Sharpening Blades

I have never sharpened my blades before and I'm trying to figure out how to do it.

First I lifted the deck but when I turn the nut the entire blade turns. How do I make the blade stop turning?

Also I read that balance needs to be checked on the blade. How do I check that? Is there anything else I need to know?

Thanks

You need to fashion some sort of item to jam under the deck to prevent the blade from turning. A short piece of 2x4 or something similar will work or for a few dollars they make an item that clamps onto the side of the deck that secures the blade while being removed. Most people just use an impact wrench to remove the blades. Balancing can be done several ways, them best cheap version is a simple cone balancer available at most places like walmart during the mowing season. Some dealers use a more accurate frictionless bearing type balancer that hangs on the wall.

Plenty of advice in this forum. Try http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showt...erspective-Part-1?highlight=pro's+perspective