Just like any valuable asset, your hand tools require proper care to ensure they perform reliably and last for years. As a DIY enthusiast or professional, you understand that well-maintained tools not only make your projects easier and safer but also save you money in the long run by preventing premature replacements. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker, a budding mechanic, or simply a homeowner tackling everyday repairs, knowing How To Care For Hand Tools is an essential skill.
Hand tools, from simple screwdrivers and wrenches to more specialized hammers and pliers, are the backbone of countless projects. However, these trusty companions are often subjected to harsh conditions – left in damp basements, cluttered garages, or exposed tool sheds. While built to be robust, they are not impervious to neglect. Exposure to moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures can significantly shorten their lifespan and compromise their effectiveness.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to care for hand tools, covering everything from routine cleaning and inspection to proper storage techniques. By following these simple yet effective practices, you can ensure your hand tools remain in optimal condition, ready to tackle any task you throw their way.
Essential Steps to Clean, Inspect, and Maintain Your Hand Tools
Developing a habit of cleaning your hand tools after each use is the cornerstone of good maintenance. Before returning them to their designated storage space, take a few moments to wipe them down with a rag or an old towel. Removing dust, grease, and debris at this stage prevents build-up and keeps your tools ready for immediate use.
This quick cleaning routine also presents an excellent opportunity to inspect your hand tools for any signs of wear and tear. Examine handles for splinters, cracks, or breaks, which can compromise grip and safety. Carefully check metal parts for corrosion or rust, indicators of moisture damage. Addressing these issues promptly, either by repairing or replacing damaged tools, is crucial for both safety and tool longevity.
Striking tools like cold chisels and wedges demand particular attention to maintenance. The repetitive impact force they endure can cause the metal head to mushroom or spread, forming a dangerous lip around the edge. If left unattended, this lip can thin, split, or curl, eventually breaking off during use. Such a failure can turn the tool head into a hazardous projectile. Prevent this by regularly grinding off these mushroomed edges with a powered grinder, ensuring a safe and effective striking surface.
Safety First: Recognizing When to Repair or Replace
Safety Alert! Using damaged or broken tools is a recipe for accidents. Compromised tools can lead to injuries, damage to your project materials, and further tool deterioration. Always prioritize safety by immediately repairing or replacing tools that show signs of significant wear or breakage.
Safety Alert! Misusing tools is equally dangerous. Each tool is designed for a specific purpose. Using a tool inappropriately can result in personal injury, damage to the tool itself, or harm to others. Always use tools as intended and follow manufacturer guidelines.
After cleaning and inspecting, lubrication is the next key step in hand tool care. Apply an all-purpose oil, such as WD-40®, to tools with adjustable parts like wrenches and pliers. A light spray of oil helps maintain smooth operation and prevents seizing. For other metal parts, including screwdrivers and bladed garden tools, a light coating of oil (avoiding handles to maintain grip) provides a protective barrier against moisture and corrosion. Wipe off any excess oil with a rag after application.
If rust has already taken hold, don’t despair. Several effective rust removal methods can restore your tools. Commercial rust removers like Evapo-Rust are readily available. Alternatively, WD-40® combined with scrubbing using steel wool or a stiff wire brush can effectively eliminate rust. After rust removal, wash the tools with warm, soapy water, scrub again with a cloth, and thoroughly dry them. Finally, apply a light coat of WD-40® and wipe off any excess before storage.
Safety Alert! Protect yourself during rust removal and cleaning. Wear heavy gloves when handling sharp tools to prevent cuts. When using a wire brush, always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
For hand tools with wooden handles, proper care extends to the wood itself. Over time, wooden handles can become weathered and rough. Smooth them down with a medium-grit emery cloth. The goal is to achieve a handle smooth enough to allow your hand to slide comfortably. For particularly rough handles, start by sanding across the grain in a shoe-shine motion, then finish by sanding with the grain. To rejuvenate and protect the wood, apply a generous coat of linseed oil to dry handles. Linseed oil helps to moisturize the wood, preventing it from drying out and cracking.
Bladed tools, such as shovels, pruners, and other garden implements, benefit from seasonal sharpening. Sharpening tools not only makes your work more efficient but also safer, as sharp tools require less force and are less likely to slip. Use files to sharpen digging tools and to refine the edges of nicked or dull cutting tools. For digging tools, file the working edge to a 45-degree bevel using a coarse file. Maintain the sharp edge of all cutting tools with a medium-grit sharpening stone. For optimal sharpening, wet the stone with water or honing oil, depending on the type of stone you are using.
Organized and Protective Storage: Extending Tool Life
Proper storage is just as critical as cleaning and maintenance when it comes to how to care for hand tools. Investing in a suitable storage system is essential. A toolbox, storage container, shelving unit, or a combination of these provides protection and organization. The ideal storage location should minimize exposure to moisture and significant temperature fluctuations.
Always return tools to their designated places after each use. Whether it’s in a toolbox compartment, on a pegboard hanger, or in a storage rack, consistent placement makes it easy to find the right tool when you need it and prevents them from being lost or damaged.
Helpful Tips for Everyday Hand Tool Care
For frequently used tools, consider a small tool bag. Keep essential tools for common household tasks readily accessible in this bag, while the rest of your tool collection remains organized in your main storage.
Designate a workspace for tool inspection and maintenance. A worktable covered with newspaper or plastic sheeting protects the surface and simplifies cleanup after maintenance tasks like sharpening or rust removal.
For long-handled tools like shovels and rakes, wall-mounted hangers are an excellent storage solution. Hanging them off the ground keeps them away from moisture and prevents damage to handles and blades.
By implementing these comprehensive hand tool care practices, you’ll not only extend the life of your tools but also enhance your efficiency and safety in every project you undertake. Well-maintained hand tools are a testament to a craftsman’s pride and a smart investment in your DIY or professional endeavors.
