OVERHAUL OF TOOLS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 10, 11 July 1940, Page 19

OVERHAUL OF TOOLS

Another work which should be attended to at tais time of yeav as the overhaul of tools, etc. This is a wet-weather job. It is most annoying to bei obliged to suspend hfiportant work'later on to repair some tool.

In some- instances handles require renewing while, all edged tools should be thoroughly cleaned and sharpened. Work can ■be done much better and

This column; is intended principally for gardeners with small plots, and the ; aim is to.

make it as practical and useful as possible. Inquiries on any matter of gardening Interest will be welcomed. All communications must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not for publication, but as a guarantee of good: faith. This is your column —make, use of it.

with considerably less labour if th« tools are sharp and clean. Anyone who has attempted to dig with a blunt, rusty spade will realise the truth of this. The same applies equally to the push hoes. Wheelbarrows are all the better for a coat of paint each year, and some oil. on the wheel axles.

Garden hoses very soon perish if allowed to lie about the ground in all weathers. They should be. carefully rolled up and laid flat.on the floor of a shed. If hung up they get out of shape. Hoses often require repair, and by using the brass cylinders sold for the purpose any amateur can repair his own hose without trouble. Lawn mowers require a thorough overhaul before the spring cutting commences.

The machine should be taken to pieces and every part be thoroughly cleaned and oiled.

In most cases where sharpening is necessary it is wiser to get the work done by an expert. In no case should the blades be touched with a file. This is most important as it is impossible to sharpen . them so that the revolving blades touch I the bottom plate uniformly.