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General Tool Maintenance
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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.
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!)
- 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.
- Sharpen tools before storing them, and then, apply camellia oil or bees wax. For woodworking and gardening tools, DO NOT use boiled linseed oil (BLO) or petroleum products.
- Store your tools where they should go: ”A place for everything and everything in its place“ is just common sense. 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:
- Clean
- In good repair.
Paint can help protect your tool from rust; I generally use a rust-resistant spray paint.
Consider painting the exposed metal surfaces, at least those which are not sharpened nor used for impact.
- Sharp
- Coated with bees wax or camellia oil (not BLO).
In very humid environments, petroleum jelly may be a better alternative.
- Stored where they will not get damaged nor wet
