The satisfying hum of a push reel lawn mower as it glides across your lawn is a sound synonymous with a well-maintained, healthy yard. But just like any tool, a reel mower needs regular maintenance, and sharpening its blades is a crucial part of the process. A sharp blade makes the difference between a clean, even cut and a ragged, uneven mess. This article will guide you through the process of sharpening your push reel mower, from identifying the signs that your blades need attention to the various methods of sharpening available. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to keep your reel mower running smoothly and your lawn looking its best.
A Quick Overview
Sharpening a push reel mower involves examining the condition of the blades, removing them, and using a sharpening tool to restore their sharpness. Depending on the degree of wear, you can either hone the blades using a sharpening steel or file or use a grinder for more substantial reshaping.
Recognizing the Need for Sharpening
The first step to ensuring a smooth cut is knowing when your reel mower blades need sharpening. Here are some telltale signs that your blades are losing their edge:
Signs of a Dull Blade:
- Uneven cuts: Your grass will appear ragged and uneven rather than neatly trimmed.
- Tearing and shredding: Instead of cleanly slicing through the grass, the blades will tear and shred it, leading to a brown or yellowed appearance.
- Increased effort: You’ll notice a significant increase in the effort required to push the mower, as the dull blades struggle to cut through the grass.
- Noise: The mower might make a “screeching” sound instead of the smooth hum of a sharp blade.
If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s time to sharpen your reel mower blades.
Preparing Your Reel Mower
Before embarking on the sharpening process, prepare your mower:
1. Disassembly:
- Consult the Manual: Refer to your mower’s manual for specific instructions on disassembling the blades.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves during this process.
- Removal: Typically, you’ll need to remove the reel assembly from the mower. This might involve loosening bolts or screws that secure the reel to the frame.
- Remove the Blades: Depending on your model, the blades might come off individually or as a unit.
2. Cleaning:
- Remove Debris: Once the blades are removed, use a wire brush, cleaning cloth, or compressed air to thoroughly remove grass clippings, dirt, and other debris.
- Inspect: Examine the blades for any signs of damage or bending.
Sharpening Methods
There are several methods for sharpening reel mower blades. The best method depends on the severity of the dullness and your available tools.
1. Using a Sharpening Steel
- Best for: Slightly dull blades.
- Process: Hold the sharpening steel at a 15-20 degree angle to the blade and run the steel along the entire length of the blade’s edge. Repeat on the other side of the blade.
- Technique: Use a firm, consistent pressure and maintain a steady angle throughout the sharpening process.
2. Using a File
- Best for: Moderately dull blades.
- Process: Hold the file at a 15-20 degree angle to the blade and run it along the length of the blade’s edge. Repeat on the other side of the blade.
- Technique: Use a smooth, consistent back-and-forth motion, applying moderate pressure.
3. Using a Grinding Wheel
- Best for: Severely dull or damaged blades.
- Process: Use a bench grinder with a coarse-grit wheel. Hold the blade at a 15-20 degree angle and run it along the wheel. Repeat on the other side of the blade.
- Caution: Be extremely careful when using a grinder, as it can generate significant heat and sparks. Always wear safety glasses and gloves.
Assembling and Maintaining Your Mower
1. Re-assembling the Mower:
- Alignment: Ensure the blades are properly aligned before re-attaching the reel assembly.
- Tightening: Tighten all bolts and screws to the manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Regular Maintenance:
- Sharpening Frequency: Sharpen your blades every 1-2 weeks during the peak mowing season, or more frequently if you notice signs of dullness.
- Lubrication: Lubricate the reel bearings and other moving parts of the mower according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cleaning: Clean your mower thoroughly after each use to prevent buildup of grass clippings and dirt.
Conclusion
Sharpening your push reel mower blades is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your mower running smoothly and your grass looking its best. Remember to regularly inspect your blades for signs of dullness and sharpen them as needed. With a little care and attention, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of a well-maintained lawn and the quiet efficiency of a sharp reel mower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why do I need to sharpen my reel mower blades?
Sharpening your reel mower blades is crucial for a clean, even cut and a healthy lawn. Dull blades tear the grass, leaving ragged edges that are susceptible to disease and pests. This can lead to a brown, unhealthy lawn. Sharp blades, on the other hand, cut cleanly through the grass, promoting faster growth and a lush, green appearance.
Moreover, sharp blades make mowing easier, requiring less effort to push the mower. This is because dull blades create more resistance as they try to cut through the grass.
Q2: How often should I sharpen my reel mower blades?
The frequency of sharpening your reel mower blades depends on several factors, including the type of grass, the frequency of use, and the condition of the blades. Generally, you should sharpen your blades at least once a year, even if they seem sharp.
If you use your reel mower frequently, or if you notice that your lawn is getting a ragged cut, you may need to sharpen your blades more often. Inspect your blades regularly for signs of dullness, such as a burred edge or a rounded tip.
Q3: What tools do I need to sharpen my reel mower blades?
You will need a few basic tools to sharpen your reel mower blades:
- A flat file: A flat file is a rectangular metal tool with rows of teeth that are used for sharpening and smoothing metal surfaces.
- A honing guide: A honing guide is a tool that helps you to maintain the correct angle when sharpening your blades.
- A screwdriver: You will need a screwdriver to remove the blades from the mower.
It’s important to choose a flat file with the right coarseness for your blades. A fine-grit file is best for touching up blades that are slightly dull, while a coarse-grit file is better for sharpening severely dull blades.
Q4: What is the proper way to sharpen the blades?
The proper way to sharpen your reel mower blades is to use a flat file and a honing guide. First, remove the blades from the mower and secure them to a workbench or other stable surface. Place the honing guide on the blade and use the flat file to smooth the edge of the blade, making sure to maintain the correct angle.
Repeat this process on the other side of the blade, making sure to sharpen both sides evenly. Once the blade is sharp, remove any burrs or rough edges with a fine-grit file. Finally, reassemble the blades and test them on a piece of cardboard to ensure that they are sharp and cutting evenly.
Q5: How can I tell if my reel mower blades are sharp?
You can tell if your reel mower blades are sharp by looking for the following signs:
- A clean, smooth cut: If your blades are sharp, they will cut cleanly through the grass, leaving no ragged edges.
- A light cutting action: If your blades are sharp, they will require less effort to push the mower.
- A shiny edge: If your blades are sharp, they will have a shiny edge, free of burrs or rough edges.
If you notice any of these signs, your blades are probably dull and need to be sharpened.
Q6: Can I sharpen the blades with a power tool?
While it is possible to sharpen your reel mower blades with a power tool, it is not recommended. Power tools can easily overheat the blade and damage its temper, leading to a weaker and less durable blade.
For best results, use a flat file and honing guide for sharpening your reel mower blades.
Q7: Is there anything else I should know about sharpening my reel mower blades?
When sharpening your reel mower blades, remember to always wear eye protection and gloves to prevent injury. Also, be sure to use a flat file that is the right size for your blades.
Finally, make sure that the blades are properly aligned before you put them back on the mower. Misaligned blades can cause uneven cutting and damage to your lawn.