Do your gardening tools always seem to rust, no matter how diligently you care for them? It’s a problem that even the most fastidious farmhand can face. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution that’s fast and easy, and you can use it over and over.
The Two-Ingredient Rustproof Recipe
All you need to make this concoction are three items you may already have lying around your garage: a bag of sand, motor oil, and a bucket. If you don’t have motor oil on hand, or if you’re using this hack for tools that will come in contact with edible plants in your garden, you can opt for a natural alternative such as linseed oil, mineral oil, or even vegetable oil.
All-purpose sand can be purchased at any hardware or gardening store, or online through Amazon or Walmart. The amount of sand you will need depends on the type of tools you want to store and the size of the container you plan to keep them in. Hand tools, such as gardening shears, hand trowels, and cultivators, can be placed in a shallow bucket with a 1- to 2-gallon capacity, while taller tools, such as hoes and shovels, may require a deeper 5-gallon bucket to keep them from toppling over.
Creating the Mix
Now it’s time to make your rust-free tool bath. Fill your container about halfway with sand. Next, add a small amount of oil — just about enough to make the mixture gritty and pliable, but not wet. Think brownie mix consistency. Thoroughly mix the oil and sand, then add a bit more sand to fill the bucket. Give everything a final mix, and place your tools, metal-side down, into the grit so only the handles are sticking out. You can keep your tools here until you need them next, and they will come out rust-free and ready for use.
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So, how does this hack work? The sand helps remove any existing rust or dirt, while the oil creates a protective layer over the tools, preventing oxygen and moisture from reaching the metal. This hampers the oxidation process that eventually leads to rust.
Basic Garden Tool Tips
Of course, there are other measures you can take to prevent rust from forming. One easy habit is to wipe down your tools with a clean towel after each use and then hang them up. Store your tools indoors whenever possible, especially if you live in a humid climate or during winter and other wet seasons. You can also extend the life of your tools by keeping them sharp with a simple hand sharpener. Just run the sharpener over the metal part a couple of times, and your items will be good as new.
