How To Sharpen Blades On Manual Push Mower Reel Mower

[@OceanJoe-cy8rx]

Spent a long time trying to find this. People with drills, kits that cost more than the mower, etc. taking wheels off, blah blah blah. Thanks.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thanks glad the video helped.

[@keydillard]

Omg yes! I was like I’m not taking a wheel off to sharpen a blade, lol

[@smith3329]

I wouldn't have a clue without you. 😂thank you

[@steelgila]

Boy u can say that again. So many internet experts who know less about whatever than a flea knows about Sunday!

[@peaceandlove2555]

Hahaha true still one year ago 😂

[@BittyNot]

This is by far the best video about how to sharpen the blades on a manual reel mower I've ever seen! Thank you!

[@jenniferrusert5832]

AND one of the most simple and straight-forward instructions that I've seen!

[@RobertGott-c3f]

Agree 200 per cent

[@kath5201]

Thank you! I bought a reel mower, since hubby is "I'll fix it, quit reminding me!!" About the gas mower. Had no clue about sharpening. Thanks for the video...❤

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Glad it helped, it all about getting a good surface and wearing gloves to protect yourself.

[@tracyalabasterjar737]

My hubby is the same way. We ladies have to do what we have to do in order to get the job done. I’m so glad for this video.

[@SuzanneMorovic]

Thank you so much. Since my father passed I'm having to learn some things on my own to help my mother maintain the house. This was very helpful.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Sorry to hear, I'm glad this video was helpful.

[@occupyyourmind2]

Great instructions. My old American manual mower would cost $40 to sharpen if I sent it to a shop. Have now done it myself with my flat file. Works perfectly. Thank you.

[@CubitaLola]

Can you tell me which file you bought? I have a manual reel mower too and needs sharpening. Thanks

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

You will need a flat metal file.

[@gergemall]

One inch metal file will do it.

[@ladytube64]

Thank you so much for this viedo....I have an old reel mower. I"ve given up my gas mower. I'm finding the reel mower does a better job in cutting the grass.

[@RelliePi]

Thank you for this video. I'm about to sharpen my reel mower blades for the first time.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Great, the season is starting, I was just outside and thought I have to get my mower back up and ready, and even work on some other yard tools. Thx

[@MrBorington]

Thank you for this simple and effective way to sharpen the blade. I have just got a reel mower last week. Most videos I have watched so far showed how to take off one wheel, use a handle or a drill to spin the blades, etc. Your simple method is what I expect and prefer 👍

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thx and glad it helped, I get a lot of messages telling me to do the paste style, its great if you just need to hone but if you hit rocks and other hard sticks etc. you need to sharpen with a file. Our first push mower came with instructions on how to stick a piece of sand paper in-between the blade and cutting edge and then adjust the bar and it just seems like there is too much work when all you want to do is sharpen and start cutting your yard.

[@Africa1000]

Really useful video. Probably the best way to sharpen mower blades and does away with the need for backlapping and all that stuff. What could be simpler. No drill. No grinding paste. Just perfect! Thank you.

[@j2p4h]

I just tried this and it worked better than I ever expected. It was easy and quick to sharpen my mower. It went from jamming after about 3 metres to being nearly unstoppable. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Glad it helped, Thx

[@ShinKyuubi]

I appreciate this since most vids I've seen so far all use the method of sharpening compound and using a drill to spin the blade in reverse to sharpen it against the cutting bar.

[@rhondaburrell3267]

Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower kzbin.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.

[@jsmith5910]

wow; superb instruction; when you can take a topic and make it simple, that is noteworthy

[@sherrysly2658]

I bought a reel mower. I’m 76. I also have a battery powered Ryobi. I like my rotary mower. It is small, maneuverable and quiet. You sharpen the mower blade the way my dad used to sharpen his. Thank you because I’m really not cool about taking it all apart and using liquid sandpaper. I don’t have a file. I remember seeing a bunch of old tools at a pawnshop. I think I’ll go there and look for one. Who knows what else I’ll find.😊

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Very cool, thx for watching. You can also get files at pretty much any hardware store, but they won't have other odd cool stuff like a pawn shop could have.

[@andrewdobosz3682]

Check yardsales or a flea market they're always selling old tools

[@YoloFordGuy]

Harbor freight has some that come in a pack for about $10

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Yes, if you are lucky to have a harbor freight store near you they have files, or even a tractor supply store will have files.

[@diarmidbaillie]

This was exactly the video I needed. Mower cutting like a charm again thank you 👌🙏

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thx, glad it helped, these are great but hard to find much info locally to get them back up and cutting.

[@Father_Brother_Son]

I need to get my hands on a file. Great video!

[@steelgila]

Thank you! I'm with everybody else here. I knew there had to be something a guy does with a file to sharpen these things but I wasn't sure what part to file. I actually thought that bar you pointed out might be the place to appy the file. Glad your video clarified that! Will like u!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thanks, glad the video helped.

[@alexanderkliminksy7574]

Thank you so much, never knew I had to push only. Cutting much better now!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Happy to hear that, these mowers are great for smaller yards.

[@dragonslit816]

Great video! Thank you for the information in a simple and straightforward manner. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@Papascoffs]

I have an American reel mower! Bought it used about a year or two ago. Figured it probably needed a sharpening but your video popped right up.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Just give a look and see if there is much rust or dings on the blades, then you can decide if it needs to be sharpened.

[@mikebolton5559]

Hey man, cool shades!! Thanks for sharing

[@sd4301]

Thank you so much for making this video. I am going to try this method as it seems more simple and efficient. I previously tried the drill/compound and removal of the e-ring,wheels, gear but I find it so cumbersome. Putting back the e-ring on the wheel took me a good 20mins! I had previously shyed away from using files but I think if I am careful, I will not cut myself!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thank you, just take your time and you will be fine, get some thick leather gloves at a local hardware store to help protect.

[@donaldprichard692]

Just got one of these jewels. I love it. Thanks for the video. Much appreciated.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

They are great for smaller yards, or if you don't have storage space for gas mowers.

[@sergiovillasenor1455]

My coworkers will look at me like A GOD!!! Thank You🙏🏽

[@Father_Brother_Son]

Great video! So much less complicated than all the other nonsense so many others tell us to do. I also always thought the cutting bar was the blade, for some reason. lol. This was a big help

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thx, you may need to sharpen the bar below at sometime but I've never had to. When I do I'll make a video of that.

[@mtnshelby7059]

Thank you, this looks easy enough. Other videos had disassembly and tools i dont have.

[@hillsideadventures4024]

Thanks alot! I thought I could sharpen with a file , I just wasn't sure on the angle

[@brittanymadelianne9247]

Wow I didn’t realize it was that simple!

[@randyjohnson4007]

Thank you... short and to the point. Much appreciated.

[@desmondehoppie4758]

Great. Very Informative. Thank You for taking the time to make this video

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@AnthonyOGrady-v6h]

Great vid. Glad I held onto my push mower. Belt went on my leci one

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thx, I've had small yards and only need these push type, thought about an electric but need a place to store it inside so it wouldn't get damaged. You can cover these and keep them outside and as long as you oil or use WD40 to keep the moisture off they will last covered.

[@gerardcollins4863]

From Manchester, England, Thank you..

[@ewhite9432]

Thank you so much! This is a great, to-the-point video!

[@cjarnold9727]

Thanks bro. Lost the manual for my mower years ago

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Glad it helped, the manual I had said something about sand paper but I knew it wasn't going to help when you hit rocks and sticks.

[@contralilozi50]

Thanks from Australia.

[@analyticalhabitrails9857]

So how did it go? Is your manual push mower sharp like new? How long did it take you to sharpen in total? Thanks!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

If you are fast it should only take about 20 minutes. but you want to be careful so it may take longer to be safe.

[@hansa.verhoog8039]

Thanks man, good vid, gonna do this with my mower. 😊

[@RobertGott-c3f]

A great video😊 Like many jobs their is an sinple way You dont know until someone Tells you Thank you so much 😮😊😅😮

[@RobertGott-c3f]

Since watching this video I've sharpened my qualcast 30 Now spot on Thank you🤓😉😉😉

[@TheMonica82]

Thank you - this is doable! A great help to me...:~)

[@lakshmanwickremasekera9534]

Can you explain how to sharpen the bed knife. In my country Sri Lanka it is very expensive to go for a new one. Thanks.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

I have never done this, if I were to sharpen the bar if that is what you are asking for, you may have to remove more parts to access and I would sharpen with a whetstone and just put the edge back on and then adjust the bar to the round wheel. Hope that helps.

[@lakshmanwickremasekera9534]

@@chelseacollectibles8827 Thank you for your explanation. I managed to do it with out removing the bar, but not very perfect job still it is better that it was.

[@froellig3970]

Now I go sharpen my mower. Yay.!

[@shion_lwn]

i have a british vintage reel mower that can not be sharpened using a drill and a socket.. turning its rear drums won't turn the cylinder due to how the gear system made. after I finished restoring it, I wasn't sure how I could sharpen the blades. I will try this classic way. thank you!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Hope this works, not familiar with the British style of mower, will have to search this up to see the difference.

[@gritskennedy5007]

Thank you Buddy...you are my go to Guru..hey didn't you make a video about salvaging your battery rechargeable trimmer weed whacker that doesn't feed anymore? Where you made it fixed and you still had to hand feed the trimmer line no big deal but at least it could still be used?!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

HA, Thx, that wasn't me with the battery. But hope this video helped and I'm getting ready for more yard tool maintenance videos soon!!

[@jenniferbryn]

thank you! i notice ours isn't getting the tallest, strong grass shoots, they just bend over and pop back up. hopefully this will help

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Sometimes its just hard for these mowers to get the taller thicker shoots. Hope this will help if needed. Thx

[@analyticalhabitrails9857]

So did sharpening helped?

[@marmon5662]

If the grass has grown too tall then use the power mower. If you're mowing every 10 to 15 days and the grass is not allowed to grow too tall, then the manual mower should do the job.

[@reggie9]

I just bought a used reel mower and it's sharp as a spoon.. Do you think a sharpening stone would do the trick? Thanks

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

I'm sure you could but it would be easier with a file if its that dull. Make sure your stone has water or oil on it, there is a lot of great info on stones, I have one that I use water on for my kitchen knives. If they are not stainless steel you need to dry and oil that knife afterwards.

[@ladyewo6778]

Thank you. I needed this.😊

[@zunathanzu]

I used to have that exact green jacket from Old Navy lol

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

HAHA its perfect for slightly cool days.

[@robbnoble1509]

Thanks for this. I got an old reel mower from my dad. I tried using it but the cut misses a lot/blades are dull. Wasn't sure if sharpening them was an option or if it would file too much off to get a clean cut with the bar. Gonna sharpen it up and give it a go.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Also search your model and make sure your bar is at the correct clearance.

[@analyticalhabitrails9857]

Hpw did it go? Did it sharpen?

[@carolineadamlegendre169]

Hi. I need to do this on the ground as 50 lb Fiskars no easy to lift to table height. Also, why are you not filing at an angle?. I would file at an angle on the one edge of the blade and on the other edge of the blade, so both angling towards an "apex in the cloud". In sewing, we snip a thread at an angle, moisten and insert into a needle as it makes it easier. Just my two cents, but thanks a lot. What do you think about a diamond style file vs bastard milll file? Thank you.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

You can use any file, I don't have larger diamond files, so that's why I used what I had. As for the angle, your round part of the mower will have an angle and spiral, you would just follow that angle, no need to make a new angle. Unlike scissors where you need to go along that one edge with a file or stone to make the angle then go on the flat side to remove any burr, you don't need to do that with these mowers.

[@ApalconJudo]

Great video! But wondering why you said "push" with a metal file? What if you push & pull?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

This is how metal files cut, if you pull back you will dull the file.

[@ApalconJudo]

@@chelseacollectibles8827 Thank you!

[@ada2542]

What kind Of metal file do you use any particular kind or size?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Any metal file will work, make sure its for metal and not a wood rasp. Size won't matter, if you feel you are going to do a bunch of projects with files you may want to get a kit.

[@MarthaPatricia06]

Thank you, excellent

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheOriginalStevenH]

well I learned something new today.

[@SalGuelphON]

Could you post a link to what file you have. Would any file work?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Its an old file I picked up at an estate sale, any metal file will work.

[@wbwills2]

Thx. I have one of those but not that brand. I disassembled it last year and saw it had plastic gears & cheep looking parts. I think yours said green works.I’m going to look at the one I have 1 more time and see if It has any cuts left in it (if I can remember how to reassemble it.?.?)I think it’s going to be taking a ride to the dump unfortunately. Had a craftsman that had a plate on it that said it was manufactured in 1924 I think it was. I used it with good results when I was younger. It’s long gone though. Wondering how you decided what brand to buy & why. Help me decide on what to by. Was looking at a different looking design a couple years ago but wound up getting a free gas push mower that’s a simple design and I have been able to keep it running good…so far. But would like a manual reel..suggestions?thx. Like & subscribed. Take care

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

I've actually never taken this apart and do believe most if not all newer ones have the plastic gears but I'm not 100% sure of that. This is the second one we've had, first one lasted 4 years but we sold it when we moved, this one we've had for about 4 or 5 years now but bought used. Last one we had was red and was a lawn company but I can't remember the brand of that one.

[@kareno8634]

Old Craftsman as you spoke of was the First Lawn Mower i used as a Kid. don't know year, Still at Home, Looks so much smaller, now. lol I'd try looking for Older made Reel mower, as in Yard Sales. Much Good Luck! *You Keep Trying* to put that puzzle Back Together, may just help knowledge for next mower.

[@BigWesLawns]

I have this same unit. It does have plastic gears, so keep it sharp and dont push it too fast. 🇨🇦👊🏻👨🏻‍🏭✨💖

[@jenniferrusert5832]

Do you recommend a certain angle when filing the edge? (I.E. 45 or 60 degrees?). I actually DO have an electrical multi-speed grinder left behind by by ex. I feel more comfortable with a hand tool for now. Thanks for your instructive video!!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Not really sure what angle, just follow the angle of the blade you have, try not to change the angle too much if at all, you are just filing to make everything flat again from hitting rocks, branches etc. Hope that helps.

[@tristancills6442]

God bless you both

[@eteddie12]

Hi, I have a Sun Joe MJ500M, I find that I can only go 1-2 feet before the reel gets stuck and I can’t push any further. I have to go back a couple feet, get momentum, and push forward pretty hard. I repeat this over and over taking me forever to cut a small piece of grass. I already filed the blades. What can this be? My grass is way too long maybe? Thank you In advance

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Not really sure without seeing it in action. My guess is that the grass is too long, you will fight it until you keep mowing more often and keep it shorter, if this is the issue try raising the cutting bed. On mine there are two side handles that adjust 4 or 5 different positions. Could also be too wet on the ground and the wheels are slipping. Or there may be a broken gear inside that keeps locking it? That's all I can think of, hope that helps.

[@andrewdobosz3682]

Probably the reel is too close to the bed knife. It's a pretty easy fix either an Allen key or a screwdriver is all you need

[@FraggyAjja-sh9ey]

Very nice

[@buddha7583]

Can you use a whetstone instead of a file to sharpen the blades?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Sure, you could even use a sanding block with sandpaper. But after you run this you will hit small rocks and sticks, this will make dings in the rotating blades, and a file is sometimes the only way to get those out fast or easy. Thx

[@buddha7583]

Thanks for the reply. We followed your easy instructions and used a whetstone. It totally worked. Can't believe some of the complicated, expensive instructions online!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Glad you got it worked out, it should be easy not that hard with removing parts etc. Thx again

[@bobanderson6656]

Can you use a dremel to do this?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

I guess you could, I just prefer the hand tools to get more control and file evenly. I've never had luck doing that type of thing with a dremel, but they are great tools for some jobs.

[@MsYotuve]

Thank you so much!

[@chrisweld2903]

Can you use a hand grinder?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Hand grinder would take too much material off, you don't need to file too much, just enough to get that shine back and then oil after each use. The more you take off the more adjustments you need to make on that cutting bar.

[@chrisweld2903]

@@chelseacollectibles8827 ok,thank you for the information. What kind of oil? A specific type?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

I use WD40 after mowing, brush out the grass clippings and spray. But any oil would work, just be careful of animals around so you don't leave it for them to possibly eat or get sick.

[@bjk7797]

Thanks 👍

[@annieyue9184]

Thank you!

[@hoteloutsourcedservices9038]

Great vid thanks

[@GonjaGrowinGirl]

Thankyou well done and explained so even a girl can do it! I'm kidding of coarse a girl can do it. Did you notice a big difference after sharpening the next time you mowed? Just curious! Thanks again!! 🌱💚🧑‍⚕️

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Hi, I usually only sharpen once a season, sometimes less. You will notice your mower not cutting then it will need a sharpening. Thx

[@GonjaGrowinGirl]

@@chelseacollectibles8827 thankyou!

[@jenniferrusert5832]

OK, for all of us newbies. In one scene you have the reel mower on the table upright (in its normal position), but then you skip to scraping the blades with a rasp. It's VERY confusing to us newbies on what direction and edge we should be sharpening since it looks like the reel mower is upside-down and backwards from the very beginning of the video. Please help or explain to a VERY new newbie with tools.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Mower is upright in both scenes, one angle and the other, you should be able to see the handle on the top its on one side then the other, the camera is on a different angle and I am on the other side of the mower. As for rasp, a rasp is for wood, wood rasp, you need a metal file, that is made for metal only. Files for wood or metal only cut when you push not pull, this is how they are made. When you get your mower ready you need to set it up on a stable table or even on the ground and push only with the file. Thx

[@kareno8634]

You mention "Correct Angle", but What angle? Is it "Flat", straight across top of Blade or angled? sorry, my issue understanding - i have 'vintage' [60's?] Craftsman, I'm Not wanting to screw it up. I see No 'angle' [bevel] on blades, Too covered in rust. most likely i'll File Straight and if not right - then see what's needed. *Thanks!* lol just thought of that 'reasoning'. : } {{sigh}} Only video using File i've found, Bravo to You!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

You would follow the angle of the blade you have already, but as you can see in the video I only go a small amount before I turn to keep that curve in the blade. Hope that makes sense. Don't file too much and don't forget to turn, after a little bit you can get the feel of where it has to be. Thx

[@FredCaracciola-tu6qo]

Read through the comments and am surprised on how many people don’t own a file and don’t know how a file works, call me old school but that’s the problem when you take metal shop and wood shop out of the schools

[@childofthekingjesusmylord8715]

You know I tried finding a place to sharpen my blade on my lawn mower and I can't find nobody to sharpen these old ones I called the small engine place up the street and they don't even know how to do it this is insane

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Glad the video helped. Thx

[@childofthekingjesusmylord8715]

@@chelseacollectibles8827 yeah it's crazy I was told that the blade on the bottom that you adjust what's the one that sharpens and I was like that doesn't make sense because it's spinning with five blades on it so I never seen an angle cut on it and I was like how in the world stop I want to sharpened a little bit of it in the middle to test it and it cut like perfect

[@jantenorio-d8s]

The easiest way to sharpen

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thx, tried to make it as easy as possible.

[@wegder]

Why not just use a power grinder?

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Why not just use a hand tool? I get a little more control with the file and don't accidentally take too much off. You don't need to take much off.

[@stephenlake885]

Other than the awful noice, good video.

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

Thank you!!!!!

[@syedidrus3811]

Im usimg.sandpaper

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

You can, I would make sure its on a block or wrap the sandpaper around a piece of wood. Thx

[@troubledSpirit]

Thank you!

[@chelseacollectibles8827]

You're welcome!