Preparing for the New Year

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Maintain Your Tools

• Fix it or throw it out. While you can use a broken tool for a lot of things, it’s always a poor substitute. Resolve right now that you will replace that broken handle, repair that broken part, or just throw it out.
• Keep it clean. While some folks might think dirt and mud insulates your tools from the elements, they can actually trap moisture causing rust and corrosion. Spend a little time cleaning your tools and then actually treat all metal surfaces with some kind of oil to coat and protect. Wooden handles would also benefit from a coat of tung oil or linseed oil to help protect them. If the handles are rough or have splinters, give them a hand sanding first.
• Sharpen tools. Not only does it take less effort to cut with a sharp tool, a dull blade is more likely to cut you than a sharp blade. Take the time to sharpen mower blades, knives, shovels, hoes and any other items that slice and dice.

Organize Your Tools

• Give your tools a home. If your tools wander from garage to basement to shop, think about finding them a permanent place to hang or be stored. Some great storage solutions are just a click away on the Internet.
• Consider your next purchase. Perhaps it’s time to make a list of tools you wish you had. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming. A list of future tools can come in handy when birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas or even the occasional Craigslist items come up unexpectantly. Be ready when opportunity presents itself.

Written by Juju Wellemeyer