How to Sharpen a Push Lawnmower Blade

Use a reel crank to help sharpen push mower blades.

Push mowers, also referred to as reel mowers, were once the main means of mowing a residential lawn. Until the introduction of affordable rotary mowers in the 1970s, push reel mowers were commonly used to cut the lawn. As the green movement continues to grow, many people are choosing to trade self-propelled mowers for push reel mowers. Reel mowers are quiet, easy to push and produce no pollution or waste. Sharpening push reel mower blades is part of the routine maintenance necessary as a result of normal use.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Blade screwdriver
• Reel crank
• Paint brush
• Sharpening compound

Instructions

1. Remove the handle from the push mower. Loosen and remove any retaining screws or nuts with an adjustable wrench and blade screwdriver if necessary.

2. Place the push reel mower on its side. Position it on one wheel with the opposite wheel pointing up into the air.

3. Remove the plastic protective cap, if necessary that covers the end of the axle.

4. Remove the C clamp with a blade screwdriver and slide the wheel off the axle. Pull the gear straight off the gear spindle.

5. Open a container of sharpening compound. Dip a paint brush into the compound and apply to the cutting edge of each blade.

6. Attach a reel crank to the gear spindle. Turn the crank to rotate the blades backward from the direction in which they normally turn. Continue turning, or lapping, the blades to sharpen.

7. Apply more sharpening compound to the cutting edge of the blades and continue lapping the blades until sharp.

8. Remove the crank and place the gear back on the gear spindle. Place the wheel on the axle and secure with the C clamp. Secure the plastic cover over the axle and assemble the handle back to the mower.

References

• Reel Mowers: Blade Sharpening