Investing in a high-quality lawn mower is the first step in maintaining your house’s curb appeal. The second step is keeping the mower’s blades sharpened properly. Although this task may seem less than critical, it’s one no lawn owner should neglect. Dull blades tear the grass instead of making a clean slice, which ultimately damages the integrity of your lawn.
For the healthiest lawn possible, you should sharpen the blades when you notice your mower underperforming. Sharp edges make mowing your yard an easy and smooth job. But instead of sending them away for sharpening, consider investing in a lawn mower blade sharpener. We’ve reviewed the best lawn mower blade sharpener so you can make an informed decision.
At a Glance – Our Top Picks.
The 8 Best Mower Blade Sharpeners – Reviews
1) JAHUL T986 E005 Sharpener
The JAHUL Sharpener comes with a set of three heads. The measurements of this sharpener should fit most standard power drills, and the idea is simple: just attach the head, and start sharpening. This type of sharpener provides a lightweight, portable, and easy solution.
JAHUL’s sharpeners are made from durable corundum, which allows for extended use, and can also sharpen other things besides your mower blade. It does require a bit of practice to get right, but with a little bit of patience, you’ll be an expert in no time.
Why We Like It
- Multiple applications
- Easy to use
- Low cost
Our Verdict
If you don’t mind spending some time learning how to use it, you can achieve a perfectly sharpened blade.
Editor Rating 4/5
2) Magna-Matic MAG-9000
Though the Magna-Matic is a professional-grade cutter, we had to include it because it will serve anyone doing heavy-duty cutting. The brand has been around since the 80s and has a reputation for excellence. The machine’s intuitive design makes it easy to use, and it sharpens blades of any size. Not to mention, in sixty seconds, your blades will be professionally sharpened.
Why We Like It
- Made in the USA
- Both right-handed and left-handed blades accepted
- Extremely fast sharpening
Our Verdict
Though very effective, this is an expensive unit. We only recommend it if you’re a professional or you have heavy-duty cutting needs.
Editor Rating 5/5
3) Smith 50603 Mower Blade Sharpener
The Smith Mower Blade Sharpener works to sharpen blades in just a few minutes, eliminating the need to send your blades away for professional sharpening. All you need to do is give a few pulls on the machine, and your blades will be ready to use again.
The unit has quite a large handle so that you can use it with gloves, and it has a safety guard, too. The carbide blade is easily changeable, and the model even comes with a wire cleaning brush that stores in its head.
Why We Like It
- The unit works well
- It sharpens quickly
Our Verdict
Smith’s sharpener is perfect for getting the job done. It’s no-fuss, intuitive, and has excellent safety features.
Editor Rating 5/5
4) GooKit Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
The GooKit Blade Sharpener comes in packs of three, four, and six. You can attach them to any power drill and use the tool to achieve the sharp blade your lawn needs. We like that it’s easy to set up, easy to use, and has multiple applications. Not only does it work to sharpen your mower blades, but you can also use it on any number of other blade types.
Like similar models, the GooKit sharpeners feature a corundum construction, which gives it a high-quality finish. It also has a price comparable to the sharpeners in its class.
Why We Like It
- Inexpensive
- Simple to use
Our Verdict
Just getting your feet wet in blade sharpening? GooKit provides an easy, low-cost way to learn how to sharpen dull blades.
Editor Rating 4.5/5
5) Funvolution Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
This set from Funvolution is similar to other models on our list. It has the same corundum construction and heads that fit on most standard power drills. Perhaps where this model stands out is that the stones are thicker than comparable models on the market. This thickness gives the stones added durability and a longer lifespan.
Funvolution’s capabilities don’t stop at lawn mower blades, however. You can use the heads to sharpen various other types of blades, too. They come in a four-pack version, as well as one- and two-pack sets.
Why We Like It
- Multiple applications
- Small size
Our Verdict
If you like this type of mower blade sharpeners but want something a little longer-lasting, this one could be perfect for you.
Editor Rating 4/5
6) XRS Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
The XRS Sharpener is another power drill blade sharpener. It comes in a pack of three and makes sharpening your lawn mower’s blade simple and easy. It features the favored corundum construction that makes the sharpener highly durable and allows you to achieve the sharpness you desire.
Why We Like It
- Easy to use
- Economical
- Top-rated by users
Our Verdict
Users seem to be very happy with this sharpener, so it could be a great choice to start with.
Editor Rating 5/5
7) Yellow Hornet Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener
The Yellow Hornet will take care of all of your home sharpening needs and grinds angles of up to 30 degrees. It’s simple to operate, with a robust, long-lasting design. Though bigger than some of the other more simple units we’ve included, the 9 x 12” base has a low enough profile to be right at home in your garage.
Do note, however, that the unit comes without the grinder motor, which requires a separate purchase.
Why We Like It
- Affordable
- Durable
- Makes sharpening easy
- Made in the USA
Our Verdict
If you want a more robust option that will deliver a professional-grade cut, but at a lower price point, it might be perfect for you. You may even enjoy the process.
Editor Rating 5/5
8) Oregon 88-023 Professional ½ HP Lawnmower Blade Grinder
Rounding out our list is another professional-grade cutter, this one from Oregon. It sharpens up to 6” cutting edge, and the reverse motor allows for sharpening left and right-handed blades. It’s got adjustable handles that make height changes intuitive and straightforward, and an on/off switch for added safety. It also features a handy light, which is another safety feature users like.
Why We Like It
- Easy to assemble
- Perfect for growing businesses
- Lightweight
- Fast sharpening
Our Verdict
Like the other professional option we’ve included on our list, this one won’t be for everybody. But it is perfect for people who have heavy-duty mowing needs, like lawn care business owners or homeowners with lots of acreage.
Editor Rating 5/5
Frequently Asked Questions
Before buying a lawn mower blade sharpener, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Design Quality
It’s vital to ensure the quality of the product you’re interested in before purchasing, remembering that a higher price tag is not always the best indicator of quality. We recommend reading through the reviews of each sharpener to gauge whether or not the sharpener is worth investing in—even if its price tag is on the lower side.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is a critical factor to consider when selecting a blade sharpener. Using it should be intuitive, regardless of what type it is. For example, if you have purchased a drill attachment blade sharpener, you should have no trouble putting it on the drill.
Ergonomics are another critical factor in the ease of use category. Your body should be comfortable when using the sharpener. Comfort means that you are not straining or using too much effort to sharpen the blade. Reviews are an excellent way to determine whether a sharpener’s ergonomics are right or not.
Left-handed users should also consider whether the product is made for lefties. Many sharpeners are designed with right-handed people in mind, so be sure to check this feature to ensure your comfort when using the sharpener.
Versatility
Though a majority of the products on this list are for lawn mower blades, most of them have various blade sharpening applications. If you have other sharpening needs, make sure to choose a model that can be used for sharpening multiple types of blades.
Speed
The better the sharpener, the faster it will sharpen your lawn mower blades, which is an important factor if you have to sharpen many blades. If your sharpening needs are very minimal, a product that sharpens more slowly could work fine. Do note that the high speed of professional-grade sharpeners can be dangerous, so you should always take care when using them.
The frequency with which you need to sharpen your mower’s blade depends entirely on how much mowing you do. When it comes to home use, most users find they can go several months without sharpening. For more frequent or professional use, blades require routine upkeep. Whenever you notice the blade is underperforming, it’s time to sharpen it.
Blade sharpness is a delicate balancing act. It should be quite sharp but not razor sharp because a too-sharp blade has a shorter lifespan and could chip. A good indicator is if you can touch the blade (carefully!) without cutting yourself.
Many mowers require you to remove the blade to complete this task, but some designs allow you to sharpen the blade without taking it out. You’ll have to look at your mower for the answer to this question.
However, even if you can sharpen the blade without removing it, it’s generally a good idea to remove it anyway. Taking it out of the mower allows for a more thorough visual inspection for damage.
Conclusion
Top Pick
We chose the Yellow Hornet as our top pick because of its ability to deliver professional-grade sharpness quickly and at an affordable price point. Though the power drill attachment blade sharpeners are effective and a bit more space-efficient, the Yellow Hornet model is more comfortable to use and offers a better long-term sharpening solution.
Premium Choice
The Magna-Matic Mag 900 was the winner in the premium choice category. Though not every user requires the sharpening power that this model provides, those that do will benefit from its user-friendly design and ability to sharpen blades of all sizes in a matter of minutes. If extensive mowing forms part of your life, the Magna-Matic is well worth the investment.
Great Value
While most of the power drill attachment blade sharpeners are quite similar in design and price, the XRS Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener stood above the competition. Its affordable price tag and ease of use helped it take the prize for our “Great Value” category, but what clinched its spot were the extremely high customer reviews for this product.
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