If you have the knowledge of maintaining garden tools, then your tools can be kept in better condition. You will be more efficient and you will save more money in the long run.

This article will introduce you to some tips of maintaining garden tools and hopefully help you take better care of your equipment.

BEFORE MAINTAINING

Before giving advice on maintaining garden tools, we will provide some important shopping hints.

  1. For new equipment, the first thing to check is whether the handle is already firmly attached. Try twisting or moving the handle of the socket to see if there are any visible gaps. Check the thickness and texture of the steel parts.
  2. Also, choose a good brand and pay attention to the place of production. If you look closely at a gardening tool, you should have no trouble determining whether it is qualified.
  3. After purchasing digging equipment such as hoes, shovels or trowels, you may need to sharpen them. It will be better to simply sharpen them than to waste time trying to cut off hard roots with a dull hoe or shovel.

 

HOW TO MAINTAIN GARDEN TOOLS

  1. Try not to leave your gardening tools outside for a long time, as they will soon be eroded by the natural environment. Rain and humidity can cause steel and wood to rust, and strong sunlight can dry out any type of wood. These outdoor elements can quickly cause your tools to deteriorate. Store them properly indoors.
  2. Keeping your tools in the shed or garage and hanging them between nails or staples on the wall will prevent the blades or working parts from being worn. Stacking hoes and shovels on the wall or in a corner is harmful because it can bump or rub, scratch and cut the blades and twist the handles.
  3. When storing equipment for long periods of time, apply protective oil to the wooden handles. If the wood is dry or has many scratched or worn areas, a mixture of 75% linseed oil and 25% turpentine can be used, which penetrates more easily.During storage of the tool, the oil will dry out to prevent future damage from sunlight, moisture, perspiration or wear.
  4. To handle and maintain the blade or steel part, simply save some used oil and mix it with sand. Then dip the steel part of the tool into it and polish it back and forth. The abrasive action of the sand will remove any rust and polish the steel, while the oil will penetrate and prevent future rusting.
  5. Occasionally you may need to replace a broken or damaged handle, but separating the handle from the steel may be a problem. To remove a jammed handle, simply place it in a bucket with the water level covering the wooden part of the steel and let it soak for about 24 hours. This will cause the wood to swell. Later, when you remove the tool and let it dry completely, the wood will shrink and you will be able to remove the handle easily. To speed up the drying process, place the tool near a stove or heater.
  6. 6. Before using the new handle, wipe it with linseed oil before inserting it into the steel piece. After installation, if the handle is not already painted, wipe the entire length with more linseed oil. Then place the steel part in a bucket of oil grit, give it a quick polish, and you’re ready to start gardening in earnest again.

GarDepot is a professional supplier of quality gardening tools. On our website, you can find a wide range of models and styles of garden tools to meet your different gardening work needs. We also provide a variety of practical tips and tools information, such as maintaining garden tools, buying guides, etc. If you have any needs or questions, please feel free to contact us.