June Hughes wrote:

You seem all prepared for being snowed in, Sacha. I haven't oiled the
handle of the shovel but now you have said that, I shall do so. It has
only just dried out and I don't want it to rot.

Check with a knowledgeable supplier - I *THINK* you need boiled linseed
oil, which IIRC doesn't oxidise to hardness.

Anyway, raw or boiled, it is *NOT* the one used in putty.

--
Rusty