Shannon Kennedy, ANR Educator, UGA Extension Forsyth County
Often when the weather gets cold, people retreat indoors for hot cocoa and holiday movies. While this is a wonderful way to spend the winter, it often results in a rough garden re-entry in spring.
Before we mellow into hibernation mode, it’s a good idea to spend some time cleaning and repairing our garden tools. This is important for preserving that favorite spade and those special-purchase pruners. So, gather up those tools, some sandpaper, WD-40, and a warm cup of coffee for a little workshop quiet-time.
Step one is removing any leftover dirt, sap, or plant residue. Sometimes, this only needs a little elbow grease and a wire brush, but other times, soap and water are in order. If there is a buildup of sap on the tools, a solvent like alcohol or turpentine will help remove it. Dry the tool and give it a good inspection for rust. Use sandpaper or steel wool to remove rust everywhere you find it. Once the metal is clean and dry, apply a thin coating of WD-40 or another light machine or engine oil to protect the metal through winter. Wipe away excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
While going through this process, take care of wooden handles, too, so you don’t end up with splinters next spring. Make sure the handles are clean, and then inspect them for rough spots or splinters. Trim off any splinters and sand away leftover rough spots. Once this process is complete, apply a light coat of linseed or mineral oil to preserve the wood, wiping away the excess. Pruners, shovels, hoes, and chisels all have a cutting blade, so check these edges for damage. If the blades are chipped or dull, sharpen them using a file or whetstone. Make sure to put on eye protection and gloves to protect from flying metal shards before starting this process. While working on the blades of a tool, secure the tool with a clamp or vise so the blade doesn’t slip while you’re working on it. Make long strokes in one direction to sharpen the blade, especially if using a file, and try to maintain the original angle of the blade’s edge.
For things like scissors and pruning shears, you may need to disassemble the tool to make sure it gets properly cleaned and sharpened. Clamp the tool to your work surface where you can see the head of the bolt and nut. Use a machine or engine oil to lubricate the joint as you disassemble the pivot, and make sure to keep track of the order of the parts for easy reassembly.
As you disassemble the tool, clean, sharpen, or replace parts as necessary. Some manufacturers have online resources that describe the best maintenance practices for the tool.
Power equipment needs winter storage prep, too. Clean grass clippings and debris from lawn mowers, weed eaters, and similar equipment, and empty the fuel tanks or add a fuel stabilizer so the fuel doesn’t degrade in the machinery. Lastly, check the spark plugs, change the oil, and check the air filters. This quick maintenance list will ensure that your power equipment will start when you pull them out in spring.
Make sure to exercise caution when working with your equipment, especially when working with tools that have a bladed edge. Always use the appropriate protective equipment and a healthy dose of caution to prevent injury. If you have any questions, please reach out to Forsyth County Extension. Happy honing!