Seasonal power machines and tools work well as the sun shines and the grass looks green, therefore, they need extra care when it’s time to prepare them for winter storage. The following paragraphs describe how to prepare power tools for winter storage.
Fuel Service
If you leave the remaining fuel inside a power tool over a winter season, it will gunk up the tool. You need to perform the following operations to gasoline machines and tools before storage;
- The fuel tank can be emptied and then stored without any fuel during the winter
- Top off the fuel and then add a fuel stabilizer to it.
There is a furious debate revolving around the better method between the aforementioned two. Power tool repairmen report witnessing equivalent cases on fuel storage problems which have resulted from all the methods. But, they are the best methods of storing power tools.
Alternatively, a power tool can be stored with the tank half full of fresh fuel while being ran periodically during winter. Extra fresh fuel can also be added periodically to replace the older one.
Before the storage of any gasoline machine, ensure that the fuel valve is switched off as a means of restricting fuel to the tank.
Maintenance
Many of the maintenance measures recommended for the storage of power machines and tools during the winter are in real sense optional. It is because the seasonal changes act as a perfect time for adopting the habit to stick to a specific maintenance schedule.
Possible maintenance includes; changing the oil, replacing the spark plugs, lubricating the cylinders using a little amount of oil amount, cleaning or replacing the filters and tightening the screws, belts plus other parts which require such maintenance. Things such as spark plugs don’t require yearly replacements though removing them is more ideal.
Because filters and oils are quite inexpensive, a machine or tool will be better off with maintenance. If you maintain them well before winter storage, your power tools will be in good condition when the season is over.
Battery Service
Batteries must be first disconnected from motors before being stored. Cordless batteries should also be taken off the power tool. For a machine with a large and water-holding battery, topping off the level of water would be a good idea. Cordless tool batteries must be fully charged prior to storage.
Cleaning
This is useful for garden and lawn tools as they are often dirtier. Wipe any dirt, grass, grime or grease. Use a brush in case it requires a thorough cleaning. After cleaning, use a lubricant for protection against rust. Apply the lubricant on blades and other related cutting edges. Painted chips may also be brushed up and coated with lubricants.
Storage
Keep power tools in a cool dry place, which is well-ventilated and shielded against all the outer elements.
If you use the aforementioned tips to prepare your power tools for winter storage, you will feel relaxed throughout the winter season knowing that all your machines are safe. It feels great to begin the summer with all the power tools in good condition.
