If you’re thinking of dabbling in a little bit of garage spring cleaning this weekend, then you should definitely read this article before you decide to throw anything away. Whilst it can be incredibly satisfying to purge your home of old things and embrace the new, this mentality is wasteful and ultimately unsustainable. Although most metal tools are inexpensive and easy to replace, that doesn’t mean you should buy a new spanner every time the DIY season rolls around. This week, we take a look at how you can save your old metal tools from landfill and give them a new lease on life.
Sharpen
One of the most common reasons that tools fall into disuse is because they grow dull and are put aside. Whilst tool sharpening is not really something you can do at home, it’s substantially less expensive than buying new tools and most hardware stores offer the service. Aim to have your cutting tools sharpened on a yearly basis to prevent them growing dull.
Remove Rust
Rust removal on the other hand, is incredibly easy to do and can be managed with a harmless mixture of lemon juice and salt. The salt is an abrasive and the acidic lemon juice cuts through the corrosion, so all you need to do is leave the mixture on for a few minutes and then gently buff it off.
Grease
Lubrication keeps the moving parts of tools smooth and functional, even if you haven’t used them for a while, and it also helps to prevent moisture damage. Whilst there are plenty of commercial tool lubrication options on the market, wiping down your tools with a little bit of coconut oil after each time you use them will work just as well.
Store
Most of the damage done to tools occurs when they are improperly stored, so it pays to take the time to devise a proper storage system. Hand tools should be stored in a dry place and off the floor, to prevent moisture and rust. Something like a pegboard is an ideal place to store your tools, they are also cheap and easy to make.
Metal Men Recycling offer metal recycling in Melbourne and take in all sorts of scrap, so if it so happens that you are unable to revive your old metal tools, we are more than happy to take them off your hands. To learn more about our capabilities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 03 5941 6677.
