Best Scotts Reel Mower Sharpening Tools Compared
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Scotts classic reel mower sharpening is simplest with a reel mower sharpening kit, the most useful product type for this job: a grinding compound, an applicator brush and a back-lapping crank that turns the reel while the compound is applied. Several kits in this group list Scotts reel mowers among the models they work with, and most of them also name American Lawn Mower and Great States push reel mowers. This guide compares eight kits and compounds and explains what each listing says about grit, contents and compatibility, so you can match a kit to your mower before you buy.
Quick answer
- Pick a kit that names your reel mower brand or model in its listing. Several kits in this group say they fit Scotts, American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise push reel mowers.
- Look for 80 grit for initial sharpening and 120 grit for finishing. Several listings in this group include both grits in one set.
- A complete kit with a crank, brush and gloves covers the basic back-lapping job. A compound-only refill makes sense if you already own a crank.
- Some tools in this group are angle-guide sharpening jigs for blades that come off the mower. Those are a different method from back-lapping, so check which one you need.
How reel mower sharpening works
A reel mower cuts by scissor action between the spinning reel blades and a fixed bed knife. When the blades get dull, the grass tears instead of cutting cleanly, and the lawn can look ragged for days after mowing. Back-lapping is the most common home method for push reel mowers. You coat the reel with a fine abrasive paste, turn the reel backward with a crank, and let the paste slowly polish the cutting edges. The process removes very little metal, so it is a maintenance step rather than a repair.
The listings in this group describe the same basic workflow. They differ mainly in what is in the box: the grit numbers, the amount of compound, and whether gloves and a long-handled brush are included. Those details are what you should compare.
How to choose a reel mower sharpening kit
Check the compatibility statement first
Compatibility is the first question because the crank and roller setup varies between brands. The AAAQQ kit and the Rasaech kit both name American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise reel mowers. The AAAQQ listing also says it is not compatible with Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott, or Sears Craftsman mowers. The SK-2 hand sharpener from TOSRWGLL says it is compatible with Earthwise and most reel mowers, and says it is not for rotary mower blades. If your mower is a rotary machine, none of the reel kits in this group apply.
Compare the grit numbers
Grit is the size of the abrasive particles. A coarse 80 grit compound removes more of the dull edge, while a fine 120 grit compound smooths and finishes the edge. The huzile kit, the Reel Lawn Mower Backlapping kit with 1.5 LB of compound, and the Dunkive 80 grit compound are the three in this group with clearly stated grit numbers. Use a coarse grit first if the blades have visible nicks or the cut is badly torn, then finish with the fine grit.
Decide between a complete kit and a refill
The American Lawn Mower SK-2 and SK-1 kit, the SK-1 kit from AAAQQ, and the Rasaech SK-1 kit all list a hand crank and brush as part of the package. The huzile set includes gloves and a long-handled brush. The 1.5 LB Reel Lawn Mower Backlapping kit includes protective gloves and a brush. The Dunkive product is compound only, sold as two 100g jars. If you already have a compatible crank, a compound refill keeps the cost of the job low.
Consider the sharpening jig option
The Atatod lawn mower blade sharpener grinder kit is a different category. Its listing describes an iron sharpening jig with an adjustable bevel of 30 degrees, a detachable base and adjustable ring, and says it works on reel and electric mower blades. A jig is used to put a bevel on a blade that is removed from the mower, which is more involved than back-lapping. The listing does not describe a method for reel cylinders, so read the instructions before you use it on a reel.
Quick comparison table
| Product | Type | Grit stated | Crank or tool included | Compatibility stated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower SK-2 and SK-1 kit | Kit with compound | Not stated | Back-lapping crank, brush | Great States, American Lawn Mower, Scotts, Earthwise |
| AAAQQ SK-1 kit | Kit with compound | Not stated | Reel mower crank, brush | Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise, Scotts |
| SK-2 hand reel sharpener (TOSRWGLL) | Handheld sharpener | Not stated | Handheld design | Earthwise and most reel mowers |
| Rasaech SK-1 kit | Kit with compound | Not stated | Hand crank, brush, glove | American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise |
| 1.5 LB backlapping compound kit | Compound kit | 80 and 120 | Brush, cut-resistant gloves | Great States, American Lawn Mower and most push reel mowers |
| huzile 2PCS sharpening kit | Compound kit | 80 and 120 | Glove, brush | Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise |
| Atatod sharpener grinder kit | Sharpening jig | Not applicable | Iron jig, adjustable ring | Reel and push mowers, electric mower blades |
| Dunkive 80 grit compound | Compound only | 80 | None | Great States and American Lawn Mower manual push reel mowers |
Cells marked “Not stated” mean the listing does not give that detail.
The eight options, one by one
1. American Lawn Mower SK-2 Reel Mower Sharpener and SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit
This kit combines the SK-1 compound with a sharpener for American Lawn Mower reel mowers. The listing says it is compatible with American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise and Scotts reel mowers. It includes grinding compound, a brush and a back-lapping crank, and the listing describes it for use with manual push mowers. It is a good pick if you want a single set that names Scotts directly. The listing does not state a grit number, so check the compound label when the kit arrives.
2. AAAQQ SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit
The AAAQQ kit is built around the SK-1 compound and includes a reel mower sharpening crank and an application brush. The listing says it works with Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts manual reel mowers, and it says it is not compatible with Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott, or Sears Craftsman mowers. The listing also describes a return policy for mismatched items. This is a practical option for a Scotts owner who wants a compound-and-crank kit at a simple scope.
3. SK-2 Hand Reel Mower Sharpener
This orange handheld sharpener is a different format from a crank kit. The listing says it is compatible with Earthwise and most reel mowers, and it says it is not for use on rotary mower blades. It is described as a handheld design that removes burrs and dull spots on roll blades. The listing does not include a grit number or a list of parts, so it is best for a reel owner who wants a compact tool and is comfortable confirming the fit against the mower model.
4. Rasaech SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit
The Rasaech kit includes SK-1 compound, a hand crank, a brush and a glove. Its listing says it works with American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise push reel mowers, and it notes that it is not compatible with Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott, or Sears Craftsman. The listing does not state the compound grit, so ask the seller or check the packaging if grit matters for your blade condition.
5. Reel Lawn Mower Backlapping Sharpening Compound Kit, 1.5 LB
This kit has the largest amount of compound in the group, 1.5 lb (350g) total, and it gives both grit numbers: 80 grit to restore an uneven edge and 120 grit for fine honing. The listing includes a long-handle applicator brush and cut-resistant gloves. It also says the compound is a water-soluble premixed abrasive paste that rinses off with water. The listing says it works with Great States, American Lawn Mower and most push-style manual reel mowers, and it also mentions honing scissors and pruning shears. The listing says the compound is enough for 10 or more sessions.
6. huzile 2PCS Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Kit
The huzile set is a two-grit kit: 0.3 lb of 80 grit paste for initial sharpening and 0.3 lb of 120 grit paste for finishing. It includes an applicator brush and gloves. The listing says it is designed for roller mowers from Great States, American Lawn Mower and Earthwise, and that the paste is fully premixed. It also says the compound can be used on other tools such as shears and knives. Use it on the reel as the listing describes, and keep the second grit for the finish pass.
7. Atatod Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener Grinder Tool Kit
This is a sharpening jig rather than a back-lapping kit. The listing describes an iron body with an adjustable ring that sets a 30 degree bevel, a detachable base, and four corners for stability. It states the unit measures 11.8 inches long, 9.6 inches wide and 14 inches high, and weighs 15.4 pounds. The listing says it works on reel and electric mower blades. Because it is a bevel guide for blades, it suits someone who plans to remove and sharpen blades with a separate grinding method. It is not a back-lapping kit, and it does not replace the compound and crank used on a reel cylinder.
8. Dunkive 80 Grit Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Compound
The Dunkive product is a compound refill rather than a complete kit. It is an 80 grit compound sold as two 100g jars, 7 oz total. The listing says it is compatible with Great States and American Lawn Mower manual push reel mowers, and it describes the compound as premixed with a water-soluble gel that rinses off with water. It does not include a crank, brush or gloves. If you already own a crank and brush, this is the cheapest way to restock. If you need the whole setup, choose one of the complete kits above.
How to back-lap a reel mower with a kit
The steps below follow the method the listings describe. Read your kit’s instructions first, because crank direction and compound amount differ by product.
- Set the mower on a flat surface and remove the grass catcher. Keep the mower away from children and pets.
- Set the cutting height to the lowest position so the reel and bed knife are as close as the adjustment allows.
- Apply a thin coat of the compound to the reel with the applicator brush. The listings describe the compound as clinging to the blades and rinsing off with water.
- Turn the reel backward with the crank, slowly and at a steady pace. Stop and check the edge periodically.
- When the kit includes two grits, run the coarse grit first and the fine grit second.
- Rinse the reel with water, dry it, and then apply a light coat of oil to protect the blades in storage.
Two points are worth keeping in mind. First, wear the gloves the kit includes, because the reel edges are sharp even when the mower is not running. Second, back-lapping is a maintenance step. If the blades are chipped, bent or badly worn, a sharpening kit will not bring them back to a clean edge, and a replacement set is the better fix.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a kit without checking the mower brand. Several kits in this group name specific brands and say they do not fit others.
- Using a rotary-blade tool on a reel. The TOSRWGLL listing states that its sharpener is not for rotary mower blades.
- Skipping the finish pass. A coarse grit alone can leave the edge rough, which is why the two-grit kits are useful.
- Running the crank without the compound on the reel. The listings describe the compound as the part that does the work.
- Storing the mower wet. Dry the reel after rinsing and oil it lightly to slow rust on the blades.
Who each option suits
A Scotts owner who wants a single named kit should look at the American Lawn Mower SK-2 and SK-1 set first, because its listing names Scotts directly. An owner who wants both grits in one box should choose the huzile kit or the 1.5 LB compound kit. The 1.5 LB kit gives the most compound and the more detailed listing. Someone who has a crank and brush already can buy the Dunkive 80 grit compound alone. A reader who has a rotary mower, not a reel, should skip this group entirely and look at a rotary blade guide instead.
FAQ
Do all reel mower sharpening kits fit Scotts reel mowers?
No. The listings in this group name different brands. The American Lawn Mower SK-2 and SK-1 kit and the AAAQQ kit both name Scotts. The Rasaech kit names American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise. The Dunkive compound names Great States and American Lawn Mower. Check the brand list in the listing, and compare it with the label on your mower before buying.
What grit should I use for a dull reel mower?
The listings that state grit describe 80 grit as the coarse compound for restoring an uneven edge, and 120 grit as the fine compound for honing and smoothing. A reasonable order is coarse first and fine second. If the listing gives only one grit, use that compound as the listing describes and check the cut afterward.
Do I need gloves for back-lapping?
The listings in this group include gloves in several kits, and they describe the reel as an edge that should be handled with care. Use the gloves the kit provides, or a similar pair, and keep your hands clear of the reel while the crank turns.
Is a sharpening jig the same as a back-lapping kit?
No. The Atatod listing describes a jig with an adjustable 30 degree bevel for blades. A back-lapping kit uses a compound and a crank to polish a reel cylinder while it is still on the mower. The two methods are different, and the listings do not describe the jig as a reel cylinder tool.
How often should I back-lap a reel mower?
The listings do not give a fixed interval. Back-lap when the cut looks ragged, the grass tears, or the reel starts to feel stiff. Keeping the blades sharp reduces mowing time, which the listings describe as a benefit of regular sharpening.
Bottom line
Choose a reel mower sharpening kit by matching the brand in its listing to your mower, then by the grit and included tools. The American Lawn Mower SK-2 and SK-1 kit is the most direct Scotts match in this group. The 1.5 LB compound kit gives the most compound with both grits. The Dunkive compound is the simplest refill if you already own a crank. Use the kit’s instructions, wear gloves, and treat back-lapping as routine upkeep, not a repair for damaged blades.
Related reading
For a broader look at blades, read Best Replacement Mower Blades, and the Reel and Robot Mowers Listed Beside Them. For safety while you work near the mower, see Lawn Mower Safety Checklist for Homeowners.
