Replies

1. 
   esch5995 | Sep 21, 2021 09:45pm | #1

   I have to say your post left me scratching my head a bit, but if you are asking what to use as a finish for your gardening tools a quality Marine Varnish, also called Spar Varish, will be your best choice. It offers a relatively durable finish with UV stability built in, but nothing will last forever if the tools is being used. As to the last couple of sentences, I would finish it before setting the ferrel if it's a new handle and if I was refinishing a handle that already had a ferrel in place I would probably just leave it and finish the exposed wood, but I don't like gardening enough to really care what my tools look like so any sound piece of wood is fine with me.

1. 
   KasilofLeif | Sep 22, 2021 02:38am | #2

   Sorry I wasn't clear. Not for looks, for preservation. I can redo every few years. Spar varnish makes sense. A coat of varnish and a little elbow grease beats buying a new tool or handle. Whatever finish is used on a tool bought from the local stores & big box store doesn't last long. Stored covered-but-unheated doesn't help. Your help is appreciated. Thanks!

2. 
   john_c2 | Sep 22, 2021 07:30am | #3

   I never leave wooden handled tools out in the weather, but I've never finished them either. They just weather, and it's never been a problem. They've all lasted for decades.