Repurpose Old Garden Gloves As A Way To Protect Your Small & Fragile Tools

Hand tools are important items to have at home when working on repairs or DIY projects. There are several tools every homeowner should have, but sometimes you run into issues with storage. When not in use, small hand tools should be covered or sleeved for protection to avoid unnecessary wear and damage and minimize the risk of injury. One cost-effective way to protect small tools like chisels and screwdrivers is to create DIY sleeves or covers made from old garden gloves, which is a quick and simple project to do.

To create the sheath, you'll need used garden gloves, ideally those made from thick material or coated with nitrile, as pure fabric gloves will tear or rip from the sharp and pointy ends of tools, and some thread or string. For tools, the project requires a pair of scissors and an awl. Begin by cleaning the gloves to remove any dirt or grime. Scrub the gloves with a brush, wipe them with a soapy cloth, and use another moist cloth to rinse them. Lastly, allow the gloves to air dry to keep moisture away from your metal tools.

Once the gloves are dry, carefully cut off the fingers from each glove with the scissors. Leave the fingers as long as possible to accommodate various-sized tool heads. Once all the fingers have been removed, use the awl to poke two small holes, one on each side of the open end of each cut glove finger. Next, cut the string to lengths of 4 inches each, thread it into the holes for each finger piece, and tie a knot at each end of the string to prevent it from getting pulled out when in use. 

Cleaning the glove before turning it into a sheath or cover is beneficial to avoid staining or damaging the tools. Dirt, dust, and grime can be abrasive and, long term, can potentially damage the protective coating on some tools. Alongside the sheath, it is ideal to keep the tools in a dedicated tool storage space with an organized system to keep them in one place.

This simple DIY sheath is ideal for small tools with sharp points and edges like files, chisels, screwdrivers, and even drill bits. With the durable material of the glove, the sheath can safeguard the tool from damage that could dull the cutting edge. In addition, using covers and sleeves on tools is a good way to keep them from rusting because it protects the tools from moisture, which is the main cause of corrosion. However, the most significant benefit of the sheath is that it serves as an added layer of protection from accidental drops, as the sheath can cushion the floor or foot from the sharp edge of the tool.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are a necessity because they prolong the life of hand tools, prevent rust and corrosion, and ensure the tools function properly. Alongside hand tools, bigger tools also need care — performing regular power, hand, and garden tool maintenance ensures good performance. Taking care of tools saves money on repairs and replacements. If not properly maintained, tools can be unsafe, wear out, and require more force to use, which could result in accidents or injuries.