If you cherish your tools, they will reciprocate by enhancing your efficiency and extending their lifespan. Proper maintenance of your hand tools is not just a chore; it’s an investment that pays dividends in the form of easier, safer, and more successful home improvement and auto repair projects. Neglecting tool care can lead to premature wear, rust, and decreased performance, costing you more in the long run. This guide will provide you with essential steps on How To Take Care Of Hand Tools, ensuring they remain reliable companions in your workshop for years to come.
Hand tools, including essential items like screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, pliers, levels, and wire cutters, are the backbone of any DIY enthusiast’s or professional mechanic’s toolkit. These indispensable tools are often subjected to harsh environments – from damp basements to humid garages and dusty tool sheds. While built for durability, hand tools are not immune to the detrimental effects of neglect and environmental exposure.
To maximize the utility and lifespan of your hand tools, implementing a routine care and storage system is crucial. Below are actionable tips and techniques on how to take care of your hand tools, ensuring they are always ready when you need them and perform at their best.
Clean, Inspect, and Maintain Your Hand Tools Regularly
Developing a habit of cleaning your hand tools after each use is a cornerstone of proper maintenance. Before returning any tool to its storage space, take a moment to wipe it down thoroughly with a rag or an old towel. This simple step removes dust, grease, and debris that can accelerate wear and corrosion. Regular cleaning also presents an opportunity to inspect your tools for any signs of damage or wear.
Examine the handles of your tools for splinters, breaks, and cracks. A damaged handle not only compromises comfort but also safety. Similarly, scrutinize metal parts for any indications of corrosion or rust. Early detection of damage allows for timely repair or replacement, preventing further issues and ensuring safety during use. Tools with adjustable parts should be checked for smooth operation and lubricated regularly to prevent seizing.
Striking tools, such as cold chisels and wedges, require special attention due to the repetitive impact they endure. The heads of these tools can mushroom or spread over time, forming a lip or ridge. If left unaddressed, this deformation can lead to metal fatigue, cracking, and potentially dangerous projectiles if fragments break off during use. To mitigate this risk, periodically grind down the mushroomed edges using a powered grinder, restoring the tool head to a safer profile.
Safety First: Using and Maintaining Hand Tools
Safety Alerts!
- Never use damaged or broken tools. Compromised tools are a significant safety hazard and can lead to injuries. Prioritize repair or replacement over using a faulty tool.
- Use tools for their intended purpose. Misusing tools can not only damage the tool itself but also cause injury to yourself or others. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and best practices for each tool.
After cleaning, lubrication is key to preventing rust and ensuring smooth operation, especially for tools with moving parts. Apply an all-purpose oil, such as WD-40®, to lubricate adjustable components like those found in pliers and wrenches. For other metal surfaces, a light spray of oil (avoiding handles to maintain grip) can create a protective barrier against moisture and corrosion. Wipe off any excess oil with a rag to prevent dust accumulation and maintain a secure grip. This lubrication is particularly beneficial for screwdrivers, pliers, and bladed tools, including lawn and garden implements.
If rust has already formed on your hand tools, don’t despair. Several effective rust removal methods are available. Commercial rust removers, like Evapo-Rust, are highly effective. Alternatively, household solutions can also work wonders. Try spraying the affected tools with WD-40® and scrubbing vigorously with steel wool or a stiff wire brush. After removing the rust, wash the tools with warm, soapy water and scrub again with a cloth or rag to ensure all traces of rust are gone. Thoroughly dry the tools with a clean, dry rag and apply a light coat of WD-40® before storing to prevent future rust formation.
Safety Alert!
- Always wear heavy gloves when cleaning or removing rust from sharp tools. This will protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.
- Use safety goggles when using a wire brush to remove rust. Rust particles and wire bristles can become projectiles and pose a risk to your eyes.
Wooden handles, over time and exposure to weather, can become rough and splintered. To restore and protect wooden handles, smooth them down with a medium-grit emery cloth. The goal is to achieve a handle that is smooth enough to comfortably slide your hand along. For severely rough handles, start by sanding across the grain in a shoe-shine motion, then finish by sanding with the grain for a smooth finish. Rejuvenate and protect the wood by wiping the handle down with a generous coat of linseed oil. Linseed oil penetrates the wood, preventing drying and cracking, and enhancing grip.
Bladed hand tools, such as shovels, pruners, and various garden tools, require seasonal sharpening to maintain their efficiency. Using files, sharpen digging tools to a 45-degree bevel on the working edge. For cutting tools that have become nicked or dull, files are also effective for restoring a sharp edge. Maintain the keen edge of all cutting tools by honing them regularly with a medium-grit sharpening stone. For optimal sharpening, wet the stone with water or honing oil, depending on the type of stone, to facilitate smoother and faster material removal.
Proper Storage: Extending the Life of Your Hand Tools
Implementing a proper storage system is paramount for hand tool care. Investing in a toolbox, storage container, shelving unit, or a combination thereof, provides protection and organization, keeping your tools in peak condition. Ideally, storage units should be located in areas with minimal exposure to moisture and drastic temperature fluctuations, such as a dry section of a garage or a dedicated tool storage room. Always return tools to their designated places immediately after completing a task, whether in a toolbox, on a pegboard, or hung on hooks. This practice not only prevents loss but also ensures that tools are protected from damage and readily accessible for the next project.
Helpful Tips for Hand Tool Maintenance and Organization
- Utilize a small tool bag for frequently used tools. For common household tasks, keep a separate tool bag stocked with essential tools. This minimizes clutter in your main toolbox and provides portability for quick jobs around the house.
- Designate a workspace for tool inspection and maintenance. Set up a dedicated worktable in your garage or workshop where you can comfortably inspect and maintain your tools. Cover the work surface with newspaper or plastic sheeting to protect it and simplify cleanup after maintenance tasks like cleaning or sharpening.
- Hang lawn and garden hand tools to prevent moisture damage. Store shovels, rakes, and similar long-handled tools by hanging them on a wall in your garage or shed. This keeps them off the floor, protecting them from ground moisture and potential rust, as well as freeing up floor space and improving organization.
By adhering to these guidelines for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your hand tools, you’ll ensure they remain reliable, efficient, and safe for all your projects, large or small, for years to come. Investing a little time in tool care translates to significant savings and enhanced performance over the long haul.
