How much does mower blade sharpening cost in Virginia?

Mower blade sharpening has no standard price. Shops, lawn services and hardware stores set their own charges. What you pay depends on the mower, whether the blade comes off for you, and how often you do it. Ask for the price in writing. Doing it yourself costs a file or a sharpening kit.

Who sharpens blades

Illinois Extension notes that many lawn service businesses also will sharpen blades.^[1] Small engine shops, mower dealers and some hardware stores do too. Each prices differently, so a phone call or two is worth it.

If you want to do it at home, the same Extension guide says that commonly, hardware stores sell inexpensive mower blade sharpening kits.^[1] The tools it names are a bench grinder, grinding stone, or a simple file.^[1] See how to sharpen lawn mower blades for the method.

What drives the price

Who takes the blade off. Some shops charge for the sharpening only, if you bring the blade in. Others charge for the whole job: tipping the mower, removing the blade, sharpening, balancing and refitting. A drop-off or pickup fee is common for a service that collects the mower.

How many blades. A push mower has one blade. A riding mower or zero-turn deck has two or three, which multiplies the work.

Condition of the blade. A dull edge with a few nicks is quick. A badly damaged blade takes longer to grind, and one that is bent or cracked should be replaced. A new blade is a parts cost, not a sharpening cost.

Balancing. Illinois Extension says an unbalanced blade can create a slight wobble that causes strain on a mower and may result in an uneven cut.^[1] Ask whether balancing is included in the price.

The season. In the busy mowing months a drop-off may take longer, so ask how long it will be.

How often you will pay

Frequency matters more than the price of any one visit. Virginia Cooperative Extension's lawn guide says to sharpen blades every four to six weeks during the mowing season, and that Zoysiagrass and tall fescue turfs require more frequent sharpening than others.^[3] A lawn cut with a dull blade suffers. Virginia Cooperative Extension says dull blades rip and tear the turfgrass, which promotes disease, causes the shredded leaves to appear tan and ragged, and results in weakened plants.^[4]

A second blade is a common trick. Swap in a freshly sharpened one and sharpen the other at your leisure, so the mower is never out of service while a shop has the blade.

Getting a quote you can compare

Describe the mower (push, self-propelled, riding), how many blades, and any damage you know about. Then ask:

• the price per blade, and whether removal, balancing and refitting are included
• whether there is a pickup, delivery or minimum charge
• how long it will take, and whether the shop will call before replacing a blade
• whether it will check the blade bolt and hardware

A shop that explains what it will do and quotes it in writing is a good sign.

If you do it yourself

The cost is mainly time and tools, but safety is not optional. Virginia Cooperative Extension says rotary mower blades rotate at a high speed of 2,000 to 4,000 revolutions per minute, and its rule is: "Disconnect the spark or electric plug before troubleshooting or repairing the mower."^[2] Read whether to sharpen blades yourself or have them sharpened before deciding.

Stop and call a pro if

• The blade is bent, cracked or worn thin. It needs replacing, and a shop can match the right part.
• The mower vibrates after a sharpening. The blade may be out of balance, or the shaft may be bent.
• The blade bolt is rounded off or seized. Do not force it.
• You cannot safely tip the mower. A heavy riding mower is best left to a shop.

Getting help in Virginia

Browse lawn equipment repair answers or see lawn care services on Loclis.

When you are ready, describe the mower and local small engine shops can quote it.