Cleaning Bonsai Tools

TreeBay

What are you using to clean your bonsai tools? Keeping tools clean helps to preserve their finish, edge and life.

Here are some thoughts on bonsai tools:[*] Rust erasers or Sandvik sanding blocks are very common for removing surface corrosion. Similar products can also be found in hobby stores as the sanding blocks used in model railroading keep the rails clean.[*] Naval Jelly can be useful for removing stubborn rust that can develop on tools exposed to weather. Find a pair of cutters left out for the winter? An overnight in naval Jelly followed by cleanup with steel wool is my preferred treatment[*] I have heard the disinfectant "Hexall" recommended for removing pine tar and sterilizing tools. Anyone else tried it?[*] A squirt of WD-40 in the hinge after cleanup is a definite must. It displaces moisture that can cause rust in the hinge joint of cutting tools.[*] Keeping tools in a moisture absorbant tool case can help to reduce corrosion and protect blade edges.

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denny

i`ll check into hexall,i`ve been useing bleach but dont care for the smell on my fingers,yuk!
what do you use as a moisture absorbant tool box?

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Denny
Still Growing in zone 9
So.Cal.

bonsaial1

You can get hexall at any drug store. What do you mean on that question, do you mean in the tool box or a material that the box is made out of?

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TreeBay

Sorry, I that wasn't very clear, was it?

I meant anything that could absorb moisture, like a leather tool roll or a wooden tool box. I really think a can of WD-40 is the trick and you can find some tiny ones at the hardware store sometimes by the checkout counter.

Just squirt a blast in the hinge and then wipe the rest of the tool down with a cloth to distribute it as a light film.

Putting tools away wet is not a good thing, particularly if you're a weekend warrior!

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denny

tiny can?who needs it?last i bought was a twin pack of huge cans,got a fine dean at costco.
cant never have enough WD 40 !
thanks for the info.

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Denny
Still Growing in zone 9
So.Cal.

TreeBay

Ah, but the tiny can fits in your shirt pocket!

Maybe you already have a copy of the WD-40 book?

http://www.octanecreative.com/WD40/

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denny

Love it !
gotta get me one,and the duct tape while im at it.
ahh,the shirt pocket,good point.

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Denny
Still Growing in zone 9
So.Cal.

bonsaial1

I coat my tools after every use with a layer of industrial cosmalene, then lithium waterproof grease. I wrap the whole damn thing in a layer of oil cloth, give it a parafene dip, and wrap the unit in 17 layers of news paper. I put the whole 14 inch thick bundle in a waterproof rubbermaid storage unit with 8 bags full of silica gel moisture absorbent. when I take my tools out to play the next time they are clean and dry. The only thing is they have new rust spots. I give up.....

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denny

i could do that too,lets see,theres greese and newspaper,um uh,a shot of wd40 and a paper towel.

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Denny
Still Growing in zone 9
So.Cal.