How to Sharpen a Reel Lawn Mower

Over time, a reel mower may become harder to push and may tear the grass instead of cutting it. Keeping the blades sharp on a reel mower reduces your workload. Unlike mower blades that require a file or grinder, you apply a special compound to sharpen a reel lawn mower. Sharpening compound is available at home improvement centers. The key to sharpening reel mower blades is adjusting the cutter blade.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Reel mower sharpening kit
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

Check Cutter Blade Adjustment

1. Tilt the reel mower back so that the handle grips are on the ground and the wheels are in the air. Insert a piece of paper between the cutter blade and the reel blades on one end of the mower. The cutter blade is the solid blade on the rear of the mower.

2. Turn the wheels with one hand and carefully hold the paper with your free hand. The reel blades should cut, or if dull they should tear, the paper. Perform this test on both ends of the cutter blade.

3. Place the reel mower upright and locate the adjustment screws on each end of the cutter blade. Each end has two screws. Turn both screws 1/16 turn counterclockwise with a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the blades if they were difficult to turn with the paper. Turn the two rear screws clockwise 1/16 turn.

4. Turn the rear screws counterclockwise 1/16 turn if the blades did nothing to the paper. Turn the front screws clockwise 1/16 turn. This tightens the blades.

5. Repeat the paper test and continue adjusting until the blades cut or tear the paper during the test.

Sharpening The Blades

1. Tilt the reel mower back on its handle grips. Remove the C-clip that secures the wheel to the axle with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Pull the tire away from the axle and hub. Remove the pinion gear on the rear of the hub with your fingers. The pinion gear is the protruding gear between the hub and the wheel.

2. Insert the crank handle that comes with the sharpening kit into the pinion gear hole in the hub. The end of the handle fits snugly into the pawl.

3. Spread sharpening compound over the edges of the reel blades with a brush. Spread the compound along the edge of the stationary cutting blade as well.

4. Turn the reel blades counterclockwise with the crank handle in a quick, steady motion. As you turn the reel, the compound changes color. Continue rotating the reel blades quickly for five minutes. Wipe the blades clean with a rag to inspect the sharpening. Add more compound if necessary and turn the handle until the blades are sharp.

5. Pull the crank handle out of the hub and reinstall the pinion gear. Place the wheel over the hub, inserting the axle through the center of the wheel. Secure the wheel to the axle with the C-clip. Position the reel mower back into the upright position.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear leather gloves when sharpening mower blades to avoid cutting yourself.

References

• Reel In: Reel Mower Sharpening Kit Instructions
• Reel Mower: Scotts Classic reel Mower Owner's Manual