

This lubricant can help prevent rust and corrosion.īesides cleaning your tools properly, you also need to store them right. Use a rag to get rid of extra oil before you store the tool. You can also lightly spray down other metal tools with the oil, but make sure no oils get on the handles.

Lubricate tools: Once all your cleaning is finished and you've checked for any damage, it's a good practice to lubricate the tools that have adjustable parts with an all-purpose oil, like WD-40.To prevent breakage, regularly use your grinder to grind off any edges that form. This breakage can lead to the metal head separating from the rest of the tool, potentially harming those in the area. Eventually, this ridge will continue to spread and grow thinner, causing it to break. Use a powered grinder for striking tools: Over time, your striking tools' metal heads will start to spread out and form a ridge at the edge of the metal.If you find any damage, set the tool aside until you can repair or replace it. In addition to looking for damage, search for corrosion or rust. Keep an eye out for cracks, splinters or breaks that could harm people during use or cause the tool to lose its effectiveness. Check for damage: After wiping down your hand tools, examine them for any signs of damage.Leaving grease and other materials on the tools can end up harming them, so it's crucial to take this step. Take an old towel or rag to wipe off the debris, grease or dust left over on the tools before storing them. Wipe them down: One of the simplest ways you can clean off your tools and keep them in good condition is simply wiping them off.You don't want them to rust or grow dull. Below you can find a hand tool maintenance checklist to help make sure you take the required steps to keep your tools operating at a high level:

Your hand tools are a necessity for most yardwork and home projects.
