Preparing for the New Year
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Maintain Your Tools
- Fix it or throw it out. While you can use a broken tool for a lot of things, it’s always a poor substitute. Resolve right now that you will replace that broken handle, repair that broken part, or just throw it out.
- Keep it clean. While some folks might think dirt and mud insulates your tools from the elements, they can actually trap moisture causing rust and corrosion. Spend a little time cleaning your tools and then actually treat all metal surfaces with some kind of oil to coat and protect. Wooden handles would also benefit from a coat of tung oil or linseed oil to help protect them. If the handles are rough or have splinters, give them a hand sanding first.
- Sharpen tools. Not only does it take less effort to cut with a sharp tool, a dull blade is more likely to cut you than a sharp blade. Take the time to sharpen mower blades, knives, shovels, hoes and any other items that slice and dice.
Organize Your Tools
- Give your tools a home. If your tools wander from garage to basement to shop, think about finding them a permanent place to hang or be stored. Some great storage solutions are just a click away on the Internet.
- Consider your next purchase. Perhaps it’s time to make a list of tools you wish you had. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming. A list of future tools can come in handy when birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or even the occasional Craigslist items come up unexpectantly. Be ready when opportunity presents itself.
