Reel Mower Sharpening-Honing Kit
Originally developed by Mascot reel mowers to sharpen their reel mowers and then later expanded to sharpen most all push mowers and gang reel mowers. The kit provides a reel turning device, lapping compound, brush, snap ring pliers for wheel and reel shaft gear removal, and instructions.
One of the mower wheels is removed and the reel gear or pulley is removed using the included snap ring pliers. Then the hand crank or drill chuck adapter is used to spin the blades against the knife-bed coated with lapping compound.
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Description / Reel Mower Sharpening-Honing Kit
Available for most reel mowers. The notched socket-style handle fits over the reel shaft and pawl. Fiskars and Mclane mower sharpener handle socket utilizes an Allen set screw to hold on the reel pulley shaft for turning. (Allen wrench is not included) Select different kits using the drop-down boxes. The Mascot kit will fit Mascot mowers with a 1/2" shaft and pawl. The all-other will fit up to a 5/8" shaft without the pawl in place. A set screw will secure the drive enough to turn the blades.
The bed-knife is set just touching the reel and a paintbrush is used to coat the knife-bed with water-soluble 80 grit as the reel is spun backward for 7 minutes and then recoated and done again for another 7 minutes.
The kit is not meant to revitalize a reel mower that has been allowed to wear down to the point that the bed-knife has lost its angled edge and has become smooth and rounded like a worn rotary mower blade. Rather it’s a great touch-up sharpener in between professional sharpening. Because the overall balance of the blades and critical alignment of the bed-knife hand sharpening should never be attempted.
Depending on yard size this sharpening-honing kit may keep you going without needing a professional sharpening for many years. Those who use a reel mower heavily and do large areas may need to have it professionally sharpened every 3-4 years using this honing kit annually. Check with local golf courses for reel mower sharpeners in your area, some of the larger courses will likely have a reel mower machine and sharpen reel mowers for a fee. If needed, we can arrange for you to send your reel to the Mascot shop in PA for sharpening.
Safety Disclaimer- Obviously reel mower blades and bed-knives are very sharp. Common sense should always be used to use leather gloves and keep hands and fingers clear while spinning the reel, especially when using the drill power model. An extended handle tapped to the paintbrush will keep hands and knuckles clear of blades when applying the additional lapping compound.