Best way to sharpen reel lawn mower blades - How to sharpen a push mower 

right on !

Andre, Oh goodness! Dont do that! lol. Have a super weekend! -shane

Same here! 😂❤

Ditto 👋 🫣

Midnight, Thanks for the comment! There is nothing like a sharp reel mower to give your lawn a nice manicured look! And the exercise doesnt hurt guys like me either! Have a super day! -Shane

Dear god i hate that chipmunk crap

Aegis, LOL... I do try to get right to the point! The fluff never impressed me much either . Merry Christmas! -Shane

I agree

John, Glad you found the video helpful! Sharpening reel mowers isnt a very "intuitive" process but once you get the idea, it makes it easy! Personally, I enjoy using the reel mower on my lawn instead of the noisy motorized ones i have. Have a super weekend! -Shane

Larry, Most reel mowers are sharpened with a version of this method. Your mower sounds like a really cool old machine! I would LOVE to hear how your sharpening goes on that one! Let us know! Have a super 4th of July weekend! -Shane

lonny, Reel mowers are the greatest! But like you say, it takes special knowledge to keep them working. Hope you got yours cutting nice again! -Shane

OHHH! Thats a niiiiice mower too! Let us know how you like it! I have heard they are very nice! -Shane

Joanne, Sorry for the delay in response. You can run the drill in reverse, or just attach the drill to the other end of the blade shaft to make it run in reverse. Either way works. Have a super weekend! -Shane

Gary, There really isnt much to it! Merry Christmas! -Shane

As long as you are pulling the mower so that it is spinning in reverse it could work. Hook it to the back of your bike and drag it around the block and that would likely do the trick. Lots of extra wear on the wheels etc tho. Have a super weekend! -Shane

There is nothing quite as nice as a good sharp reel mower! I know some are pretty tricky to work with. Stay safe ! -Shane

Mogan, Lots of them out there! The best thing is most all sharpen the same way! Have a super day! -Shane

You just have to make sure that the blades are in contact all the way across. So snug the bar up till it just makes contact and as you turn the blade you need to hear it rubbing all the way across. You can also slip a piece of copier paper along the point where the blade and bar come in contact to make sure if you like. Stay safe and have a SUPER weekend! -Shane

Amankul, The blades need to rotate backwards. Anti-clockwise if you are looking at them from the right of the mower as you are pushing it. A drill is the only way to do this that I am aware of. Some folks try to drag the mower backwards, with mixed results. Stay safe! -shane

@@AHandleOnThings thank you so much! Just realized took off the left wheel so I shd be turning it clockwise. Also not sure if it matters but there's big gap between small and big wheel on each side of my mower , urs look almost touching.

@@amankul-yt It may just be part of the design. If it still turns everything when it is assembled it is probably fine. lots of different designs out there

What happened? What happened to what? I don't understand the question. Best regards, -Shane

When the gritty compound rubs up against the bed knife, it kind of auto-sharpens the blade of the reel.

Thanks for the compliment LL, I appreciate you! I would skip as many of those doggone commercials as possible if I was you tho! lol -Shane

Jorge, Thanks VERY much for the comment! I'm glad you had excellent results! Sharpening reel mowers is something of a mystery until you see it done one time and this is such an easy way to sharpen a reel mower it kind of combines old technology (reel mower) with newer technology (electric drill). The best of both worlds! Have a wonderful day! -Shane

Matt, Inflation is real. Try O'reilly auto parts. It is still $5.99 there. Or you can try amazon.com and they had several options for under $10 still Have a super weekend! -Shane

I was wondering the same thing! Unfortunately I found the answer on a different comment and yes, it needs to go backwards to sharpen the blades on the right side.

Yep, the backwards direction is critical. One side will get blunted and the other side gets sharper. You just have to make sure the sharper side is where you need it. If this wasnt true, the mower would never need sharpening because it would be sharpening itself all the time. Thanks for the comment! Stay safe! -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings Critical indeed, I just went the wrong way haha, wondering why the visible side didnt become sharper, now need to rectify it :)

Nigel, I am beyond happy that you got the info you needed and that you appreciate my straight to the point methods of delivering it. Have a Super New Years brother, and raise one up with me in mind! -Shane

Ragnarok, Well... I would just make an adapter in the lathe, but most folks dont have a lathe at their disposal... Im not really sure how to avoid a bigger drill. Let us know what you come up with! Have a super weekend! -Shane

Same story for me. The drive shaft on our old push mower is just a bit too big for the 1/2" chuck on my Milwaukee hole hawg. And boy, larger drill chucks sure are expensive!

For anyone who can't figure it out. Push the mower slowly and figure out what way it's spinning. That's what you reverse.

Bones, EXCELLENT ! I will try that next time! Makes perfect sense to me if it works! Merry Christmas! -Shane

Good to know! Like the EZSand joint compound that comes in a box? I assume you add a bit of water?

I have never had an issue with the grinding compound getting the job done but you may need to bring the bar up into tolerance more than once if you are way out of sharp. -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings thanks for the response. Will try that.

Ken, Thanks for the comment! Its a very easy process! Have a super weekend! -Shane

Kent, I cant tell you how happy it makes us when we hear the videos have been helpful! The reel mower is just odd enough to make sharpening it a bit of a puzzle! I would like to say I'm surprised that you had such a difficult time finding a repair place that knew how to sharpen one but I suppose its just a sign of the times. I hope you are having a fantastic 4th of July weekend ! -Shane

I’ll report back after I do it .

Seb, It used to be that RU-vid always recommended that silly music... It leads new content creators down a slippery slope into some pretty annoying stuff tho! Thanks for the comment and have a super day! -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings Message received with thanks.. All good.👍

Alex, There are indeed a lot of them out there! They all sharpen pretty much the same tho. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and have a super day! -Shane

Lorissa, Thanks for the view and the comment and the excellent question! The blades have to go backwards for sharpening (lapping) in order to leave the crisp cutting edge on the (correct) side of the blade and cutting bar that will strike against each other during grass cutting. So, unfortunately, pushing the mower around in a forward direction would not result in sharp blades. If that worked, then the blades would be "self sharpening" which would be a fabulous feature as all you would have to do if that worked is adjust the striker bar once in awhile and everything would be good. Hope you are having a fabulous day! -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings thanks so much for explaining why ✌️

@@LorissaTube or just walk backwards with the mower in tow :D

@@jonn.6325 would pulling the mower actually work? I can’t think of a reason why not.

@@ericlanglois2501 depends on the mower . mine doesn't engage the blade spinning going backwards only on pushing so wouldn't work

Charcoal, ( I LOVE THEN NAME!!) Thanks SO much for the comment! You are so right! Reel mowers are a GREAT tool once you know how to sharpen them. Until you know how easy it is, it always brings to mind the idea of someone sitting in front of the blades for hours with a lot of patience and a whetstone ! Have a SUPER DAY and Stay safe!! -Shane

Raymond, Thanks for the comment! WE LOVE it when folks let us know that a video was worth their time to watch! As you know, there is a lot of the OTHER kind of videos on RU-vid. We will always try to be worth your time! Have a SUPER day! -Shane

Amanda, Thanks for the comment! We try to eliminate the fluff and get to the info out there! Have a super weekend! -Shane

I would expect to sharpen twice per season at least. More often if you are really finicky about how pretty the finish looks. The sharper the blades, the prettier the finish and the greener the grass will stay. Have a super day! -Shane

Confession (unasked for) time for me: Our lot is approx 13,000 s/f, minus about 2500 of that for the house and all paved areas (garage, walkways, patio, driveway - house was built in '65, so this lot dates back to pre-heavy densification). I've been a 'bad' reel mower 'mom'...and I've had the reel mower for about 4 years (and I've got a corded electric one because summers are brutal, I can't always get out there w/the reel before melting) and I'm about to finally sharpen it. I haven't used it weekly and sometimes not even monthly (opting for avoiding mowing altogether or using the electric one) and sometimes only used it on the front yard. But, it still seems to work, yet I'm certain it could use some TLC. I was at least dousing it in WD40 at each use.

That is correct. It is called "lapping" have a great day

Emma, Thank you SO MUCH for the nice comment! I have seen so many folks giving reel mowers a try over the last couple of years! It really is a great thing to find people learning that gasoline motors arent always necessary ! Have a SUPER weekend! -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings no worries! I got one for free and I just love it SO much more than any other mower I've tried. I appreciate you responding to comments, really put a smile on my face 😁

@@emmafogle1953 Emma, I try to always answer all comments with the exception of trolls of course. When someone takes the time to say hello I think its pretty lousy not to answer questions or at least say hello back! I know some of the folks on RU-vid are that way but I think that stinks. Have a super holiday! -Shane

Im SOOOO glad you enjoyed the video! and OF COURSE you can do this! Go get 'em!! Stay safe and stay healthy! -Shane

I agree, 47 year old Louisiana chick here, and this is hands down the best video I saw on how to sharpen the blades for my new/old mower...I subscribed, and am now watching all of your other videos. I am not mechanically inclined, so I Love the no nonsense, simple instructions! Thank you!

Patrick, Much like sharpening a scissors, the leading edge of the blade that contacts the striker needs to be the edge sharpened... Running the blades in reverse does that.

@@AHandleOnThings Got it thanks just needed to confirm if the procedure could be done either way

trailman, The grit gets transferred to the "leading edge" of the striker and then it gets picked up a little at a time as the blades keep passing. Eventually you are left with a little smudge of the grease that the grit is carried in and filth that was lapped off of the blades and the striker bar. I usually reapply the compound a time or two during the process just to keep stuff moving along quickly though. Give it a shot, it is easier to show and see than to imagine. Have a super day and enjoy your new reel mower! -Shane

John, Valid question! Using a file will actually make the mower perform worse. The reason why is because a Reel Mower works like a pair of scissors. Because the rotating blades dont achieve the speed needed to cut crass without a striker, the mower pinches the grass between the rotating blades and a striker bar making the cut. The "perfect" clearance at the junction of the blades and the striker bar is what makes the mower "Sharp" just like a pair of scissors which is two blades striking against each other to do essentially same process. Filing the blades would increase the gap between the blades and the striker and if the gap is more than the thickness of the grass being introduced into the mower, the grass would not be pinched and therefore it would not be cut. In addition, the blades would become very irregular in the amount of strike surface that happens at the striker causing really irregular cutting as well because it isnt possible to file the blades perfectly across the entire blade set. If you HAVE filed your blades, you may still be able to salvage them by following the steps in the video, but it will take longer because you would need to get them all down to the same edge. If the blades were filed a LOT, the blades may be destroyed. I hope this clears it up for you! Have a super day -Shane

Russel, I put the compound on each blade -Shane

James. Some reel mowers will allow that and some require the gear to be removed to allow them to be run in reverse like that. When I was a kid I had a friend who used to pull his mower (backwards) all over town to his mowing jobs. He had the sharpest blades in town! But... For most folks, dragging a mower up and down the driveway in reverse for 15 minutes is a second best solution. Have a super day!! -Shane

Drake, Any time my friend! Advice is always free around here! The old reel mowers are almost always GREAT once they get sharpened and oiled up! Have fun! ... as much fun as you can have while mowing the lawn anyway! Stay safe! -Shane

Brenda, Reel mower sharpening is simple when you know how! A lot of people have watched the video and it is apparent to me that you are absolutely correct that the shops either dont know how or for some reason refuse to sharpen them. Its really a sad thing tho since like you say, it is an easy process! Im so glad you had a good experience with it! Merry Christmas! -Shane

Chrispy, The lapping compound I use is a paste and I did not have to add any water. Have a super weekend. -Shane

EJL, lol.... I know EXACTLY what you mean! I have had many projects that I was in the same boat on and once I saw the easy way/right way to do it, I was amazed. Have a super day! -Shane

Tamara, 90 degrees! holy smokes! We have been enjoying the 35 degree stuff again today and I could use a bit of warmer weather but 90 degrees is a bit much this early! Stay safe! -Shane

Sawdusty, I feel ya, tools are constantly changing. I use that one because the grip in my hands isnt what t used to be and when they dont come easy, the extra Leeeeverage helps! Have a SUPER holiday weekend! -Shane

I usually sharpen once a year but if you have sandy soil or scalp the lawn some, you may get dull faster. Have a super day -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings thanks for responding..... on the list for next season

LOL, I think your wife and my wife must have gone to the same school! The electric mowers are really no match for a well sharpened reel mower... Good luck my friend, stay safe! -Shane

I just put it on the blade edge, it transfers itself to the striker. But you can put it both places. -Shane

Thanks for the comment! ...I can tell you this much... WAITING for a kit to be delivered to me ruins the DIY part of it for ME at least! I'm one of those guys who has trouble getting back to a project later so delays (like waiting for parts or tools) is a real drag for me. Have a super day! -shane

Samuel, Thanks for the comment! It is indeed a super easy process! It is soooooooo mush more satisfying to see how much nicer the lawn looks with the sharp blades too! have a super weekend! -Shane

Bruce, Thanks for the comment! Hope your mower is sharp and was cutting nicely! Merry Christmas! -Shane

Philip, Thanks a TON for the comment! We try hard to keep the videos focused on the good stuff! Have a SUPER week! -Shane

Tj, I apply the compound to each of the blades. If they are really dull, you may have to apply more than once. Have a super day! -Shane

Woodstock, Thank YOU! for taking the time to say thanks! We appreciate you! Have a super holiday weekend! -Shane

I checked out your channel and subscribed to you too! Keep up the good work guys! -Shane

Jon, Thanks a TON for taking the time to comment! Have a SUPER day! -Shane

Anne, You are very welcome! Reel mowers are a lot more fun when they are sharp! Thanks for the comment, and be sure to let us know how your project goes!! Stay safe! -Shane

You can use a socket that will slip on the shaft and drive that socket with a drill or impact driver as well. Good luck! -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings Hey I have the same question, but I have a BUNCH of sockets that don't fit. Any ideas what size socket would work for the standard mower? (I already learned the hard way that they need to be deep.)

@@alicebarton2898 A deep-well socket (spark plug type socket) just large enough to fit over the shaft can be used if you use a hacksaw or a cutoff wheel on a 4 1/2" grinder to cut notches to engage the through pin on the shaft if you don't have a 1/2" drill. but I don't know what size socket would fit over the through pin without notching it. That will vary some from mower to mower depending on how long they let the through pin run wild to engage the gear that fits on it. Let us know if you come up with a socket that works on your mower though to help other folks with the same question! Stay safe! -Shane

What kind of drill do you use in the video? Ive looked at least 3 drills and none seem to be a 1/2 inch despite their description. Ive looked at all kinds of socket with no luck

My first time, I could not locate a sharpening kit anywhere, online or in a store, soI used an 11/16" deep socket with a short extension and breaker bar to rotate the blades backwards, but it was a major pain. I then switched the right wheel and pinion gear to the left and vice-versa and pushed the mower backwards up and down my driveway after applying the valve grinding compound, for about 10-15 minutes. Much better results.

Thanks for the view and the comment Miss T! Hope you are having a fantastic 4th of July weekend! -Shane

Thank you I am actually! I’m in the UK but we had a Pictionary gathering and it was fantabulous! I hope you’ve enjoyed today too! 😊

Paint the grinding compound on the whole blade edge -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings Do we apply the grinding compound on just one blade and allow it to automatically spread to all the blades as they turn?

I always paint all of the blade edges with the valve grinding compound. It will spread around a bit on its own because it rubs off on the striker bar, but to get a faster higher quality sharpening, paint all of the blade edges lightly. That said, if you miss a hard to reach spot it isn't going to mess up your whole project. Stay safe! -Shane

@@AHandleOnThings Thank you Shane. You have a talent for explaining the technique clearly and concisely and showing the best perspective with the camera. Keep making these short, easy to follow videos. This technique is a lot easier than sharpening the edges on my family's skiis and snowboards.

Al, Most Reel mowers are able to be sharpened in the same way, there isn't really that much variation in the designs. That said, let us know for sure if the Craftsman is the same! Lots of people watching this video and I am certain many would benefit from your verifying that! I hope you are having a great memorial day weekend! Stay safe! -Shane

ANY drill with a 5/8" chuck should work nicely. I prefer corded drills for this job as they tend to have more power for the amount of time this project takes and they can usually be found at great prices. Harbor Freight, or online are probably the cheapest way to go but there are plenty of very reasonable options out there. Have a SUPER DAY!! -Shane