There’s nothing like being in the middle of a project and one of the important tools handle breaks. Not to mention that outdoor wooden tools and equipment can be expensive in the first place, let alone to have to replace them and invest in the same thing again.
5 Tips & Tricks To Caring For Wooden Tools & Equipment
The proper care and upkeep of your equipment and tools can make them work more efficiently and last longer. Much of what you’re going to hear probably consists of things we’ve all heard growing up and at different times in our lives. The tips and tricks are pretty basic and don’t consist of much in most cases.
Tips & Tricks
1. Weatherproofing
If you enjoy using wooden handle tools it’s a good idea to waterproof them. When wood sits in the rain or wet for long periods of time it can cause wood rot, as well as, rust and oxidation around the screws. Rust causes deterioration when it comes to certain metals and wood. You can use linseed oil or if you want to be a little safer use flaxseed oil. Linseed oil is actually extracted from flaxseed but it is far more potent and the volatile oils can be flammable and hazardous. Flaxseed oil is found in most grocery stores and is meant for cooking with. It will waterproof your wooden handles just as good as the linseed without the hassle.
2. Paint
Painting can add some oomph to weatherproofing your wooden handle tools but it’s not the same. Using paint can help provide a protective layer or layers against rain and the sun. It’s always wise to use a waterproof paint or add a coating of weather seal. Prolonged periods of time in the sun can cause handles, whether they are wooden or plastic, to become weak and begin chipping. If there is any glue binding the head of the tool onto the stick hot and cold temperatures can have a negative effect. It sucks to have a hammerhead go flying in mid-swing. Eventually, you will have to touch up the paint but that’s to be expected.
3. Pick Them Up & Put Them Away
As I mentioned, some of these things we are taught as children. Leaving your tools out in the elements all the time is going to take a toll on them after a while. It doesn’t matter what sort of handles you are dealing with the elements will have an impact on them. Keep them where it is dry.
4. Keep Them Clean
When I was little I thought it was silly that my older brothers always wiped their tools down after they worked on the car. They even cleaned the mower off before putting it away in the garage. I later learned how much that helps care for them. Dirt and wet grass build up and then it begins a cycle of rust, wear and tear. Eventually, something goes wrong with whatever it is and has to be fixed or replaced. Keeping gardening tools free of dirt and water before putting them away and wiping the grease off of your other tools can improve the quality of use and extend its life.
5. Regular Upkeep
Screws need to be tightened, handles adjusted, knives and blades sharpening. Chainsaws and other gas or electric powered equipment needs to be maintained as well. Taking good care of your tools really helps you in the long run.
Wranglerstar shows how to care for your ax & other wood handle tools:
For some of us, the tools and equipment we use are strictly for hobby work while for others of us they are our livelihood and our means of everyday life. Either way, it’s good to take care of your tools the right way so that they work better for longer. There are going to be times that something does get left out in the rain but as long as you took the steps to protect them by weatherproofing them then it should be all good. Even if you didn’t it’s not going to hurt them if it only happens once in awhile.
Take good care of your tools and they’ll take good care of you. Happy Working!
Do you have any tips & tricks on caring for your tools and equipment? Please let us know in the comments below!
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Featured image via flickr
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