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Stuck Bolt on Lawn Mower Blade

2,324 Views | 27 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by MouthBQ98
ME92
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3:48p, 9/25/24
AG
Howdy!

I'm looking for advice on a small problem now before I get myself into a position where I have to ask for advice on a bigger problem later.

My lawn mower blade is very dull and needs sharpened.

The bolt holding the blade to the lawn mower is stuck. I could feel the breakover bar starting to round the bolt off so I stopped and soaked it with PB Blaster.

Any other ideas on how to either loosen the bolt or a better method of losing the bolt before I give it another try? I really don't want to damage the mower.

It's a Snapper walk behind mower with a 5hp B&S engine purchased in 1995. The manual is long gone but I'm pretty sure that the bolt isn't reverse threaded.
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gabehcoud
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4:03p, 9/25/24
vice grip. replace the bolt.
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5
Whoop Delecto
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In reply to ME92 • 4:05p, 9/25/24
AG
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2 edits
Codes12
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4:43p, 9/25/24
AG
Double check to make sure you use a 6-point socket instead of a 12-point. Can really help out on worn bolts.
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9
the pit man
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4:43p, 9/25/24
Try an impact wrench... that usually works
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9
Jabin
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7:02p, 9/25/24
I had a stuck bolt on a truck wheel once that the tire store could not get off. They actually broke two sockets on it. They finally got it off by heating it with a torch and a third socket.
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FarmerJohn
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8:07p, 9/25/24
AG
Came on here to mention heat on the nut..
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EMY92
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5:19a, 9/26/24
AG
Also make sure you disconnect the spark plug wire when you're messing with the bolt. Otherwise, it can be like push starting a manual car and then things go very badly when you're messing with the blade.

Also, just buy a new blade. $15 is a lot easier than trying to sharpen a 30 year old blade.
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TexAg1987
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In reply to Whoop Delecto • 9:28a, 9/26/24
Whoop Delecto said:
https://lawnmodel.com/are-mower-blades-reverse-threaded/

Threads are reverse of blade spin

I use 50/50 mix of ATF and acetone. ATF = transmission fluid. Make sure to let it sit a day to work
This ^

I saw one video that explained that the bolt always turns from non-cutting side of blade to cutting side of blade to loosen.

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Dill-Ag13
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9:51a, 9/26/24
AG
pb blaster, heat gun or torch and turn it the right way
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Sweet Kitten Feet
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9:55a, 9/26/24
S
Make sure you're turning it the right way. It's opposite what you think. Block the blade with some wood or something so you can get more torque on it. I use a 1/2 electric impact on mine and it zips right off.
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ME92
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1:51p, 9/26/24
AG
I have no progress to report because the bolt is soaking in Whoop Delecto's secret sauce.

However....Once I get this stupid bolt off and install a new bolt and sharp blade, should I coat the threads with something so this doesn't happen again? Anti-seize seems like an overkill but maybe something like engine assembly lube?

The last time this bolt was off was about 2.5 years ago (very small yard) but it has never given me this type of trouble before.

Sweet Kitten Feet: Do you have recommendations for an impact wrench? I might be in the market for an early Christmas present.
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TexAg1987
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In reply to ME92 • 1:57p, 9/26/24
Do you have any cordless tools?

I have a dewalt, which I love, but I would consider another brand if I was already invested in the battery system.

I used it to change the 3 blades on my zero turn last time I changed the blades.
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TexAg1987
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In reply to ME92 • 1:59p, 9/26/24
ME92 said:
I have no progress to report because the bolt is soaking in Whoop Delecto's secret sauce.


Good luck ever getting that bolt to stay tight ever again.
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ME92
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In reply to TexAg1987 • 2:08p, 9/26/24
AG
TexAg1987 said:
Do you have any cordless tools?

I have a dewalt, which I love, but I would consider another brand if I was already invested in the battery system.

I used it to change the 3 blades on my zero turn last time I changed the blades.
I just have a basic Dewalt cordless drill that gets used for basic wood projects.
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EMY92
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2:54p, 9/26/24
AG
No, I do not put anti-seize or anything else on that bolt. The last thing I want is for it to work loose. That said, I've never had any trouble getting my blade off.
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TexAg1987
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In reply to ME92 • 3:20p, 9/26/24
ME92 said:
TexAg1987 said:
Do you have any cordless tools?

I have a dewalt, which I love, but I would consider another brand if I was already invested in the battery system.

I used it to change the 3 blades on my zero turn last time I changed the blades.
I just have a basic Dewalt cordless drill that gets used for basic wood projects.
Where are you located? I would be glad to come over and hit it with my impact if you are nearby.
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ME92
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In reply to TexAg1987 • 3:28p, 9/26/24
AG
TexAg1987 said:
ME92 said:
TexAg1987 said:
Do you have any cordless tools?

I have a dewalt, which I love, but I would consider another brand if I was already invested in the battery system.

I used it to change the 3 blades on my zero turn last time I changed the blades.
I just have a basic Dewalt cordless drill that gets used for basic wood projects.
Where are you located? I would be glad to come over and hit it with my impact if you are nearby.
Your profile mentions that you're in College Station. If that's true, then I'm way too far away for a quick hit as I'm on the other side of Houston.

Thanks for the offer, though!
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TexAg1987
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In reply to ME92 • 3:42p, 9/26/24
ME92 said:
TexAg1987 said:
Do you have any cordless tools?

I have a dewalt, which I love, but I would consider another brand if I was already invested in the battery system.

I used it to change the 3 blades on my zero turn last time I changed the blades.
I just have a basic Dewalt cordless drill that gets used for basic wood projects.
This is what I have/used

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench (Tool Only) DCF891B - The Home Depot
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Whoop Delecto
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3:54p, 9/26/24
AG
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Sweet Kitten Feet
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In reply to ME92 • 3:56p, 9/26/24
S
ME92 said:
I have no progress to report because the bolt is soaking in Whoop Delecto's secret sauce.

However....Once I get this stupid bolt off and install a new bolt and sharp blade, should I coat the threads with something so this doesn't happen again? Anti-seize seems like an overkill but maybe something like engine assembly lube?

The last time this bolt was off was about 2.5 years ago (very small yard) but it has never given me this type of trouble before.

Sweet Kitten Feet: Do you have recommendations for an impact wrench? I might be in the market for an early Christmas present.
My stuff is all Ridgid brand. Works fine for my occasional needs. The brushless stuff has all been great for me. I have their brushless 18v 1/2" impact.
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ME92
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6:16p, 9/28/24
AG
Howdy. My name is ME92 and I am a diy failure.

I failed to remove the stuck bolt and completely rounded off the head.

Luckily, the dudes at the small engine repair shop were much better at handling their tools than me.

It did take two of them about 40 minutes to get the screwed up bolt off, shorten a new bolt to the correct size, sharpen the blade, and put it all back together again.

The best part was I got to talk with their boss about the countries his military career had taken him to.

They blew by the torque wrench's capabilities in the first 3 minutes. Then they got the special sockets that were cousins of the screw extractors. I think a blow torch was next and maybe some secret voodoo that only they do.

Suffice to say, the bolt is out, the mower is ready to go, and I found a great business to help me in the future.

Thanks to all for your help!
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Justified
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5:11p, 9/29/24
I'm just here for a tool recommendation. First off I'm not a tool snob or loyal to any particular brand. But I purchased a 1/2" drive cordless impact from harbor freight. It has been great for trailer lug nuts.
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BenTheGoodAg
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5:19p, 9/29/24
AG
Glad you got it off.

Did you use some anti-seize on the new bolt? Looking forward to the update in 2053 to see how effective it is!
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fire09
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9:36p, 9/29/24
AG
Heat solves most problems outside of severe corrosion, and, well, stripping the head of the bolt. Grab a map torch at the hardware store and keep it on hand for the next time it gives you trouble.
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tgivaughn
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In reply to Justified • 5:38p, 9/30/24
AG
both Ryobi and Ridgid tools are manufactured by the same parent company, Techtronic Industries (TTI)
and at Home Depot
Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
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Animal Eight 84
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9:26p, 10/1/24
AG
I use never seize on lawnmower bolts for 30 years and never had one come loose.
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MouthBQ98
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8:56a, 10/2/24
AG
Sometimes you have to weld a steel bar or rod onto the bolt head if it gets stripped.
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