Can’t loosen bolt to remove blade

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I seriously cannot believe I’m even saying this, but I cannot loosen the bolt to remove the blade on my 21” mower. I’m using a 9/16th wrench, have a screwdriver acting as stabilizer, turning counterclockwise - and this bolt will not budge. My wife thought I was lying and my father in law laughed at me but then he tried it and my wife watched and they couldn’t believe it. I know three of us can’t be doing this wrong, so what are we missing here? Because I’m feeling pretty stupid and at a loss. Thanks!

Kevin Harris

70 Points

Posted 2 years ago

2 years ago

Jacob

65,100 Points

It IS normal thread direction. If it is that locked up, try this. Hopefully you have a cordless impact driver. If so put it on there and hit it in reverse for a second, then stop. Try this like 10 times

If it doesn't work then your threads may weld themselves to the shady so be careful. Especially if it's that locked up.

Otherwise take a hammer and whack the wrench with it. It may pop lose.

Do not go overboard with loosening it.

1 person likes this

2 years ago

Oregon Mike, Champion

75,184 Points

Ego's torque spec on the bolt is around 36 to 43 ft lbs so the wrench you are using might not be the best tool to try and break the bolt loose. You might try a 3/8" drive ratchet wrench with 9/16" socket to get a bit more leverage. Or maybe you have a torque wrench?

1 person likes this

2 years ago

szwoopp, Champion

108,552 Points

Mike is exactly right
I had the same problem
Got a bigger wrench ie longer handle
Problem solved

2 people like this

2 years ago

John Olthuis

406 Points

As the others have said, Leverage is the key. If you don't have a longer handled wrench, slip a pipe over the handle to give you more leverage. I've used a vacuum cleaner pipe or ABS pipe in the past with success.

5 people like this

2018-05-10T15:28:26+00:00

Gokuwan Gohanche

134 Points

John, thank you so much, I was about to buy a longer wrench until I saw your comment. It work WONDER, magic! Thanks man.

2 years ago

SueLW

502 Points

It's hard. I'm a woman and it took all the strength I had to remove the original blade.. Nearly killed me.

1 person likes this

2 years ago

summetj

11,130 Points

You could also try a penetrating oil (such as PBBlaster) to try and reduce the friction on the threads.

2018-04-22T03:00:55+00:00

Blue Angel, Champion

180,078 Points

Lubricant changes the required tightening torque when re-assembling. I would avoid lubricants at all cost unless you can thoroughly clean all threads with brake cleaner or similar.

2018-04-22T04:12:33+00:00

Jacob

65,100 Points

I torque with the word umph. Lubed or not.

Don't listen to anything I say...

2 years ago

Bernie Basel

294 Points

Use an impact wrench if you have one available, I just replaced my blade today it came right off.

(Edited)

1 person likes this

2 years ago

Blue Angel, Champion

180,078 Points

Instead of a screwdriver holding the blade, you can wrap it in thick fabric so you can hold it without cutting yourself. This should work better than the screwdriver.

The impact wrench is the best option though. Just remember; leftie loosie (counter clockwise).