How to Sharpen a Scotts Classic Reel Mower

Reel lawn mowers can leave behind a well manicured lawn.

Scotts Classic reel lawn mowers use no gasoline, so they're good for the environment. Additionally, if properly sharpened, they leave behind an attractive cut lawn. With a sharpening kit, finely honing the blades on your Scotts Classic reel lawn mower is a breeze.

Things You'll Need

• Scotts Classic reel mower
• Reel mower sharpening kit
• Cordless drill with socket bit
• 16 mm socket
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove the handle, and stand the mower on the left-side wheel.

2. Take off the right-side wheel. Use a screwdriver will easily pry out the C-clip, and remove the drive gear underneath the wheel.

3. Apply a generous amount of sharpening paste evenly to each of the blades.

4. Attach the 16 mm socket to the drill, and place it over the drive mechanism from which you removed the gear.

5. Put the drill into counterclockwise motion, and squeeze the trigger to turn the blades in a reverse motion. Keep the drill at a moderate speed, and allow the blades to rotate in reverse for about 10 minutes.

6. Remove the drill, and check that all of the blades appear to be honed evenly and cleanly. If so, wipe off any excess paste.

7. Reinstall the gear, the right-side wheel and the mower handle before making a couple of passes with the mower to test how the sharpened blades cut.

Tips & Warnings

• When sharpening your reel mower, keep your hands and feet well clear of the blades.

References

• Reel Mowers: Sharpening
• Reel Mowers: Sharpening a Reel Mower
• Bob Vila: Adjusting a Reel Mower