It’s uncomfortable to cut grass with a wobbly lawn mower handle. In some cases, the mower becomes unusable when there is a breakage on the handle. No need to worry though, there are some DIY techniques on how to fix a lawn mower handle.
We’ll delve deeper into the processes, and list the tools that you can easily acquire from your home or nearest stores.
In this content you’ll learn:
How To Fix A Lawn Mower Handle: A Complete Guideline
First, you need to assess the problem to categorize it. There can be either a broken handle or a loose one. We will be fixing the damage according to the category.
The solution for a broken handle will not suit the same for a wobbly one. So, proper assessment is necessary at the beginning.
Problem Assessment
Assessing the problem is necessary to determine how you will fix it. Once you have categorized the issue, you can apply the potential solutions for that.
Category 1:
If you see some ‘wobbliness’ while grabbing the mower handle, it is because of loose fasteners. Often fasteners or bolts that connect the handle with the mower become loose, or there can be a missing bolt. The solution to this category of problem is straightforward.
Category 2:
You may find a crack on the handle. Corrosion creates damage to the handle’s material. It is better to fix a crack immediately if you find one, otherwise, it can result in breakage on the handle.
Category 3:
In the worst case, you may find a broken handle. A break may occur due to corrosion of the metal. Also, there could be breakage due to pressure on the stress points.
This type of problem can sometimes become challenging to fix. You will see the solution later in this article.
Now, let’s start with the solution for a loose lawn mower handle:
Category 1: How to fix a loose lawn mower handle?
Fixing a loose handle is an easy technique. It will not involve too much hassle. Here are the tools that you will need during the procedure:
- Bolts (If there is a missing one)
- Pliers or wrench
- If there is a missing bolt, go to your nearest tool store, you will find one easily.
Here are the necessary steps to fix this problem:
- Rest the lawn mower on a plane surface to cool down if you have used it recently.
- Clean the fastener area where the handle meets the mower.
- If there is a missing bolt, place the replacement bolt in position, then tighten all the loose nuts using a plier or a wrench.
It is the easest fix and the most manageable issue you will face with a lawn mower handle.
If there is a tightening knob like a triangle, T bolt, or star, you can easily tighten them up with your bare hands. If they still feel loose or do not rotate, try removing them and cleaning the junction area.
Category 2: How to fix a crack on a lawn mower handle?
For the next category, there might be a crack on the handle. It can be a hairline crack on the stress points. Here are the supplies you need to fix a crack:
Here are the necessary steps to fix this problem:
- First, you need to clean the crack area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any debris or smudges from the surface.
- You have to spread the metal glue on the crack and fill it appropriately. You can find metal glue or metal adhesive at your nearest hardware store.
The best solution for a severe crack is welding. It will be best to weld the crack openings with some professionals.
Using metal glue is a DIY task and should get the job done for you.
Category 3: How to fix a broken lawn mower handle?
A broken handle is the most serious problem you will face with a lawn mower handle. After years of use, the metal can sustain damage and eventually break at some point. Also, in this scenario, welding is the best and most professional solution. However, we have the DIY technique too, which we will discuss now.
Gather these supplies to fix a broken lawn mower handle:
- Metal Glue
- Metal Straps
- Four Hose Clamp
- Screw Driver
Here are the necessary steps to fix this problem:
- First, take the hose clamps and put them onto the handle, do this before starting with any of the main procedures. This ensures that the hose will be there when you need them.
- Now, you need to clean the area of the breaking point. Some metal glue requires you to wash the area with water beforehand; other types of glue require that you wet the application area in order to work perfectly. So, see the usage instructions written on the glue packaging to be sure.
- Hold the detached portions together and apply the metal glue to the junction.
- Take the two metal straps and apply glue to them. Now place the straps on two opposite sides of the handle, around the break.
- Put the hose clamps on the metal straps and tighten them with a screwdriver. Place four of them at an even distance.
Once you finish tightening up the clamps, apply a little bit more glue to ensure everything stays together.
Once you are done with this process, the glue needs to dry. Allow the handle to set for at least 24 hours for the bond to become rigid.
Conclusion
A lawn mower handle is the crucial part of the machine, after the engine and blade. Without it, you will not be able to maneuver the mower to cut the grass.
Nothing lasts forever, and the lawn mower handle is no exception. These were our DIY techniques of how to fix a lawn mower handle. The methods should come in handy at some point if you own a lawn mower.