Garden Tool Care: Extend Life, Prevent Injury, Enjoy More

Sharp, clean, well-stored tools work better, last longer, and keep you safe. A few habits make all the difference.

Daily Safety

• Coil hoses neatly—no trip hazards.
• Never leave rakes tines-up (puncture risk, handle slap).
• Tools visible in grass: paint handles bright red/yellow/blue/white (not green/brown).
• Keep fingers clear of mower blades—even stationary.

Repair & Preservation

• Wood handles: Sand splinters; wrap cracks with glass-filament tape; coat with varnish or paint.
• Metal parts: Primer + 2 coats exterior paint (except ground-contact surfaces). File nicks; steel wool rust; hammer dents.
• Wheelbarrows: Fix breaks ASAP. Oil moving parts. Paint wood.

Winter Storage

• Dry spot only.
• Clean all dirt/grass.
• Coat metal with petroleum jelly + light oil (prevents rust).

Care takes minutes. Neglect costs replacements—and sometimes stitches.