14 Clever Ways to Maintain Your Garden Tools Without Spending a Fortune

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There’s nothing like a good gardening session, but, let’s be honest, maintaining gardening tools can be a chore. No gardener’s best find is a rusty shovel, or a sticky pruner. That doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank keeping your tools. The good news is that with a little creativity and dash of resourcefulness, you can keep your gear in tip top shape without breaking the bank.

Think of it this way: your garden tools are trusty sidekicks ready to help you fight off weeds, dig holes and prune those obstinate bushes. If you treat them right, they’ll be faithful to you for years. Check out a few smart, budget friendly ways to show your tools a little love and care.

Sand and Oil Will Prevent Rust

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A bucket of sand with a bit of mineral oil is one of the easiest ways to keep metal tools rust free. It gently cleans off dirt as the oil keeps moisture away. It’s fast, effective and super cheap—it’s like giving your tools a spa day!

Tool Handles From Old Socks

Got old socks lying around? Use them to slide over your tools handles to get a better grip and avoid blistering. It’s also a fantastic method to recycle worn out socks. It’s practicality and comfort without breaking the bank.

Make DIY Blade Sharpeners

Forget fancy sharpeners! Sharpening your pruners and shovels with a simple flat file from the hardware store works wonders. It’s cost effective and is able to keep your blades slicing through the toughest roots.

Clean With Vinegar

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Rusty tools? Pour white vinegar over them and soak them for a couple hours and then scrub them with a wire brush. Vinegar is cheap, it is readily available, and it works surprisingly well. Bonus: Your tools will smell as fresh as a summer salad.

Store Tools Properly

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Keeping your tools hung in a dry space will really increase the lifetime of your tools. Hooks or even a repurposed wooden pallet in your garage can keep everything organized and off the ground. A little organization will go a long way in avoiding unnecessary repairs.

Rub Linseed Oil On Wooden Handles

Proper tool maintenance can extend the life of garden tools, according to a study by the Illinois Extension. One of such tools are Wooden handles which tend to dry out and start to crack but a quick rub down with linseed oil makes them smooth and splinter free. It’s like offering them a fresh drink to keep in shape.

Clean With Recycled Old Toothbrushes

For those hard to reach spots on your tools, stiff bristled toothbrushes work perfectly. You should always keep them hand for quick scrubs after a day in the dirt. Turns out your old toothbrush still has some life left in it.

Tough Stains – Use Baking Soda

If your tools have stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and a little water will help. Rub on the stains, let it sit for a while then rinse. It’s an affordable and eco friendly way to restore their shine.

Wrap Handles With Duct Tape

Duct tape is the answer for tools that have lost their grip. If you need an instant fix, wrap it tightly around the handle. It’s not glamorous, but it works and sometimes, that’s all you need.

Protect Tools With an Old Garden Hose

Slip a section of an old garden hose cut lengthwise over the blade or edge of your tools. It keeps them from bumping into each other and accidentally nicks and scratches. The frustration can be greatly saved with a little ingenuity.

Silica Packets Keep Tools Dry

Those little packets you get in shoe boxes? Don’t toss them! Put a few in your tool storage box to soak up the moisture and ensure your tools do not rust. It’s free, it’s easy, it’s oddly satisfying, and can keep pests away.

Lubricate Your Moving Parts With Cooking Spray

Your cooking spray is not just for kitchen tricks. If your shears or pruners ever need a little help moving smoothly, a quick spritz will do the trick. Plus, it’s more affordable than specialized lubricants.

Try a Pencil Eraser for Rust Spots

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A pencil eraser is the trick for small rust spots. Apply it over the rusty part and you’ll be surprised how soon the spots fade away. It’s almost like a little trick that feels magical.

Get Advice From an Expert

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Sometimes, we don’t know it all and some people people have gone ahead. You can capitalize on their knowledge by asking questions and seeking advise from them. They may know specific tricks and tips that can help you maintain your tools easily. What’s more? Some may not charge you.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.