Field reporter Joe Lovitt is joined by handyman Marty Schutrop, who offers ideas for taking care of tools.
- To put a shine on those rusty tools and keep them that way, spray a corroded hammer or other tool with a lubricant and rub away rust with a low-grade steel wool. Rub a light coating of vegetable oil on the tool to keep it from rusting again.
- Although most tools are made from durable materials, it never hurts to treat them with care. Avoid dropping tools on hard surfaces or exposing them to excessive moisture.
- Store screwdrivers by wrapping them in a soft rag, securing the rag with a rubber band and placing them in a toolbox.
- Store saws by hanging them on a wall to keep the teeth sharp, or if hanging is not an option store them facing the same direction.
- Organize nails according to size and type with a multichambered container that can be found at most home-improvement stores. By keeping them in a closed container, the nails will be protected from dirt and dust. Also avoid exposing nails to moisture, which will cause them to rust.
- Mark tools with initials or a name. Code them according to the area of the house in which they belong in. For example, put a red sticker on tools that belong in the kitchen and a blue sticker on garage tools. That will make it easier to find and replace the tools when a project is complete.
- A wedge kit, which is available from home-improvement stores, can be used to tighten the head of a hammer that's coming loose.
- When buying a wooden ax or maul, make sure the grain on the handle is perpendicular to the direction of the grain on the ax head so the wood is less likely to be split by an off-target blow.
Guests Marty Schutrop
Handyman / Owner, Schutrop Homes
2230 Timberwood Dr.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Phone: 952-470-9400
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