Buy the best quality tools you can afford -
they will last longer
Good quality hardened steel blades hold an
edge better and longer
Stainless steel, cast aluminum and some of
the newer "space age" materials like Nyglass® (nylon
reinforced with fiberglass) don't rust
Maintain and care for tools regularly
throughout the growing season and do a final thorough cleanup in the
fall before storing tools
Hang tools up rather than resting them on
their points
Don't leave tools outside in the elements -
always bring them in and wipe them off after use
Maintenance
Remove all dry, caked on dirt metal surfaces
of tools
Rub with oil (motor, VD-40, vegetable) and
wipe with a dry rag - oiling will prevent rust from forming - this
is particularly important over the winter when moisture finds its
way into the garage or shed
Wood handles - rubbing a with rag soaked in
boiled linseed oil and letting the oil be absorbed into the wood,
helps prevent drying and cracking that can lead to splinters
Check and tighten any screws or bolts along
the handle
Sharpen cutting edges with a metal file for
most larger tools
Pruners and Loppers - remove any sap with
soapy water or turpentine - add a drop of oil (V;D-4.0 or household)
to pivot points - sharpen with a good diamond or ceramic sharpening
stone - check sharpness regularly as a good edge will do a more
efficient job and is easier on the plant and the gardener
keep a bucket (approx. 5 gal) of coarse
sharp sand mixed with about I quart of clean motor oil a sheltered
tool area - after using shovels, etc. stab the metal end in the sand
mixture a few times and wipe dry - sand will knock off the dirt and
oil will prevent rusting
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