How To Know if Mower Blade is Bent

Most lawn mowers are less complicated machines – with a spinning blade powered by an engine. Like other tools, they require proper maintenance to make them keep working. If there is part of the equation that is out of sync, you will have trouble using your mower.

A lawn mower blade is one of the vital parts that should be sharp and well-balanced to cut the grass effectively. However, your mower will not cut the grass right if the blade is bent. Besides, it turns into a liability – mostly for your health.

Bent lawn mower blades give you higher-than-normal vibrations and uneven cuts. The best thing is knowing the causes of bent mower blades to prevent experiencing the problem.

This article will look at how to know if mower blade is bent and other related topics; read on:

How to Know if Mower Blade is Bent

There are different techniques to identify a bent mower blade. You need to know these symptoms to fix the problem correctly – and safely.

Here are the signs of a bent lawn mower blade:

1. Uneven Cut

A lawn mower is designed to cut the grass evenly. When you look at the lawn after you have passed the lawn mower and realize an uneven grass cut, there is a higher chance of a bent lawn mower blade.

In addition, it may look as if it’s a hacksaw has done it. So, with an uneven cut, you will see that the blade requires sharpening. Another thing you may want to check is when there is a deterioration of grass quality.

2. Excess Vibrations

While mowing, there are vibrations to experience. A small amount is normal, but with a significant increase in vibration, something is wrong with the lawn mower. One of the problems could be a bent lawn mower blade.

When the lawn mower blade is bent, it will be unbalanced, leading to additional vibrations.

Also read: Greenworks 25022 corded lawn mower

3. Strange Noises

If you hear grinding noises in your mower, that could be a bent blade. These sounds are from the underside of the deck. It is a sure sign of a bent lawn mower blade, requiring fixing.

4. Lawn mower stalling

When you continue using the lawn mower, there is a higher chance of damaging the crankshaft even after the blade is bent. The bent lawn mower crankshaft damages the engine; therefore, the mower keeps stalling.

Also read: Best striping ride-on mowers

Other Parts to Check for Damages

After checking the blade, there are other key parts of the lawn mower to check too. That’s because replacing a damaged blade may not solve the problem completely. There could be other parts already damaged and require fixing. They include:

• Flywheel key
• Flywheel
• Crankshaft
• Blade adaptor

If you find one of these parts damaged, you will have to fix them before using the lawn mower again.

How a Lawn Mower Blade Bends

While mowing the lawn and you hit a rock, stump, or another hard object, there is a higher chance for blade bending. Remember, the blade is spinning at high speed, and after it collides with a solid object, there won’t be a good mix.

You must flip your mower to know whether the blade is damaged.

Fixing Bent Lawn Mower Blade

You can easily solve the bent lawn mower blade with no other parts affected. Straightening is one of the solutions and is ideal for the environment.

However, the method has a downside: the chances of straightening it properly are slim. And if you don’t achieve that, you will still use a bent blade which may bring more problems.

The other solution is replacing the mower blade with a new one. To do that, remove the spark plug or disconnect the battery. Then you can tilt the lawn mower and proceed to remove the blade.

The replacement blade must be of the same size and correct center hole. Place it correctly up and secure it.

Avoiding Bent Lawn Mower Blade  

You need to take necessary precautions to avoid bent lawn mower blades. That said, check here for some of the tips to guide you later.

1. Understand Your Yard Layout

Knowing the yard’s layout can be a great way to avoid experiencing bent lawn mower blades. You can easily spot the obstacles while mowing. Some of the obstacles are not visible, such as tree roots or stumps.

Understanding the yard layout enables you to know where there is permanent danger. So, when mowing, you will do it more carefully.

Also read: How do I protect my windows when mowing?

2. Comb Before Mowing the Yard

 The step above ensures you are aware of all dangers in the yard. However, there could be other temporary obstacles that could damage your mower. These could be toys from your kids, a rock pulled by your dog, or other obstacles.  

Before you start to mow, walk around your lawn, picking up obstacles you find on the way.

Also read: GreenWorks 25302 cordless twin force mower

FAQ: How to Know If Mower Blade Is Bent

When working with a lawn mower, safety comes first. A bent lawn mower blade will be a big headache. It will help if you minimize the possibility of getting into trouble.

Therefore, understand how to know if mower blade is bent.

Know where permanent obstacles are located, such as drop-offs, tree stumps, rocks, and more, to avoid bent lawn mower blades. And when you experience bent blades, the ideal solution is to replace them with a new blade.