Life hack: Tips to prepare your garden tools for winter

ST. ATHONY — As the gardening season wraps up, it’s crucial to prepare your tools and equipment for the next growing season. This care not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also ensures everything is ready when spring arrives.

Cleaning and sanitizing tools

Before storing your tools for the year, thoroughly clean them to remove dirt and debris, which can harbor diseases and spread them to next year’s garden. Use a stiff brush or a hose to remove caked-on soil. For cutting tools like pruners, consider using a mild detergent or a diluted bleach solution to sanitize blades.

For larger equipment like lawn mowers and rototillers, be sure to remove any grass clippings or soil buildup from blades and undercarriages. Cleaning off built-up debris not only prevents rust but also ensures the equipment remains efficient. Inspect and clean air filters, and drain or stabilize fuel in gasoline-powered equipment before storing.

Remove rust and sharpen blades

Once your tools are clean, the next step is to ensure they are rust-free and sharpened. Keeping blades in top condition improves performance and reduces effort when cutting or digging. Proper maintenance will help your tools work efficiently and last longer.

To remove rust, use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub off rust from hand tools and mower blades. If rust persists, apply a rust remover, and follow the product’s instructions.

Use a metal file or sharpening stone to sharpen the edges of your hand tools, such as pruners and shovels, while maintaining the original blade angle. For lawn mower blades, carefully remove the blade from the mower, and secure it in a vise. Use a grinder or file to sharpen the cutting edge evenly on both sides.

Balancing the mower blade is essential to prevent vibrations that can damage the mower’s engine and deck. To check the balance, place the blade on a balancer, or hang it on a nail driven in a wall. If one side dips lower than the other, remove a small amount of metal from the heavier side and retest. Repeat this process until the blade remains level. Remember to wear safety glasses and gloves during the sharpening process.

Lubricating and protecting metal parts

Metal parts of tools, especially moving parts, need lubrication to stay in top shape. Proper lubrication helps prevent rust, ensures smooth operation and keeps parts from becoming stiff or corroded.

Apply a light coat of machine oil or a silicone-based lubricant to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. Pay close attention to joints, hinges and inner springs, which are prone to wear and require sufficient lubrication to function properly. For pruners, make sure to apply oil to the pivot points and blades, ensuring smooth, effortless cutting. After applying the oil, work the tool’s mechanism to ensure the lubricant reaches all moving parts. Once you have applied the lubricant, wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. Too much oil can attract dirt and debris, which could negatively affect performance over time.

When pruners are properly lubricated, they should feel smooth and easy to operate. The pivot point should move without resistance, and the blades should slide past each other effortlessly. There should be no squeaking, and the tool should feel responsive and precise. For lawn mowers, ensure that the blade’s motion remains smooth.

Caring for wooden handles

Wooden handles are a common feature on many garden tools, such as rakes, hoes and shovels. Over time, the wood can become dry and brittle, especially if exposed to the elements. Proper care is essential to prevent cracks, splinters and premature wear, ensuring your tools last longer and remain comfortable to use.

Start by sanding any rough spots or splinters on the wooden handles. This not only makes the tool more comfortable to use but also helps prevent injuries during the next season. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to smooth down rough areas, followed by a finer grit to create a smooth, polished finish.

To keep the wood from drying out and cracking, it’s essential to apply a wood conditioner or preservative. Linseed oil is a popular choice, as it deeply nourishes the wood and helps retain its natural strength. Apply a generous amount of oil to the handle using a cloth, then let it soak in for several hours. Afterward, wipe off any excess oil to avoid attracting dirt. Other options include tung oil or a specialized wood treatment oil, which can provide additional protection against the elements.

When applying oil, focus on the areas of the handle most exposed to wear and tear, such as the grip and the base near the blade or working end. Over time, wooden handles can develop small cracks or splinters that make them uncomfortable or dangerous to use. Regular oiling helps prevent these issues by keeping the wood supple and less prone to splitting.

When storing tools with wooden handles, always ensure they are kept in a dry, sheltered area away from moisture. Prolonged exposure to damp or wet conditions can cause the wood to warp, split or even rot.

Hanging the tools off the ground or using tool racks is an effective way to keep them dry and organized.

Despite regular maintenance, wooden handles can break or become too damaged to repair. If this happens, you can replace the handle yourself. Start removing the broken handle by loosening any bolts or fasteners. If the handle is tightly wedged in, you may need to tap it out using a rubber mallet. Once the broken handle is removed, purchase a replacement handle of the appropriate size and shape for your tool. Be sure to select a handle made from high-quality wood, such as ash or hickory, which are both strong and durable for gardening.

When installing the new handle, pay careful attention to the direction of the wood grain. The grain should run parallel to the length of the handle to maximize strength and prevent cracking under pressure. If the grain runs across the handle, it’s more likely to split or break during use. Insert the new handle into the tool’s socket, making sure it fits snugly. Secure it with a metal pin, screw or bolt as necessary.

Once the new handle is in place, sand it to remove any rough edges, apply wood oil to protect it, and your tool will be ready for use again.

Storing tools properly

Choosing the right storage environment is crucial for keeping your tools in good condition. A dry, enclosed area like a shed, garage or basement works best. Moisture is your biggest enemy, as it can lead to rust and wood damage. Hang tools on a wall, or use racks to keep them off the ground, reducing the chance of moisture exposure. Smaller items can be organized in a toolbox to prevent them from getting misplaced or damaged.

Inspecting and repairing equipment

Before putting tools away for the season, give everything a careful inspection. Check for loose screws, bent or broken parts, and cracks in handles or blades. Now is the time to make any necessary repairs or replace broken tools so that you’re prepared for the next growing season. Winter is also an excellent opportunity to service powered equipment, like lawn mowers, to make sure they’re ready for spring.