How to Restore a Wheelbarrow

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Restore Your Wheelbarrow to Good as New

What is the wheelbarrow’s current condition? If it’s not rusted through, you are in luck! You can restore it to near new condition.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Supplies Needed

You will need: rust preventative spray paint, boiled linseed oil, sandpaper (coarse grit and medium grit), axle grease, steel brush, socket set and or wrenches. If needed, purchase replacement handles, wheel or bolts from the local home improvement store. If you want to upgrade to a flat-free tire, now is the time.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Brush Off Debris

Thoroughly clean the tray to prepare it for paint. Remove loose rust with a steel brush. Wipe off any residue or dust with a damp rag.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Disassemble

Disassemble the old wheelbarrow.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Paint

Paint the tray inside and out, and all other metal parts (except nuts and bolts). Apply at least two coats of paint.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Sand the Handles

Sand the handles and, if they’re wooden, the risers (wedges) with the coarse grit sandpaper to remove splinters and rough spots. Sand the handle grips again with medium grit sandpaper to get a finer finish. Wipe off dust with a damp rag to prepare for oil application.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Sand the Handles

Sand the handles and, if they’re wooden, the risers (wedges) with the coarse grit sandpaper to remove splinters and rough spots. Sand the handle grips again with medium grit sandpaper to get a finer finish. Wipe off dust with a damp rag to prepare for oil application.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Inspect and Clean the Bolts

If bolts are rusted, apply penetrating lubricant and let it stand for a few minutes or so before attempting to remove.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Grease the Axle

If there is a grease fitting on the wheel, attach a grease gun and pump grease into the bearings. If there is no fitting, lubricate the axle directly.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Grease the Bearings

If there is a grease fitting on the wheel, attach a grease gun and pump grease into the bearings. If there is no fitting, lubricate the axle directly.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Grease the Bolts

When reassembling the wheelbarrow, apply a small amount of grease on the bolts to ease assembly and minimize corrosion for future maintenance.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Reassemble the Wheelbarrow

After the paint is dry and oil has absorbed into the wood, reassemble the wheelbarrow.

Photo: Photo by Mark Wolfe

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Good As New

Store the wheelbarrow out of the elements when not in use to maximize its life.

How to Restore a Wheelbarrow

Restore Your Wheelbarrow to Good as New

Supplies Needed

Brush Off Debris

Disassemble

Paint

Sand the Handles

Sand the Handles

Inspect and Clean the Bolts

Grease the Axle

Grease the Bearings

Grease the Bolts

Reassemble the Wheelbarrow

Good As New

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