newb question: removing RCK60BX23 mower blades...

[cajunInExile]

I want to sharpen my RCK60BX23 MMM with a bench vise.

Got one off with a good wrenching and hanging on to the blade,
but on the other side, the blade slips and if I secure the top bolt, I'll loosen the pulley, and I'd rather not fight with the belt spring again.

What's the trick for locking the spindle in place while you wrench off the blade bolt?

 

[TripleR]

I want to sharpen my RCK60BX23 MMM with a bench vise.

Got one off with a good wrenching and hanging on to the blade,
but on the other side, the blade slips and if I secure the top bolt, I'll loosen the pulley, and I'd rather not fight with the belt spring again.

What's the trick for locking the spindle in place while you wrench off the blade bolt?

I use an impact wrench or put a block of wood between the blade and deck.

 

[cajunInExile]

I use an impact wrench or put a block of wood between the blade and deck.

but the blade is not keyed to the shaft, and in my case, the blade is slipping without the bolt coming free. the bolt and spindle are rotating relative to the blade, but not to each other.

 

[TripleR]

but the blade is not keyed to the shaft, and in my case, the blade is slipping without the bolt coming free. the bolt and spindle are rotating relative to the blade, but not to each other.

OK, have you tried putting a wrench on and using the top nut? I know this "can" loosen it, but not always. If that doesn't work, can you put another nut on the top spindle to keep the nut from rotating and loosening?

Without an impact wrench available, I have put a breaker bar on, gotten tension on it and given it a few sharp raps on the handle to act similar to an impact wrench.

If none of that works, I am out of ideas.

I got tired of fooling with mine and ordered a 30 mm impact socket and just use that to remove then use a torque wrench to tighten.

 

[EE_Bota]

but the blade is not keyed to the shaft, and in my case, the blade is slipping without the bolt coming free. the bolt and spindle are rotating relative to the blade, but not to each other.

I have a very aggressive impact wrench, and I can get my bolt loose without blocking the blade. TripleR is being smarter because it is lowering the impact being sent to the gears.

In your case, you might make sure the belt is in place, and the tensioner is keeping it tight, and you should block the blade (not so helpful in your case) but perhaps you can also block the mower input shaft from turning. Then you may simulate an impact wrench with a normal wrench and a hammer, perhaps a rubber one, or a plastic one.

Many fastening devices respond well to a torque with a superimposed impact.

 

[radioman]

everybody is correct -- you need to use impact wrench esp for first time or a mallet with sharp whacks. make sure the blade is secured properly and keep hands/fingers away from spin zone.

 

[Will_C]

There is no substitute for a impact wrench-I would buy one just for mower blade changes if I did not already have one.

Will

 

[wpabx2230]

I have a DeWalt electric impact for jobs like removing blades. It works great.

 

[PhysAssist]

I have a DeWalt electric impact for jobs like removing blades. It works great.

Re: your blade not helping to stabilize the shaft when wrenching- if you use a tapered wedge and tap (NOT hammer forcibly lest you somehow bendthe blade or shaft) it firmly into place, you may be able to torque it against the shaft enough it hold it in place.

 

[rlsmith]

Get yourself a strap wrench to use on the pulley side and an impact on the blade side, if the impact dont work by itself. If the blade has been loose for some time you may need to buy new spacer, washer and bolt.