subject: How To Sharpen A Manual Reel Lawn Mower [print this page] Once you are finished sharpening the reel, take a garden hose and wash off excess sharpening compound. Then re-assemble the mower in the reverse order you disassembled it. Then after it is re-assembled, take it for a test spin. If you need to adjust the cutting bar on the reel mower then do so.