THE
SUPER HANDYMAN
By Al Carrell & Kelly Carrell
GET GARDEN
TOOLS READY FOR SPRING
We aren't experts
at gardening, but we do know a little something about gardening tools. For
example, a sharp tool will do a much better job of pruning and trimming
than a dull tool. A dull tool is bad for trees and bushes, too, because
it tears instead of making a clean cut. Here are a few suggestions to help
you sharpen up your arsenal of pruning tools.
A good sharpening
stone will be helpful, as will a file and a power grinder (if you have access
to one). For more blades, a bench vise is a good idea. Safety goggles and
leather gloves are also a must.
Hand-held hedge
clippers should be taken apart in most cases in order to really get to the
blade. You want about a 60-degree angle on the blade. This is a good blade
for you to use the metal file on. A few passes are  really
all you need.
Electric hedge
trimmers need to be unplugged before sharpening. With some, you'll need
to disassemble the blades to gain access to the parts that need sharpening.
Sharpen only the cutting teeth. The file will work well on this blade, too.
These usually have about a 40-degree angle.
Pruning sheers
that use an anvil and a blade should be taken apart if you can. The blade
has two sides, and both are cut at about a 45-degree angle. If the anvil
is worn, try to find a replacement.
Pruning shears
with a curved blade and hook can be taken apart easily. These blades need
about a 25-degree angle on them. This is easily done in just a few passes.
Don't forget
to sharpen your shovels and hoes, too. A metal file works great on these,
and they can be put in the vise easily. You'll be surprised how easily they
cut through tough ground once they've been sharpened.
Coat any freshly
sharpened blade with a light lubricating oil. This will protect the blades
and help them last longer.
Q: I have chrome
hardware in my bathroom and would like to find a way to clean it. I have
found different metal polishes, but none seem to be made for shining chrome.
What will do the job? -- O.H.
A: Use some mineral-spirits paint thinner first. This will remove any grease
on the chrome. If you can't find a chrome polish at your hardware store
or home center, try an auto-parts store. It should have something for you.
Q: My roof
is a light-gray color. I am starting to see spots in some areas, and I think
it might be mildew. Is there an easy way to wash it off, and how do I keep
it from coming back? -- S.W.
A: We assume you have a composition-type roofing. Don't scrub off the granules
on the surface trying to remove the mildew. Try spraying on some liquid
laundry bleach to remove the spots. To keep the mildew from coming back
again, you need to find out where the excess moisture is coming from and
deal with that. If you have too many shade trees in the area, you might
want to trim one or two back a little bit.
Q: We have
well-water on our ranch, and it has started to get rusty. Do we have to
have another well drilled, or might it be something else? -- G.A.
A: It could be rust from the pump or the water lines. Test the water straight
from the well if you can. Then test it in the house to see if the rust content
is higher after running water through the pump and pipes. Then you can decide
whether it's the pump or the well-water that has the problem.
(c)
2000 Cowles Syndicate Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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