A gardener has a toolbox full of garden tools, ranging from homes to weed whackers. It is a sad sight when tools are used up, discarded and left lying around. We all need to use up tools occasionally so why not invest in quality garden tools that will last and keep you smiling? A garden can be a wonderful place to relax and spend time. It is however also a great place to get stuck and become frustrated, especially if you are starting out as a gardener with no previous experience.

Gardening can be a very rewarding pastime but there is a lot that goes into keeping a garden green and beautiful, like the fact that you have put in your fair share of work and sacrifice. A gardener works hard in order to maintain a garden full of green, beautiful flowers. Gardening tools make the job a little easier but there comes a point in any gardener’s life when tools need to be retired and replaced. Most garden tools are used quite often and many of them get worn out over the years. Whether you have a garden full of annuals, perennials and seedlings, or you just have flowers to plant on a regular basis, you are sure to have plenty of garden tools lying around. If you have old, worn and rusty garden tools, it is time to replace them.

As a gardener you know that to ensure long-lasting performance, you must sharpen your tools. When you take good care of your garden tools, they will last for longer and perform better. There are many ways to sharpen garden tools and the best thing about sharpening gardening tools is that you can do it yourself, when you have time and you are ready to get fancy. Below are some ideas to help you sharpen your tools:

A rust remover – If your garden tools have become rusted from the elements or if they have been left outside to get too hot or dry, a good scrub with soap and water is a great way to restore their shape and value. The best approach is to use a detergent-free rust remover that is specifically designed for household use. You can also use a small wire brush to gently remove any loose rust.

Grit Sandpaper – Many garden tools such as a wheelbarrow or an adze have a raised surface which contains a slot or grooved bottom. This can easily be buffed off using a grit sandpaper. Using a grit sandpaper will also give you a smooth finish. Grit sandpaper can also be switched to a fine-grit version for removing rust on metal objects. You should never start sanding anything with coarse grit sandpaper as it can damage the surface. It can also scratch and chip your tools.

Boiled Linseed Oil – If your equipment has become damaged by rust, or you simply just want to bring back its sheen, then you can use boiled linseed oil as a rust remover and polish. The oil should be applied generously and allowed to sit for five minutes before wiping with a damp cloth. This is an excellent option for stainless steel equipment. It works well on metal cutting blades as well as some other metal items, so it’s a good idea to have a supply of it on hand.

Polishing – Many of us keep our tools in wooden handles or on metal surfaces that are magnetized. In such cases, a polisher such as the Boatamelo Polish can be used to bring their luster back. Another option is to send them to a professional who can give them a nice polish. It’s important to realize that you should never use a magnet on any metal parts of your tools, even those that are made from non-magnetic materials. Magnetic metal parts are extremely hard to clean, and they can damage your equipment.

Metalworking and woodworking equipment can be expensive, and we all want to keep them working for years. But while they’re in good shape, take some time to give them a little maintenance. If you’re just getting started with a hobby, then you probably have a lot of basic tools that you haven’t used much, so give each tool once over every couple weeks. Regular tool care can extend the life of your tools, and it can prevent you from spending hundreds of dollars to buy new ones!