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Have you ever had to replace a tool before it reached the end of its useful life?
Annoying, right?
Keeping your tools properly stored, cleaned, and maintained can be a hassle, but when your time and money is put into question, keeping your tools in good condition is the answer. Not only will you be extending your tools lifespans, but developing good tool care habits can increase their safety.
A sharp blade is usually safer than a blunt blade.
Hear us out: When you use a blunt tool, you must apply more force to make them cut, which is often means the tool is more likely to slip and people can get hurt. So, make sure you sharpen your tools around every six months or so to avoid any accidents.
Okay, let’s talk about rust: the number one enemy of all tool owners.
First of all, keep your tools in a cool dry place (Seems obvious, I know), but storing your tools in the garage or cellar can have humidity issues. So maybe it’s time to invest in a dehumidifier to reduce any dampness, they’re not too expensive and you can often adjust the settings to suit your needs. Another way to keep rust away is by hanging your garden tools, even if you keep them inside it’s best to keep them off the floor to avoid it encountering any moisture. For smaller tools use a silica gel pack or a rust collector. The silica gel pack comes in lots of packaging are great at keeping moisture at bay. Put them in drawers or toolboxes to help keep moisture and rust away. You can also buy rust inhibitors for the same purpose and anti-rust liners for drawers and shelves.
But most of all, make sure you are in the habit of cleaning your tools after every use. It can be as simple as wiping it down with a cloth, or for tougher stains, washing it with soap and water. Just make sure you dry it thoroughly and take care when washing handles and wood.
Comment below if you have any questions or if you’d like to share any other tool maintenance tips and tricks.
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