Is Your Edger Blade Costing You Money? Know When to Replace It!
Have you ever wondered if you're getting the most out of your edger? A sharp edger blade is crucial for achieving crisp, clean edges on lawns. But here's a common mistake: many people think they need to sharpen their edger blades. That's usually not the best solution!
This post will show you when it's time to replace your edger blade for optimal performance and cost savings. We'll cover everything from recognizing a worn blade to understanding the ideal replacement size. Let's get started!
The Myth of Sharpening Edger Blades
Why shouldn't you sharpen your edger blades? Edger blades aren't really designed to be sharpened like a mower blade. The steel is meant to wear down over time. Sharpening can actually change the blade's shape and balance. This leads to poor performance and can even be dangerous.
Think of it like this: would you try to resole your shoes over and over again, or would you eventually buy a new pair? It's usually more efficient to replace the blade.
Recognizing a Worn Edger Blade
It's important to know what to look for in a worn edger blade. Here's a visual guide to help you determine when it's time for a replacement.
The Edger Blade Graveyard: Examples of Worn Blades
Imagine a collection of edger blades. Some are brand new, while others have seen better days. A severely worn blade might be shockingly small. You might wonder how it could even cut grass anymore! It's been worn down to almost nothing.
Then, you have blades that are still usable but are nearing the end of their lifespan. They're smaller than new blades, but still have some cutting edge left.
The "Below Grade" Problem
Have you ever used an edger that just wasn't cutting deep enough? This is probably because the blade is too worn. When a blade is worn down so much that it's cutting below the desired grade, it's time for a change.
Someone once said their edger wasn't cutting anymore. Upon inspection, the blade was tiny and ineffective. Using blades in this condition is a waste of time and money. You're not getting the clean edges you want, and you're probably putting extra strain on your edger.
The Sweet Spot: When to Replace Your Edger Blade
So, when should you replace your edger blade? Let's talk about the ideal size for replacement.
Optimal Size for Replacement
For a standard 9-inch blade, the sweet spot for replacement is around 7 1/4 inches. Once the blade gets below this size, it's no longer worth using.
Why 7 1/4 Inches?
Why is 7 1/4 inches the magic number? At this size, the blade's performance starts to decline noticeably. You'll have to work harder to get the same results, and the quality of the cut will suffer.
Practical Tips for Lawn Care Professionals (and Homeowners!)
Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your edger blades.
The "Sample Blade" Strategy
If you're a lawn care professional, here's a great tip: Keep a sample blade on your truck. This sample blade should be the optimal replacement size (around 7 1/4 inches for a 9-inch blade).
Instruct your crew members to compare their blades to the sample before replacing them. This ensures that they're not throwing away blades that still have some life left in them.
Mileage Estimate
A 9-inch edger blade typically lasts for about 3 miles of edging before it wears down to the 7 1/4 inch mark. Keep this in mind when planning your maintenance schedule.
Replacing blades at the right time saves money in the long run. You'll avoid the frustration of using a dull blade and ensure that you're always getting the best possible results.
Benefits of a Sharp, New Blade
Using a new edger blade has several benefits:
- Cleaner cuts
- Improved efficiency
- Reduced strain on the edger engine
- More professional-looking results
Don't settle for less. Keep a sharp, new blade on your edger!
Where to Buy New Edger Blades
Need to stock up on edger blades? Shop online for a wide selection of edger blades at Main Street Mower. You'll find the perfect blades to keep your edger running smoothly.
Stay Connected With Main Street Mower
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest lawn care tips and product information? Follow Main Street Mower on social media!
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetMower/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmower_fl/
Conclusion
Replacing your edger blades at the right time is essential for optimal performance and cost savings. Don't wait until your blade is worn down to almost nothing. Aim to replace it when it reaches around 7 1/4 inches (for a 9-inch blade). This ensures that you're always getting clean cuts and maximizing the efficiency of your edger.
Thanks for reading! Visit Main Street Mower for all your lawn care equipment needs!
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