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Components of a typical reel lawn mower. (click to enlarge)
Sharpening kits containing tools, grinding paste, and instructions are available through larger hardware stores and home centers.
Adjust the cutter bar for even contact with the reel blades.
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Yes, reel lawn mowers are still around. Human-powered ones are the best choice for small lawns, enclosed lawns, and for people who don't mind the exercise. Besides being more ecologically friendly than gas mowers, they are relatively inexpensive to buy and to maintain. Tuneups are not required and maintenance is relatively easy. Here's how to fix and keep your reel lawn mower cutting.
A reel lawn mower is a machine for cutting grass. It's either human-powered or small-engine powered. Cutting blades attached to the reel spin and cut grass as the mower is rolled across the lawn. It's that simple.
To sharpen blades:
- Put the mower on a work bench or other area where you can easily service it.
- Use a fine flat file or a flat sharpening stone to remove any burrs from the blade and cutter bar.
- Apply grinding paste to the blades' cutting edges.
- Rotate the reel backward for 10 minutes to sharpen the cutter bar and the blades.
- Remove excess grinding paste.
- Test and adjust the mower (see below).
- Place a piece of newspaper between the reel and cutter bar, then rotate the reel to make sure that the blade cuts smoothly. If not, adjust the mower.
To adjust a reel mower:
- Loosen and adjust each end of the roller shaft to the same height. Most units have an adjustment nut at the ends of the roller shaft.
- Turn the reel checking for contact with the cutter bar. As needed, adjust the reel to touch but not be stopped by the cutter bar.
- Insert a strip of newspaper between the reel and the cutter bar, then rotate the reel to verify that it cuts evenly. Adjust as needed; adjustments typically are located at each end of the cutter bar.
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