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Garden Tool Tips

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scarezimof blog photos
Joined: 10/07/2002
Location: Southern OR
Posts: 608
Posted: Jul/05/2005 9:54 AM PST

[U][B]Keep tools sharp[/B]: [/U]
Two people chop wood. One takes frequent breaks. The other works non-stop.
At the end of the day the one who rested has a larger pile of wood.
"How'd you manage that?" asks the other.
"During breaks," she replies, "I was sharpening my axe."
scarezimof blog photos
Joined: 10/07/2002
Location: Southern OR
Posts: 608
Posted: Jun/22/2005 8:07 AM PST

<...and I don't have to run back and forth for things I need.>

Ohhh, that's the part I hate-- I forget whether I left my spade in the front yard, or was it in the back yard. Then I go hunting......

Hmm, your tote is a good idea. I was thinking of using a 5-gallon bucket.
Ninepatch
Joined: 4/18/2004
Location: Berea, Ohio 5b
Posts: 392
Posted: Jun/21/2005 5:56 PM PST

My favorite tool tip is a Rubbermaid cleaning caddy as my portable garden tool box. It's the rectangular one, with the handle on top and two long compartments on each side. Carries several hand tools, clippers, pruners, seeds, garlic toes, string, etc. quite nicely and I don't have to run back and forth for things I need.
scarezimof blog photos
Joined: 10/07/2002
Location: Southern OR
Posts: 608
Posted: Jun/21/2005 7:29 AM PST

I'm hoping you experts out there have some tips about gardening tools that you can share with us 'less experienced' gardners

Here's one I can share.....

[B]Stay-Put Tool Grips [/B]
Everybody has a few tools with grips that slide right off. Keep them in place with this golf club grip trick. Wrap the bare handle with double-faced tape, lubricate the tape with mineral spirits, and slide the grip back on. The mineral spirits will evaporate and the grips will stay in place.

Anyone else want to share?

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TroyBilt
Joined: 9/06/2005
Location: SoMar
Posts: 49
Posted: Sep/11/2005 1:00 PM PST

Keeping tools rust free.
Get an old 5 gal bucket, & fill it with sharp sand. Sharp sand is the orange colored stuff. Pour 1 qt. of automobile oil in it. (Any brand will do, make sure it's a fresh qt.) Mix the oil into the sand.
Dip your tools in it after each use. Shovels, rakes, etc.
The sand will polish the tool, & the oil will provide rust resistance.
Sweetpea
Joined: 2/03/2005
Location: South Central Ontario, Zone 5a
Posts: 2955
Posted: Sep/11/2005 3:34 PM PST

These are great, I'm going to watch this thread..
Mainegal
Joined: 3/30/2002
Location: Southern Maine Zone4/5
Posts: 2550
Posted: Sep/11/2005 3:49 PM PST

great ideas, going to keep up on this thread
i bought a thing that fits over a 5 gallon bucket at sears to keep my small tools etc in, i also have a caddy on wheels that has slots for the rakes, shovels, etc and it also has a thing on the front of it that you can put heavy stuff on it haul it, i just need to make the handle longer as it's too short when i have it tipped when hauling heavy things, used it yesterday to haul the 5 gal buckets of driveway sealer and it works great except for the short handles. i also wash out and use the buckets that kitty litter comes in and fill it up compost or peat moss and carry it around the garden with me when planting or use an empty one to put weeds in when weeding
sashweezy
Joined: 6/06/2005
Location: Ontario, Canada..Zone 4
Posts: 8401
Posted: Sep/12/2005 1:49 PM PST

Great tips. I'll be checking back.
Kale
Joined: 11/02/2002
Location: Greenhouse Mi.
Posts: 1465
Posted: Sep/12/2005 2:27 PM PST

One tip that someone might find handy is NEVER leave your tools outside, sun dries out the wood on handles and moisture rusts.
I see them left outdoors in so many Gardener's yards.. And they wonder why thier rakes and shovel's handle broke.I also (hubby does for me) tapes up all my tools with sports tape that is used for baseball bats.Works wonders!

Kale
TroyBilt
Joined: 9/06/2005
Location: SoMar
Posts: 49
Posted: Sep/17/2005 12:04 AM PST

Another good tip is to do this: When you buy a new tool, sand the handle (if it's wood) smooth. Use 220 grit sandpaper for this. Wipe it with a damp rag to remove the loose sawdust, & let it dry completely. Get a can of clear polyurethene spray, and spray several light coats on the handle. Let it dry completely between coats. It will seal the handle practically forever, & it makes it easier to clean should it get dirty. I have a rake that's 25 years old, & still looks like new because of this. I use the high gloss spray, because it's more durable than the flat or satin spray.
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