Fiskars Reel Mower Not Cutting? I Fixed Mine

If your Fiskars reel mower isn’t cutting, I get how annoying that feels. I had the same problem after a few seasons. The blades looked sharp, but it still didn’t cut.

That’s when I learned these mowers need more than just a push. After years of testing in my own yard, I found what really causes the issue—and how to fix it.

I’ll show you step by step so you can get back to a clean, even cut without wasting time.

How a Fiskars Reel Mower Works

Before you fix the problem, it helps to know how this mower works. The Fiskars reel mower uses the StaySharp™ system. It’s not like old reel mowers from back in the day. Those had blades that scraped against each other. This one doesn’t.

Instead, the blades pass by a fixed bar (called the bedknife) with a tiny gap in between. That gap matters a lot. If it’s too wide, the mower bends grass instead of cutting it. If it’s too tight, parts wear out faster.

Fiskars says the blades stay sharp for years. That’s mostly true. But many problems come from bad alignment, not dull blades. I didn’t know that at first and wasted time sharpening blades that weren’t really dull.

Common Reasons Your Fiskars Reel Mower Isn’t Cutting

a. Blade Gap Misalignment

This is the most common problem. When the gap between the blades and bedknife is too wide, the mower just rolls over the grass. I saw this when little grass tips stuck up after two passes.

If you’re seeing uneven patches, your blade gap may be off.

b. Dull Blades (Yes, Even StaySharp Needs It Sometimes)

Fiskars blades do stay sharp—but not forever. After three seasons in my mid-size yard, mine stopped cutting well. I learned about backlapping. You spin the reel backward with a special paste to sharpen it.

It’s easy. I used a drill, a socket, and lapping paste. The cut improved right away. So yes, the system works, but no blade stays sharp forever.

c. Handle Height Is Wrong

This one caught me off guard. I thought reel mowers were just “push and go.” But if the handle is too low, the front lifts up. That tilts the mower and ruins the cut.

I raised the handle to waist height. It gave me better control and kept the mower flat. If your cut looks rough, try adjusting the handle first.

d. Chain Drive Trouble

One day, the reel wouldn’t spin even though the wheels did. The cause? A loose chain. It slipped, like a bike chain.

Fiskars uses a chain drive. If it’s too loose, the blades stop turning. Open the side panel and tighten it. If needed, you can swap it with a bike chain. It’s a common fix, especially if you mow a lot.

e. Grass Too Tall or Wet

These mowers hate tall or wet grass. If your lawn is over 6 inches, it’s tough to cut. The mower will bend grass instead of slicing it. I skipped a few weeks once and had to go over it three times.

Follow the 1/3 rule: never cut more than a third of the grass height in one go. Also, don’t mow wet grass. It clumps, tears, and jams the reel—especially in damp or humid areas.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

If your Fiskars reel mower isn’t cutting, don’t worry. You likely don’t need a new one or major repairs. Most issues are small and easy to fix. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Spin the Reel by Hand

Lift the back wheels off the ground. Then spin the reel with your hand.

• Spins smooth? That’s great.
• Feels rough, sticky, or wobbly? That could mean a chain or blade issue.

Step 2: Try the Paper Test

This test checks if your blades still cut.

• Use a sheet of printer paper.
• Slide it between the reel and bedknife.
• Slowly turn the reel.
  If it snips clean like scissors, your blades are fine.
  If it folds, skips, or tears, something’s off.

Step 3: Check the Blade Gap

A feeler gauge works best, but paper can do in a pinch.

• The reel should pass the bedknife with no contact.
• Too tight? The blades scrape.
• Too wide? Grass bends instead of cuts.

Step 4: Look at the Chain Drive

Remove the side cover. Then check the chain.

• Is it loose or sagging?
• Can you pull it more than ½ inch off the gear?
• Do the wheels turn, but the reel does not?

If yes, your chain might be stretched or skipping teeth.

Step 5: Watch Your Technique

How you push the mower makes a difference.

• If the handle is too low, the front lifts up.
• If the grass is wet or tall, it clogs or folds.
• If you mow too fast, you’ll miss spots.

How to Fix a Fiskars Reel Mower That’s Not Cutting

Now that you’ve done the checks, let’s fix the problem. Most times, your mower just needs a quick tune-up. You won’t need a shop visit—just basic tools and about 20–30 minutes.

a. Recalibrate the Blade Gap

This is the fastest fix.

Steps:

• Turn the mower over. Look where the blades pass the bedknife.
• You’ll see two screws—one on each side.
• Use a hex key or small wrench to adjust.
• Turn both screws a little at a time.
  • Clockwise makes the gap tighter.
  • Counterclockwise makes it wider.

The blades should glide just above the bedknife without touching.

b. Sharpen the Blades (Backlapping)

Even StaySharp blades dull over time. Sand, twigs, or just age will do it.

You’ll need:

• Backlapping paste (80–120 grit)
• Drill or hand crank
• Socket adapter for the reel nut

How to do it:

1. Brush the paste onto the blades.
2. Spin the reel backward using your drill.
3. Let it run for a few minutes.
4. Wipe off the paste and test with paper.

It’s quick and satisfying. I did mine after three seasons—it made a huge difference.

Time: About 10–15 minutes

c. Fix the Chain Drive

If the reel doesn’t spin right, the chain may be loose or worn.

Check this:

• Remove the side panel (just a few screws).
• Pull the chain gently.
• If it moves more than ½ inch from the gear, it needs tension.

Some models:

• Have a bolt inside you can tighten.
• If not, you may need to replace the chain.

Good news: A regular bike chain works! I used a single-speed chain from a bike shop—cost me less than $10.

If the sprockets are damaged: You’ll need parts from Fiskars. I emailed support in the U.S. and got help within two days.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Fiskars Reel Mower Cutting Like New

You’ve fixed the mower—great job! Now let’s keep it in top shape. These simple habits saved me from more trouble down the road.

Clean After Every Mow (But Skip the Hose)

I used to spray mine with the hose. Big mistake.
Water stays trapped and causes rust, especially on the reel and bearings.
Now I do this instead:

• Wipe blades with a dry rag
• Use a stiff brush for stuck grass
• Lightly wipe the reel with a cloth sprayed with WD-40

It takes 3 minutes and keeps the mower clean without damage.

Lube It Once a Season

Reel mowers don’t need much care—but they do need some.
At the start and end of mowing season, I oil key spots:

• The reel axle
• The chain (behind the side panel)
• The height knobs if they’re stiff

Use light oil like 3-in-One or white lithium grease.
I live in a humid area, and this stops rust before it starts.

Don’t Mow Tall or Wet Grass

It’s tempting to mow after rain—but don’t. I’ve learned this the hard way.

Wet grass:

• Clumps under the reel
• Tears instead of cutting
• Makes pushing harder

Tall grass:

• Bends over instead of cutting
• Takes more passes
• Feels like dragging a sled

Follow the 1/3 rule: never cut more than one-third at once.

So if your grass is 6 inches, mow it to 4. Then wait and mow again to 3.

Store Indoors or Cover It Up

Leaving the mower outside (like I used to) ruins it fast.

Sun, rain, and moisture mess with the chain and parts.

Now I:

• Keep mine in the garage
• Use a cover if I leave it outside briefly
• Drop a silica pack in the handle to keep it dry

In colder places, salt and snow will wear your mower down—even when it’s not in use. Treat it like a bike you care about.

Read More: Earthwise Reel Mower Review

When to Call Fiskars or Use the Warranty

Sometimes, no matter what you try, the mower still won’t cut right. If that happens, it may be time to contact Fiskars.

The good news? Fiskars has a strong warranty. In the U.S., StaySharp™ mowers come with a limited lifetime warranty for home use. If a part fails due to a defect, they’ll fix or replace it.

What to do:

• Go to the Fiskars website and find your model.
• Check the warranty info.
• Gather your receipt or order email.
• Use their warranty form or call customer service.

Conclusion

If your Fiskars reel mower isn’t cutting like it used to, don’t stress. Most problems are easy to fix at home.

These mowers are built to last. But like any tool, they need some care. A quick blade gap check, a light sharpening, or a handle height tweak can make a big difference.

Bottom line: With good mowing habits, seasonal care, and the occasional tune-up, your Fiskars reel mower can keep giving you clean, quiet, eco-friendly cuts for years—especially here in the U.S., where thick grass and changing seasons are part of the deal.

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