First of all I’d like to say that my Honda Lawnmower is the best Mower I’ve ever owned. It has cut my grass plus about 6 other people’s, put in the back of a Micra, Escort, Fiesta and Cinquecento.
In fact I know of at least 4 other people who have brought a Honda Mower on my personal recommendation.

But, there comes a time when wear and tear starts to get the better of them. My Mower starts first time every time (regardless of the Filter falling off 15 month’s ago). It’s just the rest which needs that loving and careful maintenance which only it’s owner can give.

Because I’m saving my money to get my teeth sorted out, I can’t afford to have it repaired, or buy a new one.
So I’ve gone the DIY route and would like to share with you some useful info on going about it yourselves.

1. When the Handle has snapped at the bottom

The tools I’ve used for this job are; One piece of 1″ x 1″ Timber, One Tent Pole, About 24″ of Gaffer Tape, Two Plant Ties, Sellotape, Chicken Wire and a Swan Vestas Match.
The pictures above amply supply you with the info needed, but I must point out that it is best to put the 1″ x 1″ Timber on the outside of the Handle as you find you can’t get the Grass Box in and have bend it.

2. Repairing Holes in Grass Box

Tools required; Gaffer Tape (both for fixing hole and using adhesive side to take the grass off the front of your trousers afterwards).
This will last quite a while (about 5 minutes). I’ve found that cutting the grass when wet helps as the grass inside does a similar job to Cycle Inner Tube Slime and bungs up the hole.

Tools Required; Old Screwdriver, Pliers and Builders Caulk. Place the screwdriver in the gap where the Lever once was. Fill gaps with Caulking and squeeze sides together as hard as you can using Pliers. Just one word of warning – Be careful when mowing under stubborn hedgerow. The screwdriver has a tendancy to spring out and hit you in the eye. Local A&E Departments refer this to ‘Prats Eye’ and can be quite painful.

4. Cutting the Grass after full Service

Most people seem to prefer the striped effect lawns. Personally I go for the Railway Line look and by not changing your blade since you purchased the Honda Mower 5 years ago, this can easily be achieved.

I hope you found these few tips useful. I am planning to put together a few more pages shortly on; How to use Clothes Line as a Strimmer Wire alternative, How to disconnect your telephone service with a Chainsaw and guest writer Neil Peck (ex-colleague at Kent County Cricket Club) will be forwarding an article on information about giving Hedgehogs a quick haircut with a Flymo.

Can’t wait to get my teeth.