Home Garden

Loosening a Bolt on a Lawn Mower

Lawn mowers need yearly maintenance, such as changing the oil, inspecting the spark plugs and cleaning the air filter. Another important part of keeping the mower running smoothly is sharpening the cutting blade. Even with a well-tuned engine, the blade won’t cut evenly if it’s riddled with nicks. Bolts need to be removed for maintenance to begin, but not all are loosened the same way.

Things You'll Need

  • Spark plug socket
  • Siphon
  • Clean container
  • Bricks
  • Wood wedge
  • Wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disable the mower by disconnecting the spark plug from the engine. Pull the spark plug cover off of the spark plug. Place the appropriate sized spark plug socket over the spark plug and twist to remove.

    • 2

      Remove the gasoline from the mower with a gas siphon and place in a clean jar with a lid.

    • 3

      Tilt the mower to one side and prop it securely with bricks or wood. Remove the dead grass accumulated around the blade and bolt. Turn the blade and make a mental note of the direction the blade turns.

    • 4

      Place a wood wedge under the blade to keep it from moving.

    • 5

      Use the appropriate size wrench and fit it over the bolt holding the blade to the mower. To remove the bolt, turn the bolt in the same direction the blade spins.