490-850-0005 Blade Removal Tool, Universal Lawn Mower Blade Clamp for 21" 11A, 12A, 13A Series Walk Behind/Zero-Turn and Riding Lawn Mowers, Replace 490 850 0005, 339079

What It Is

The 490-850-0005 Blade Removal Tool is a universal clamp that holds a lawn mower blade stationary while you loosen or tighten the center bolt. Designed for 21" walk-behind mowers (11A, 12A, 13A series), zero-turn, and riding mowers, it eliminates the need to wedge a block of wood against the blade or risk pinched fingers.

Fitment & Compatibility

Before buying, verify your mower’s deck size and blade shape. This tool fits most 21" walk-behind mowers from brands like Craftsman, Husqvarna, Poulan, and MTD that use a standard 5/8" or 3/4" center hole. It also works on many zero-turn and riding mowers with a similar blade bolt pattern. Check your blade’s center hole diameter—if it’s larger than 1", the clamp may not grip securely. For zero-turn decks, ensure the blade’s offset or curved design doesn’t interfere with the clamp’s jaws. OEM replacement for 490-850-0005 and 339079, but aftermarket blades with non-standard holes or thick coatings may not fit snugly.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: Steel construction with a rubber-coated handle. The clamp’s teeth are sharp and durable, but the rubber may wear over time if exposed to gas or oil.
• Installation difficulty: Very easy—no tools needed. Slide the clamp over the blade, tighten the knob, and the blade is locked in place. No wrestling with wood blocks or pry bars.
• Common gotchas: The clamp only works if the blade’s center hole is clean and free of rust or debris. On some zero-turn decks, the blade’s curved shape may make it hard to get a full grip. Always wear gloves—blades are sharp, and the clamp’s teeth can slip if not tightened enough.
• Universal claim: While labeled universal, it’s best for standard 21" blades. Oversized or non-standard blades (e.g., 22"+ decks) may not fit.

Should You Buy It

If you change mower blades more than once a season and want a safer, faster alternative to wood blocks or impact wrenches, this $10 tool is a no-brainer. It’s ideal for DIYers with a 21" walk-behind or standard zero-turn mower. Skip it if you only change blades once a year or have a large commercial deck with unusual blade shapes—you’ll get more use from a dedicated blade removal tool.