How to Eliminate Splinters From a Wood Handle

Refinish and smooth out wooden handles.

Antique furniture and tools can develop an interesting patina over time, but their wooden handles can degrade. The handles may develop splinters, which can make them uncomfortable to hold and can actually give you splinters. Smooth the handles completely to prevent splinters from getting in your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-grit sandpaper
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Boiled linseed oil
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Rub medium-grit sandpaper over the surface of your wooden handle. Rub in the direction of the wood grain until the wood appears smooth.

2. Rub fine-grit sandpaper over the wooden handle. Work at it until it appears smooth and soft.

3. Soak a clean cloth in linseed oil. This will help condition to wooden handles.

4. Rub the linseed oil over the wooden handle until the linseed oil soaks into the wood.

5. Buff the excess oil off with another clean cloth so that the handles don't appear slimy and oily.

References

• Northern Gardening; Getting Your Garden Tools in Shape for the Coming Season; Terry Yockey