How to repair a damaged scythe: Simple step-by-step instructions
If you actively mow with a scythe around your house or in your garden, you have almost certainly encountered a stone, fence or tree sapling. No matter how careful you are, these accidents happen and often lead to damage to the scythe blade. A chipped, cracked or blunt blade not only reduces the effectiveness of grass cutting, but also significantly shortens the life of a quality scythe. In this article, we will show you how to deal with this and extend the life of your quality scythe.
Why is it important to repair damage immediately?
You may think that a small chip is no big deal. However, the truth is that the longer you leave it unnoticed, the bigger it will get. This can lead to poorer grass cutting quality, increased effort and, ultimately, the need to buy a new scythe. It is therefore important to act as soon as you notice any damage.
What will you need?
- File for chainsaw teeth (or other suitable file)
- Coarse and fine whetstone (grinding stone)
- Hammer and anvil for peening the scythe
Procedure for repairing a chipped cutting edge
- Grinding: Thoroughly grind the damaged part of the cutting edge with a file. It is important to grind the wider area around the damage so that the transition is not sharp and further chipping does not occur. Do not use a high-speed Angle Grinder for grinding. This could cause the material to overheat and reduce the quality of the steel.
- Grinding: Gradually grind the resulting burr, first with a coarse and then with a fine whetstone (grinding stone). The aim is to create a smooth and even edge.
- Peening: Peen the treated area again with a hammer and anvil or on a peening jig.
Scythe maintenance
Scythe maintenance is important for its long life and effective mowing. Regular sharpening and peening will prevent damage and keep the blade sharp.
Tip: If you do not feel confident repairing the scythe yourself, contact a professional or an experienced craftsman who will be happy to help you.
We hope this guide has been helpful and wish you every success with your mowing!