The expert spoke about the proper preparation of gardening equipment for the summer season

After winter, the metal parts of shovels, pruners and scissors are often covered with rust due to high humidity, and wooden handles can crumble and crack. With the onset of spring, it's time to put garden tools in order after winter storage. Detailed instructions on preparing inventory for the new season were shared with Izvestia by the expert "All Tools.<url>" by Alexander Chikhrinov.

According to her, the winter period has a particularly negative effect on the condition of garden tools. Gasoline and power tools such as trimmers, lawn mowers, and chainsaws suffer if they have old fuel left in them or if the oil has not been drained before storage.

For hand tools, including shovels, rakes and pitchforks, it is necessary to clean the metal parts from rust using a brush or special tools like WD-40. The blades should be sharpened with a file, and the wooden handles carefully sanded and treated with linseed oil to protect against further cracking.

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Chikhrinova suggested that cutting tools such as pruning shears, scissors and saws require special attention. They must be disassembled, rust must be removed from the metal parts, and the blades must be sharpened with a grindstone. The hinges should be lubricated with engine oil or silicone grease to ensure smooth operation.

Gardening equipment, according to the expert, needs a comprehensive check before the start of the season. It is important to check the spark plug — unscrew it, inspect for carbon deposits and check the gap. If there is a weak spark, the candle must be replaced. The air filter should be cleaned or replaced if it is too dirty. The oil level in four-stroke engines should be brought to the middle between the MIN and MAX marks, avoiding overflow. The old fuel must be drained and replaced with new fuel, and the cutting elements must be cleaned of dirt and, if necessary, sharpened.

The expert warned: not all breakdowns can be fixed on your own. You should contact specialists if the engine of the equipment does not start or makes strange noises, an oil leak is detected, or difficulties arise with sharpening the chainsaw chain or disc knives.

Common mistakes when storing tools include leaving dirt and moisture, which leads to corrosion of metal parts, and insufficient lubrication of mechanisms, causing them to jam.

"Sharpening tools at the wrong angle damages the cutting edges of shovels, knives and saws, reducing their functionality. High humidity in storage areas causes rusting of metal parts and cracking of wooden handles," the specialist warned.

In addition, the use of old gasoline clogs the carburetor, and untimely oil change in four-stroke engines accelerates their wear.

Chikhrinova clarified that proper storage of tools plays a key role in maintaining their operability.

"Dry places should be chosen for storage, such as sheds or garages with good ventilation. It is better to place tools on hooks and hanging panels so that they do not lie on the floor," the expert recommended.

However, according to her, metal parts can be protected from corrosion by wrapping them with an oiled cloth or treating them with an anti-corrosion spray. Small tools, including pruning shears, gloves, and nails, can be conveniently stored in plastic containers or crates.

Earlier, on April 9, Nikita Chaplin, a deputy of the State Duma (United Russia faction), chairman of the union of summer residents of the Moscow region, told Izvestia which crops can be planted in April. The expert noted that this month seedlings of early vegetables, such as cabbage, tomatoes and peppers, can be planted in greenhouses or greenhouses. The deputy also recommends planting onions, garlic, carrots, radishes and greens directly in the open ground as soon as the soil warms up.