Should your lawnmower blade be loose or firm? How tight should lawn mower blades be?
It can be so annoying when your mower’s blades keep dropping whenever it’s in use. I forgot to mention how dangerous it’s, especially when the blades are as sharp as a razor.
This article will discuss everything you need to know about the tightness of your mower blades and things you can do if the blade is too loose.
The mower blade should be as tight as possible, and you should ensure it’s not too loose or too tight.
If you use a push mower, the recommended torque is between 35 and 50 foot-pounds, while for lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers is 65 to 100 ft-lb of torque.
If you don’t have a torque wrench, you can also use a normal wrench at least 12 inches long, although this won’t be as good as the torque.
The tightness of your mower blade depends on the brand and type of the mower. Always check your user manual for the best torque range. You can always check the manufacturer’s website or contact the company if you don’t have your user manual.
Do you need a torque wrench?
Yes, it would be best to have a torque wrench to tighten the lawnmower blade because it is the best tool for tightening lawnmower blades and flywheels.
Using the right torque wrench is also important; you may not even need it if you have other tools, like the ratchet.
Check your user’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends when fixing your mower blade. These things are damn cheap; however, you can use a crescent wrench if you want to tighten your mower blade without a torque wrench.
Using a torque wrench also ensures that the blade is balanced correctly. A too-loose blade could come off during use, which is dangerous, or cause unnecessary damage to your mower. On the other hand, a blade that is too tight can cause stress to the mower’s engine or damage the blade itself.
If your blade is falling off, then it could be due to one of the following:
It is rusty and as old as the universe
The key stock holding the blade is no longer there
Your crankshaft is bent
The lawnmower blade came in contact with a solid object
If your blade is old and rusty, it’s high time you replaced it. The key stock is majorly the reason why most blades keep falling off.
This key or pin holds the blade’s center to the mower, so it will continue to fall off no matter how hard you try to tighten the blade. If you can’t find the key, get a new one, they are not so expensive. You can easily fix this.
If your crankshaft is bent, I am sorry to break it; you can’t straighten it. Trying to repair a bent crankshaft is a waste of time and money.
This signifies that your lawn needs a new (or maybe used) mower. Sometimes, the grass may be too high, and you won’t know there is a hard solid object on your lawn. This can be a tree stump, a piece of metal, etc.
When your mower’s blade comes in contact with this object, it can cause it to fall off or even cause more havoc. Always try to remove such objects before mowing your lawn, and don’t overtighten the blade.
How to tighten lawn mower blade
Tightening your lawnmower blade can be easily done by following the steps below.
Make sure your lawnmower is turned off.
Remove the spark plug using a wrench.
Take out the gasoline from the mower’s tank.
Let the mower lie on its side, and put a board between the blade and the lawnmower deck.
Use a good wrench (preferably a torque wrench) to tighten the bolt; this should be done in a clockwise direction.
Once the bolt is tightened, remove the board between the blade and the lawnmower deck.
Reinsert the spark plug.
Refill the gasoline to the mower’s tank.
Check the functionality of the tightened blade. Start the lawnmower and listen to the sound of the engine. If there are unusual noises, a professional should check the lawnmower.
Wear gloves to protect your hands if the mower mistakenly turns on while tightening its blade.
Should mower blades be loose?
No, the lawnmower blade should not spin freely. It is supposed to be attached to the belt, not free spinning.
Unless your mower has a clutch, its blade shouldn’t spin freely. If your blade is wobbly and spinning freely, you need to ensure the blade is properly placed and tighten the bolt.
The blade spinning freely could indicate a broken spindle, improper installation, or a damaged pulley system. This situation can lead to inefficient cutting and potentially be a safety hazard.
If you notice that your lawnmower blade is loose or spinning freely, it’s important to stop using it and seek professional assistance or safely try to fix the problem yourself.Â
The mower blade won’t tighten?
If the lawnmower blade doesn’t tighten, this can be an issue from the blade, bolt, or spindle.First of all, make sure the threads in the bolt are not worn out or corroded. You may want to get some new bolts if this is the case.
Don’t try drilling your spindle, as this will ruin your lawnmower. Ensure the blade is in the right position (not bent or upside down).
You can also use washers or spacers if this will tighten the blade. Also, ensure you are using the right torque when tightening the blade.
In conclusion, how tight should lawn mower blades be? As tight as possible but not overtight or under-tight.
Alex is a skilled gardener and lawn care expert with over 5 years of experience in the field. He developed a passion for horticulture at a young age and has since dedicated his life to mastering the art of landscaping. When he's not tending to gardens and lawns, Alex enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with his family.
