Just like dull scissors on hair, worn-down lawn mower blades can damage grass ends. For a pristine lawn, sharp blades are essential. Not all blades are equal in quality. We’ll review top blades for popular mowers.
How to tell when it’s time to sharpen or replace blades
Signs it’s time to change blades include:
- Sharpen every couple of months during peak season for most homeowners.
- Replace if blades have dents, bends, or nicks—damaged blades risk safety and lawn health.
- Post-mow inspection: uneven, ragged cuts or multiple passes indicate dull blades.
While covering replacements, sharpen originals multiple times before replacing. Many keep spares sharpened for quick swaps.
How to replace lawn mower blades successfully
Replacing blades is straightforward and cost-saving. Follow safety protocols.
Be safe when changing blades
DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG to prevent accidental starts.
Wear sturdy gloves for hand protection.
Block the blade with wood to prevent turning during bolt loosening.
Ten easy steps to change a mower blade
- Refer to owner manual for recommendations.
- Disconnect spark plug.
- Drain fuel for lighter handling and spill prevention.
- Tilt mower avoiding spills on carburetor—check model specifics.
- For riding mowers, use appropriate lift or jack.
- Loosen bolt with socket wrench; note blade orientation (photo helps).
- Align washers/nuts, mount new blade correctly—tighten without over-tightening to avoid warping.
- Lower mower, wait 30 minutes for fluids to settle.
- Check air filter, refill fluids, reattach spark plug.
- Test start and mow small area for verification.
Now, explore top blades for walk-behind mowers.
Walk Behind Lawn Mower Blades
Reviewing top blades by length and type.
Grasscool 942-04308 High Lift Blade
This 2-pack delivers aggressive airflow for efficient discharge and bagging in tall or wet grass. High lift design with 4mm thickness ensures durability and precision fit. Best for 42-inch decks with 6-point star spindle, like Troy-Bilt Mustang Z42 or Cub Cadet RZT42. Not ideal for mulching.
2 Pack High Lift Blades 42″
Budget-friendly set with strong airflow and exact OEM replacements. Consistent clipping ejection with minimal buildup, balanced to reduce vibration. Suits dense or damp grass on 42-inch Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan decks with 5-point star hole, like Husqvarna YTH18542. Less effective for mulching.
MaxPower 561739B 2 Blade Set
USA-made for 46-inch decks, powder-coated for protection, factory sharpened. Handles stress and airflow for wider decks, improves bagging. Fits Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan zero-turns with 5-point star hole, replaces OEM like 405380. Not mulching-focused.
Grasscool 21″ Mulching Blade
3-in-1 functionality with superior mulching and clog-resistant design. Curved for re-cutting clippings, supports discharge and bagging. Fits 21-inch Troy-Bilt, Craftsman walk-behinds with bow-tie hole, like TB210. Not for star-hole spindles.
Greenworks 20″ Replacement Blade
Exact fit one-piece steel, motor-friendly for clean cutting. Balanced weight resists warping, optimized for electric systems. For Greenworks 20-21 inch corded mowers like 25022. Lacks mulching curves.
EGO POWER+ 21″ 3-in-1 Blade
Genuine part with 3-in-1 performance, factory sharpened and balanced. Excels at mulching, bagging, discharge with optimized lift. Preserves battery life for EGO LM2100 models.
MaxPower 331376XB Toro Blade
Toro-specific with deep mulching curves, powder-coated. Creates vortex for fine mulch, matches genuine performance. For 22-inch Toro Recyclers, replaces OEM like 104-8697-03. Single blade, Toro only.
Riding Lawn Mower Blades
For riding mowers or tractors, replace all blades simultaneously for balance.
MTD 21″ Mulching Blade
Mulching design for fine recycling, supports 3-in-1 use. Fits Troy-Bilt, MTD, Yard Machines with star hole, replaces 942-0741.
Stens 340-066 PK2 Mulching Blade Set of 2
For 42-inch decks on Poulan, AYP, Craftsman. 21-inches long, 5-point hole. Protective coat, sharp out of package.
Mr Mower Blades 195-005
Universal mulching for 42-inch AYP, Craftsman, Husqvarna. Dual bevel for efficient mulching, cost-effective.
MaxPower 561544 Blade Set
For 46-inch Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, MTD. 23.5-inches, 6-point hole, rugged build.
Rotary Blades for Craftsman/Poulan/Husqvarna
Set of three for 48-inch decks, bagging/discharge focused. 16.75-inches each.
Accessories that Make Changing Blades Easier
Right tools simplify blade maintenance.
Arnold Blade Removal Tool
Holds blades securely during unbolting, safer than alternatives.
Arnold Blade Balancer and Sharpener Kit
Balances round/star holes, sharpener for drills quickens edging.
Fiskars Reel Mower Maintenance Blade Kit (6215)
For reel mowers, easy touch-up sharpening.
Ironclad RWG2-04-L Ranchworx Glove
Durable leather/Kevlar, machine-washable protection.
Stanley 92-824 Black Chrome and Laser Etched 69-Piece Socket Set
Comprehensive sizes, clear labeling for blade changes.
Randoo Universal Socket Wrench/Grip ETC-200MO
Adapts to 7-19mm fasteners, versatile alternative to sets.
How to bring a badly-cut lawn back to life
Allow growth time, like a bad haircut. New blades improve next cut.
Check heights: Fescue/Bluegrass 1.5-2.5 inches, Augustine 2-4, Bermuda/Zoysia 0.5-1.5.
Water early morning, test soil moisture.
Minimize traffic during recovery.
Avoid cutting over one-third height.
Address yellowing: watering issues, pests, disease.
Maintain blades regularly.
In between blade replacements, sharpen your blades
Tools: socket wrench, gloves, file/grinder/stone, balancer.
Inspect for damage; replace if severe.
Sharpen evenly, balance check.
Shops offer sharpening services.
Conclusion
We hope this helps find ideal blades. Return for more reviews.
