If you have a reel mower, you need to sharpen the blades every couple of years, depending on how much you use it (just like with a power mower). If you used to have a power mower, you might be tempted to try to find someone to do it for you. Although I heard of someone in my area who *might* be able to do it, I decided to try this kit first.
The directions are straight-forward and clearly described in the manual. In short: turn the mower upside-down, use the brush to "paint" the compound (a thick goop) along the end of each blade, pop off a wheel, slip on the crank, and have your son turn it for a couple of minutes. (If you don't have children, you'll have to do it yourself.) Finally clean off the compound and re-assemble the mower. You should be able to complete this chore in 30-45 minutes. (The alternative is to pack it up, drive it to someone else, and come home; then later drive over, pick it up, and drive it home again. Oh yeah, and you'd have to pay for it too.)
The manual also describes how to adjust the blades for the optimal cut, which is something you need to do occasionally. I use strips of newspaper to ensure an even cut along the entire width of the reel.
I estimate there's enough compound in this kit for about six or eight sharpenings, which means it could last up to ten years--quite a deal compared to paying someone else to do this simple chore--and you'll have the satisifaction of knowing you did a great job. American Lawn Mower SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit
The description of this product really should include a paragraph about how it actually works because the picture gives you absolutely no indication of what it does. The crank lets you turn the blades backwards and the "sharpening compound" which you "paint" on to the cutting edges of the blades turns the mower frame into a grinding stone. It really works well. But wait, there's more... The instructions are excellent and they also tell you how to adjust the blades. Sending the mower out to a professional (if you can find one who works on reel mowers) will cost you about 75% of what you'll pay for a new machine. This kit is worth it.A lot of the negative reviews about the reel mowers here on Amazon.com probably come from people who haven't adjusted their machines correctly. My mower is working better than ever after making just a few simple adjustments.
There isn't much to say about this product. It sharpens, and works well on my American lawn mower. However, the directions are flawed. If you READ THE MOWER MANUAL (not the manual in the sharpening kit), it will tell you to do the following:
1. Remove BOTH wheels
2. Remove and switch ratchet gears from L to R and vice versa
3. Flip over pawls
4. Apply Compound
5. PUSH MOWER BACKWARDS!!!!! (for about 5 minutes, or until sharpening goo changes color. Mine turns grey)
The instructions in the sharpening kit tell you to use the stupid crank, which takes forever. If you just push the mower backwards, the blades get sharpened in about 5 minutes. Then you just switch the ratchet gears back and re-flip-over the pawls (and put the wheels back on). My only complaint is that they didn't SAY that. However, I give it 5 stars anyway, because if you use it how you SHOULD, it is very easy, and makes the cutting quality much better.
Go to your auto parts store and get some grinding compound for a fraction of the cost.
Also, for a much quicker sharpening session, remove both wheels, swap the gears so that the reel turns backwards, apply the compound, and walk the mower up and down the driveway. The backwards operation provides the backlapping to sharpen the reel and blade. Clean up the excess, and swap the gears back. Total time: less than 10 minutes.
My mower needed sharpening but the cost was prohibitive, I was told about $60. That was more than half the cost of the mower itself. I finally found this kit and after reading some reviews ordered it. The instructions were good (they include a section on adjusting the blades) and the whole thing took less than 15 minutes. Now it's like I have a new mower, one pass and that's all it takes.
This kit works great, but if you want to speed the process use a drill with a 1/2" chuck. Just tighten the chuck over the wheel axle that the crank goes on, and run it at a medium speed. This makes it a quick and easy job to get razor sharp blades.
This kit is essentially what anyone can do on their own but it is conveniently packaged. The goop everyone is referring to is essentially the same as automotive valve grinding compound (which you can get at most auto parts stores). I like the idea of using a power drill to turn the reel while it sharpens - so here's an alternative for anyone who feels like taking a DIY approach:
1. Prop up the lawn mower so you can turn the reel by twirling the wheels.
2. Check the blades for nicks and burrs. If you find any, remove them with a file (hold file flat against blade and push away from spindle). I use a sharpening stone that fits my power drill but that's b/c I'm lazy.
3. Check your bar alignment, it'll be obvious if it's off - it will hit the guide bar. If alignment is off, you need to fix the alignment with the screws at the end of the bar but hopefully it's fine (if it turns with that cool whispy sound, then you're fine).
4. Spread a thin & even coat of auto valve-grinding compound.
5. Take off a wheel and affix your power drill so that the blade turns and the grinding compound squeezes between the blades and the cutting bar. Go a few dozen times.
6. I reapply the grinding compound and do it again.
7. Check out the blades, which should be sharper then rinse the valve compound off the blades.
This is EASY and quick. I really like how the kit makes it a no brainer exercise and if you're going to use a reel mower, use one with sharp blades.'
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