New Tools
A good, well-maintained tool will last a lifetime (or maybe more; I have many tools I've inherited from my father and grandfathers which are still quite useful). And as we all know that each new tool is that last piece you need to finally be the perfect ____ (you get to fill in the blank), keeping it in good stead it is a good idea.
When you get a new tool,
Lighter fluid works well for removing labels, but one must be sure that the area is well ventilated.
- Remove all the glued-on labels
- Glued-on labels hold bacteria.
- Handles get sticky over time.
- Do not be afraid of modifying tools
- Flat cutting edges or overly large angles can be re-ground to sharpen the tool and make it more useful.
- The overall shape of cutting tools can be re-ground.
- Rough or sharp edges on handles can be sanded to make them smoother.
Summary: Modify the tool as you feel best so that it becomes an extension of you.
Maintaining Existing Tools
Tool maintenance is an important task to ensure the life of the tool is long and useful.
- Sharpen tools before you think it is needed.
- Sharp tools are easier to use.
- Sharp tools are safer to use.
- Sharp tools cause less damage to the material they are cutting.
- Never use damaged tools. Repair any problems they have.
- Remove nicks from the cutting edges.
- Replace handles when needed, or replace the tool. In some cases, I've found that a new tool was cheaper than replacing the handle, and I had no sentimental attachment to that tool, so I replaced the whole tool.
A green scrub pad works well for removing many stuck-on materials
- Clean tools after use. A tool should be stored in the state you will need it to be the next time you go to use it.
- Mud causes rust
- Plant residue, sap, & soil can transfer diseases
- And it is easier to clean a tool right after its use than later (also, you are already dirty from the activity where you used the tool!)
Sap can be removed using a solvent. Acetone works well, but be sure to wear protective clothing as this is not kind to your body, and be sure the area is well ventilated. Isopropyl alcohol also works well, and is less harsh.
Another recommendation is to use Crean Mate which is a small block used for cleaning resin, rust, and other gunk from your tool. A green scrub pad also works well for removing many stuck-on materials.
Do NOT use bleach or trisodium phosphate. Both are oxidizers which will cause your tools to rust.
- Sharpen tools before putting them away. This way, they are ready for use when you need to use them.
- Coat unpainted surfaces with a light coating of oil.
- Woodworking and Gardening tools: I like the spray bottle of camellia oil sold by Tools for Working Wood. In lieu of camellia oil, jojoba oil or cedar oil are recommended by some. At least one person noted that olive oil can also be used, but that tends to build up a caked-on surface, so it is not recommended.
- Machinists tools: I prefer a light oil like 3-in-One or sewing machine oil. WD-40 is not recommended as it will evaporate over time, leaving the surface unprotected.
Do NOT use boiled linseed oil (BLO). Some advocate using BLO, but BLO often has heavy metals or other bad chemicals added for drying agents, and these are not good for you to handle, nor would they be good for the plants on which you might use this tool.
- Store your tools where they should go: ”A place for everything and everything in its place“ is more than an old colloquialism: it makes the job easier next time. You cannot do an efficient, fast repair work if you have to stop and look around for each tool that you need.
At the End of the Season
Prepare the tool for longer storage. Tools in storage should be:
Paint can help protect your tool from rust; I generally use a rust-resistant spray paint.
- Clean
- In good repair. Consider painting the exposed metal surfaces, at least those which are not sharpened nor used for impact.
- Sharp
- Coated with a light coat of oil (not BLO). In very humid environments, petroleum jelly may be a better alternative.
- Stored where they will not get damaged nor wet
More Information
Web Sites
- Matt Stern at The Tool Merchants
