American Lawn Mower Company SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit

Reviews of American Lawn Mower Company SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit

1.) Do it yourself and do a superior job
Reviewed by: skst Arlington Hts., IL USA
Rating:
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.

2.) This LOOKS like something "not sold in stores!"
Reviewed by: Opinion_Sharer Kinderhook, NY United States
Rating:
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.

3.) Push It Backward!!!
Reviewed by: M. Fitz Naperville, IL USA
Rating:
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.

4.) Just what I've been looking for.
Reviewed by: R. Birr Minnesota
Rating:
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.

5.) Use a drill to spin the reel.
Reviewed by: G USA
Rating:
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.

6.) Reely nice!
Reviewed by: Mark New England
Rating:
If you have a reel mower, you need this . . . 'nuf said . . . but I'll go on anyways.

This is a simple enough thing to use. If you have a reel mower and have been frustrated with it because it will not give a good cut, buy this, take an hour and adjust your cutting blade and lap your tines using this kit.

Google 'reel mower sharpening' the first link should be a .info link to a site that will show you how to use this kit properly, plus they have link to adjusting the cutting edge.

Nothing beats a well-tuned reeler for a perfect cut! (not to mention some excercise. ;)

7.) Excellent -- restored mower to near-perfect cutting ability
Reviewed by: William G. Bader Eden Prairie, MN
Rating:
Not much to say except that the sharpening kit is essentially flawless. Within 20 minutes (includes time for taking off and replacing the wheel) I was able to sharpen the blades to near-factory condition. Now I cut one swath instead of three or four. My cranking arm (read the directions) was a bit tired after 10 minutes, but I needed the exercise. Next time I'll use the other one so I don't look like Popeye.

I recommend this without hesitation.

8.) Convenient kit - traditional approach made simple
Reviewed by: James S. Mcdonald Palo Alto, CA United States
Rating:
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.

9.) Awesome
Reviewed by: Don Keyhotay Yorktown, VA
Rating:
This is a great product. The sharpening instructions where very easy to understand, and after I figured out that the hand crank could be replaced with a 1/2 inch chuck electric drill, I was able to sharpen my used, garage sale mower in about 5 minutes.

10.) SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit
Reviewed by: Dragon Keeper Billings, MT USA
Rating:
It showed up fast. Didn't take long at all. It was packaged good and came in great condition. The sharpening kit performed great. I sharpened the mower in no time. The directions were easy and to the point. I am very pleased with this product and would recommend it to anyone who has a mower and wants to sharpen it the easy way instead of a file or taking it in and paying a lot of money to have it done.

11.) simplicity itself
Reviewed by: D. G. Christian
Rating:
Incredibly easy to use. I use it when I inadvertantly strike a stone which causes an annoying clicking noise. Keeps my mower whisper quiet...one of the main reasons I bought a non-motorized mower. Every reel mower owner should have this kit.

12.) Amazing....
Reviewed by: lollypopsmom rural MN
Rating:
I did not believe that brushing the sharpening compound on the blades and turning the crank would make our antique mower work, but it did! In fact it cut the strip of paper just like scissors. Impressive!!!

13.) Great money-saving tool
Reviewed by: Lawnmower Man Minneapolis, MN United States
Rating:
I purchased the Reel Mower Sharpening Kit about two weeks ago and used it for the first time a few days ago. The instructions were good and the product worked very well. Sharpening your mower will take about half an hour the first time including clean-up time. The next time I use this, it will probably only take about 15 minutes.

14.) A definite necessity
Reviewed by: Kim Chimerie
Rating:
This sharpening kit is a definite necessity for reel mower users. The directions are easy to follow, and it makes sharpening the blades easy and convenient. I was brand new to reel mowers, and had never seen a anyone sharpen or use one before, but I had no problems with this kit at all. Using this kit, I have been getting a great cut.

15.) Great Product
Reviewed by: Amiable Zany Pflugerville, TX United States
Rating:
After adjusting the blades and sharpening them with this product my mower is cutting better than new.

16.) Easy to use and works great!
Reviewed by: Christopher D. Stover Pensacola, FL United States
Rating:
Sure, you can probably find some grinding compound somewhere for cheaper but I kind of wanted the handle you use to turn the reel. This stuff worked great for me! I bought a reel mower from someone for $[...], worked like crap until I sharpened the blades with this. I live in Pensacola, FL and the mower cuts my grass very well. I highly recommend anyone with a reel mower have this stuff available.

17.) reel mower sharpening kit
Reviewed by: Ronald L. Arms Colorado Springs, CO United States
Rating:
The tool works well on the newer reel mowers. It is ,however, too small (diameterwise) for my older Scotts reel mowers (model 5m2).

18.) Absolutely essential item!
Reviewed by: Daylilygirl Fairport, NY USA
Rating:
I love my reel mower and this sharpening kit really keeps the blades sharp! Easy to use. Awesome, must have!

19.) Cheap and East to Use
Reviewed by: xExoticsRockx Funville, CT, USofA
Rating:
If you own a reel-type mower, you're going to need to sharpen the blades at some point. This kit is very reasonably priced and very easy to use. The tools aren't super-high quality; they're about the same level of stamped tool that comes with a low-end motorcycle, but they get the job done just fine.
The process is very simple, but it is somewhat time-consuming; as a consolation to your time invested, it yields noticeably sharper blades.

20.) Reel lawn mower sharpener
Reviewed by: Paul B. Johnson Murfreesboro Tn.
Rating:
Reel lawnmower sharpening kit. Found product to be what I needed and will continue to serve purpose for some time.

21.) Sharpener Kit - Reel Lawn Mower
Reviewed by: Kathryn E. Mcfarland
Rating:
This product is great - works better than I expected. Makes sharpening my reel mower blades simple.

22.) great product, does just what it should
Reviewed by: DJ MichaelAngelo Grand Rapids, MI
Rating:
This saved me a bunch of money on having my reel mower sharpened at a hardware store or golf course here in town. They wanted at least $75, and I had to call a half-dozen places to even get that! For $20 I got this kit which not only let me do it myself pretty easily (does take awhile, and the directions are moderately involved) but also gave me a tip on balancing the screws on my reel mower properly, which I found out they weren't. I loved the hint about tearing a thin strip of newspaper and dangling it in the blades on BOTH sides of the mower, to see if they slice it right up cleanly. If it doesn't even come close, it may not be the blades that need sharpening, it may be that the blade itself needs to be adjusted closer to the cutting surface! All in all a brilliant do-it-yourself product that I'm glad I bought.

23.) Reel good sharpener
Reviewed by: dshep Mansfield, MA
Rating:
Worked better than expectations. Simple to use. Minimal dissasembly of mower, Has enough material to do many sharpenings.

24.) super easy!
Reviewed by: Kathleen Whitmire brentwood, ca
Rating:
this product was soooo easy to use, it's almost ridiculous!!!i takes a bit of elbow grease, but well worth it. the price was way below any other web site i'd visited, too.

25.) Good sharpener
Reviewed by: Bob Philly
Rating:
Big fan of the the reel sharpener. Once you get the hang of it, it works quickly. This link is very helpful for guiding you through the first time. [...]

26.) reel lawnmower sharpening kit
Reviewed by: David C. Haas Fayetteville, NY USA
Rating:
This product is the standard kit for sharpening push reel lawnmowers manufactured by the American Lawn Mower company (a.k.a. Great States mowers). It does the job of sharpening the blades as expected. With this kit, I sharpen the five blades on the mower in about ten minutes.
David Haas

27.) Frustrated with Amazon
Reviewed by: W. G. Bowdon Frisco, TX
Rating:
We would have like to have this item pop up as a possible item of interest at the time we purchased the mower so we could but and shio together!

28.) Must Have!
Reviewed by: Kindred Spirit Portland, Oregon
Rating:
I haven't had to use it yet, but I'm glad to know it's there when I'll surely need to use it one day.

29.) Reel-type Lawn Mower Sharpener
Reviewed by: Michael P. Frank
Rating:
Easy to use and very competively priced. The only drawback was keeping the crank on the pinon gear. It tended to slip off. Of course that could have been an opperator problem.

30.) Sharpening Kit
Reviewed by: David Thomas California
Rating:
Reel Sharpener Kit - $17.94
Shipping and Handling - 5.95
Instruction Book - Priceless

I bought a reel mower on Craig's list. I didn't have the brand that the kit goes with, but it worked well just the same. All along I thought the blades were dull. Well, they probably were, and the sharpening kit probably worked, but what was really good about the product was the instruction book. It told me how to adjust the mower blade, which I did and now it works like a charm! I don't have to go back and forth 20 times to cut a blade of grass. Now if I can only find a grass-catcher bag to put on the back...

31.) Where has this stuff been all my Reel life?
Reviewed by: S. Williams Arkansas
Rating:
I had no idea how bad my mowers really were, I thought I had gotten really old, really fast.
A bit pricy, (DH said he can get the same stuff from the auto parts store for much less) but it sure made my mowers good as new!
A must for all reel mowers.
Whoever said to use the drill rather than the crank was one smart cookie! I'd been turning that crank for days!
S

32.) Sharpen your reel mower
Reviewed by: jt Indiana
Rating:
I have a Craftsman reel mower thats about 30 years old. It wasn't used for 18 years and the blade needed sharpened. I came across this sharpening kit and even though its for American Lawn Mower brand reel mowers it worked fantastic for mine. The handle to spin the blade backwards didn't work like it would for American Lawn Mower brand ones, but with a little modification it worked great. The blade is now extremely sharp and shiny. Cuts the grass cleanly and smoothly. It will last you several sharpenings. For the few times you need to sharpen your blades, I would guess it will last me more than 5 years.

33.) good product
Reviewed by: toolklutz San Francisco, CA USA
Rating:
The kit is good and did the trick. I would have liked more complete instructions on how to disassemble the lawnmower wheel in order to fasten the cranking tool.

34.) Reel Mower Blade Sharpening
Reviewed by: J. K. Cooper Issaquah, WA USA
Rating:
This product and instructions were very easy to use. Though the turning handle did not fit my mower, I was able to come up with a method to turn the reel. The product worked great and is much easier than trying to find a shop that sharpens reel mowers.

35.) American Lawn Mower SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit
Reviewed by: William H. Bond Dayton, Ohio, USA
Rating:
The American Lawn Mower Company SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit enabled me to sharpen our reel mower like it has never been sharpened before-exceptionally well!
The kit comes in a sturdy cardboard box and consists of a very good instruction booklet, a crank, a small container of about 80 grit sharpening compound, and an applicator brush.
The sharpening compound is coarse enough to make the job speedy, but still makes the blades cut well. The brush is a very low quality brush, but is certainly up to the job.
The crank will perform the task of turning the mower if you are wearing gloves. Because there is no revolving handle on the crank, it will quickly produce blisters on your hand. The use of gloves, a rag, or something between your hand and the crank is a necessity. The crank was a fairly loose fit over the mower shaft and slipped off many times during the job. It could easily be improved.
Overall. this kit is the best way to sharpen this brand of mower and it does a great job. I think it is overpriced, but is much cheaper than having the mower sharpened.

36.) great product
Reviewed by: granny Maple Falls Wa USA
Rating:
did what it was suppose to mdo really worked well on sharping the blades on out reel mower

37.) Mower's nice and sharp
Reviewed by: D. T. Haske
Rating:
I wasn't too sure about this product before I ordered it. It seemed goofy to paint my blades to sharpen them but lo and behold it worked. My mower works a ton better now and makes for a very good cut. I was also unsure of whether this kit would work for my Sears Reel Mower (would the handle fit and the blade adjusting instructions work?) and it did. However, since the kit didn't jump out of the box and sharpen the mower for me, I can only give it 4 stars.

38.) blade sharpener
Reviewed by: mega The Villages, Florida
Rating:
This is a simple low teck product that does exactly what it is supposed to do. It sharpens the blades on a reel type mower. My mower's blades were not in horrible condition and I cannot comment on how this product would perform on severly damaged blades. I was satisfied with the product, the instructions and the price.

39.) LetbThe Mower Do The Work!
Reviewed by: Tweety4759 Reynoldsburg, OH
Rating:
This is a recent purchase, but I had used it in the past and was delighted with what an excellent job it did. My mower has been caught up in the system-the seller neither shipped it nor responded to my enquirers. Amazon closed the order now and will arrange credit toward another purchase. Under Order status, they indicated that I shoud have received within the projected time frME

40.) Part of owning a reel mower...
Reviewed by: Joe Average Cookeville, TN
Rating:
Part of owning a reel mower is sharpening the blades. It cuts better and requires less energy from you to do a good job.

All this kit provides is a paste that is the same as valve lapping compound from a FLAPS (friendly local auto parts store) and a handle.

I think you'll find that a jar of valve lapping compound will work just fine at a lower cost. You can use a 1/2" drill to turn the reel blades or roll the mower around.

Just Google up the instructions for sharpening a reel mower for best results.

For those who don't know valve lapping compund is an abrasive mixed with a grease to make a paste which slowly grinds the surfaces between two metal components. You are painting this paste on your mower's blades. The rotation of the reel causes the two cutting surfaces to machine each other to a fine cutting edge.

You'll need to do this from time to time to make a reel mower do a good job with a minimum of effort from you. I sharpen my mowers at the beginning of each season.

41.) Crank sharpener for manual reel mowers.
Reviewed by: CaptTurbo SW Florida
Rating:
I only gave it three stars and perhaps I'm not being fair but here's why I'm not pleased with it: I bought the Gilmour 20" reel mower from Amazon.com and at the time of my purchase, they suggested I buy the sharpening kit too. Well, the hand crank from the sharpening kit does not fit the Gilmour mower. I'm sure it fits all the rest and probably works fine but I'm a bit ticked off at Amazon suggesting that I buy it. PS: The Gilmour did a great job for 15 - 20 cuts and then since then it seems like it needs to be sharpened because it's missing too much of the grass.

42.) Not bad...but
Reviewed by: Galadreal Fayetteville, AR USA
Rating:
I bought this and only used it once. Then the handle broke off of my mower. In the 2 times I was able to mow since we used it it seemed to have improved a little, but I was going to give it another round of sharpening before we used it again. So it seems to work ok, but it is a little tedious to do and will not restore a brand new edge.

43.) Annoying...
Reviewed by: C. Tin Seattle
Rating:
Honestly it was really annoying for me to sharpen the blades on my mower. I thought it'd be straight forward but apparently I'm pretty retarded when it comes to this mower and not making a mess. =P

44.) OK price.OK product
Reviewed by: MyItalianMomma Fl
Rating:
Im not going to rant and rave about this product since I somewhat regret buying a reel mower in the first place (long story!).Yes, the directions were easy to understand, and it did seem to make somewhat of a difference in the sharpness of the blade.Again, the product was ok..suitable, but nothing to write home about.

45.) Mower
Reviewed by: Normajean Atkinson
Rating:
I haven't used this item yet but hopefully I can use it on my scott's mowers.

46.) sharpening kit
Reviewed by: james from atlanta atlanta,ga
Rating:
Don't waste your money,if you are handy with tools just buy valve grinding compound it works the same.

47.) same as grinding compound
Reviewed by: yardbird56
Rating:
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.

48.) Hmmm
Reviewed by: T. Howard New York, New York USA
Rating:
This is like buying a pet rock. It took a few weeks to arrive. Now in hindsight, it was probably a case of the company being shocked that sombody actually was stupid enough to buy this snake oil; in which case they had to scramble to make it (by mixing sand with blue hand cream; throwing in a cheap tool to hand crank). I actually attempted using this stuff and midway through suddenly felt like the boy who bought those x-ray glasses out of the back of a magazine. Save your money for a case of beer to have after mowing the lawn (with a dull reel mower).

49.) Completely pointless
Reviewed by: Blake Madden Dayton, OH
Rating:
This product does absolutely nothing. You just sit there spinning your mower blade for 30 minutes and wind up looking stupid. Just buy a real blade sharpener, by that I mean a sharpening block. Plastering magical goop on your blades won't do anything.

Features of American Lawn Mower Company SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit

The American Lawn Mower Company reel mower sharpening kit is an easy way to keep reel blades in top cutting form. This do-it-yourself kit allows users to sharpen their own mowers at home. The kit contains everything you need for safe and effective sharpening, including a detailed instruction manual, grinding compound, application brush, and a special back-lapping crank. The kits is designed for use with 1705-16 and 1815-18 push mowers. Cutting down on mowing time, this sharpening kits gives you an environmentally-friendly, perfectly cut lawn.

1.) Reel mower sharpening kit keeps reel blades in top cutting form;
2.) Cuts down on mowing time; environmentally-friendly;
3.) Do-it-yourself kit allows users to sharpen their own mowers at home;
4.) Includes grinding compound, application brush, and back-lapping crank;
5.) Designed for use with 1705-16 and 1815-18 push mowers;

Package Height x Length x Width: 11.4 in. x 11.4 in. x 5.7 in.
Package Weight: 0.85 lbs.

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