How to Sharpen a Reel Mower (Step-by-Step Guide)
It’s really hard to use a mower that isn’t sharp—in fact, it’s practically useless because it won’t work properly. Are you dealing with the same problem with your mower? What if I told you I have a solution to make it work properly? Don’t worry, you’ll find out everything you need to know.
If everything else is working but your mower still isn’t cutting the grass, it’s likely because the blades of the reel mower are not sharpened. Dull blades can make the mower difficult to operate and can even damage your lawn. Now that we’ve identified the problem, it’s time to fix it.
In this guide, I’ve explained how to sharpen a reel mower blade so you can get your mower working efficiently and clean your garden. So, let’s not waste more time and money—let’s get the reel mower working again.
Quick takeaways:
- Reel mowers use a belt instead of blades to cut the grass, and they are often easier to operate than other types of mowers.
- Keep the mower deck clean by scraping off any grass after using it.
- The cost of sharpening the reel mower is around $30.
- The direction of sharpening the reel mower is holding it at a 45-degree angle and using the honing rod to sharpen the blade
Does a reel mower need to be sharpened?
A reel mower typically does not require sharpening, but there are a few things that you can do to keep it running smoothly. Check the blades for any chips or cracks, and if they’re noticeable, have them repaired or replaced. Keep the mower deck clean by scraping off any grass and leaves that accumulate over time. Finally, sharpen the blade if it starts to become blunt.
How do you sharpen a reel mower blade by hand?
Reel mowers can be a hassle to sharpen by hand, but it can be done. It is important to use a sharp blade to avoid damaging the machine or yourself. Here are the steps for sharpening a reel mower blade by hand:
1. Use a honing rod to keep the blade sharp.
2. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and use the honing rod to sharpen the blade on one side only. Be careful not to sharpen too much off of the edge of the blade or you will risk cutting yourself.
3. Repeat on the other side of the blade.
How much does it cost to sharpen a reel mower?
There is no one definitive answer to this question since the price of sharpening services will vary depending on where you live, the type of reel mower being sharpened, and the skill level of the sharpeners. However, assuming that you can find a reliable sharpener who does a good job and charges an average price, here are some ballpark figures to give you an idea:
-A professional sharpener who does a basic sharpening on a reel mower will charge around $30.
-If the reel mower has more complicated blades (like a riding lawnmower), the cost will probably increase since the sharpeners will need to use more time and energy to get it looking good. A basic sharpener on a riding lawnmower can cost upwards of $60.
-If you have an electric reel mower, there is not really any need to get it professionally sharpened unless there is something wrong with the blade (like it’s rusty or damaged). In that case, a professional could charge around $50-$100 for a basic sharpener on an electric reel mower.
How much does it cost to sharpen a reel mower?
Typically, it costs around $10 to sharpen a reel mower. However, this price may vary depending on the brand and model of the reel mower. In general, most brands and models of reel mowers require around two hours to be properly sharpened.
How often should a reel mower be sharpened?
Reel mowers can be sharpened using a whetstone or a sharpening stone. A reel mower should be sharpened every 2 to 3 weeks if it is used regularly.
Sharpen reel mower with sandpaper
If your reel mower is not cutting the grass as smoothly as it used to, you may need to sharpen the blades. To sharpen the blades, use sandpaper to smooth out the blade. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the blade from the reel mower.
2. Place the sandpaper on a flat surface and place the blade on top of it.
3. Turn the blade around so that you have a good view of both sides of it.
4. Start sanding off any rougher spots on one side of the blade.
5. Hold the blade stationary and keep sanding until the blade is completely smooth.
6. Repeat on the other side of the blade.
how to sharpen a reel mower bedknife
If you need to sharpen your reel mower bedknife, here are a few tips to follow. Firstly, make sure that the blade is properly lubricated before beginning. Secondly, use a sharpening stone that is at least 800 grit. Thirdly, hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and sharpen along the grain of the blade. Finally, use a polishing cloth to polish the blade’s surface.
cost to sharpen reel mower blades
The cost to sharpen reel mower blades varies depending on the type of blade, the blade sharpener, and the location. However, in general, sharpenings typically cost between $10 and $30.
If you have an electric sharpener, expect to pay less than if you sharpen the blades using a manual sharpener. Manual sharpeners are generally cheaper than electric sharpeners but require more personal attention because they use a stone instead of an electronic motor.
The location also affects the price of a blade sharpening. In most cases, blade sharpening costs more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.
Helpful Video to Sharpen a Reel Mower
Conclusion
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a reel mower in your garage that you use to cut the lawn. But if your reel mower is starting to lose its edge, it’s time to sharpen it up. Here are four steps on how to sharpen a reel mower:
1) Park the reel mower on a level surface and disengage the blade from the motor.
2) Loosen the blade mounting screws and remove the blade from the reel mower.
3) Sharpen the blade using a sharpening stone or knife. Hold the blade at a 30-degree angle to the stone or knife and gently stroke it back and forth across the stone or knife. Make sure to keep your fingers away from the blade sharpener so that you don’t get cut.
4) Reinstall the blade onto the reel mower and tighten the mounting screws.
FAQ’s
How to sharpen a reel mower with a file?
If you own a reel mower, it’s important to know how to sharpen a reel mower blade. You can do this by using a file. First, make sure that the blade is clean and free of debris. Then, hold the file at a 45-degree angle to the blade and drag it along the length of the blade. Be careful not to use too much force or you’ll damage the blade.
Can we sharpen the reel mower with sandpaper?
If you’re looking to sharpen your reel mower, sandpaper is a great way to do it. Sharpen the blade on your reel mower by sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper. Start by sanding the blade all the way around the edge. Then use a slightly coarser grit sandpaper to polish the blade. Do this until the blade is sharpened to your desired level.