Winterize Your Gas Powered Tools
Taking the time to properly winterize your lawn mower and other gas-powered tools will save you a headache in the spring. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can take them to a shop to help you.
Here are the steps to winterize your gas-powered tools:
- Add a quality fuel stabilizer to your gas rather than drain it. You can get fuel stabilizer from the automotive section.
- Apply a fresh coat of lubrication to all parts that generally need lubricating. This keeps corrosion from building up.
- Remove excess water and moisture out of the system lines. If any excess water is in the system or your lines the water will freeze and possibly cause other damages to the machinery.
- Change the oil.
- Replace corroded spark plugs.
Remove Batteries From Power Tools
Battery operated power tools are a bit easier to store for the winter then your gas-powered tools. All you need to do is remove the batteries from the power tools and bring them inside. It is best to remove batteries from anything that you aren’t going to use for an extended period of time. We recommend that you bring the batteries inside to avoid freezing temperatures in your garage.
How to Store Hand Tools
Take the time to properly clean your hand tools before putting them away in storage. Tools that are covered in dirt or grime are more prone to rust than those that are not.
Now is a good time to do a little maintenance to your tools. Here are a few things you can do:
- Lubricate hinges or joints
- Sharpen blades on clippers and trimmers
- Throw out tools that are badly rusted
If you haven’t already, you should consider investing in a sturdy tool box or storage cabinet for your tools.
Miscellaneous Tools
If you are like many homeowners, you likely have a variety of tools in your garage. Here are a few tips to store some of the miscellaneous tools you use:
Water Hose
- Make sure there is no water in them before storing them in a crawl space or by the water spigots outside the house.
- Make sure to remove all attachments from the hose.
- Detach the hose from the outside water spigots.
- And insulate the spigot from the cold and snow the best that you can.
Air Compressor
- Make sure that you let all the air out of it.
- Drain out any water and remove all traces of moisture.
Water Pressurized Fire Extinguisher
- The water inside will start to freeze when the temperature inside your garage gets close to freezing.
- Bring it inside to keep the water pressure where it needs to be to work properly.
Don’t Forget to Winterize Your Garage
To safeguard your tools, even more, you should consider doing a few things to your garage to prepare. Here are a few tips we have for you:
- Check the weather stripping on all doors.
- Consider insulating your garage door.
- Fill in holes and gaps around your garage door.
If you need help getting your garage door ready for the winter, call the team here at Garage Door Repair of Kansas City. We’ll be happy to send one of our qualified technicians to look at your system and give you a solution. We are proud to provide garage door services to our area.
