Thread: Shovel handles
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aemeijers aemeijers is offline
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Default Shovel handles

On 8/18/2011 11:18 PM, DanG wrote:
On 8/17/2011 3:19 PM, Herb Eneva wrote:
What is best to apply to wooden shovel and rake handles that stay
outside all year? I just leave the extra tools in the mulch pile and
they are always there when I need them but the weather takes it`s toll.
I tried boiled linseed oil two weeks ago and it still isn`t dry. The
best thing i`ve found so far is used motor oil.
Thanks for any advice

Herb, use the boiled linseed oil. Mix it about 3 parts paint thinner and
1 part BLO. Clean off what you have already applied with straight
thinner to get rid of any sticky undried stuff. Apply a soaking of the
new mix - a rag works well, but wear gloves unless you don't mind the
smell of BLO. Next day, wipe off anything that is not dry with a clean
cloth. Apply another flood coat, wipe off anything not dry the next day.
Repeat, repeat, repeat.

One of the old axioms was:

Once an hour for a day
Once a day for a week
Once a week for a month
Once a month for a year
Once a year for life.


I've only got so many days/weeks/months/years left in my life, and a lot
of more interesting and useful things to do. I'll stick with fiberglas
handles, at least for any tools that get used outside.

--
aem sends....