- As an economic alternative to powering up a gas lawn mower for a small yard, pushing a manual mower serves as a functional choice for those who like the exercise. Their ease of control and environmentally friendliness make them ideal to have in the shed. Cutting through thick grass and brush or over stumps and rocks over time can lead to dull and uneven blades. Just as with gas-powered mowers, blade damage is a common maintenance item. If you notice that your manual reel mower cuts the grass unevenly, you'll need to sharpen, straighten or replace your blades.
- Follow the instructions for blade maintenance provided with your reel mower. Gather together the right tools for maintaining your manual reel lawn mower. You will need screwdrivers--both Phillips and flathead--to loosen screws and make adjustments. You'll need a pair or two of gripping pliers to lock and brace the parts in place and a flat metal file to sharpen the blades. Grinding paste will make it easier to file the blades down, and use a lightweight oil to lubricate the mower's parts. Use newspaper to cover the floor or ground, and reserve a piece to later test how well the blade cuts against the cutting bar.
Sharpen your mower's blades using an easy-to-reach work surface. File the blades down using the flat metal file. Use even side-to-side strokes to remove any nicks in the blade. Apply a generous amount of grinding paste to the blades. Since the blades cut in the forward motion, rotate the wheels backward so that each blade will rub against the cutting edge with the grinding paste to grind the blade down to a sharp finish. Clean away the excess grinding paste and check that the mower cuts properly. - Reshape any bent blades by gently hammering the blade back into shape. The blade will function properly if slightly bent and not severely damaged. Replace the blade with the exact part if bent in more than one place or bent too much. Check the manual for the part number, and order it directly from the company or a reputable seller.
Adjust the rollers if it still cuts the grass unevenly. At each end of the mower, the roller shaft has adjustable height levels. Both sides of the manual reel lawn mower must be the same height. Newly sharpened, straightened and balanced blades will cut your lawn to a clean and even finish.