1. Clean tools immediately after use. Wash and scrape muck off blades and handles. Be sure to wash concrete off shovels and wheelbarrows before it sets.
  2. Hang waders upside down to dry.
  3. Oil or grease tools after use, to prevent rust.
  4. Prop up wet wheelbarrows to drain and dry at the end of the day. Grease the axle frequently, and check the nuts holding the axle to the barrow frame.
  5. Clean and lubricate hand winches, wire ropes and slings after use in wet, mucky conditions.
  6. Edged tools are safest when sharp. Hone them frequently during use. Any blunt or nicked tools will need filing and sharpening in the workshop.

For further information on tool maintenance and repair, refer to Toolcare – a maintenance and workshop manual.

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