Care tips for spades
It is advisable to clean a spade after each use. However, the temptation to carelessly leave the spade in the shed after a job well done is often hard to resist. While high-quality tools can usually withstand some neglect, you should still take the time at the end of the season to clean and maintain the spade carefully – the effort will be worth it!
Whether new or old, we recommend cleaning the spade after each use. Remove dirt and debris from the blade and handle using clean water and a stiff brush. Then, wipe it dry with a cloth. This minimal maintenance effort makes a big difference. It helps keep the tool functional and extends its lifespan.
Removing rust from the spade blade
Steel spade blades are protected against corrosion by a layer of paint during manufacturing. Even though our finely polished spade blades may not show it, they are also coated with a transparent layer of lacquer. Over time, this protective layer wears off with use, which is inevitable. If the spade is stored in a damp environment or not cleaned after use, rust may form. Although superficial rust is unsightly and causes soil to stick more easily to the roughened surface, making it harder for the spade to penetrate the ground, it does not affect the quality of the spade. However, do not wait too long to remove the rust, as it can gradually damage the steel and harm the tool.
- Light rust can be removed with steel wool.
- Stubborn rust can be removed with an acid bath. Soak the spade blade for about 2 hours in a bucket with water and vinegar essence or citric acid.
Mixing ratio water:acid 1:3 (for very stubborn rust 1:1).
Caution: Avoid any contact with the wooden handle! An alternative is a foam that only covers the rusty areas.
Mixing ratio baking soda:acid 1:1. The foam should also be left to act for at least 2 hours.
Afterward, scrub off the loosened rust with steel wool, then clean thoroughly with clear water to remove any acid residue.
Sharpening the spade blade
When digging, the spade blade gradually wears down due to constant contact with soil, stones, and roots. Over time, the edge loses its sharpness and needs to be sharpened.
For spades in the IDEAL product line, sharpening is not strictly necessary, as the blade is conically rolled due to a special manufacturing technique, making it self-sharpening (i.e., the blade is thicker at the shoulder than at the edge, and it sharpens itself through wear during use).
Sharpening a spade can be done with a file or sharpening stone, but it requires the proper technique. If you're unsure or have little experience with this task, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance, as improper sharpening can damage the material.
Treating the spade blade with rust-resistant oil
To prevent rust formation, you should rub the spade blade with a protective oil after cleaning. Instead of a simple household oil, we recommend using linseedoil varnish. It is also natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic. However, it has a longer durability, adheres better to the metal surface, and forms a solid layer after drying, which seals the surface. Plant oil often remains liquid and can be wiped off or worn away.
Stainless steel is very low-maintenance – the high-gloss polished surface prevents dirt and soil from sticking. Simply clean the spade blade with clear water and a soft cloth after use, and then wipe it dry. Additional treatment with oil is not necessary, as stainless-steel forms its own corrosion-resistant layer due to its alloy components.
Properties of stainless steel
It is often assumed that "stainless" means the steel can never rust. However, this is not entirely true. Rust can still form on stainless steel if the garden tool is not properly maintained and handled incorrectly. Nevertheless, stainless steel offers significantly improved corrosion protection compared to regular steel.
Steel is an alloy made of iron and a maximum of 2% carbon. During manufacturing, other elements (called alloying components, such as chromium, nickel, manganese, boron, etc.) can be added in various amounts to alter the mechanical and physical properties of the steel. This allows for the production of many different types of steel that vary in hardness, strength, and resistance to corrosion or acids.
The stainless steel used for spades is highly corrosion-resistant because chromium is added during the steel-making process. This element forms a dense oxide film when it comes into contact with oxygen, which prevents rust formation. If the surface of stainless steel is scratched, a new protective film forms immediately.
When does stainless steel rust?
However, there are conditions under which the oxide layer can be continuously damaged, causing the stainless steel to lose its rust-resistant properties. For example, if the spade blade is contaminated with aggressive chemicals or salts for an extended period and not cleaned in time.
Another cause of rust on the stainless-steel blade could be surface rust/contact rust. Surface rust occurs when tiny metal particles, which are created during processes like welding, grinding, or cutting, become airborne and settle on the stainless-steel surface. Contact rust happens when small particles are transferred through direct contact. For example, if a rusty garden tool is stored next to a stainless-steel spade for an extended period, or if a file used on another steel tool is used on the stainless-steel spade, these small metal particles can transfer onto the stainless steel and cause rust. This rust does not form within the stainless steel itself but rather deposits from the outside. If it is not removed, it can affect the appearance and be difficult to eliminate.
How to remove rust from the stainless-steel surface?
If rust has formed, you can use a conventional stainless-steel cleaner. An effective home remedy is natural lemon juice. First, thoroughly clean the stainless-steel blade with clear water and then dry it with a soft cloth. Apply stainless steel cleaner or lemon juice to the affected area and rub it over the rust with a coarse cloth until it is completely removed. Rinse off any remaining cleaning product with clear water.
Sharpening the stainless-steel edge
When digging, the spade blade gradually wears down due to constant contact with soil, stones, and roots. Over time, the edge loses its sharpness and needs to be sharpened.
Sharpening a stainless-steel spade can be done with a diamond-coated file or sharpening stone, but it requires the correct technique. If you're unsure or have little experience with this task, it's advisable to seek professional assistance, as improper sharpening can damage the material. Caution: Never use the same sharpening tool on regular steel and then on stainless steel, as this can cause contact rust!
Polishing the stainless-steel surface
For stainless steel spade blades, the corrosion resistance can be enhanced by an additional high gloss polishing of the surface. Special polishing pastes or creams for stainless steel are available for this purpose. Apply these with a soft cloth or polishing pad to the spade blade and polish the surface in circular motions to achieve a high gloss. Remove any residue from the polish with clear water and dry the surface. No oil treatment is necessary, as stainless-steel forms its own oxide film due to its alloy components.
If the handle is made of wood, any chips or rough spots that may have occurred can be sanded down with sandpaper or a wood file.
Afterward, a nourishing and simultaneously impregnating oil should be applied evenly. An ideal mixture is a blend of an aromatic-free turpentine substitute and linseed oil varnish. The turpentine substitute ensures that the treatment penetrates deeply into the wood, while the linseed oil varnish makes untreated wood more weather-resistant, increases grip, and creates a smooth, beautiful surface. If the wooden handle is too severely damaged, it should be replaced for safety.
Do not place the spade with the blade facing down but store it by hanging it upside down in a holder. This will not only prevent moisture from accumulating in the socket, which could promote rust formation, but also minimize the risk of the sharp edge damaging the ground or becoming dull.
Do not store your spade in the attic or in a heated basement during the winter. In the dry air, the wooden handle will lose too much moisture, causing it to shrink. As a result, the spade blade may become loose, or the handle could even break under pressure. To allow the wood to regain some moisture, place the spade in a rain-protected outdoor area or wrap it in a damp cloth about a week before its first use after a dry storage period.
A severely damaged handle should be replaced (see "Replacing the Handle").
