Love Your Tools

Winter in Wisconsin is no joke. Everything is cold, wet, and covered with a layer of rust. And inevitably there’s always a tool left forgotten outside only to be discovered in spring looking worse for wear and a sad shade of mottled brown. Here are a couple of tips to help your tools avoid that fate and keep them in tip-top condition during the harsh winter months.

If you do find that rust has attacked your metal tools, there is a solution. Take some white vinegar and submerge the metal into the liquid. Be careful to only submerge the metal parts of your tool. After a few hours the rust should start to come off and you can scrub the rest off easily with steel wool.

Preventative Maintenance Goes A Long Way

Ultimately, you want to protect your tools in advance. Make sure they are cleaned, dried, and stored in a sheltered location. Shears and scissors have that screw that can get gunked up. Be sure to use a lubricating machine oil to keep them in working condition. Metal parts can also benefit from a rust preventative oil such as anti-rust sprays or even olive oil! Don’t forget to sharpen those trusty tools, too. A simple whetstone can go a long way and winter is the perfect time to hone those blades in preparation for the spring. Remember:

Clean. Dry. Store.