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

[@amorepreparedlife4557]

Excellent video! Glad I didn't have to buy a sharpening kit to do this! I hate waiting for stuff like that to come in the mail... especially in 2020

[@AHandleOnThings]

right on !

[@aegisbrax5325]

Thank you, just instructions and common sense, no crappy music, no long stories, just how to do the job.

[@TheShadeslayer21]

Dear god i hate that chipmunk crap

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@thedirtroadmystic]

I agree

[@andrem2696]

Here I am about to sharpen each blade with a file 😂😂😂 thank you so much for this video!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@MrSirlulzalot]

Same here! 😂❤

[@purpleshogun6488]

Ditto 👋 🫣

[@kentmulter]

Worked like a charm for me! I had a called a few mower-repair places to see about having this done professionally. I only found one shop that could do it. They wanted $55, and I would have had to drive 1/2 an hour each way to drop it off and pick it up. The whole mower didn't cost much more than that! So I went to KZbin ... My mower was 13 years old and never sharpened. So I used a file on the blades first, to get the process started; that only took a few minutes per blade, not too tedious. Then I put the grinding compound on, and adjusted the cutting bar until it was lightly touching the blades. Then I just rotated a tire by hand for a few minutes, to make the blades spin, until they didn't touch the bar any more. Since it was 13 years old, I repeated the process to get a little more edge. The mower works noticeably better now. Thanks for the great advice and ideas!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@gergemall]

I’ll report back after I do it .

[@charcoalanderson8010]

This man is a genius! Sharpening the blades was the most daunting issue when deciding whether to get a reel or gas mower. Think I'm going for the reel!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@hawtenslaton4307]

Wow, That is so simple compared to filling each one! I could get it sharpened by a sharpening service for $50 dollars. My local guy does about 50-60 a season. I went to drop it off to him his jig broke and he can not weld it back anymore! This is a great video in perfect timing! Thank you! 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

[@JorgeLuis-1]

Thank you for putting this together! I looked up other videos as well, but you were the first I saw using the drill. I did the same and used the same grinding compound and it all worked perfectly!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@midnight_3g_297]

I’ve never liked using the gas mower on my grandmas yard since it’s a small yard, she’s got a reel mower in the back and I just got it sharpened and working great thanks to this video

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@LL-oc1xw]

Brilliant! I liked it so much I am allowing KZbin to play all the ads it wants on your channel right now. :-D

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@georgecoull1883]

Thank you sir I appreciate your knowledge transfer and good advice. I love my manual mower and didn't want to scrap it for a new one. You saved me $100-$150 thanks again

[@Macros1971]

Great instructions, I had never seen the blades sharpened before. I haven't used one of these since I was a kid, but I remember that they work great, so I'm hoping that I'll be able to get this yard in shape again.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@JKowala]

Very Good video. I had a question about the valve paste. Do you have to keep applying it over and over during the 8 (+/- minutes) ? Why doesn't it just scrape off after the first pass (1 rotation)?

[@larryrowe5259]

I have a 1931 Dille and Mc guire reel mower I am restoring. It's just about the same design as the newer ones, but is a little more complicated to take the wheel off. I'll try this method. Thanks for the video.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@nigelw598]

Gday from Australia, Thanks so much for taking the time to make and post this great informative video. Liked and subscribed due to the no nonsense format. I live in a town 5 hours from the city and whilst the mower shops here are quite large, they can’t handle my large cylinder mower to sharpen without disassembly and sending away. It’s been 3 years now I have let it sit, using my rotary mower instead. Just doesn’t do the same job. The cylinder blade is quite corroded now. I’m going to set my mower up and patiently lap that baby back into existence. Thanks for the “run it backwards sharpening tip” and explanations in the comments. Very much appreciated Sir. Hope you and yours had a safe and Merry Xmas. Wishing you all the very best for a safe and great New Year. I owe you a beer, Cheers, 👍🍻

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@grosbeakmc]

Thanks for the great video. We just bought a used one - now I know how to sharpen the blades for best performance.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@SebSar-ef4zj]

No idea why most people the first thing they do is choose a crap background jingle while producing an instructions video !! Thank you for not doing that and your instructions are great, clear & to the point ,... Cheers...

[@AHandleOnThings]

Seb, It used to be that KZbin 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

[@SebSar-ef4zj]

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

[@brendatomlinson]

I can’t find any shop in my city of nearly a million people to sharpen my reel mower I got at a garage sale last weekend. Naturally, I came to KZbin! Your method seems so simple even this woman can do it. Thanks for a great, simple educational video.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@MicajahAnderson]

In the closing shot, I see you have those dandelions that duck below the blades as well. Sneaky cusses. :) Did you return those 4 set screws back to their original positions, or leave them where you adjusted them?

[@drakecooley4776]

I just got a working vintage push mower today, it's in desperate need of a sharpening, thanks for the advice.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@bones6173]

Thanks I found drywall compound to close to the same grit nice video

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@kathyc1735]

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

[@amandakozeniewski1226]

This is perfect! Right to the point.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@ganapathyratanam7142]

I just ordered a 5 blades Bosch reel mower. Hope it does its job well. Thank you for the video teaching how to shapen the blades.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@lonnycline5409]

This is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your video. I have 2 reel mowers. I haven't been able to use for sometime now. I will definitely save your sight so I can check it later for other great tips. Now time to sharpen my mower.Thank you again.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@joanneurban1289]

Hi. Thanks for your excellent video. Very helpful & easy enough. One question: did you run the drill in reverse to make blades run backwards?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@clarkl4177]

Love the sound of "Wisconsin" in your voice AND the straightforward instructions--I think I may even be able to handle this (says the 59-year-old woman)

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@kellythrash3154]

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!

[@YTMurdocsocks]

Thanks for this video. My wife wanted to get rid of our mower and buy an electric push mower for 600$. I showed her this video and I’m sharpening the blades tomorrow morning. Thanks again.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@lbrowning2543]

Power tools to sharpen a reel lawn mower? I bought a file from Amazon. Worked great.

[@blitherithicus]

Good job. Pulling the wheels apart is a bit too intimidating for me, so I just suspended the wheels in such a way that I could spin the blades in either direction. Does it matter which direction the wheels are spinning? The blades go against the cutting bar either way.

[@nejtackfu]

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.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@unaluv88]

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

[@emmafogle1953]

Thank you so much! Super easy to understand and was well put together!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@emmafogle1953]

@@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 😁

[@AHandleOnThings]

@@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 KZbin are that way but I think that stinks. Have a super holiday! -Shane

[@thedirtroadmystic]

Simple to the point thank you

[@alexh.4068]

Also, so you don't have to adjust the cutting plate after grinding?

[@fw1240]

The only thing that would've made this better is the paper cutting test, but nevertheless, good job & thank ya!

[@Memiselfi]

Thank you for this video!😊

[@raymondolivas8285]

Thank u , brother, it was very easy to adjust , and it works good. ✌🏻out 😎

[@AHandleOnThings]

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 KZbin. We will always try to be worth your time! Have a SUPER day! -Shane

[@wayneessar7489]

If you loosen the bottom or bed knife away from the reel, you can sharpen the front edge of that piece. The point where the grass is cut is right there and have a sharp, defined corner make the mower cut best.

[@johnbatcheller258]

Thanks for removing the mystery of how to sharpen a reel mower. My Craftsman mower had a much different system, but the fundamentals were the same, and after 20+ years of not sharpening the blades the thing cuts like new.

[@sailawaybob]

Awesome information can't wait to try it out.

[@hexane8]

Would taking a walk and pulling this work if you can't get the wheel-off drill setup going? Or is it too slow? I imagine 10 minutes walking with it is not the same as 10 minutes on that drill thingy.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@patrickcornelissen63]

Do you have a video on how to sharpen the bed knife?

[@drury2d8]

A reel mower is the real mower!

[@damienwatt358]

Does this also sharpen the bedknife or is this a whole different process very confused.

[@Tho1136]

Thank you excellent video

[@ramboppana]

I used the valve grinding compound and turned with drill for quite a bit but the blades aren’t performing as expected. Do you think, having a sharpening compound might make a difference?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@ramboppana]

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

[@Doris-y5v]

how much tightening, ??the screws it we tighten it than it reaches all there is to tighten , available , what happens after that? and what is ''back off'',??

[@LorissaTube]

Thank you for the straight forward video! Question: why do the blades have to spin backwards for sharpening? Can I just walk the mower over a sidewalk for 10 min?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@LorissaTube]

@@AHandleOnThings thanks so much for explaining why ✌️

[@jonn.6325]

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

[@ericlanglois2501]

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

[@amfest]

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

[@RussellHoughton]

Do you put lapping compound on just one blade or all of them.

[@AHandleOnThings]

Russel, I put the compound on each blade -Shane

[@sambooher2277]

That's real slick I try that.....thanks

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@philgrazi]

Nice short video! Thanks

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@ragnarok993]

Got my mower entirely ready to grind and realized i only have 1/2 chuck drills! Doh! I don't really want to go get a new drill just for this, any advice? My mower is a scotts that has a gearing disconnect that doesn't turn the blades when being drug in reverse

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@charliebendock9260]

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!

[@timbarry5080]

Can I use a whitening toothpaste rather than valve grinding compound?

[@brucemaxwell9716]

Very good video. Thank you!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@chrispypfaffenrot8861]

Do you mix the lapping compound with water when you apply it or are you just brushing it on dry?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@northumbriabushcraft1208]

You sound like hank hill and are sharpening a mower 😂 Nice video though man, im about a third of the way through, there is a old push mower in the shed that belonged to the previous owner of the house. It's blunt as a butter knife but it runs fine. I've been restoring the shed (was starting to fall into disrepair, plus ive just got a lathe and wanna turn the shed into my woodwork hut 😎) I want to sharpen the mower and take the little bits of rust off it and give it a new coat of paint. It's a good one, made in England, it deserves to be restored

[@leo_libra6181]

Thanks Shane!

[@rougesunset]

Aw cool this is literally the same mower I just got secondhand for $10!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@garyotterson6100]

That's not bad! I never thought to do it like that

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@stjo4756]

How can you tell if your cutting bar is even so you get the proper cut for the full 16 inch cut? I adjusted the screws and it started to cut but was uneven.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@jabbokrajewski7301]

Thank you I have one of them never used it but I will adjust it now

[@gergemall]

Great job

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@joanneurban1289]

Do I have to put compound on blade bed also, to sharpen?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@AnthonyOGrady-v6h]

so the cutting bar sharpens. No manual filing?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@wollins2]

NIce vid. Question. I have about 1000sq' of front lawn that I'm considering buying a reel mower for. If you were to take a guess ... how long do you think that blades would stay sharp if I were to mow three times per week? Guesstimate? ;)

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@wendymontie5660]

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.

[@woodstock911snoopy]

Thank you the information

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@amankul-yt]

I don't have a drill to rotate that shaft -any alternatives? Also you rotate that anti-clockwise right.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@amankul-yt]

@@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.

[@AHandleOnThings]

@@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

[@dap5790]

Which way is "reverse"?

[@Gedden]

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.

[@edwardmarapese4091]

I have an earth wise 7 blade one I wish I could get mine as sharp as yours

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@MisterAdam-jj5jv]

How often does the blades need sharpening

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@MisterAdam-jj5jv]

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

[@frankgrande6274]

Thanks 👍

[@misstalulah9063]

Great idea to use a drill!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@misstalulah9063]

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! 😊

[@abrothersworld8843]

Cool vid! We made one as well. Keep up the good work.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@tegan71969]

Not clear here, do you place the valve grinding compound the full length of the blade, or just partially in the center? Great video!

[@AHandleOnThings]

Paint the grinding compound on the whole blade edge -Shane

[@Christopher-tg3gu]

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

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@Christopher-tg3gu]

@@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.

[@patrickcornelissen63]

I'm confused, what's the reason for spinning it in reverse?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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.

[@patrickcornelissen63]

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

[@tjleszczynski5508]

did you apply the compound to just one blade or all of them ?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@mogan71]

Hey I have the same mower.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@anneguthrie778]

Thank you!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@anujshah4909]

Any other alternative if I don't have 1/2 inch drill?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@alicebarton2898]

@@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.)

[@AHandleOnThings]

@@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

[@ranten21]

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

[@rickbort7875]

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.

[@jimborton1]

How come you can't just pull the mower backwards and then just readjust the cutting bar. What am I missing?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@tamarakennedy4976]

I hate the plastic it gets brittle after a while but the metal one i have is still lasting but rust is an issue. I cant get my mower apart so i am going to Home Depot to get some Liquid Wrench to spray on it and go about it again tomorrow...guess what the temp is gonna be tomorrow? 90° F. In March! Of course.....of course it is! This is how I plan my life .....my middle name should have been Tamara Murphy`s Law Kennedy

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@alexh.4068]

By reverse you mean reverse for the mower. Not the drill.

[@whiskey56]

While I believe you ID'd this as a Scott's mower, I'm sure that the procedure is the same for an old Craftsman too, I don't think mine has 4 wheels... I dunno, I'll be checking on that in a moment or 3, but thanks much for the video.

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@EJL2004]

just blew mind.... I was using a hand file for years and wondering where all my time went. hah!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@trailman20]

What!?? No actual grinding ?? So what then the grinding compound and the blades going over the cutting bar sharpened it's!!?????? Doesn't make sense to me I would think the compound would have been rubbed off in the first few passes ( I kinda get the turning in reverse part) man this doesn't make sense to me please help me understand I believe ya but I'm not getting the concept obviously .. I'm about to get a reel mower tomorrow and I'm curious as hell

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@johnlewisbrooks]

Why not just use a metal file?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@JustAnotherCFA]

At 1:03, that's not a screw driver. Does anyone have a screw driver ?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@mattymattffs]

You say five bucks, but I can't find it in stock, and when I do, it's 25 dollars, yikes

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@yecartretrac6244]

Doesn't buying a kit ruin the whole DIY part of it?

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@Dennco2000]

Am I watching Back To The Future?????

[@philipbrailey]

What happened!

[@AHandleOnThings]

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

[@gtjman1]

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

[@machonsote918]

You've been mowing that lawn too often..................the grass doesn't even want to grow anymore..........weeds are starting to give up, too.