Reel Mower Sharpening and Maintenance Tips

Follow these tips and maintain your edge

Your manual reel mower doesn't ask for much. Give it a push, and it mows your lawn. Beyond that, just a little attention and some annual TLC will give you the edge over your neighbors with a greener, thicker lawn.

Stay sharp Gas mower blades dull quickly because they spin so fast. Every pebble or stick is a crushing blow. Reel mowers operate at a much gentler pace, and the blades are somewhat self-sharpening. But they still benefit from maintenance every year or two. Since they don't weigh much, it's easy to tote yours to a professional for sharpening. Do-it-yourselfers can buy a sharpening kit. It includes an abrasive compound you smear on the blades, and instructions on how to rotate the blade drum in reverse. This abrasive hones the cutting edges without too much effort. Wear leather gloves, because it's easy to knick a knuckle. Start by inspecting the blades for major knicks caused by rocks. Block the rotor so it can't turn, and hone these burrs down with a fine file. Regular knife sharpening stones work too, but they're a little trickier. If you go this route, try to remove the blades or at least block them with a chock so nothing slips. Again, leather gloves will save your skin.

Avoid motorized sharpening wheels, like the ones that attach to your drill. The high-speed friction generates enough heat to spoil the temper, or hardness, of your blade.

When you're done sharpening, rub a little oil on the blades to help prevent rust. Vegetable oil works great because it's clear and won't harm your grass if it drips.

It's common to blame your blades for inefficient cuts when the culprit is actually a bad blade adjustment. The cutting surfaces should just barely touch. Follow the instructions in your manual to make an adjustment. Insert a single sheet of newspaper to test whether the blades are cutting evenly. Leather gloves, right?

Squeaky mower gets the grease

If your reel mower looks a little rusty or begins to squeak, spray joints with WD-40 or other lubricant. A quick spray before each use is good for your reel mower, and for you too, because it'll be easier to push.

Other than that, just keep it free of debris. A quick brushing will keep things loose. Did we mention to wear gloves?

An ounce of prevention

Master class: hose your manual reel mower after each use, dry it off, then rub it with a little oil to prevent rust and to lube the joints. (Never spray an electric reel mower, unless you love fireworks.) This simple routine will help it last nearly forever.