Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
11/8/99
Contacts:
James Romer, Horticulture Extension, (515) 294-2336,
jromer@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communications Systems, (515)
294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Nov. 12
Prepare Your Tools for Next Season
By James Romer
Horticulture Program Specialist
Iowa State University Extension
Jack Frost has graced us with his presence once again. His appearance has brought an end to the growing season and those treasured vegetables, fruits and flowers. It's not quite time to start the process of hibernation but time to get those tools cleaned up and ready for next year's growing season.
General wear and tear of hand tools can leave us with stubborn soil, leaf material or sticky sap left to make the use of these tools less effective than new tools. While tools don't last forever, cleaning them properly in fall can extend their life. There are some relatively quick and easy tips that one can use for properly winterizing tools.
Removing soil that has attached itself to your tools is the first step. A wire brush or putty knife will work well to accomplish this goal. A hose also will do a great job in loosening the tightly bound soil. Areas of rust can be removed by applying naval jelly. Rust will be removed and the existing metal will protect it from rusting further.
At this point one probably has clean, rust free tools that are dull. Sharpen garden spades and hoes by using a 7-inch, single cut "garden" file. A single cut sharpens in only one direction. Hold the file so that the blade is sharpened as you push it away from you. As the file is pushed forward, move the file to the side across the edge. If the edges bend a bit toward the other side, simply turn the tool over and gently file the back to reform a straight sharp edge.
Shears and loppers can be taken apart to clean and sharpen. Use a ceramic whetstone or file to sharpen the blades. Hold the file or whetstone at a slight angle to the cutting edge and push it away from the blade. Apply pressure as you push the sharpening device down the blade. Only file in one direction. Repeat the motion along the entire length of the blade. Blades are properly sharpened when they can cut paper.
Protect wooden handles on tools as well. Moisture can cause splitting and splintering if it works into the handle. Wipe the handles with boiled linseed oil. Warming the oil helps it to better penetrate the wood. Be careful not to pile used rags that have been soaked in linseed oil together as they may self-combust. Check tools for loose screws, nuts or bolts and tighten them accordingly. Oil all pivot points and springs. Replace and repair broken handles and other bent or broken parts. Above all, properly hang your winterized tools in proper storage spots where they will be waiting for you in the spring.
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