Tool prep for winter

This is a good time of year to clean hand tools in preparation for pruning next year.

Good pruners can be taken apart, cleaned, and lubricated. Spread out some newspaper and carefully take the pruners apart, then using a little oil and steel wool, scrub the schmootz off.

One of our favorite cleaning tools is the Sand Block sold in the Bonsai tool section of our Sloat Blvd. location. This is a good time to replace the old dinged blade with a new one. Then spray the parts lightly with Felco lubricant, put back together and store in a dry place. If you live very near the coast, tools can be stored in large Ziploc type bags to keep the moisture and dust out. Saws should be scrubbed with a small brush or steel wool and oil to remove sap and rust.

Shovels and trowels can be cleaned with the brush and water, or steel wool and oil if rusty, and their digging edges can be sharpened with a file. Spray with the lubricant. All wooden handles should be cleaned, then sanded lightly. Apply a thin coat of boiled linseed oil with a cloth and buff.