Check your manual post-hole auger for damage before and after every use. Any damage in the coating of the metal parts must be repainted as soon as possible to avoid rust developing.
Apply boiled linseed oil or another wood preservative to the wooden handle periodically to renew the coating and avoid rot.
If your manual post-hole auger has a handle which is bolted onto the shaft, apply oil periodically to the bolts to prevent them corroding and becoming too stiff to undo.
Clean the soil from your manual post-hole auger and allow it to dry before storing it. The water in the soil can cause corrosion if it comes into contact with the metal or wood of your tool. Soil is easier to remove before it dries and it allows you to check your tool for scratches or chips.
Store in a dry room, preferably hanging up to avoid damaging the tip of the manual post-hole auger.
If your tool has rubber or foam hand grips, keep the tool out of reach of mice and rats. Rodents enjoy nibbling rubber!
Use the tool only as described on the page How to use a manual post-hole auger. Using it incorrectly can damage the tool and decrease its working life.
