Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by D. Ruddy
Sharpening the blades of your push reel lawn mower is an essential part of regular maintenance. Sharp blades ensure a cleaner cut, which is better for your grass health. Dull blades tear the grass, causing fraying, browning, and stress on your lawn. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of sharpening your push reel lawn mower blades, highlight common mistakes, and discuss how to maintain your mower’s sharpness between sharpenings.
Why You Need to Sharpen a Push Reel Lawn Mower Blade
The performance of your push reel lawn mower is directly tied to the condition of its blades. Over time, the blades will naturally dull, causing them to rip and tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This damage not only affects the look of your lawn but can also make it more susceptible to disease. A sharp blade, on the other hand, makes a cleaner cut, allowing the grass to heal quickly and retain moisture. Sharpening your mower blades regularly helps to preserve the health of your lawn and ensures the mower works efficiently.
Regular sharpening will also extend the lifespan of your mower, preventing excessive wear on the mower’s other parts, such as the reel and bedknife.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sharpening a Push Reel Lawn Mower Blade
Sharpening your mower’s blades is not a difficult process, but it does require patience and the right tools. Follow these steps to get your blades sharp and ready for the next mowing session:
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
To sharpen your push reel lawn mower blades, you’ll need the following:
- Sharpening kit or a sharpening stone or file
- Wrench (to remove the reel if needed)
- Screwdriver
- Clamp to secure the reel (optional)
- Rag or cloth for cleaning
- Gloves for safety
Step 2: Prepare the Mower
Before you start, ensure your mower is on a stable surface. Turn the mower off and make sure the engine is cool. If your mower is not already on a flat surface, tip it to access the blades. It’s important to ensure your mower is cool to avoid injury.
Step 3: Detach the Blade Reel
Some models allow you to remove the blade reel easily. If your mower permits, remove the reel using a wrench or screwdriver to make sharpening easier. You can also clamp the reel securely to prevent movement while sharpening.
Step 4: Clean the Blades
Use a rag to clean off any grass, dirt, or debris from the blades. This ensures you sharpen only the blade edge and not any built-up residue. A clean blade will help you sharpen more effectively.
Step 5: Sharpen the Blades
Now that the blades are clean, you can begin sharpening. Use your sharpening tool (file, sharpening stone, or dedicated sharpening kit) to gently hone the blade edges. Always follow the angle of the original blade edge to avoid altering the cutting angle. Sharpen each blade evenly, making sure to stay consistent with the original edge. If you’re using a sharpening kit, follow the instructions carefully for the best results.
Step 6: Test the Sharpness
Once you’ve finished sharpening the blades, it’s time to test them. Use a cloth to gently run along the edge of the blades. If the cloth is caught by the blade, it’s sharp enough. If not, repeat the sharpening process until the edge grabs the fabric.
Step 7: Reattach the Blade Reel
Once the blades are sharpened, reattach the reel to the mower, ensuring everything is securely fastened. Make sure the blade reel moves freely and smoothly.
How to Maintain Your Mower Blades Between Sharpening
To extend the sharpness of your mower blades, follow these easy maintenance tips:
- Clean the blades regularly: After every mowing, clean the blades to prevent grass build-up, which can cause dulling.
- Avoid mowing over hard surfaces: Keep the mower away from rocks, sticks, or hard debris that can nick or dull the blades.
- Lubricate the blades: Regularly oil the moving parts of the mower to reduce friction and prevent rust.
By taking care of your blades and avoiding contact with hard objects, you’ll ensure they stay sharp longer, reducing the frequency of sharpening.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sharpening Push Lawn Mower Blades
- Using the Wrong Tools
It’s crucial to use the right sharpening tools for the job. Using a dull file or inappropriate sharpening equipment may not sharpen the blade effectively, and could even cause damage. - Sharpening Too Much
Over-sharpening the blades can alter the original angle of the blade, affecting the quality of the cut. Be sure to sharpen only as needed and check for wear after each sharpening session. - Not Cleaning the Blades Properly
Failing to clean the blades of dirt, grass, and debris can result in uneven sharpening and poor cutting performance. Cleaning is a critical step in maintaining blade efficiency.
Conclusion
Regular sharpening of your push reel lawn mower blades is an essential part of mower maintenance. Sharp blades ensure a clean cut, which helps maintain the health of your grass and makes mowing more efficient. By following the simple steps in this guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your mower running smoothly for years to come.
For more tips on lawn care and mower maintenance, explore our Reel Lawn Mower Definition and How It Works guide to understand how these mowers operate. Additionally, check out our overview of the 14-inch American Reel Lawn Mower for recommendations on great models for small lawns.
Do you have experience sharpening your push reel lawn mower blades? Share your tips or ask any questions in the comments below! For more detailed lawn care tips, check out our Push Lawn Fertilizer Spreader guide or explore our list of the 10 Best Lawn Mowers with Bags.
