Forget Bench Grinders: The Ryobi Tool That Makes Quick Work Of Sharpening Mower Blades

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For many of us, our yards are a source of beauty and satisfaction. A lush green lawn with a smooth, even look is the perfect outdoor scene, an achievement that takes a careful touch and well-tuned equipment. One problem that might ruin a perfect yard look is a dull lawn mower blade, which will cut unevenly and stress the grass as the blades are torn rather than cut. Unfortunately, the idea of sharpening our own lawn mower blades with a bulky shop tool like a bench grinder can often seem intimidating and perhaps beyond our skills and budgets. In those instances, a Ryobi Cordless Angle Grinder from Home Depot could be a more approachable yet equally efficient solution worth considering.

Angle grinders of all kinds offer a simple DIY solution to sharpen mower blades, so you don't have to overspend on a top-end model. Priced at a competitive $60, this battery-powered Ryobi grinder has a typical 4 ½-inch grinding wheel that can spin up to 9,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) to rapidly remove material and shape a sharp blade in seconds. Home Depot reviews give the grinder a 4.6-star rating overall, with 93% of buyers recommending it. 

A chief benefit is that the grinder is powered by a ONE+ 18-volt battery, so you can buy just the tool if you're already on the Ryobi platform. More importantly, it means that, unlike a bench grinder, the tool is portable and easy to handle, allowing you to sharpen your blade where the mess will not be a problem. Of course, even when moving outdoors, you'll need to follow the same sharpening procedures. It's just that the fine metal shavings will need no clean up. It isn't a terribly messy process, but why dirty your house or garage for no reason?

Using an angle grinder is really a no-brainer way to sharpen a mower blade, and it's one of the quickest. Take the blade off of your lawn mower, remove any buildup on it, and clamp it into a vise so it doesn't move while you sharpen. Mower blades are usually ground at a 30- to 35-degree angle. Using a 60- or 80-grit flap disk, position the Ryobi grinder so the wheel is flat against the cutting edge, matching the bevel. Use even, light passes to grind the cutting edge smooth. When the edge is sharp and gouge-free, you can repeat the process on the other side.

There are some important safety concerns when using an angle grinder and a few performance considerations for this Ryobi model in particular. Wear gloves, eye protection, and a face mask to protect against flying debris. Angle grinders are powerful and aggressive tools, so be sure to use two hands to guide the grinder as well.

The Ryobi grinder is relatively low priced, so it's a cost-effective solution if your main reason for buying it is to maintain your mower blades. Part of its low cost is due to the brushed motor, which some users have noted tends to overheat from prolonged use. Mower blade sharpening is a quick process, so it may not be an issue, but if you want to use your grinder for frequent and more intense jobs, you may want to spend a little extra on a more efficient brushless alternative. All things considered, while going to a professional might be the easiest way to sharpen a lawn mower blade, using an angle grinder like the portable Ryobi is arguably the next best option.