Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2006 10:12:38 GMT -6
Garden Tool Tips
Keep tools sharp:
Two people chop wood. One takes frequent breaks. The other works non-stop.
At the end of the day the one who rested has a larger pile of wood.
"How'd you manage that?" asks the other.
"During breaks," she replies, "I was sharpening my axe."
Keep tools rust free.
Get an old 5 gal bucket, & fill it with sharp sand.
Sharp sand is the orange colored stuff.
Pour 1 qt. of automobile oil in it. (Any brand will do, make sure it's a fresh qt.)
Mix the oil into the sand.
Dip your tools in it after each use. Shovels, rakes, etc.
The sand will polish the tool, & the oil will provide rust resistance.
Keep em inside
One tip that someone might find handy is NEVER leave your tools outside,
Sun dries out the wood on handles and moisture rusts.
I see them left outdoors in so many Gardener's yards.
And they wonder why thier rakes and shovel's handle broke.
I also tape up all my tools with sports tape that is used for baseball bats.
Works wonders!
Or try this!
When you buy a new tool, sand the handle (if it's wood) smooth.
Use 220 grit sandpaper for this.
Wipe it with a damp rag to remove the loose sawdust, & let it dry completely.
Get a can of clear polyurethene spray, and spray several light coats on the handle.
Let it dry completely between coats.
It will seal the handle practically forever, & it makes it easier to clean should it get dirty.
Keep tools sharp:
Two people chop wood. One takes frequent breaks. The other works non-stop.
At the end of the day the one who rested has a larger pile of wood.
"How'd you manage that?" asks the other.
"During breaks," she replies, "I was sharpening my axe."
Keep tools rust free.
Get an old 5 gal bucket, & fill it with sharp sand.
Sharp sand is the orange colored stuff.
Pour 1 qt. of automobile oil in it. (Any brand will do, make sure it's a fresh qt.)
Mix the oil into the sand.
Dip your tools in it after each use. Shovels, rakes, etc.
The sand will polish the tool, & the oil will provide rust resistance.
Keep em inside
One tip that someone might find handy is NEVER leave your tools outside,
Sun dries out the wood on handles and moisture rusts.
I see them left outdoors in so many Gardener's yards.
And they wonder why thier rakes and shovel's handle broke.
I also tape up all my tools with sports tape that is used for baseball bats.
Works wonders!
Or try this!
When you buy a new tool, sand the handle (if it's wood) smooth.
Use 220 grit sandpaper for this.
Wipe it with a damp rag to remove the loose sawdust, & let it dry completely.
Get a can of clear polyurethene spray, and spray several light coats on the handle.
Let it dry completely between coats.
It will seal the handle practically forever, & it makes it easier to clean should it get dirty.