How to Sharpen a Blade on a Reel Type Mower

Without the power of electricity, a reel lawnmowers relies solely on the sharpness of its blades. Reel mower manufacturers build them with longevity in mind so you usually only have to worry about sharpening the blades every few years. When sharpening is necessary, most manufacturers provide a sharpening kit or you can purchase one directly from a reel lawnmower retailer. These kits provide a sharpening compound with a paintbrush and a backlapping tool to crank the reel so the blades sharpen.

Flathead screwdriver
Sharpening kit

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the reel lawn mower on its side. Remove the clip typically on the right side of the assembly. It's usually called a "C" or "E" clip because of its shape. Pry a flathead screwdriver underneath the clip and push up on it to pop it off.
- 2
  Slide off the wheel and the pinion gear that sits inside the wheel.
- 3
  Place the backlapping tool over the shaft where the gear was previously.
- 4
  Dip the paintbrush into the jar of sharpening compound. Brush the compound over the blade edges so it covers them evenly.
- 5
  Turn the backlapping tool counterclockwise until the blades look smooth and feel sharp. Reassemble the lawn mower. Test the mower on your lawn. It should cut easily and the cut grass blades should have a clean cut with no jagged edges.

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