[gardener247]

people talk about oiling shovels and forks and hoes but whats the point cause the second you put it in the soil it'll get dirty?? sorry if its a stoopid question im just a bit confussed

[Bigbadfrankie]

oil when you have finnished

[richyrich7]

Stops them rusting  
Also I found a good spray with wd40 on your spade helps no end on very damp soil. Not much sticks

[gardener247]

would burnt oil work too

[A. Fallowfield]

I agree! I have a cheap fork, spade, rake and hoe stored in thr lotty shed, and they're always pretty filthy. My theory is, no toe rag will take them if they look really grotty!

[gardener247]

haha true, is it more important to keep them sharp so?

[smud6ie]

Hopefully the oil will stop the tool from rusting.Rust makes the surface rough which makes it easier for the soil to stick. used oil will work but is suposed to be carcinogenic
smud6ie

[Lardman]

Are you sure they're not talking about the handles?

After I brush of the soil off I rub linseed oil into all of my wooden tool handles start and end of each season, keeps the wood in good condition.

[richyrich7]

You should always look after your tools no matter how cheap.
Yes keep your spade sharp but not like a razor lol.
You could just have a bucket of sand with engine oil mixed in & stab your fork, spade etc into that at the end of the day. Leave them in that until next time.

[Trillium]

Are you sure they're not talking about the handles?

After I brush of the soil off I rub linseed oil into all of my wooden tool handles start and end of each season, keeps the wood in good condition.

Definitely not the handles!  If you put engine oil on the wood, they'd be sticky forever. I use linseed oil on my handles to keep them conditioned. As for the bucket of sand and oil, my OH keeps throwing them out thinking they're trash 

[Rangerkris]

people talk about oiling shovels and forks and hoes but whats the point cause the second you put it in the soil it'll get dirty?? sorry if its a stoopid question im just a bit confussed

Do you wash your winkle after use  :blink:  hahahahahahhaha

[davethespread]

so what you saying kris?wash your hands before you leave the plot