cost, but more the need to avoid having too much stuff lying around 🙂

[@owa2533]

Very informative, not boring at all. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@steveolsted6378]

I used to use an angle grinder. It has issues, like hot spots, trying to make a flat surface with a curved wheel etc. I since found a much better power tool to do the job. It's faster, Sharpens better and you can still be drinking the beer. Try using a belt sander. Depending on how dull the blade is I use a different grade of sand paper. Works really, really good.

[@no_handle_required]

The drinking canadian has saved me so much money and taught me so many ways to fix my stuff. 👍🏻

[@duckbuster115]

Hey love that Tecumseh engine sign on your wall………I had ten members of my family and couple guys down the roan that I grew up on work there some retired from there and unfortunately my dad died of a heart attach just 2 months before they closed down….and the rest just lost their jobs and had to find work else where…..back in the day they were good engines I think…..

[@frankromano5445]

I have to say, I have watched a lot of videos by guys and none compare to Steve. He has not once sent me down the wrong road, and always gives complete directions. Including what not to do and why you shouldn't do it. Everyone should like and subscribe to his channel. Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@Raggzzaug11]

I use a C-clamp outside on a heavy table and a angle grinder flipping it over for each side and take off rolled metal from the grinder with a file after checking the balance.

[@meangreen7389]

It could be -10° outside but your delivery manner is very toast-y as evidenced by the lotsa fuel on them ‘der shelves. Great vid as always.

[@davelewis2335]

"Get yourself some Heineken, that's the only beer you can use" insta sub

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@michaelhernandez439]

Hanging the blade on a nail if it's for an airplane,lol The blade cuts horizontal. Balancing the blade horizontally makes the most sense. Thanks Steve. Cheers brother!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kenharris6316]

I used a bench grinder this time. I had the disc off my angle grinder for some reason. It was harder to get the angle right. After a couple of tries, I got it close, and sharpened 2 blades on my riding mower and one on my push mower. What a difference! I replaced the blade on my push mower a couple of years ago after I hit a stump or something and had one if those "rotary tiller" blades like you showed on the video. I have had the riding mower for a couple of years and hadn't sharpened it. Now hen I hit thick grass with either one, it slows the engine down very little.

[@craigerickson1910]

Been sharpening my blades for 55 years. Xlnt video, very clear and to the point. Agree with everything you say except I wouldn't recommend holding your blade while you sharpen w/ angle grinder. Spend a few bucks and buy a clamp to hold the blade to your workbench so you can guide the angle grinder more accurately with both hands. i like the angle it's at for easier sharpening than vertically in a bench vise. Safer and easier to control to get correct angle. You don't mention this but most new blades I've checked have a blade angle of about 22º. Stick with that, they know what they're doing at the blade factory. Nice job comparing the sharpened blade underside with the dull unsharpened one. Night and day. Keep up the good work and have another beer.

[@andydorman2119]

Thank you for the balancing lesson. Once I LEARNED about balancing, I tried two other ways. With the nail in the wall approach, the friction (however small) between the nail and the blade will stop the blade from rotating if unbalanced. The bearing/magnet tool is unparalleled accuracy. The key is the patience of the person balancing it. The blade is ONLY balanced when it stops moving LEVEL regarding the bearing way. That's the method I use. Patience. But it makes the difference between a mower that will last 10 or more years vs a mower that will last 5 or less. And: it's easier to start, does not bog down as easy, runs higher RPM, and fuel lasts longer. The only vibration you feel through the handle is the engine popping. Also important to mention that cleaning the understand of the deck is critical for correct air flow to not unnecessarily bog the blade and to mulch correctly.

[@shafferjoe1962]

Steve another great video. And yes I have done the nail trick, but now see the down fall with it. Have a great and blessed day brother

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks 👍

[@nathanielpeace2343]

Hey Steve, I too have been using an angle grinder for years to sharpen my blades. I have had much better luck using a 60 grit flap disc than a traditional abrasive wheel. The flexibility allows you to better conform to the factory angle, and it seems to run cooler. If you give it a try, I think you'll never go back. Also, if someone doesn't have a bench vise, as safer alternative may be to use a large "C" clamp to hold the blade on a secure square post or benchtop, etc. I have used this method several times when no vise was available.

[@bmead144]

Excellent 👍

[@jafinch78]

I've been using the 36 grit flap discs. I like the fancy little balancing tool. That looks like a wise investment.

[@robertpeterson2825]

+1 on using a flap disc. I prefer these for all grinding tasks vs a standard solid abrasive disc. As Peace suggests, once you try a flap disc you will never go back. Available in bulk from ebay sellers.

[@mikeymike758]

Great video on sharpening the blade. But one important thing that you forgot/failed to mention when checking the blade balance with a cone balance or socket extension, is to make sure your bench or table is level. The eye will foul you with an out of level bench or table. Cheers,

[@jakeschisler7525]

My mower I hit and had barb wire wrapped around 2 of the blades, well that also did something to the crankshaft just above the PTO. I had a shop fix that and he said if it doesn't work then I would have to have the crankshaft replaced. So so far it's fine. But before that fix as I was mowing the center blade fell off and luckily the bolt was still in the blade, how lucky was that! I have always sharpened my own blades and I have the same balancer and in fact have two of them. The people before us who lived here, when they were done with whatever they were doing left it in the yard and pastures. I'm still picking up junk.

[@rickmarkgraf2617]

Well, I needed this. I am grateful.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@royolstad8532]

Those of us teetering on the edge of non-mechanical-ness (!?) really appreciate the critical insights you have for us. I would never have know, for example, that you can only sharpen a lawnmower blade if you're drinking Heinekin beer. That's the kind of hard-won knowledge that ONLY comes with years of experience. Again, thanks!

[@longlowdog]

Only one little thing you didn't mention. Clean your blade with a wire brush before you start balancing. Your blade will not be in balance if the crusted grass and flaky paint come off when you restart the mower.

[@wadsworth120]

Good point

[@bigjoe2458]

I always do that first before grinding

[@artsmart07]

wouldn't that be common sense? haha

[@artsmart07]

@@onekittyhawk63 hahahahahaha..

[@bmead144]

@@artsmart07 common sense is anything but common!😉

[@perrydavis309]

Kinda surprised me that you don't have a bench grinder. So handy in so many ways.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I do now!

[@pilljr.3331]

Terrific lesson on how to avoid the drips!😂

[@norcoca]

Glad to see your channel growing as fast as it has. You’re a great man with great to the point tips and tricks. Love the channel keep up the great work

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@teddd2009]

Useful, honest advise with demos are always winnings!

[@markantinozzi8657]

That's why I sharpen my razors to

[@fredhollinger]

Steve, you're awesome dude. I have an 11 yr. old son that loves watching your handy work. The only problem is when I start tearing apart a motor he tells me I should watch you first before I "mess" up. It's great that you keep it clean for the kiddos. You have my respect.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Fred! Thank You...

[@richardball9116]

after watching your video and a couple other ones (not as professional as your video) I got myself a Kokanee and took the front wheel off my wife's bike. I filed a 3/8" lock washer to fit in the 5/8 hole in the blade. I then got another Kokanee and put the blade with the spacer in the hole on the bike wheel axle & wala !! It worked . The heavy side went down. I love watching your stuff. I worked in a saw shop in high school and do all my own maintenance.

[@Johnny-yn6jh]

Beer,grinder,blade. My role model.

[@rickrobeAK]

You're a great teacher, dude. Love these videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jmi7562]

This is such a great video! I'd sharpened my blades before but never balanced them (I thought I did, but followed a method debunked in the video). I purchased a blade balancer for $11, sharpened the three blades on my mower deck, and afterwards it purred with hardly any vibration at all. Total time required was just over an hour, including wresting the deck on and off the tractor. I had progressively let the blades get out of balance and never picked up on the increased vibration. Tomorrow I'll properly balance my spare set of blades. Thank you, Steve, for another terrific lesson.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@jimmccoskey8253]

My method for balancing is a putty knife in a vise with the putty blade aimed at the ceiling. Park the mower blade on the blade of the putty knife at the center of the hole. One side tips down, it's heavier, grind it some more. Don't grind until the metal turns blue, if it does, you've take the temper out of the blade. Easy strokes with a flap disc, don't burn it. Thanks for the videos...

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Cool!

[@alanross3435]

I’ve been doing it all wrong! Sorry but don’t drink beer! Thanks for the video!😂☮✌🏻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

No worries!

[@josephogle2015]

never thought about the 6in extention trik. thanks steve makes perfect sence!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Joe..

[@andrewchurchley6779]

My old balancing method involved scribing a centre line on the blade and placing it on a knife held in the vise jaws. But since I bought a balancer like yours, I've never looked back. So much more convenient. Thanks Steve. You achieve a great atmosphere on your channel.

[@davismize]

Nicely done with the extension!!

[@altonrowell613]

Just got a Hustler Fas trak 54 o turn. Man what a difference.

[@GirlGangsta33]

I just knew I was missing something. Heineken !!!! Thanks so very much for the key.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rico1319]

I thought you were going to balance that blade on the Heineken bottle! LOL! Thanks 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

lol! Right on...

[@vincentrobinette1507]

That actually sounds like a good idea!🤣😁😂

[@fassay]

I like your balanced approach Steve. Well done as always.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@natep1661]

I just bought a blade sharpener made by all american blade and its epic. I also puchased the blade balancer like you have. The jig allows me to get perfect angle with control.

[@Hugeroost]

Couple things here Stevo. 1) it takes more than one sip of Heineken do get a blade sharp, also of note, Corona works as well. 2) tell these folks you can buy a dang good 4 1/2 in side grinder at harbor freight for 12 bucks, can't beat it. And 3) there's a slick little unit called The American Sharpener, or maybe it's Great American Sharpener, I'd have to go look. That thing is the absolute bomb yall, keeps it at 30 degrees. I own a lawn service in SE Texas, we mow over 100 yards a week, I am constantly sharpening blades. It is a HUGE difference using that thing, its amazing how much longer my blades stay sharp when at correct angle. The way your doing it, I did it like that for 20 yrs, you can't hold that 30 eyeballing it. I was shocked when I got that tool at how far off I was. Go ahead and chug half that cold one on next vid, Texas style. That was a 3 cold one vud you just did, I counted mine. Good job explaining that stuff, patient man....Roost

[@phil1shea]

Clear and complete. Love the driver extension balancing trick!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@kimberlymazzitelli8644]

Steve is a single g irl s friend! Thanks Steve, dad never showed me how to change blades on my mower or air filters need to be cleaned an don't get me started on spark p lugs an carb's, I knew what they are but I'm supposed to do something with them? Your videos are easy to follow, understand an I can even get behind you on the idea that small engine repair builds a thirst that only a cold brew can quench ;)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Kim! Thank You...

[@sgtkabukiman9411]

Also gotta watch those blades with the star pattern hole as they accurately self center evenly. Balancers are really made for blades with round holes.

[@espedaire]

My brother you didn't need to give me such a realistic angle-grinder experience. I would have been just as happy with the volume of the fucking thing down. Thank you for the super instructional videos!

[@espedaire]

Also love the socket extension balancing trick, thank you!

[@pauljs75]

This can also be done with a straight file, if you've got something to clamp the blade to a table with. It works surprisingly fast, provided the whole cutting edge isn't dinged to the point of having to re-grind the whole angle into it. If that works as well as it does, then power rotary tools may need a light touch in comparison or you're just wasting the metal on the blade.

[@PS-rr2jt]

I’ve always used a file and try to touch it up every few cuttings. It only takes a few minutes.

[@fourcubed47]

@@PS-rr2jt Agree, two to three times a year touch it up, takes minutes. I count the same number of strokes on each side and it stays balances.

[@gulfstream7235]

Takes all of 5 minutes to do a blade manually with a hand file, much better results truth be told...

[@devinbraun1852]

I agree. Unless you have a blade that has been neglected or damaged in strikes, you can hand sharpen a mower blade with a file in just a few minutes, often as fast as a grinder, with much better results. . Since you are not hogging of a bunch of material with a grinder, there is rarely the need to balance. I can imagine people who are not experienced hand sharpening maybe being intimidated and thinking it’s easier to just put it to a grinder, but once you are proficient, it’s the best method in my opinion.

[@northidahoguy5549]

That’s some really good stuff!!! Going to sharpen up mine tomorrow. Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@summertea545]

LOL....I love the first step best then tell my husband to get to sharpening and report back to me.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@philipbreau1246]

I don't have a balancer, but your extension looks like a great idea. I'm going to try that. Thanks for posting

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@bryantoth5249]

Best thing I've found is a 24 grit sanding belt. Lean into it and you're done in a couple passes.

[@dukeman7595]

I like the ratchet extension for balancing, nice trick.. Thanks for the tip..

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

No problem 👍

[@renostubbs8504]

A million thank you Steve,will attempt this ,GOD BLESS

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@bryancunningham1095]

Steve, probably ought to mention about heating your blade steel to high especially with a bench grinder, I always have a cup of water to cool that blade off as it gets too hot to hold especially near the end of the blade. If someone else mentioned this allready sorry.

[@marshallbronne2142]

I have a balancer, but I never knew about using an extension. Really cool. You know your stuff for sure. Thanks for all the great vids. I've learned a lot from them.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Happy to help!

[@bladder1010]

I've got a good quality mill file, and that does a good job for me. Less mess, noise, etc.

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Good ole flat bastard…. file is an unappreciated tool

[@raystanczak4277]

I always sharpen with files and stones. I’d just remove dirt with a couple of light passes with a grinder so I’m filing clean metal. A grinder works fine, but you have to be careful not to overdo it, and don’t let the blade get hot.

[@bladder1010]

@@michaeltaylors2456 File is the most satisfying to use. Creates a very spicy edge.

[@davidanger321]

The little things that I never thought made a difference. Tha you.

[@vvegas9221]

bought the balancer. I have 2 toro 22" blades. I couldn't believe how out of balance they were. hooked up my pneumatic angle grinder & got them back into shape. It was a lot better than using a mil file which took forever.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I agree!

[@BlaubartMT]

After watching your video, I realize now what I've been doing wrong when sharpening my blades. My tool of choice has always been hard apple cider. I'll have to try the Heineken to see if that works better.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Buddy...

[@lesaboo4740]

LMAO

[@bobbyhempel1513]

Heineken will no longer get any of my money they are anti straight as in they're the sjw types that think that if you're not homosexual or transexual you are a bigot

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@therealnightwriter Yea omg all the inported beers here are skunk piss. When i was in germany everything rocked. One guy said try a budwieser and im like i didnt fly 8hrs to have a bud.....it was excellent, not the swill here. All the imported stuff here in the states is trash.

[@paulg444]

dont feel bad, its a rookie mistake we all have made.

[@IamUncledeuce]

Steve, once again you saved me a whole lot the trouble and expense. Thank you kindly, now I have the sharpest blades in the neighborhood! It's Miller time. I hoist a brew in your honor.

[@jamesragus1577]

Good tips, well balanced presentation 😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you 🙂

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

I have to add one thing to this when i got out of lawncare i worked for husqvarna in the press dept. Blades start out as a 36 inch tall roll of steel in various widths The press we used was about 25 ft. Tall (pretty impressive and terrifying machine) the press operator (occasionally me) was just a doper off the street theres absolutely no joke in that either operating the press was really easy load a coil press the button and watch for clogs or other mishaps with the press and never let the machine run out of lubricant for the die The blades came out of the press at about 25 per minute on to a Slide and into a 48x48 bin around 36 inches deep and usually held about 1800 blades These blades were never checked for anything when the bin waa full it went to the sharpening area and then off the cleaning area to have oil residue washed off from there they went to the paint chain Its worth noting that nothing produced at the former husqvarna helena-mcrae ga. Plant was actually painted everything was powder coated Back to blades due to manufacturing speed and the sheer amount produced It wasnt possible to really q.c.blades on occasion bad blades did make it to final assembly With all that being said In my experience it isnt worthwhile to balance a blade its better to just replace it sharpening blades is an art it can be done at home but with high risk of heat damage to the blade

[@petestrickland2181]

That was awesome. I’ve been doing the nail in the wall thing because I didn’t know the balance tool even existed. Great video!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@foldingchaise8387]

Thanks Steve Out, I love your videos, I love beer too !!!! Keep them coming !!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@josephbuzzetta-re7mv]

Outstanding! Steve your tips and instructions are the best on KZbin!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@susanroycroft89]

Thanks again Steve, I am guilty of the nail balancing trick, but that little grey pyramid thing is the best, thanks again 😊😊😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@paulworkman5755]

Great tip on balancing (using the extension method. But, regardless of how one does it, ya might mention being sure there is no buildup of grass "smear" on the blade. I use a wire brush to quickly knock off any buildup there might be.

[@MeltingRubberZ28]

Good idea. Easily could throw the balance off. Thanks for the tip!

[@paulwharton1850]

The balancing tip with a 6 inch extension socket and how much off centre the blade is......is pure genius. Many thanks......all the way from London !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@masterlhopkins5528]

Saw a new way of sharpening mower blade using a die grinder, works great!

[@majorpayne4098]

There is no other guy. You bring common sense and straight talk to the world. Thanks !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@akquicksilver]

I use a flapper disc, it works great, moves metal quickly, but is more forgiving than a disc. Great video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on...

[@heavymechanic2]

I started using a #80 flap disc this year and it generates less heat than the fiber and does a great job to dress the edge.

[@ng-iq4kx]

Remove the plug cap, close the valves, carb side up. Probably not many knew that. Back in the 50's a balancer was a beer or soda bottle with a marble on top. Blade center hole on the marble. I still do it the old fashion way. With a hand file.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Cool!

[@brianjohnson217]

Thanks for the blade sharpening video. You didn't mention how much Heineken to drink before you start. Seriously though another great and entertaining video

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Brian! Thank You...

[@bnighter]

each day I like to learn something. I wish it didnt take me 55 years how to do this.gracious.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@alanshaw6161]

Steve, You have one of the best and most useful channels on KZbin. I grew up on a farm and every kind of engine imaginable and I still learn tricks and tip from your videos. Keep up the good work and I will keep watching and liking all your videos. Also, you were correct Heineken was the only extra tool I needed this time.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Wow, thank you!

[@mikeymike758]

As long as it's real beer, then great. My go to is PBR. 🤣

[@frankdavidson9675]

the bal is very important to save your mowing deck from from cracking with age

[@richardgalli7262]

I use my 40 plus year old Craftsman 9" angle grinder with the mower blade mounted vertically in my bench shop vise and have at it. One hand on the trigger handle and one hand on the forehand grip. Then balance.

[@kobra6335]

As long as the nail is centered in the circle, the heavier side of the blade will always move downward. I personally use a 1/8 inch pin punch for checking the balance.

[@munched55]

Thanks Steve. Have a fresh looking Toro I got with the house when I bought it. I better have a look at the blade as spring is around the corner.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@harleyvulcancobra4.619]

I keep my deck kinda high to keep from hitting stuff like gravel when I’m close to the drive way.I haven’t hit anything to amount to anything in a long time!! I make one really light pass with the grinder on the bottom to get spurs and that burnt metal off that’s left from using the grinder! Then balance on a nail! Sharpening the blades off a bush hog is what’s fun,a lot of grinding there!

[@donwolfjr1]

Admittedly, I was doing it wrong!! Lol. Looks like I'll be resharpening mine soon WITH the correct balancer!!! Thanks, Steve!!! Don W., OHIO

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@richb.4374]

I bought a hand grinder just for this. Florida's sand is murder on lawn mower blades. Every time you mow, your blades are being sand blasted dull. Very tough to keep them sharp. You'd be sharpening almost every mow down here. LoL

[@kencraig7308]

Had a customer inspecting my blade sharpening with the mower rolled over on the wrong side. she calls me and says i never sharpened the blade and that there is oil coming out of the air filter and its all wet. she tried to convince me that she wasnt inspecting the blade, but i said how would you know about the blade unless you lifted up the mower, but she just kept saying why didnt i sharpen the blade. well ma'am when you sharpen a mower blade you can't see how i sharpen it unless you look real hard at the top or feel it with your hand, and as for the oil coming out of the air filter and cover its because you rolled the mower over on the wrong side while you were inspecting the blade. Sooooo, to make her happy i removed the blade and showed her how its done. Then, I showed her how the oil got into the air filter Compartment, and i tell you she was just so amazed at how and what she had done just because she didnt trust my work, and ive got 5 stars mind you on google.so anyway i got her all cleaned up and running at no extra charge and sent her on her way, hav'nt seen her since.

[@stevee7774]

Ken Craig - Gotta love those customers. You’ve always got the ones that don’t trust you and are convinced that you’re screwing them over. She’s probably taken it to some other shops that she thinks are screwing her over as well. It’s the same way in the automotive shop - I’ve seen these types throughout my career, try as you may you will never make them happy.

[@frankobrien9124]

ken I bet you are Brocken hearted not seeing again,(lol).

[@stevee7774]

franko - Brocken?

[@raypso2803]

thank you Steve, Just found your channel and quickly became a BIG FAN, I tried to drink Heineken on the job but it was frowned upon.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@jimshorts5970]

Used a bench grinder for lawn business for a decade. Steeper pitch is good for longevity. Shallower pitch is better for cut. Screwdriver through the middle for balance. You have to slide it around to find the midpoint.