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Cleaning dried sap and assorted gunge of my secateurs

Uncle MortUncle Mort Posts: 49
in Tools and techniques
Any suggestions for cleaning the blade on my secateurs. What shall I use to get the dried sap etc off.

I was thinking of using three in one oil when reassembling them.
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Posts

  • owd potterowd potter Posts: 304
    Steel wool with WD40
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 32,992
    I do something similar - I just scrape it all off with a bit of fine sandpaper and then oil them.
    If you can keep wiping stuff off as you go along that can help too.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 14,748
    I wash them with washing up liquid and a scourer then wipe the blades with surgical spirit on a paper towel and oil the moving joints.
    Dordogne and Norfolk
  • ObelixxObelixx Vendée, Western FrancePosts: 21,609
    Clean as you go, wash only if absolutely necessary, sandpaper if needed and a squirt of WD40 on all moving parts.   Keep in a dry place.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 14,748

    When I answered, I didn't mean I often wash them. I wash them if they have got really grubby and it won't come off with normal scraping or wiping.

    Dordogne and Norfolk
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 5,736
    As per Fairygirl's post. If they've been cutting anything which could be diseased (and I'm feeling virtuous!) I'll also wipe the blades over with neat bleach and leave to air dry - after cleaning and before oiling.
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 26,052
    Clearly I'm a total slut.
    The only time my secateurs get "washed" is when I'm using them in the rain.
    Devon.
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 32,992
    What a disgusting old slattern you are @Hostafan1..... :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


  • ObelixxObelixx Vendée, Western FrancePosts: 21,609
    Doesn't wash his pots either!
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • FairygirlFairygirl west central ScotlandPosts: 32,992
    Ach - he's a dirty minger altogether @Obelixx :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....


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