can power tools be stored in cold garage brands

If you own power tools, you know how expensive they are. Therefore, storing them properly (and safely) is of the utmost importance. If you don’t, they’re likely to rust and/or break, which can be quite costly to repair and/or replace.

If possible, store power tools in the original boxes or the cases in which they were purchased. If you choose to store your power tools in toolboxes, put silica gel packs inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent your tools from rusting.

If you prefer to keep your power tools in a tool chest or cabinet, place anti-rust liners inside the drawers for extra protection. Or, to keep your power tools safely off the ground, you can hang them on pegboards in the basement or garage.

I’ll discuss the proper places to store power tools and why safe storage is so important. I’ll explain how to correctly hang power tools in a garage and if it’s okay to keep them there in the winter or if the garage is cold.

The best way to store all your power tools is back inside the box or case that they were purchased in. Not only will this keep the dust-out but also prevent them from rusting.

Another good place for power tools storage is in a toolbox. Be sure to put some silica gel packs inside to keep moisture levels down. You can buy silica gel packs on Amazon at a good price.

A tool chest or cabinet is also a good idea for storing power tools. Once again, it’s important to lock out moisture that can cause tools to rust so line the drawers with anti-rust papers as an extra precaution. Check this TANKSTORM tool chest on Amazon.

Hanging tools is another way to store power tools and save space at the same time. Simply hang pegboards on the wall in your garage or basement to keep tools clean and organized.

The best places to store your power tools include a shed, garage, or basement. The most important thing to consider is humidity and how to manage and/or maintain it.

Power tools can also be stored in a shed, provided it’s well-insulated and properly ventilated. As sheds don’t typically come with insulation, you would likely have to design and build one yourself.

To maintain your power tools and keep them in good working condition, you must first prepare them for storage.The best way to do this is to clean them properly after each use. Simply wipe down the tools with a damp (not soaking-wet) cloth first and then towel-dry them afterwards.

However, freezing temperatures can make the metal and plastic parts on some power tools week or brittle. This can lead to damage or breakage, especially if you use them while still cold.

Hanging power tools in a basement, garage or shed is another way to store them. In a few hours or less, you can make and hang a pegboard to keep your tools safe and organized.

Hang your power tools safely and clean up the area.As a note of caution, be sure to use appropriate safety gear when working with wood, such as gloves and goggles. Put on a dust mask and use ear plugs, if possible. Avoid wearing long sleeves when operating a miter saw and have a shop vac handy to clean up the dust and debris afterwards.

Power tools can also be stored in toolboxes, provided you put some silica gel packs inside to absorb excess moisture and protect your tools from rusting.

Hi there! My name is Jack and I write for ToolsOwner. I have a passion for everything related to tools and DIY projects around the house. You often find me in my workshop working on new projects.

When winter rolls around in cold climates, we rarely give much thought to the tools we"ve stored in the garage, barn, shop, or shed. This can be an expensive mistake because many tools can suffer damage of some type if they are kept in the cold all winter long. That"s especially true of power tools that you may use in sub-freezing temperatures.

Generally, most hand tools won"t suffer damage from being stored in a cold garage or shed. Freezing temperatures, however, can make many metal or plastic parts brittle and particularly susceptible to breakage if you use them at very cold temperatures. To avoid this, get into the habit of taking hand tools out of cold storage before use; let them sit inside the house for an hour or more before use.

Also, keep in mind that metal tools can rust. Big swings in temperature and humidity can accelerate that process. If you are worried about rust, try to find a good spot inside the house for tool storage. If you do store them indoors, make sure to clean them carefully before storing them, and perhaps apply a fine oil or rust protector to all metal surfaces.

In regions with very cold winter temperatures, the air is typically fairly dry and not likely to rust tools over the course of the winter. But if you bring them into the house, especially to store them in a basement, rust can then be a problem. And if you live in a coastal area where winter air is damp rather than bitterly cold, rust is more likely. If you are storing your tools in damp conditions, consider using a dehumidifier in the space where you are storing your tools.

Rinse off and dry your garden tools, and if you see spots of rust, remove them with a wire brush or steel wool. Rub a light oil, such as WD-40 over the metal parts. Wooden handles can crack and splinter in the dry conditions of a cold winter; now is the time to check them for splinters, sand handles smooth, and coat the wood with linseed oil. Shovels and other digging tools should be hung up on the wall above the floor. Thoroughly wash out and rinse garden sprayers and hoses.

Lawn mowers should be cleaned of all grass residue clinging to the underside of the deck, and power tillers should have their blades cleaned of dirt and polished clean of rust and corrosion.

Any power machinery will face some stress if it is used in very cold conditions, and your power tools are no different. As the motors heat up, the stress of metal parts going from very cold temperatures to very warm may cause some tools to suffer an early death if this pattern happens frequently. For this reason, it is better to store power tools indoors if they will be used over the winter.

Most tools with electrical motors contain oils and grease which should be allowed to warm up a bit before using the tool. So if you have stored a saw or other piece of power equipment in a cold space, bring it indoors for two hours or so before using it. Lubricants will be more effective if they are allowed to warm up to room temperature before using the tools. This applies even if the tools will be used outdoors—bring them indoors first to warm up before taking them back outdoors to cut or drill.

Try to keep cordless power tools and their chargers inside during cold weather. Freezing temperatures seem to accelerate battery discharge, and many cordless tools come with a warning that the chargers won"t work when cold.

Lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other tools powered by gas engines have their own set of guidelines for storage in the winter. If not properly winterized, gasoline left in an engine can gum up the carburetor or other parts, unlubricated engine parts can corrode, and moisture may affect the ignition systems. A standard winterizing procedure:

If you regularly work in a garage or outdoor workshop, equipping the space with a heater is a good idea. You can either heat up the space to a comfortable temperature just before work sessions, or you can keep the heaters running all winter at a low setting to keep the temperature just above freezing. Tools need not be at full indoor room temperature to operate well—a temperature just above freezing is all you need.

Storing your power tools properly for the winter months can extend the life of your tools by years. View our simple tips to help store your power equipment.

When the cold weather rolls around, we tend to put a lot of things in storage, only to break them When the cold weather rolls around, we tend to put a lot of things in storage, only to break them out at the first sign of a spring breeze. This is why having a storage shed can be a very useful addition to your home. But, some things may not be able to be kept in the cold shed during the winter months. This can be true for some power tools. “Knowing how to get your power tools ready and where to store them can lengthen the life of your tools”, says Dave Malcolm, expert, and shed builder at Mediage LLC.

The winter months have higher humidity than the summer months which means there’s more moisture in the air. Paired with less sunlight, this can be damaging to any tools that are made from metal and plastic. Condensation and moisture on your metal tools will lead to corrosion over time.

Make sure your tools are cleaned well before storing them. Wipe dirt, grease, leaves, grass, or other debris off them with a rag or towel. If anything other than this is needed, follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for cleaning. Make sure the tool is completely dry before it goes into storage. There are different things you have to do to get different types of tools ready.

Throw away broken or defective tools. If it’s something that cannot be repaired, it will only take up space and will likely just sit there for seasons to come if not dealt with.

For gas-powered tools: Empty any remaining gas from the tool into an approved gas can.Top up the oil levels. If needed, completely change the oil.Start it up to burn excess fuel out of the carburetorClean the air filter, replacing it as needed.Clean and dry the chassis.Sharpen blades, chains, or knives and coat with mineral oil.

For battery-powered tools: Take the battery out of the tool and put it on the charge.After it’s charged, put it into its storage bag and store it somewhere dry.When you clean these tools, avoid excess moisture around the battery port.Sharpen blades, chains, or knives and coat with mineral oil.

Once your tools are ready for storage, you should determine where the best place to store them is. Keep in mind cold weather and freezing temperatures can cause havoc on power equipment. So it’s best to store items like outdoor power equipment, lawn equipment, battery operated cordless tools , the leaf blower, and pressure washer indoors and out of the freezing temperature. Turning a regular outdoor shed into a power tool storage shed may be the best investment you can make to save on replacing expensive power tools. Simply take a little extra care to seal up any areas that would allow for water and wind to get in.

When possible you should store all your power tools back inside the box in which they were purchased. This will help keep dust out and help prevent rust from forming on them.

You can use a tool chest or cabinet to store power tools but, again, you would need to keep the moisture low because that can cause rust so you can use anti-rust papers as a precaution.

To save space you can hang tools on pegboards on your wall in the garage or shed and this will help you stay clean and organized. This will also keep them off the floor and away from ground moisture.

If you are storing your power tools in a shed make sure it is a well-insulated and properly ventilated shed. Sheds don’t typically come with insulation so you might have to insulate it yourself. You will also need the ability to have a heater or dehumidifier running to decrease moisture.

Most power tools have oils and grease that do not run when they are cold. Because of this, power tools should be brought into the house and given a chance to warm up before using them. You should give it at least two hours for this.

Use plastic bins for smaller tools. This is an extra layer of protection for them. They are also stackable and easy to carry, making them more convenient.

In conclusion, it is safe to store most electric tools in your shed as long as the temperature and humidity can be controlled. Freezing temperatures can cause the metal or plastic to become brittle on some tools, which can cause them to be damaged or broken, especially if they are used while still cold. Taking the necessary precautions should help you safely store your power tools and help them have a long life.

I plan to use a power strip for them, so I can kill the power when I don"t need to charge them. I only have a couple NiCad batteries remaining and those are for my weedeater, and it doesn"t get used a whole lot.

When winter rolls around, we think about keeping ourselves warm, along with our houses, but we don’t give much (if any) thought to the tools stored in the garage, shop or shed. That can be an expensive mistake. Many tools can suffer damage of one kind or another by being kept in the cold all winter long. Here are some tool storage suggestions for protecting your investments.

Most hand tools will not suffer damage from being stored in a cold garage or shed. Freezing temperatures, however, can make many metal or plastic parts brittle and particularly susceptible to breakage. To avoid this, get into the habit of taking hand tools out of cold storage before use; let them sit inside the house for an hour or more before use.

Also keep in mind that metal tools can rust. Big swings in temperature and humidity can accelerate that process. If you are worried about rust, try to find a good spot inside the house for tool storage. Alternatively, apply some rust protector to all metal surfaces.

The biggest problem you can run into regarding power tool storage in winter stem from plugging in a cold tool and operating it before it has a chance to warm up. This causes a big, rapid temperature swing from very cold to very hot, which is a stress that will cause some tools to suffer an early death.

Tools containing grease or oil should be allowed to warm up before starting. The lubricants just aren’t as effective as they need to be when cold. Pneumatic tools often come with instructions on which oil to use in cold weather.

Try to keep cordless power tools and their chargers inside during cold weather. Freezing temperatures seem to accelerate battery discharge, and many cordless tools come with a warning that the chargers simply won’t work when cold.

If you have some source of heat in your garage, shed or shop, turn it on for awhile before turning on any power tools. You might also want to consider keeping the heater on throughout the winter; all it really needs to do is maintain a temperature above freezing.

Slightly less than a year ago the residents of one of the hottest states in the country woke up to find their power out, pipes burst and icy havoc everywhere. The big freeze that hit Texas, February 13, 2021 and lasted almost a week, killed more people than the Alamo and racked up billions of dollars in damages.

That should be warning enough to take winter seriously. Whether it’s your tools or equipment you should understand the worst that could happen and prepare for it. Here’s a checklist of the dangers and what you can do to prevent them.

No set of rules could possibly cover all the contingencies for different brands and types of equipment, mobile, stationary, rubber-tire, tracked, low and high horsepower, diesel, gas, hybrid or fully electric. So the #1 rule is to check with the equipment dealer or OEM or consult the manual first.

The rechargeable batteries used to run saws, drills, flashlights and even some demolition tools should never be left out in cold weather. Below 40 degrees lithium-ion batteries won’t hold a charge and leaving them out in freezing temperatures can permanently reduce run time. Don’t store these in an unheated shop, or your truck toolbox when freezing weather threatens.

If you build a charging station to hold these tools, batteries and chargers, make it portable so you can bring it inside when necessary and always keep the batteries and tools within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer.

Air-driven power tools such as DA sanders, nail guns rely on seals, O-rings and lubrication to function properly. When cold temps turn these materials brittle or cause the lubrication to gel, they won’t fire properly and may become permanently damaged. Always store them inside at the temperatures recommended.

If using them outside in freezing weather, follow manufacturer guidelines. If needed you can rotate tools from outside to inside throughout the day to keep them functioning properly. Also, consider using a cold-weather lubricant/pneumatic tool oil.

There is considerable debate among construction and landscaping professionals about how to store gasoline-powered tools for the winter. One camp says to drain the tank, completely, shoot a small squirt of lube oil in the spark plug hole and pull the starter rope a few times to coat the inside of the engine with oil. Others say to fill the tank with gasoline that’s been treated with an additive.

Consider adding auxiliary lighting packages—today’s new LED lights can provide amazing illumination while also conserving battery power. And put a towel inside every machine so operators can clear the windshield of any condensation that occurs.

Today’s diesels need only a minute or so to warm up and they have sufficient battery power to restart even in the coldest temps. Running a diesel engine at low idle for long periods of time can actually cause carbon accumulation in the engine as the exhaust after-treatment process doesn’t get hot enough to burn it off.  Go ahead and start working within 60 seconds of startup. Your engine and its DPF and/or DOC systems will thank you for it. For extremely cold weather (states bordering Canada), you may need a cold weather starting package that your OEM dealer can provide.

For one thing, if you do speed workouts or run at higher speed levels, it can be dangerous to do it out in the garage. While the appeal of the sound-canceling garage is still there, if you slip and fall while running at a high speed, no one may come and check on you for a while. Also, garages often are packed with tools and the family car, which are not things you want to fall on if you get thrown by your treadmill.

Week after week, the tools you love do wonders when it comes to trimming the hedges, cutting the grass, and gathering the leaves so your lawn looks exactly the way you want it.

The steps that we will cover are going to work just fine so long as your equipment is powered by gasoline. But before you do anything, reference the owner’s manual for each piece of outdoor power equipment you own.

As a simple best practice, it’s always best to double-check the owner’s manual in case your piece of equipment has any unique qualities. Aside from that, the following seven steps are universal for all of your outdoor power equipment.

At this point, all of the internal components of your outdoor power equipment are accounted for. Therefore, the last step you need to take is properly cleaning and protecting the exterior.

Spray STA-BIL Ceramic Pro-Guard onto all metal and plastic surfaces of your outdoor power equipment. The product both cleans and protects in one convenient step, acting as a detailing solution for your four-cycle engine.

Once you’ve completed all of the preceding steps, your outdoor power equipment will be winterized and ready to perform like new come next spring. In fact, this simple method will protect all of your equipment from the inside out, giving you years of quality usage.

Consider yourself the world’s most responsible outdoor power equipment owner because you have taken every possible precaution to preserve the things you care about for the off-season.

Your garage is the perfect place to store your tools, whether you have a few hand tools for light household projects or dozens of power equipment for major building projects. However, even if you store them in a garage, they may still rust.

Even in a garage, your metal tools can rust. Metal corrodes and oxidises when exposed to moisture and oxygen. Although rusting of metal tools is unavoidable, it can be delayed by controlling humidity, increasing ventilation, and coating tools with a protective substance.

Few people in colder climates give much care to the tools they’ve stashed away in the garage, barn, shop, or shed when winter arrives. Due to the fact that many tools can be negatively affected by prolonged exposure to cold, this is a potentially costly mistake. That’s especially important to remember when working with power tools in frigid conditions.

Rusted metal is not only harmful, but also corrodes your equipment. Corrosion is a silent destroyer, slowly but surely reducing the strength of your tools.

Steel: Iron is a major component of steel, so it makes sense that steel is also susceptible to rust. Fortunately, most stainless steel tools are treated to be resistant to rust. Even still, you should take precautions to help prevent it.

Copper: Copper doesn’t rust. However, it does oxidize, which is a form of corrosion. Copper wiring for electrical jobs is common precisely because it’s so difficult to break down. Unfortunately, it’s less durable as steel, so your hand tools probably aren’t made of copper. Still, you can find some special tools made from copper, so it’s important to take care of them too.

Aluminium: Aluminum won’t rust, but it can develop an oxidized corrosive layer. Most aluminium tools are made to resist oxidizing for quite some time, assuming you store the tools properly and don’t mistreat them.

Avoiding rust in the first place is the most effective method for eliminating it. It makes no difference if you prevent your tools from rusting in the garage or the closet.

Clean rust with an anti-corrosive spray cleaner, like the ubiquitous WD-40. The original red-cap WD-40 will do the trick, but if you really want to stop rust from happening, you need get the WD40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor Spray. A quick spray will protect your tools while they dry. For a period of months, it will help prevent corrosion.

Garage dehumidification: Dehumidifying your garage is an effective strategy for protecting your tools from rust. A dehumidifier is an absolute must if you, like me, reside in a particularly humid climate. Here you can see the one I keep in my garage, if you’re interested.

Place your toolbox in a secure location. Most people think of a toolbox when they hear this, but anything that keeps them indoors is useful. It’s a recipe for disaster if you don’t take care of your tools in the garage.

The best course of action, if your tools in the garage are already showing indications of rust, is to catch it early. Tools can be salvaged if the rust is removed before it has a chance to break the metal.

To dry your tools off before putting them away in the garage, repeat step three until you are satisfied with the outcome. Rust can return if even a small amount of moisture is left on the tools.

Soaking it in a solution like WD40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak is another option. You can soak your tools and let the solution do the hard job of dissolving the rust. The rust is removed and the tools are restored to their original condition after being cleaned with the liquid.

Most hand tools can withstand the chilly temperatures of a storage shed or garage for extended periods of time without being damaged. Many metal and plastic components become brittle and easily broken when subjected to subfreezing temperatures. To prevent this from happening, make it a habit to bring your hand tools in from the garage or shed at least an hour before you want to use them.

You should also remember that metal tools will rust over time. Extreme fluctuations in humidity and temperature can hasten that process. Try to find a safe area inside the house to keep your tools if you are concerned about rust. Before putting them away indoors, give them a thorough cleaning and maybe treat any metal parts with fine oil or rust preventative.

Extremely cold climates often have dry air, therefore tools are less likely to rust during the winter months. Rust can become an issue if you bring them inside the house, especially if you plan to store them in the basement. And if you live near the coast, where the winter air is more wet than really cold, rust is more prone to form. Use a dehumidifier in the area where you keep your tools if the air there tends to get damp.

After washing and drying them, check for rust spots and scrub them out with a wire brush or steel wool. Put some WD-40 or another mild oil on a cloth and rub it into the metal. Check for splinters, sand handles smooth, and apply a layer of linseed oil to any wooden parts that may have cracked or splintered in the dry conditions of a cold winter. The best place to store shovels and other digging tools is on a wall, far above the ground. Garden sprayers must be well cleaned.

Clean the underside of your lawnmower deck to remove any stray grass clippings, and give the blades of your power tillers a good scrub to remove any rust or corrosion.

Your power tools, like any powered apparatus, can experience some strain if utilised in extremely cold temperatures. Some tools may fail prematurely if they are subjected to the stress of metal parts travelling from very cold to very warm temperatures at the heart of the engine. Due to the cold, power tools should be kept inside if they are to be used throughout the winter.

It is recommended that you wait for an electric tool’s motor to warm up for a few minutes to allow the oil and grease within to get to operating temperature. A saw or other piece of power equipment should not be used immediately after being kept in a cold area; instead, it should be brought indoors and allowed to warm up for at least two hours. Warming up lubricants to room temperature improves their performance. Bring the tools indoors to warm up before taking them outside to do any cutting or drilling, and this holds true even if you plan on using them in the great outdoors.

During the winter, it’s best to bring cordless power tools and their chargers indoors. Batteries seem to drain faster in cold weather, and many cordless tools come with a warning that the charger won’t function in the freezer.

Storing gas-powered items such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, and generators need special attention during the colder months. If an engine isn’t adequately winterized, the gas left in it can clog up the carburettor and other parts, the lack of oil can cause corrosion, and the presence of moisture can disrupt the ignition. Common steps taken during the winterization process:

Installing a heater in your garage or outdoor workshop is a smart move if you perform a lot of work there during the colder months. You can either turn on the heaters shortly before work begins to get them to a comfortable temperature, or you can leave them on all winter at a low setting to keep the space above freezing. Tools can be effective even if they are kept at temperatures slightly above freezing.

A wire brush, steel wool, or a scouring pad can be used to remove stubborn rust. The rust can also be chemically removed off tools with the help of a number of commercially available treatments, most of which contain an acid that dissolves the rust. A good cleaning with a paste made of lime juice and salt will do the trick, according to grandma. The tools may also benefit from soaking in ordinary Coca-Cola for a few hours. The rust will have eaten away at the iron’s surface, leaving it scarred and pitted after cleaning. While polishing can restore the tool’s appearance, it cannot restore the metal’s structural integrity.

Whether you have small hand tools for jobs around the house or dozens of power tools for heavy-duty construction, you’re probably storing them in your garage to keep them safe. However, even keeping them in your garage doesn’t always keep them free from rust.

Your metal tools can rust, even if they’re stored in your garage. Moisture and oxygen lead to metal oxidizing and corroding. Even though it’s inevitable that your tools will develop rust, you can take steps to prevent it by lowering the humidity, circulating the air in your garage and adding a protective coating to your metal tools.

Steel:Iron is a major component of steel, so it makes sense that steel is also susceptible to rusting. Fortunately, most stainless steel tools are treated to be resistant to rust. Even still, you should take precautions to help prevent it.

Copper: Copper doesn’t rust, however it does oxidize, which is a form of corrosion. Copper wiring for electrical jobs is common precisely because it’s so difficult to break down. Unfortunately, it’s less durable as steel, so your hand tools probably aren’t made of copper. Still, you can find some specialty tools made from copper, so it’s important to take care of them too.

Aluminum:Aluminum won’t rust, but it can develop an oxidized corrosive layer. Most aluminum tools are made to resist oxidizing for quite some time, assuming you store the tools properly and don’t mistreat them.

Although rust is technically only found on iron and steel tools, it’s important to know that any tool that’s exposed to moisture will have some sort of corrosion.

The best way to get rid of rust is to prevent it. If you keep rust from forming on your tools, it doesn’t matter if you store them in your garage or the closet.

Use an anti-corrosive spray cleaner: Everyone’s favorite, WD-40 was actually designed to help remove rust. Although the basic, red-cap WD-40 will work just fine, the WD40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor Spray is designed specifically to prevent corrosion. Just spray a thin coat on your tools and let it dry. It’ll help prevent corrosion for several months.

Prevent damage: We like to think of our tools as indestructible, but they’re not as tough as you might think. Small dents and chips from throwing them into your toolbox will eventually invite rust. A little toolbox organization will go a long way in helping keep them safe from damage.

Dehumidify your garage: One of the best ways to stop your tools from rusting is to remove the moisture from your garage. If you live in a humid environment, like I do, then a dehumidifier is a must-have. You can check out which one I use in my garage here.

Circulate the air in your garage. Another way to cut down on moisture in the air is to move that air around. If you can place a couple of fans around the room, you’ll be able to keep your tools dry. The combination of a dehumidifier and a garage fan will usually be more than enough to prevent rust for a long time.

Keep your tools in an enclosed container. To most people, this means a toolbox, but anything that keeps them away from the open air will help. Neglecting to store your tools properly in the garage is asking for rust and corrode to take hold.

If your tools are already showing signs of rust in your garage, the best thing to do is to catch it early. If you can remove the rust before it starts to crack the metal, you can still restore your tools.

Make a dense, compact ball out of aluminum foil. It has to be compact enough to the point that it doesn’t become misshapen when you’re scrubbing it against your tools.

Repeat step three until you’ve achieved the desired results, then dry your tools off with towels before you store them in the garage. Any bit of moisture left on the tools can be a bad sign for rust to come back again.

Another option is to use a soaking solution like WD40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak. It lets you soak your tools and let it do the work to break down the rust. The liquid strips away rust, leaving behind fresh, clean tools.

One of the best ways to keep your tools safe from rust and corrosion is to keep them organized and protected. I have a couple of really cool ideas for how to do that in this article, so you should definitely check it out!

Garages were born for storage. After all, the name comes from the French word garer, meaning to shelter. But "stored" doesn"t necessarily mean "protected." A cold, wet garage can wreak havoc on your possessions, which aren"t nearly as rugged as you think. Everything from power tools to garden hoses can be damaged over the winter months.

Landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, who created the app Home Outside, recommends not just cleaning the business ends but also sterilizing them—to remove diseased plant material before the tools touch new plantings next year. Plunge smaller tools into a container of sand and mineral oil to prevent rust.

Clean or replace the air filter and drain the fuel, advises Kris Kiser of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. You can use 10% or zero-ethanol gas—but Kiser uses only zero concentration, so any fuel remaining in the tank won"t harm the blower. Replacing dirty spark plugs is also good practice (safely disconnect battery cables first). Invest in a spark-plug tester for upkeep.

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