Tools: FAQ
What are the advantages of a stainless steel gardening tool?
Carbon steel tools are subject to corrosion (rust) once the paint wears off the surface. Corrosion will collect clay particles on its surface, adding weight to the tool and making the tool harder to move through soil. Stainless steel all but eliminates corrosion and its disadvantages. Not only is the tool easier to use, clean-up is a snap. After use, just spray the tool off with water, and it will look new. Stainless steel is also a harder metal than carbon steel, so it will hold an edge better.
What is the best way to clean carbon steel garden tools?
To clean and protect your carbon steel garden tools, scrape the tool clean and, if necessary, wash off the tool with water. Then plunge the tool into a bucket of sand that has kerosene or oil mixed in. The sand will remove any new corrosion, and the petroleum product will coat the steel to protect it from corrosion until the next time you use it.
I bent a garden fork tine trying to pry out a root. How can I straighten it?
First, garden tools should never be used as pry bars. Instead, use an actual pry bar for that kind of work. Garden tools are meant for garden soil, not root-laced or rocky soil.
To straighten out the tine, insert the tine into a pipe and bend the tine to its original position. If you do not have a vise to keep the pipe stable ask someone to stand on the pipe to keep it from moving as you bend the tine. Never attempt straightening by jumping or standing on the bent tine - you are risking a visit to the emergency room.
How do I maintain and sharpen my Felco pruners?
The original packaging for each pair of Felco pruners contains a foldout cardboard instruction sheet that explains how to maintain and sharpen your pruners. A tool is also included to help you take the pruners apart for cleaning and sharpening. If you have a pair of Felco pruners and have lost the tool and or the instructions, bring your Felco pruners in to the store, and we will sharpen your blade and perform basic maintenance at no charge.
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