Caring for your Gardening Tools
Well cared for garden tools work better and last longer. In just a few minutes, a tool can be restored to like new condition and be made ready for the next use. Clean your pruner with a cleaning agent containing spirits. Lubricate the joints with, for example, maintenance oil.
Digging Tools (shovels, hoes, forks, garden rakes, etc.):
- Remove rust from neglected tools with a wire brush or an electric drill with a wire brush or sanding disc attachment.
- Renew edges and points with a mill file.
- After each use, clean with water and dry with a cloth. Apply a light coating of oil for storage.
Pruning Tools (hand pruners, loppers, hedge shears, etc.):
- Clean blades after each use. Use rubbing alcohol or a solvent such as kerosene to remove sticky sap residue.
- Prior to storage, apply a light coating of oil on joints and on exposed metal.
Pruning Tool Sharpening
Sharp pruning tools cut with less effort and the clean cuts from sharp tools promote faster plant healing. The easiest way to maintain the correct cutting angle on the blades is to colour in the area to be sharpened with a black felt-tip pen before you start sharpening. Use a whetstone and sharpen evenly until no trace of the ink can be seen on the blades.
Anvil Tools (wedge action cuts - best design for dry wood):
- Only sharpen the blade, not the anvil, and sharpen both sides - use a file or whetstone.
- Maintain the original bevel angle of the blade for best edge life.
- Make sure you don't change the shape of the blade, so that it will continue to seat flush against the anvil and provide clean cuts.
- Technique - push away from the blade with file or sharpening tool.
Bypass Tools (blade "by passes" the hook - best design for green or growing wood):
- Sharpen the blade on the outside edge only.
- Maintain the same bevel angle of the blade for best edge life
- Technique - push away from the blade with a file or sharpening tool. Remove the light burr that forms on the back (flat side) of the blade with a flat finishing stroke.
Scissors Action Tools (like hedge shears):
- Some hedge shears have serrated blades that are self sharpening. For those that are not, special tools are required to match the curve of the serration. This is best done by professionals.
- If the blades are not serrated, sharpen both sides of each blade with the same technique as for bypass blades.
Saws:
- Some saws can be sharpened by hand, but it is difficult and may require special tools.
- Most saws have replacement blades that cost less than professional sharpening.
Safety:
- If using a ladder, be sure of your footing.
- Always wear safety glasses.
- Always keep fingers and hands clear of blades and wear leather gloves.
- Never cut near power lines.
- Store out of reach of children.