Tips for cleaning tools

[dexterdoglancashire]

It's that time of year when we need to clean all our tools and implements. Has anyone got any useful tips? many thanks DDL

[nick the grief]

A large bucket (bigger the better) filled with sharp sand (as coarse as you can find) & some engine oil in it. Shove the spade/fork up & down a few times to get of all the dirt & coat in oil.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Thanks Nick! DDL

[dexterdoglancashire]

You'll be proud of me Nick - have just spent the last hour cleaning all my tools - washed them first then dried them, then used the sand and oil method - they've all come up a treat!
Just waiting for OH to realise I've used the last of his special top-notch oil for "high performance sports engines" - I didn't read the label till the container was empty! Ooops!
Still, if it's good enough for posh engines, it's good enough for my garden tools! DDL

[burnie]

How do you recycle it though? I usually wash and then wipe with WD40 or some thing similar.

[nick the grief]

you don't need to Burnie as it won't dry out & you're only using it to clean the tools.

I hope you did the handles with some linseed oil DDL ..... doesn't work if they are plastic of course

[dexterdoglancashire]

Ah! plastic handles Nick! Even the oldest tools looked a darn sight better! (mind you I've never, ever cleaned them before! now I know better!) EXCELLENT tip! DDL