changing mower blades

[Russianwolf]

Okay, so I finally got around to dropping the deck on my mower so I could change the blades. Problem, I can't get the nuts loose to get the blades off. Is there like some super secret password that I have to whisper to them to get the to release?

I need to get this done this weekend since I'll have to mow again next weekend.

What am I doing wrong here. I tried holding the blade while using a large socket wrench. No good.

I also tried sticking a metal rod through a hole in the blade and using the socket wrench. No good.

I've had them soaking in wd-40 for the last day or so, but haven't tried since I sprayed them.

[messmaker]

Try jamming a 2x4 in the deck to keep the blade from rotating. You can use a c-clamp to hold it in place. This is a great place for an air impact wrench but if you don't have one, you can go after it with a breaker bar and about a 3' cheater bar. The extra length makes a huge difference.

[SteveJ]

a breaker bar will should do it. put your wrench on the nut, then the breaker bar (a 4ft iron pipe will probably work) on the wrench handle. this will give you the leverage you need to turn the nut. also, as was mentioned, use something to prevent the blade from turning.

you might also make sure the nut isn't reverse threaded. I doubt it, but you never know.

Steve

[Thom2]

you might also make sure the nut isn't reverse threaded. I doubt it, but you never know.

This would be my first bit of advice ... after that it'd be 'persuasion'

[siliconbauhaus]

It would make sense to me the the bolt would go in the opposite direction of the blade rotation but I've yet to change a blade.

Dont forget to pull the spark plug mate

[rja]

A little bit of anti-seize on the threads should make it easier to disassemble in the future.

[newood2]

Drain the gas completely and apply some heat to the bolt area using a blow torch, then a couple taps down on the bolt head with a hammer. If that doesn't work, try calling the manufacturer technical dept., maybe you'll get some help there.

Howie

[frumper64]

You might try some PB Blaster instead of WD40 if you can come across it. The stuff is truly amazing in helping get really stubborn things apart. I know that around my area, you can get it in Autozone or NAPA.

[jking]

First I'd make sure you're trying to turn the right direction. Then, I'd go with the cheater pipe/breaker bar. +1 on the 2x4 jammed in the deck to hold the blade. I'd be careful if you opt to go with the blowtorch. If you've been soaking everything with WD-40, you could have a bit of excitement.

[LinuxRandal]

An excuse to go to the blue borg

Lowes has an item by Arnold, a Blade Buster. Locally it was around $15 and the best $15 I ever spent on a mower accessory. It clamps down on the blade, and then you pull out your breaker bar (NOT A RATCHET). It's made everyone I've tried SOOOOOO much easier, I've only needed a come along (pipe) on one since then.

It's cheaper now:
Arnold Blade Buster Item #: 188341 Model: BB-100 $9.98

[ejs1097]

Sounds like a job for BP blaster we recently discussed. I've always clamped a 2x4 with a clamp like previously mentioned.

And of course, by pulling the spark plug, remove the plug, just don't pull the wire off. Turning the blade can create compression and spin it back around if the wire is just pulled.

[newood2]

jking
"I'd be careful if you opt to go with the blowtorch. If you've been soaking everything with WD-40, you could have a bit of excitement"

I'm assuming he's not soaking everything with WD-40, just the bolt area, and once WD-40 is dried it shouldn't pose that much danger.
A small torch with a half-inch flame can easily be directed to the bolt without heating a wider area. And of course all cautions should be taken.
I've been there done that.
Howie

[Russianwolf]

no need in pulling the plug, I dropped the deck off the mower (this is a rider guys) so it's totally detached from the motor.

I'll try the 2x4 and breaker bar when I get home. Hopefully that will do the trick.

[billwmeyer]

I have gone so far as to use a pipewrench on the pulley, as the blade would slip and the nut still not come loose. I have also had to remove one nut with a hammer and chisel. I hate changing blades!

Bill

[Hellrazor]

A block of wood to wedge the blade and a 1/2" or better socket or breaker bar.

OR


Buy a cheap impact wrench....