How to Grind Mowing Reels

Old push mowers have a series of reels that act as the blades of the mower. As the blades work through the grass of your yard, they slowly dull and their efficiency is compromised. Reels are not removable and need to be sharpened on the mower itself. Grinding is the process of sharpening the blades by reversing the blade direction and rubbing the blades against each other. Most reel mowers are ground in the same way.

Things You'll Need

• Flathead screwdriver
• Socket wrench
• Crank
• Sharpening compound
• Paintbrush

Show More

Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove the handle from the reels.

   • 2

     Slide a flathead screwdriver under the plastic cap that holds the wheel in place. Remove the nut with a socket wrench. Pull the wheel off and set it aside.

   • 3

     Pull off the gear, located under the wheel. No tools are required.

   • 4

     Insert a crank into the hole at the top of the reel.

   • 5

     Apply the sharpening compound to the blades with a paintbrush. This compound grinds the blades down.

   • 6

     Turn the blades backward with the crank. Crank until you see a sharp metal edge on each blade.

   • 7

     Reassemble.