Tools must always be cleaned before they are put away. Drying mud can accelerate rusting, and makes handles rough for the next user. Clean tools as far as possible in the field, whilst the mud is wet and easy to remove, and thus keep tool boxes and vehicles clean. At the toolstore, make cleaning easier by providing, if possible, an outside tap for washing muddy tools, plenty of rags and oil, and drip trays beneath tool racks. Saw blades and spades are especially susceptible to rust if not cleaned and dried. All tool handles should also be wiped with an oily rag from time to time, using linseed oil. Alternatively, the tool can be immersed in a tank of linseed oil for a few days.
For general oiling buy ordinary vegetable oil. This becomes sticky with age, so purchase in the quantity which suits your needs. Old sump oil contains impurities which can cause damage and may be carcinogenic.
Like general tidiness, the system will work as long as everyone keeps to it. Once a few tools are put away uncleaned, other people will cease to bother. Check tools regularly for signs of damage, and repair as a preventative measure. This is better than waiting for tools to break in use.
Tools such as axes, mells and sledgehammers may get too dry if stored in a warm place, which can cause the hafts to shrink and the heads to become loose. Cure by immersing the tool in water for a few hours before use. It’s best not to make a habit of this as constant wetting and drying can lead to weakness as a result of wood rot, as well as rusting the head.
Once your workshop is running you can introduce a programme of seasonal maintenance. For example, during the summer concentrate on the tools mainly not needed during that season, such as axes, billhooks and saws. Conversely, in the winter maintenance can be carried out on construction tools mainly used in the summer.
