Look after your tools, and they’ll look after your crops.

A well-maintained tool is safer, faster to use, and lasts years longer. This guide walks you through a simple routine to keep all your tools in top condition.

Cleaning Tools Properly

Every tool should be:

• Brushed clean of soil
  

• Rinsed (if needed)
  

• Dried thoroughly
  

Soil holds moisture and causes rust — especially in winter.

Sharpening Techniques

Tools that benefit from sharpening:

• Hoes
  

• Knives
  

• Shears
  

• Harvesters
  

• Pruners
  

How to sharpen:

• Use a sharpening stone or file
  

• Maintain the factory bevel
  

• Light oil helps keep metal cool
  

• Wipe clean after sharpening
  

A sharp tool is safer than a dull one.

Oiling Metal Parts

Use light oil to prevent rust.
Apply after every deep clean or at the end of each week during wet seasons.

Caring for Wooden Handles

Wooden handles dry out and crack if neglected.

Routine:

1. Light sand
   

2. Wipe with raw linseed oil
   

3. Leave to absorb
   

4. Buff clean
   

Repeat 1-2 times per year.

Seasonal Storage Tips

• Store tools off the ground
  

• Hang hoes and rakes vertically
  

• Keep fleece and netting dry
  

• Coil hoses loosely
  

• Avoid damp sheds or corners
  

Good storage = longer tool life.

When to Repair vs Replace

Repair when:

• A blade is dull but intact
  

• A handle is splintered but fixable
  

• A part can be replaced
  

Replace when:

• Cracks form in steel
  

• Handles fail repeatedly
  

• Tools bend under normal use
  

Some cheap tools aren’t worth repairing but quality tools are designed with repair in mind.

A small amount of maintenance gives your tools years of extra life.

Explore sharpening, oils, replacement blades, and other tool-care accessories through our shop.