NOCTI Outdoor Power Equipment Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Outdoor Power Equipment Certification

A lawn mower's blade needs sharpening when it exhibits signs such as causing uneven cuts, making a grinding noise, and blowing grass clippings everywhere. Each of these indicators relates to the blade's effectiveness in cutting grass.

When the blade is dull, it cannot cut the grass cleanly, resulting in uneven cuts where some blades of grass may be longer than others. This not only affects the aesthetic appearance of the lawn but can also lead to stress on the grass plants, making them more susceptible to diseases.

Additionally, a dull blade may produce a grinding noise as it struggles to cut through the grass efficiently. This noise indicates that the blade is not functioning properly and may be damaging the mower.

Lastly, if the blade is not sharp, it can cause the mower to throw grass clippings in an uncontrolled manner, making it difficult to manage the cuttings effectively. This can lead to clumping of clippings on the lawn or debris being scattered over a wider area than intended.

Collectively, these signs indicate that the blade’s sharpness is compromised, and sharpening is necessary for optimal performance and lawn health.