How do I sharpen two of my garden tools, 2 pairs of shears? I forgot them outside and it rained and they got rusted. Thanks.
By Anna K.
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First thing to do is fill a bucket with 'sharp sand' available in most garden centres (or get a bag of children's play sand, it's not as sharp as sand labelled sharp but will work in a pinch)
Mix in some used motor oil-not too much but enough to make a sort of oily sand mix. Plunge the rusted tools up and down in the mix, you should see the rust slide right off. Repeat as needed, then wipe the tool down and hang or lay it in the shed or garage.
It's a good idea to do this regularly with garden tools. The oily sand cleans, slightly sharpens, conditions, and kills any pests or fungus, etc, you may have your tools. Have a look at this Better Homes and Gardens post, good pics, but I want to say I've always used old motor oil, not vegetable oil, or the other lightweight stuff the post recommends.
Check the BH&G links on the page, they have a good tutorial on sharpening tools, too-something I always ask my husband or a pro to do because it takes more upper body strength than I have to get a good, clean edge-something that essential for good pruning.
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