Best 21-Inch Lawn Mower Blades: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)

The best 21-inch lawn mower blades include the Grasscool 21 inch Mower Mulching Blade for Bow Tie mount compatibility, the Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Universal Gold Metal Mulching for multiple center-hole sizes, and the Chway 1Pcs 942-0741a Lawn Mower Blade for listed Bow Tie replacements.

On this page (8 sections)

1. How we compared 21-inch lawn mower blades
2. The best 21-inch mower blades by fit and cutting style
3. Which mounting pattern should a 21-inch mower blade have?
4. Should you choose a mulching, bagging, or side-discharge blade?
5. How do blade length and deck size affect fit?
6. What should you check before replacing a lawn mower blade?
7. How should you maintain a 21-inch mower blade?
8. Which 21-inch lawn mower blade should you choose?

The best lawn mower blades 21 inch are the ones that match your mower’s model, spindle pattern, and cutting style. Grasscool’s Bow Tie mulching blade is the top pick for its broad list of compatible models and stated 3-in-1 use, while Maxpower offers reducing washers for several center-hole sizes.

A 21-inch deck does not guarantee a universal fit. Check the blade’s part number and center hole before you order, then choose a blade style that suits whether you mulch, bag, or discharge clippings.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for Bow Tie mount compatibility

   Grasscool 21 inch Mower Mulching Blade

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for multiple center-hole sizes

   Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Universal Gold Metal Mulching

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for listed Bow Tie replacements

   Chway 1Pcs 942-0741a Lawn Mower Blade

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   GICOOL 942-0741A 21 inch Mulching Mower Blade

   Best for a single Bow Tie replacement
   Check it
5. 5

   Grasscool 21 inch Lawn Mower Mulching Blade

   Best for circular center holes
   Check it
6. 6

   GICOOL 942-0741A 21 Inch Mower Mulching Blades

   Best for keeping a spare on hand
   Check it
7. 7

   Hipa 942-0741A Mulching Blades for Troy Bilt

   Best for a two-blade Troy-Bilt set
   Check it
8. 8

   Chway 1Pcs 21 Inch Lawn Mower Blade

   Best for circular-mount replacements
   Check it
9. 9

   DOCAS 21 inch Mower Mulching Blades

   Best for 42-inch riding mower decks
   Check it

How we compared 21-inch lawn mower blades

We compared replacement part numbers, stated mower compatibility, mounting patterns, dimensions, and cutting styles. Our score weighs specs, features, and fit for people shopping for a 21-inch mower blade.

Fit matters more than a broad brand list. Several picks here are for a Bow Tie center hole, while two identify a circular hole and Maxpower includes washers for multiple center-hole sizes.

Cutting style is another useful filter. Some options are mulching blades, and some state support for bagging or side discharge as well.

The DOCAS set is different because it is intended for select 42-inch riding mower decks.

The best 21-inch mower blades by fit and cutting style

The Grasscool Bow Tie blade ranks first for its listed fit range and three cutting modes. The remaining picks serve other mounting patterns, replacement numbers, or mower setups.

1

Grasscool 21 inch Mower Mulching Blade: Best for Bow Tie mount compatibility

9.7/10Our score

• For select 21-inch walk-behind mowers
• Bow Tie center hole
• Mulching, bagging, and side discharge
• 40MnB steel

A 3-in-1 style for select 21-inch mowers, with an extensive set of replacement part numbers. Confirm your exact model and blade pattern before buying.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge
• Lists many compatible mower models
• 40MnB steel

Cons

• Only fits the stated models and mounting pattern
• Blade length is slightly under 21 in

Grasscool’s 942-0741A blade is designed for select 21-inch walk-behind, push, and self-propelled mowers. Its Bow Tie center hole is the key fit detail to compare with your original blade.

The blade measures 20 7/8 in long, 2 1/4 in wide, and 9/64 in thick. Grasscool identifies it as a 3-in-1 blade for mulching, bagging, and side discharge, and names 40MnB steel as its material.

Its compatibility list includes select Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Craftsman, MTD, and other mower models. Craftsman owners checking other replacement parts can also compare replacement Craftsman mower batteries.

Use the mower’s full model number and the blade’s replacement part number to confirm fit, since brand alone is not enough.

Choose it if your mower uses the listed part number and Bow Tie mount, and you want multiple clipping options. For installation steps, see how to change lawn mower blades.

2

Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Universal Gold Metal Mulching: Best for multiple center-hole sizes

9.6/10Our score

• For 21-inch cut mowers
• Includes cover washer
• 6 reducing washers
• Made in the USA

The reducing washers offer several center-hole sizes for fit matching. Check the mower’s required mounting pattern and blade dimensions before installing.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Six reducing washers included
• 21 in long and 2 1/2 in wide
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Universal fit still requires checking the mower’s mount
• No specific mower model list here

Maxpower’s 331981B is a universal-style blade for 21-inch cut mowers. It measures 21 in long and 2 1/2 in wide, with a 1 in center hole and six reducing washers for listed sizes from 3/8 in to 13/16 in.

The washers can help match different center-hole diameters, but the mower still needs to accept the blade’s shape and dimensions. Check the spindle and your manual before treating a washer size as proof of fit.

Maxpower says the blade is made in the USA. Its broader mounting approach suits buyers who have measured their mower’s center hole and need a replacement that includes several reducer options.

Pick this one if the listed dimensions and mount work for your mower. If you want a blade matched to a specific manufacturer, compare options for Craftsman 21-inch lawn mower blades and Greenworks 21-inch lawn mower blades.

3

Chway 1Pcs 942-0741a Lawn Mower Blade: Best for listed Bow Tie replacements

9.5/10Our score

• For select 21-inch decks
• Bow Tie center hole
• Mulching blade
• Lists Troy-Bilt and Craftsman models

This blade lists replacement numbers including 942-0741A and names compatible Troy-Bilt and Craftsman mower models. Check the mount pattern because it is limited to Bow Tie spindles.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Lists several replacement part numbers
• Names compatible mower models
• Dimensions include length, width, and thickness

Cons

• Only compatible with a Bow Tie spindle
• Model and year still need checking

Chway’s 942-0741A blade is a Bow Tie mount mulching blade for select 21-inch decks. It lists replacement numbers including 942-0741A, 942-0741, 742-0741, and 742-0741A.

The blade measures 21 in long, 2 1/4 in wide, and 9/64 in thick. Chway names several compatible Troy-Bilt and Craftsman models, including TB110, TB130, TB240, M250, M110, and M230.

The Bow Tie spindle requirement narrows the fit. Compare the center hole, mower model, and part number with your current blade before choosing this option.

4

GICOOL 942-0741A 21 inch Mulching Mower Blade: Best for a single Bow Tie replacement

9.4/10Our score

• For select 21-inch decks
• Bow Tie center hole
• Mulching blade
• 40MnB steel

A single replacement blade with listed fit for select Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman mowers. Compare its part numbers and mount with your original blade.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Lists compatible part numbers and models
• 40MnB steel
• Mulching design

Cons

• Bow Tie mount limits fit
• Check mower model and year

GICOOL’s single 942-0741A blade is another fit-specific pick for select 21-inch decks. It uses a Bow Tie center hole and lists compatibility with selected Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, and Craftsman mowers.

Its stated dimensions are 20 30/32 in long, 2 3/16 in wide, and 9/64 in thick. GICOOL identifies 40MnB steel and a mulching design, with replacement numbers that include 942-0741A and 742-0741A.

This is a straightforward option if your mower matches the listed part numbers and mounting pattern. For a different cutting style, compare this with our guide to the best 21-inch mulching mower blade.

5

Grasscool 21 inch Lawn Mower Mulching Blade: Best for circular center holes

9.3/10Our score

• For select 21-inch decks
• Circular center hole
• Mulching blade
• Replacement numbers include 532406712

This option serves a different fit group from the Bow Tie blades, with a circular mount and replacement numbers for select Craftsman and Husqvarna mowers.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Clearly identifies circular mount
• Lists several replacement numbers
• 21-inch deck fit

Cons

• Not for Bow Tie or 5-Star center holes
• Verify the original blade pattern

This Grasscool blade uses a circular center hole, making it a different fit from the Bow Tie options above. For brand-specific fit details, compare Husqvarna blade options.

Its replacement numbers include 165833, 175064, 189028, and 532406712 for select Craftsman and Husqvarna 21-inch deck mowers.

The blade is 21 in long and 2 1/4 in wide, with a stated 5/32 in thickness. Grasscool identifies it as a mulching blade and warns that some mower families use more than one mounting pattern.

Check the original blade’s center hole before ordering. This is the better match when the mower’s part number and circular mount line up, not simply because the deck measures 21 inches.

6

GICOOL 942-0741A 21 Inch Mower Mulching Blades: Best for keeping a spare on hand

9.2/10Our score

• 2-pack
• For select 21-inch decks
• Bow Tie center hole
• Mulching, bagging, and side discharge

The two-blade pack uses the same listed fit family and Bow Tie pattern as the single-blade GICOOL option. It suits buyers who want a spare, if both blades match their mower.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two blades in the pack
• Lists three cutting modes
• 40MnB steel

Cons

• Both blades require the same model fit
• Bow Tie mount only

GICOOL’s two-pack suits owners who want a spare for a compatible mower. Both blades use the 942-0741A fit family and Bow Tie center-hole pattern, with stated dimensions matching the single-blade option.

The blades support mulching, bagging, and side discharge. GICOOL also names 40MnB steel and a coating that wears during use.

Choose the pack only if both blades match your mower’s model and spindle. It is not a fit workaround for a different hole pattern or deck setup.

7

Hipa 942-0741A Mulching Blades for Troy Bilt: Best for a two-blade Troy-Bilt set

8.6/10Our score

• 2-pack
• For listed Troy-Bilt 21-inch mowers
• Bow Tie mounting hole
• Alloy steel

This two-pack targets a range of Troy-Bilt models and lists replacement numbers such as 942-0741A. Check the mower’s model year and original mounting configuration.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two blades included
• Lists compatible mower models
• Calls out mounting-pattern checks

Cons

• Fit list centers on Troy-Bilt models
• Confirm the mount before ordering

Hipa’s two-pack targets select Troy-Bilt 21-inch mower models and uses a Bow Tie mounting hole. Its replacement numbers include 942-0741A, 942-0741, 742-0741A, and 742-0741.

Hipa identifies the blades as alloy steel and describes them as mulching blades. The compatibility list includes models such as TB110, TB130, TB230, TB240, and TB320.

Check the exact mower model and year because mounting holes can vary across versions. This pair makes sense when the stated fit matches and you want two blades at once.

8

Chway 1Pcs 21 Inch Lawn Mower Blade: Best for circular-mount replacements

8.5/10Our score

• For select Husqvarna and Craftsman 21-inch decks
• Circle mounting pattern
• Mulching blade
• Lists replacement numbers

The circular center hole and listed Craftsman and Husqvarna replacement numbers make this a fit-specific alternative to Bow Tie blades. Match the part number and original blade pattern.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• States the center-hole pattern
• Lists replacement part numbers
• For 21-inch decks

Cons

• Limited to listed fit and pattern
• Check dimensions against the original

Chway’s 21-inch blade is for select Husqvarna and Craftsman mowers with a circular center hole. The listed replacement numbers include 165833, 175064, 189028, and 532406712.

It measures 21 in long and 2 1/4 in wide, and Chway identifies it as a mulching blade. Check the mower model and original hole pattern, since this circular mount is not interchangeable with a Bow Tie mount.

9

DOCAS 21 inch Mower Mulching Blades: Best for 42-inch riding mower decks

8.2/10Our score

• 2-pack
• For select 42-inch cut decks
• Six-point-star center hole
• Mulching blades

These 21-inch blades are intended for select riding and RZT mowers with 42-inch cutting decks, not typical 21-inch walk-behind decks. Confirm deck size, part number, and mount.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two blades included
• Lists compatible riding mower models
• Provides center-hole details

Cons

• For 42-inch decks, not 21-inch mower decks
• Fit depends on the stated six-point-star mount

DOCAS makes this two-pack for select riding and RZT mowers with 42-inch cutting decks. For more riding-mower fit options, compare replacement riding mower blades.

Each blade measures about 21 in long and has a 5/8 in six-point-star center hole.

The listed fit includes select Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, MTD, and Craftsman models. This blade is a poor match for a typical 21-inch walk-behind mower, despite its individual blade length.

Choose this set only when your 42-inch deck and spindle details match the stated fit. Confirm the mower model and replacement number before buying.

Which mounting pattern should a 21-inch mower blade have?

The correct center-hole pattern is the one that matches your mower’s spindle and original blade. The options here include Bow Tie, circular, six-point-star, and a 1 in center hole used with reducing washers.

Never assume two blades fit because both are 21 in long. Compare the old blade’s shape and replacement number, and check the mower manual for the correct part.

If the mower has a Bow Tie spindle, compare the Grasscool, Chway, GICOOL, or Hipa options that state that pattern. If it has a circular mount, consider the Grasscool or Chway circular-hole blades.

Should you choose a mulching, bagging, or side-discharge blade?

Choose a blade by the clipping method your mower supports and the result you want. A mulching blade cuts clippings into smaller pieces under the deck, while bagging and side discharge depend on the mower setup and blade design.

Several picks here describe mulching use, and Grasscool and GICOOL state support for mulching, bagging, and side discharge on their Bow Tie blades. Check the manual to see which modes your mower can use.

How do blade length and deck size affect fit?

Blade length and deck size are related but not interchangeable measurements. A 21-inch deck may use a blade that measures slightly less than 21 in, as the Bow Tie options here show.

Measure the old blade and compare its width, thickness, and center hole as well as its length. For riding mowers with multiple blades, check the full deck configuration; DOCAS’s 21-inch blades are identified for select 42-inch decks.

What should you check before replacing a lawn mower blade?

Confirm the mower model, part number, mount pattern, and blade dimensions before ordering. Then follow the mower manual’s instructions for removal and installation, including any direction for securing the blade and tightening its fastener.

Wear thick gloves when handling a blade, and inspect it for cracks or damage. If you’re unsure about fit or safe installation, use a qualified mower service provider.

How should you maintain a 21-inch mower blade?

Inspect the cutting edge and blade condition regularly, especially after striking a hard object. A dull blade may need sharpening, while a cracked, bent, or badly worn blade should be replaced.

Read how often to sharpen lawn mower blades for maintenance timing, then follow how to sharpen lawn mower blades for the process. Always check the mower manual for safe handling and balancing steps.

Which 21-inch lawn mower blade should you choose?

Choose the Grasscool Bow Tie blade if its part number and mower fit match and you want three clipping modes. Pick Maxpower if its dimensions and washer sizes suit your mower, or choose a circular-hole option when your spindle uses that pattern.

For a replacement blade, the model and mounting pattern matter more than the 21-inch label. Compare those details with your original blade before you buy.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for Bow Tie mount compatibility

   Grasscool 21 inch Mower Mulching Blade

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for multiple center-hole sizes

   Maxpower 331981B 21-Inch Universal Gold Metal Mulching

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for listed Bow Tie replacements

   Chway 1Pcs 942-0741a Lawn Mower Blade

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose the right 21-inch mower blade?

Match the mower model, deck size, replacement part number, blade length, and center-hole pattern. A 21-inch blade can still be the wrong fit if its mount differs from your spindle or the mower requires a different part number.

Check the original blade and your mower manual before ordering.

Are all 21-inch lawn mower blades interchangeable?

No. Blades can differ in center-hole shape, length, width, lift, and intended mower model, even when they are described as 21-inch blades.

Compare the replacement number and mounting pattern first.

Universal reducing washers can address some center-hole sizes, but they do not confirm every other fit requirement.

What is the difference between a mulching blade and a standard blade?

A mulching blade is shaped to keep clippings circulating under the deck so they can be cut into smaller pieces. Some blades also support bagging or side discharge, depending on the mower setup.

Choose the cutting style that matches how you mow and what your mower supports.

Can I use a 21-inch blade on a 42-inch mower deck?

Some 42-inch riding mower decks use two blades about 21 inches long, but the blades must match the deck and spindle specifications. The DOCAS set here names select 42-inch decks and a six-point-star center hole.

Do not choose by blade length alone.

When should I sharpen or replace a mower blade?

Sharpen a blade when it becomes dull, and replace it if it is cracked, bent, or too worn to restore a sound cutting edge. Inspect it regularly, especially after hitting a hard object.

Use a blade that matches the mower, and follow the manual’s safety steps when removing it.