There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with using a reel lawn mower. The quiet hum, the clean cut, the absence of fumes – it’s almost meditative. But just like any tool, reel mowers need regular maintenance, and sharpening the blades is a crucial part of that. Dull blades can result in ragged, uneven cuts, leaving your lawn looking unkempt and even damaging the grass. This guide will walk you through the process of sharpening your reel mower blades, ensuring a smooth, efficient cut for years to come.
Sharpening your reel mower blades is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic tools. The steps involve disassembling the mower, carefully sharpening the blades, and reassembling it. This guide will cover the tools you’ll need, how to disassemble the mower, sharpen the blades, and reassemble the machine.
Why Sharpen Your Blades?
Dull blades on a reel mower can lead to a variety of problems:
- Ragged and uneven cuts: Dull blades tear the grass instead of cleanly slicing it, resulting in an untidy appearance.
- Damaged grass: Torn grass leaves are more susceptible to disease and pests, weakening your lawn’s health.
- Increased effort: Dull blades require more force to push, making mowing a chore.
- Reduced lifespan: Dull blades put extra strain on the mower’s internal components, potentially leading to premature wear.
Sharpening your blades regularly ensures a crisp, clean cut, promotes healthy grass growth, and extends the life of your reel mower.
Tools and Supplies
Before you begin, gather the following tools and supplies:
- Reel mower: You’ll need your trusty reel mower, of course!
- Sharpening stone: This is the essential tool for sharpening the blades. A medium-grit sharpening stone is ideal, but a combination stone (with coarse and fine grits) is also suitable.
- Flat surface: Choose a stable, flat surface, like a workbench, to work on.
- Cleaning cloth: This will be used to clean the blades before and after sharpening.
- Protective gear: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from metal shavings, and gloves to protect your hands.
Disassembling the Mower
- Remove the cutting reel: The cutting reel is the cylinder with the blades attached. It’s typically held in place by a pin or bolt. Use a wrench or socket to loosen and remove the pin or bolt, then carefully lift the reel off the mower.
- Inspect the blades: Before sharpening, examine the blades for any major damage or wear. If any blades are severely bent or chipped, they may need to be replaced.
- Clean the blades: Use a clean cloth to wipe off any dirt, grass, or debris from the blades. This will ensure a clean sharpening process.
Sharpening the Blades
- Secure the reel: Place the reel on your flat surface, making sure it’s stable. You may want to use a vice to clamp the reel in place for added stability.
- Sharpening angle: The angle at which you sharpen the blades is crucial for a clean cut. Refer to your reel mower’s manual or consult with a lawn care professional for the recommended sharpening angle.
- Sharpening technique: Hold the sharpening stone flat against the blade and move it in a smooth, even motion. Apply firm, consistent pressure. Sharpen the entire length of the blade, focusing on the edge.
- Maintain consistency: Strive to maintain a consistent angle and pressure throughout the sharpening process. This ensures that all blades are sharpened at the same angle, leading to an even cut.
- Check sharpness: After sharpening a blade, test its sharpness by gently running your fingernail across the edge. If it catches, the blade is sharp enough. If not, continue sharpening until you achieve the desired sharpness.
- Repeat for all blades: Sharpen each blade individually, using the same technique and angle.
Reassembling the Mower
- Clean the blades: Wipe off any metal shavings with a clean cloth.
- Reinstall the cutting reel: Carefully align the reel with the bedknife and gently push it back into place. Insert the pin or bolt and tighten it securely.
- Test the cut: Mow a small area of grass to test the sharpness of the blades. Adjust the cutting height as needed.
Maintaining Sharp Blades
- Sharpen regularly: Sharpen your reel mower blades every few mowings, or more often if you mow frequently or on rough terrain.
- Inspect the blades: Check for nicks, chips, or other damage after each mowing.
- Use a proper sharpening technique: Consistent, proper sharpening techniques will ensure that your blades stay sharp and last longer.
- Store properly: When not in use, store your reel mower in a clean, dry location to prevent rust and corrosion.
Tips for Successful Sharpening
- Use a honing guide: A honing guide can help you maintain a consistent sharpening angle, ensuring an even cut.
- Consider professional sharpening: If you’re unsure about sharpening your own blades, or if your mower has complex blades, consider taking it to a professional for sharpening.
- Don’t over-sharpen: Sharpening too much can thin out the blades, weakening them. A few passes with the sharpening stone are usually sufficient.
- Avoid using a grinder: Grinders can generate too much heat, which can damage the temper of the steel and make the blades more prone to breakage.
Conclusion
Sharpening your reel mower blades is an essential part of maintaining your lawnmower and achieving a beautiful, healthy lawn. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a crisp, clean cut, promote healthy grass growth, and extend the life of your reel mower. Remember to sharpen your blades regularly, inspect them for damage, and use proper sharpening techniques. With a little care and attention, your reel mower will continue to provide you with years of mowing pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why should I sharpen the blades on my reel mower?
Sharpening the blades on your reel mower is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn and a smooth cutting experience. Dull blades will tear and damage the grass, leaving it brown and unsightly. A sharp blade will slice through the grass cleanly, resulting in a healthier and more vibrant lawn. Additionally, sharp blades require less effort to push, making mowing easier and more enjoyable.
Q2: What tools do I need to sharpen my reel mower blades?
To sharpen your reel mower blades, you’ll need a few basic tools: a sharpening steel, a flat file, a honing guide, and a level. The sharpening steel is used to quickly touch up the blades, while the flat file is used for more substantial sharpening. The honing guide helps to maintain the correct angle on the blades, and the level ensures that the blades are aligned properly. You’ll also need a small amount of honing oil to lubricate the blades during sharpening.
Q3: How often should I sharpen my reel mower blades?
The frequency of sharpening depends on the type of grass you’re cutting and how often you use the mower. For a typical lawn, you’ll likely need to sharpen your blades every 10 to 20 uses. If you have a very thick or tough lawn, you may need to sharpen the blades more frequently. It’s a good idea to inspect your blades regularly and sharpen them whenever they feel dull or show signs of damage.
Q4: What are the steps involved in sharpening the blades?
Sharpening the blades involves a few simple steps:
1. Remove the blades: Take apart the reel mower and carefully remove the blades.
2. Clean the blades: Use a wire brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the blades.
3. Sharpen the edges: Use the sharpening steel or flat file to sharpen the edges of the blades, maintaining a consistent angle and ensuring the blades are sharp and smooth.
4. Hone the blades: Use a honing guide to further refine the edges of the blades, ensuring they are perfectly aligned.
5. Reassemble the mower: Reinstall the blades and tighten all the screws securely.
Q5: What are some tips for sharpening reel mower blades?
Here are some helpful tips for sharpening your reel mower blades:
* Use a honing guide: This ensures the blades are sharpened at the correct angle and maintains consistency.
* Don’t overdo it: Avoid removing too much material when sharpening the blades. A few light passes with the sharpening steel or file are usually sufficient.
* Clean the blades frequently: Regularly removing dirt and debris from the blades will prevent wear and tear and keep them sharp.
* Store the blades properly: When not in use, store the blades in a dry, clean place to prevent rusting.
Q6: What are some signs that my reel mower blades need sharpening?
There are several signs that your reel mower blades need sharpening:
* The grass is torn or shredded: If your lawn mower is leaving torn or shredded grass behind, it’s a clear indication that the blades are dull.
* The blades feel dull to the touch: If the blades feel dull or rough to the touch, it’s time for a sharpening session.
* The mower feels difficult to push: If the mower feels difficult to push, it could be a sign of dull blades, as they require more force to cut through the grass.
Q7: Can I sharpen my reel mower blades on a sharpening steel or flat file?
Yes, you can sharpen your reel mower blades on a sharpening steel or flat file. A sharpening steel is ideal for quickly touching up the blades, while a flat file can be used for more substantial sharpening. However, it’s essential to use a honing guide to ensure you maintain the correct angle and sharpness for a clean cut.