Don’t let garden tool rust get in the way of your next-level lawn goals!

Summer is prime time for gardening, whether you’re tending to flowers, herbs and vegetables or planting permanent shrubs and bushes. In many parts of the country, the weather can be highly variable, from the cooler and rainier days of the early spring to long periods of heat and drought that occur in July/August. Taking as much care of your tools as you do your annuals will go a long way toward ensuring optimal use for years to come. 

To prevent garden tool rust, we encourage customers to clean and dry them after each use. Beyond that, we have a number of rust prevention solutions that work while tools are being stored. Rust-free garden tools are sharper, safer and ultimately more effective. This saves both time and money, as tasks can be completed more quickly – and you can enjoy years of use before you have to replace them.

Why Garden Tools Rust and Corrode

Dirt, sap, and humidity can corrode your tools over time, especially when stored in a dark, damp shed or garage. Some tools may have aluminum components which can be lighter weight and more corrosion resistant, but might still succumb to pitting and galvanic corrosion over time.

The more durable choice for garden tools is steel. Due to its weight and strength, steel tends to be more effective as a garden implement. Steel implements with wood or composite handles are very economical. However, the rise in mass production has led to some less expensive tools that are a thinner, lower grade of steel. While this might be good for your wallet, replacing these lower quality tools repeatedly every few years is not!  Breakage can occur under hard use and rust can occur without any use at all.

Tools that are stored outside in a shed or garage are more prone to rust and decay. Leaky roofs and doors introduce moisture into otherwise dry spaces. Lack of heating and cooling mean that moisture hangs around longer, encouraging rust and oxidation on your valuable tools. 

Tools commonly stored in sheds and garages can benefit from addition protection:

• Dirt and leaf rakes
• Trowels
• Hand saws
• Weeders
• Loppers 
• Pruning shears
• Soil scoops
• Garden scissors
• Shovels
• Pitchforks
• Picks
• Hoes
• Edgers
• Bulb planters

How to Prevent Rust on Garden Tools

After use and before storage of tools, clean any dirt or debris using a stiff brush or towel. A wire brush is effective at removing existing corrosion. Rinsing with a hose or pressure washer can be acceptable but water accelerates rust so allow the tools to dry and keep water out of hinges or moving parts.

Some gardeners use WD-40 on metal tools to displace water and lubricate. However, it’s largely ineffective at protecting garden tools from rust and corrosion. There’s a better choice. We recommend our Axxanol Spray-G sprayable grease. It will protect your larger and harder to store garden tools while stored outside or in a shed or garage. 

For tools that can fit inside a toolbox, we offer plastabs and tool box drawer liners that will prevent rust in an enclosed space. For areas with extreme conditions such as salt water and high heat and humidity, ultra protection can be achieved by using a combination of products such as multipurpose VCI poly bags and Axxanol Spray-G coating. 

The best protection against rust is to prevent it from starting by keeping your tools clean, dry, and away from humidity and salt which accelerates corrosion. If you can’t keep your tools in a dry location, a dehumidifier can help keep the moisture levels down. Careful storage combined with our rust prevention products protect your tool investment for years!

If you’re unsure of the specifics of use, contact us. Our friendly rust prevention experts are happy to offer insight!

Contact Zerust by emailing us or calling (330) 405-1965.

Additional Resources: Garden Tool Maintenance You Shouldn’t Skip

More Blog Entries:

Rust Prevention Spray On Solution Now Available to Retail Consumers, Nov. 30, 2021, Rust Prevention Spray Blog