Tool Care and Maintenance

Hello again one and all!

Today I would like to talk a little about tool care and maintenance. It's important when one is working in the yard or garden or whatever that one has the proper tools and that those tools are in the optimum condition for the task at hand.

I'll start with sharpening. Its good to keep hoes, lawn mower blades, etc sharp to ensure that they are operating to the best of their ability. Now you can by a specialized sharpener for the job or if you prefer you can use a grinder or some sort of rotary tool to do the job as well. just make sure that you are wearing the proper safety equipment and accessories before doing so. As always if you are not sure about doing this yourself consult some local garden supply stores and they will point you in the right direction to find a professional sharpener.

As for maintaining you digging tools, a great way to oil and clean them is to mostly fill, about 2/3 to 3/4, a bucket with coarse sand. then add one quart of oil to the sand and jab in your digging tools repeatedly until all dirt is removed and the blade is completely coated in oil. brush off the sand and store and remember you can use this mixture repeatedly but if you must, please dispose of it responsibly.

- A few other things to remember are to always make sure wooden handles are oiled.
- Try to clean your tools yearly.
- Keep tools off the ground and out of the weather.
- Oil and steel wool are all you need to keep pruning shears and saws free of sap, dirt and sawdust.

On a side note another thing I learned this week is that chickens are social birds. Which explains why our hen, Bessie, is always yelling and squawking at me like she wants to kill me. So if anyone knows where on earth, or at least New Mexico, that I can find some pullets, email me at theruralpunkblog@hotmail.com

Also feel free to use that address for any questions, ideas, stories or concerns that you may have!

Until next time!

Stuart Smith