Saturday, December 3, 2011

Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner. ~Author Unknown

And do yo find that to be true? Tools that have a mind of their own? Oh yes, they do!!!!

As far as winterizing tools, are there any special techniques that you use to clean/storage gardening tools? This will apply to hand tools and larger tools/equipment. Here are a few suggestions that we have tried and a few that we have heard of....

Tools ...


+ remove dirt/mud/built-in grime using a wire brush
+ wipe off with dry clean cloth
+ spray metal parts with WD-40 for lubrication/prevent rust
+ wipe wooden handles with boiled linseed oil
+ check screw, nuts, etc and tighten where needed
+ sharpen blades where applicable
+ paint handle bright color (will be able to find when lost)

+ store in bucket of clean sand and motor oil mixed
or
hang them or
stand upright in protected area



Garden Hoses ...

+ drain them
+ examine for cracks, leaks or
holes
+ unkink before storing

+ hang on hose supports or hose reels, if not, loosely coiled

+ store in a dry location

Garden Carts, Wheelbarrows ...

+ check tires for leaks, maintain proper air pressure
+ clean thoroughly
+ touch up with paint to prevent exposed areas to rust

+ grease wheels
+ store out of the weather

Power Equipment ...

+ wipe clean of all leaves, debris, dirt
+ tighten all screws
+ lubricate where applicable

+ sharpen cutting blades
+ check hoses for leaks or kinks
+ change oil, spark plugs where applies
+ check air and oil filters and replace if needed
+ empty fuel lines of old fuel
+ store under shelter


Now that your maintenance projects are complete ... you can relax and say "Good job, well done ... for this 2011 gardening season!"

All for now ... until next time, Happy Gardening.


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