Oil wooden handles?

Should i sand and rub oil into my wooden tools??

They are very old but lots of life let in them, just want to protect the wood for a few more years.

If yes, what kind of oil would do?

Thanks

Adam

 

Linseed oil as per a cricket bat is what I use. It certainly helps preserve them.

 

Be careful with Linseed oil... I threw the cloths I'd been using to apply Linseed oil in the bin... and they spontaneously combusted a few days later!

Luckily I was there so put the bin out!

 

Definitely, wipe mine with linseed every couple of months, Any rough wood or old varnish sand down with fine grade wet and dry paper.

As quercus says bin the rags afterwards as they can combust, the tool handles wont though!!

 

Unless tools are left exposed to the weather for long periods, the biggest threat to old tools is wood worm. I regularly brush my tools with diluted gear oil, it prevents rust and wood worm. You only need a very thin film of oil to deter the wood beetle (or any insect). I dilute the gear oil with paraffin or white spirit, about 50/50.