Bring an Old Burnisher Back into the Spotlight

By Helen I. Driggs

I inherited a few well-loved burnishers that are made from beautiful old, hard steel. Because they are vintage tools, I try to treat them with the care they deserve and recently decided to repair their loose handles and nicked edges since I intend to set a lot of bezels in the upcoming months. The repair method I’m demonstrating works for any steel hand tool, and punches, gravers, ball daps, hammer heads, and pliers can all benefit from a day at the “Steel Spa,” where the special treatment for getting a perfect shine is good, old-fashioned graphite.