Garden Tool maintenance

It’ important to keep your garden tool clean and dust or rust free. They will work a lot better and more efficiently.

Cleaning mechanisms, any or all of them :

•  - Water
•  - Steel wool
•  - Abrasive chemicals
•  - Protective lubricants

Maintenance Tools you may need to complete the task :

•  - Brush, preferably wire brush
•  - Gloves
•  - Dust Mask
•  - Hair dryer, optional

Preparation :

First and foremost, aside rust, usually garden tools would have accumulated some amount of mud or dirt. So, give it a good water wash using your garden hose gun. Once you have wash them you need to make sure they are dry thoroughly. Either wipe them down or use the help of a hair dryer to quicken the process. Make sure the tool is completely dry.

Step 1 :

Wear your gloves and make sure you’re in a ventilated area.

Give the tool a gently squirt with the abrasive chemical. Don’t leave it for long, perhaps a few minutes will do.

Step 2:

After a few minutes, gently rub the tool over with a steel wool to remove rust. You don’t have to use pressure, just a gentle rub will do. Never ever use a sandpaper as this will scratch the tool and cause permanent damage to the tool. If rust persists, repeat step 1 & 2.

Step 3 :

Now give a nice even coating of the protective lubricant all over the affected area of the tool. Store in a dry space possible in your shed or garage away from moisture and direct sunlight.

For heavily rusted tool, use a wire brush to remove the rust first and wipe it down. Then repeat steps 1 to 3.