In part one we looked at storing your hand tools and garden tools over Winter. Lowes has a wide range of tool storage solutions that you can save money on when you use a Lowes Money Off Coupon. In part two we look at storing power tools over winter.
Power Tool Storage
Cold winter conditions can place added stress on your power tools. Electric motors heat up and the stresses caused from the jump to hot from cold can cause serious damage to tools. Many power tools are damaged beyond repair because of this and when using power tools outside in harsh winter months it makes absolute sense to store them indoors in warmer conditions.
Electrical power tools have motors than contain grease and oil which should be allowed to warm up before use. To warm the lubricants up before use you and if you have stored the power tool in a cold place you should let the tool sit indoors in warmer conditions for an hour or so before use. Warming up your tools is a the best way to protect them from potential damage and it will save you money in the long run.
Pneumatic tools often come with special instructions for storage in cold weather as well as use in cold conditions.
Cordless Power Tool Storage
Cordless power tools, chargers and related parts should be stored indoors in winter months. Battery discharge is accelerated in freezing conditions and thus many cordless tools come with a warning that they may not work when cold.
Gas-Powered Tools
Tools with gas engines such as lawnmowers and chainsaws come with special guidelines for storage over winter. Gasoline left in small engines can gum up in cold winter weather and before long the carburettor and other parts can begin to corrode. Damp conditions can cause problems with ignition systems. The following standard procedures are suggested:
Drain the tool of all gasoline or add a recommended gasoline stabilizer. Draining the gas reduces the problem of a layer of varnish occurring inside fuel components upon Gas standing for more than a month. Gasoline stabilizer does a similar job.
On 4-stroke engines you should change the oil to prevent dirt and other particles from sticking to parts inside the engine.
To prevent fuel evaporation you should seal the fuel cap. With vented fuel caps use a piece of aluminum foil to stop evaporation.
Batteries and spark plugs should be disconnected. If batteries can be removed do so and store them indoors over winter.
Heating the Workshop Space
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.
