So... this idiot was out mowing the lawn last night. Instead of mowing the lawn next to the sidewalk as he always does, he mowed in the opposite direction. In the usual direction of mowing, the valve stem head is always in the same place and easily seen and avoided. When mowing in the opposite direction, the valve stem head is 1' 2 3/4" closer to the direction of travel (yes, I need glasses).

So, the valve won, dramatically. Neighbours looked out their windows. I inspected the blade and shaft. The blade was mangled on both sides. I couldn't see if the shaft was bent (yes, I need glasses). I fired it up and it was vibrating like a *** but I finished mowing the front lawn.

It's a 4.5 Briggs & Stratton with a shaft (crank, if you want) about 3" long. Of course, a short crank is more difficult to straighten and ANY vibration is "looking for trouble" on something like a mower. What's your call? Buy a new mower? I can get one for $190, tax in, that will do the job... not as nice, but it'll work.

I dunno what the new glasses will cost but surely they are cheaper than buying lawn mowers, eh?