Care for Your Garden Tools (and Make Them Last a Lifetime)
Good tools are an investment — and like any investment, they reward you when you look after them. Whether you’re snipping roses with your favourite secateurs or turning the veg patch with a solid spade, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. Clean tools work better, cut cleaner, and simply last longer. Here’s everything you need to know to keep yours in top condition.
How to Why Maintenance Matters More Than You Might Think
It’s easy to leave muddy tools leaning against the shed after a long afternoon in the garden — we’ve all done it. But that grime isn’t just cosmetic. Soil left on blades can harbour disease that spreads from plant to plant the next time you prune. Moisture trapped under dirt leads to rust. And a blunt blade doesn’t just make work harder — it actually harms your plants, leaving ragged cuts that are far more vulnerable to infection than a clean slice from a sharp edge.
The good news? Keeping on top of tool care takes only a few minutes after each session, and the habit pays dividends every time you head out to the garden.
Step 1: Clean After Every Use
The single most important thing you can do is clean your tools after every use. A quick rinse under the tap removes loose soil; a proper scrub takes care of sap, clay and stubborn grime.
For everyday cleaning, the Ryset Ashwood Premium Copper is a brilliant companion. The copper bristles are firm enough to lift dried dirt and sap but gentle enough not to damage blades – exactly what you need for secateurs, saws and hand tools alike. As customer John puts it: “This will help keeping saw blades clean without damaging saw teeth. Happy with this purchase.” The FSC-certified ashwood handle feels lovely in the hand too, which matters when it’s a tool you’ll reach for every time you garden.
Once scrubbed, always dry your tools thoroughly. A damp cloth works well; leaving them wet is the fastest route to rust.
For secateurs, loppers and shears, unscrew the nut that holds the blades together, wash each part separately in soapy water, then rinse and dry fully before reassembling. When you’ve been working in diseased plants or pest-affected soil, go a step further and disinfect with a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water, or a wipe-down with rubbing alcohol. A quick rinse with plain water afterwards removes any residue.
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Step 2: Tackle Rust Before It Takes Hold
Found some rust on an old favourite? Don’t reach for the bin just yet. Start by scrubbing the surface with your copper brush to shift loose material, then soak the tool overnight in a 1:1 mixture of water and white vinegar. The next day, work in circular motions with steel wool, rinse in soapy water, then rinse again in plain water. Finish with a light rub of mineral oil — your tools should come back to life nicely.
The key from there is prevention: oil your metal blades regularly and store everything dry.
Step 3: Keep Your Blades Sharp
A sharp tool is a joy to use. A blunt one is a chore — and it’s harder on your plants too, crushing rather than cutting plant tissue cleanly. Sharpening is easier than most people think, and the right tool for the job makes all the difference.
For secateurs, loppers, hedge shears and most cutting tools, the Corona Sharpening Tool AC8300 is a handy choice. The carbide file removes metal burrs with just a few passes on the bevelled side and one pass on the flat edge — pocket-sized and practical for sharpening as you go. Customer Natasha Khatri said it best: “Has worked well, I’m finally able to use some of my garden tools again because they’re sharp enough.”
If you prefer something with a bit more refinement, the Burgon & Ball Blade Edge Restorer is a beautifully made little sharpener – 12.5cm long and designed to slip into a pocket mid-session. It comes with a 10-year guarantee, which tells you something about the quality. Customer Annette R. calls it simply “fit for purpose” – which for a tool designed to make other tools work properly, is exactly right.
For hedge shears, the Burgon & Ball Sharpening Steel is purpose-built for medium-length blades. The magnetised design pulls metal filings away from the blade as you work, which is a small but thoughtful detail that makes a real difference to the finish.
For spades and larger digging tools, a sharpening stone gives you the control you need. The Ryset Ashwood Sharpening Stone is well-sized for the job. Stabilise your spade in a vice or against a solid surface, then use long, even strokes pushing the stone away from you along the bevel. It’s worth wearing gloves and eye protection when working with larger tools like this.
When sharpening, always follow the original factory bevel or angle – you’re restoring the edge, not reinventing it.
Original price was: $22.95.$18.95Current price is: $18.95.Add to cart
Step 4: Oil Everything
After cleaning and sharpening, oil is the finishing touch that keeps tools in their best condition.
For cutting tools – secateurs, loppers, shears – a light application of
Camellia Oil before reassembling the blades is ideal. Camellia oil is traditionally used in Japanese tool care for a reason: it’s fine, penetrating, and won’t go rancid. Apply it to the pivot points and along the blade.
For tools with telescopic handles, a rub of linseed oil keeps the mechanism moving smoothly and prevents the wood from drying out and cracking.
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Step 5: Store Them Properly
All the cleaning and sharpening in the world won’t protect tools that are left outside in the rain. Store everything in a dry, well-ventilated space – hanging is best, because leaning long-handled tools against a wall on their heads dulls blades over time.
The Burgon & Ball Universal Tool Rack is a smart solution for the shed – it keeps long-handled tools suspended and organised. For individual tools, the Burgon & Ball Standard Tool Clip Pack lets you create a custom wall storage setup that suits your collection. Browse our full tool storage range for more options.
**A note on wooden handles:** check them regularly for minor cracks. Catch a crack early and heavy-duty tape will hold it. Left too long, a cracked handle can fail when you need it most. At the end of each season, lightly sand any roughness and apply boiled linseed oil to nourish the wood and keep it supple.
The Essentials at a Glance
– Tool Maintenance & Sharpeners — shop the full range
– Ryset Ashwood Premium Copper Brush – everyday cleaning of blades and saws
– Corona Sharpening Tool AC8300 – secateurs, loppers, shears, pocket-sized sharpening
– Burgon & Ball Blade Edge Restorer – compact precision sharpener with 10-year guarantee
– Burgon & Ball Sharpening Steel – hedge and lawn shears
– Ryset Ashwood Sharpening Stone – spades and larger digging tools
– Camellia Oil 100mL – blade oiling after cleaning and sharpening
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