As a homeowner or handyman, proper storage of your tools during the winter is essential to keeping them in good working order when warmer weather arrives. From lawnmowers to hand tools, proper preparation and maintenance will extend their lifespan. Follow these tips to safely store tools through the winter months.
Clean Tools Thoroughly
Before storing any tools, thoroughly clean them to remove all dirt, grime, sap, and other debris. This prevents rust and corrosion from developing while in storage.
- For hand tools, use a stiff brush and soap and water to scrub away debris. Rinse and dry completely.
- Power tools like lawnmowers need more heavy-duty cleaning. Use a garden hose, stiff brush, and degreaser to break up caked-on grime.
- Dull or rusty tools should be sharpened and reconditioned before storage to prevent further deterioration.
- Wipe down all surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust. WD-40 works well for this.
Proper cleaning extends the life of your tools and makes them ready for quick use next season.
Store Hand Tools Properly
Hand tools like shovels, rakes, pruners, and handsaws require some extra preparation before storage.
- Sharpen all cutting edges and blades so they don’t sit dull over winter.
- Rub a light coat of oil on metal parts to prevent rusting. WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil work well.
- If possible, store tools hanging vertically from hooks or a pegboard to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
- For tools that can’t be hung, wrap the heads in old rags or towels coated with oil to maintain the cutting edge.
- Place all stored tools in a dry area like a shed, garage, or basement. Avoid damp areas like barns or sheds with dirt floors.
With proper storage, hand tools will be preserved and ready for spring landscaping tasks.
Drain and Store Hoses Properly
Garden hoses must be completely drained of all water before winter storage. Any remaining water left inside the hose can freeze during cold weather and cause cracking or splits.
- Disconnect any nozzles or attachments from the ends of the hose.
- Hold the ends upright and allow all water to drain out completely. Flush with an air compressor if possible.
- Consider using a hose-hanging rack or reel that keeps the hose elevated off the ground during storage for better drainage.
- Store hoses indoors in a heated area like a basement or garage if possible. If left outdoors, cover with a tarp to protect from moisture and sun damage.
- Insert a rag or cloth in the faucet end of the hose during storage to absorb any remaining drips and prevent cracks from forming.
- Check your hoses for wear and cracks before storing. Consider replacing aging hoses that may be prone to splitting over winter.
Properly draining and storing hoses will extend their life significantly.
Winterize and Store Lawnmowers
Lawnmowers require winterization before storing them away for the cold months when not in use. This involves draining fluids, removing batteries, and preventing corrosion.
- Drain the fuel tank and carburetor completely, as old gas left over winter can cause buildup and clogging. Alternatively, you can add fuel stabilizer to the tank.
- Change the oil and filter if due for a servicing before storage. This prevents contaminated oil from sitting all winter.
- Remove the spark plug and pour about a teaspoon of oil into the cylinder. Reinstall the plug and pull the cord a few times to coat the cylinder with oil. This prevents rust inside the engine.
- For riding mowers, remove the battery and store it on a trickle charger indoors. This maintains the charge over winter.
- Clean the mower deck thoroughly before storage to remove all grass clippings and debris. Built-up debris promotes rust.
- If possible, store riding mowers indoors or in a shed. Outdoor storage exposes them to the elements. Use a breathable cover if stored outside.
Take time to properly winterize mowers before storage to ensure easy starting come spring.
Maintain Power Tool Batteries
Cordless power tools rely on batteries that can lose their ability to hold a charge if improperly stored through winter.
- Clean any accumulated dust and dirt from battery connections to maximize conductivity.
- Fully charge batteries before storage to prevent sulfation buildup on the lead plates inside the battery.
- For lithium-ion batteries, store around 50% charge if possible. Storing fully depleted can damage cells.
- Store batteries indoors around room temperature if possible. Temperature extremes degrade batteries faster.
- Every 2-3 months, give batteries a maintenance charge to maintain cell chemistry.
- Avoid storing batteries attached to tools to prevent accidental starting and draining.
- Consider investing in an automatic battery maintainer that keeps batteries conditioned.
With proper care, power tool batteries will retain their charging capacity over winter downtime.
Lubricate Metal Surfaces
Lubricating any exposed metal surfaces on tools before storage is crucial to preventing rust and corrosion damage during winter humidity and condensation.
- Wipe down all metal with lubricants like WD-40, 3-IN-ONE oil, or PB Blaster to leave an anti-corrosion film.
- Coat any unpainted cast iron or steel surfaces like shovel heads with a light layer of oil. Wipe off any excess.
- Apply grease to the gears, bearings, or any moving components on power tools to prevent seizing.
- Loosened any frozen or seized parts with penetrating lubricant before storing to halt moisture damage.
- Ensure lawn mower blades are lightly oiled and loosened from any built-up debris.
- Use rust corrosion inhibitor sprays liberally in any enclosure where tools will be stored.
Proper lubrication before storage keeps parts moving freely and prevents wear when tools are needed again.
Keep Storage Areas Clean and Dry
In addition to proper maintenance of the tools themselves before storage, special attention should be paid to their storage areas as well.
- Tools should be stored in clean, dry, and ideally temperate spaces like garages, garden sheds, or basements.
- Storage areas should be free of clutter and debris that can damage tools. Sweep floors and tidy shelves.
- Avoid spaces with dirt floors that can transfer moisture. Use shelves or pallets to raise tools up.
- Open windows or air vents during winter months to allow airflow and reduce humidity in sheds.
- Consider using renewable desiccant packs in toolboxes or cabinets to absorb excess moisture from the air.
- If possible, install a portable dehumidifier or vent fan to actively circulate dry air in enclosed storage spaces.
- Keep gutters and downspouts around sheds and garages clear to prevent dripping or flooding with melting snow.
Storing tools in optimized conditions reduces deterioration and keeps them performing like new when needed again.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
While tools should be kept dry during winter storage, it’s also important to moderate temperature extremes as well.
- Avoid unheated sheds, detached garages, or environments prone to extreme cold during winter months.
- Cold temperatures can cause metal parts to become brittle and plastic or rubber components to crack.
- If storing tools in uninsulated spaces is unavoidable, wrap them in insulating blankets, tarps, or covers to moderate cold exposure.
- Likewise, avoid unconditioned attics or spaces prone to extreme heat during summer months.
- If possible, find an indoor temperature-controlled environment ideal for long-term tool storage year-round.
- Routinely check on tools over winter to ensure exposure to cold or heat isn’t compromising their condition.
Regulating exposure to temperature extremes reduces chances of tools becoming damaged or unsafe to operate.
Follow Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Tool manufacturers often provide specific storage and care instructions in their owner’s manuals for protecting them in off-seasons.
- Consult your owner’s manuals for guidance on proper winterization procedures before storing tools away.
- Some specialized tools like pressure washers may require injecting antifreeze into pumps to avoid damage.
- Manufacturers may advise using specific fuel stabilizers, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors formulated for their models.
- Follow all recommendations for battery maintenance, oil changes, winter covers, or seasonal servicing.
- Consider bringing in power tools for professional winterization if you lack the expertise to service them properly yourself.
- For warranty coverage, following the manufacturer’s recommendations is essential should any damage occur during storage.
Adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions for storage provides optimal protection for tools.
Inspect Tools Before Storing
Before packing away any tools at the end of the season, take time to thoroughly inspect their condition first.
- Check for worn, cracked, or damaged parts needing repair or replacement before storage.
- Test power tools to ensure proper operation – don’t store damaged equipment expecting to fix it later.
- Look for signs of rust, corrosion, or oxidation taking hold and address as needed.
- Sharpen any dull blades, bits, or cutters to prevent further deterioration when not in use.
- Ensure safety systems and guards are intact and operational on power tools.
- Check tires on wheelbarrows, carts, or riding mowers for proper inflation and rot.
- Make sure all accessories and attachments are present before storing tools away for the season.
Fixing problems ahead of winter storage means a smoother start next season.
Consider Preventative Maintenance
Before storage, it can be wise to take tools in for standard preventative maintenance to maximize their lifespan.
- For mowers and power equipment, perform oil changes, gasket replacements, blade sharpening, and other servicing.
- Have the spark plugs on gas-powered tools inspected and replaced as needed.
- Consider new fuel filters, belts, hoses, and other wear items that deteriorate over time.
- Evaluate the condition of rechargeable tool batteries and replace if holding less charge.
- Take power tools to an authorized repair center for diagnostic tests and tune-ups.
- Disc sanders, joiners, and woodworking tools benefit from professional sharpening services before storage.
- Properly maintaining tools prevents problems down the road and saves headaches next season.
Investing in preventative maintenance helps ensure tools function properly when needed again.
Store Tools Strategically
When organizing tools into storage, take considerations to store them efficiently and strategically.
- Group tools how they will be used next season – snow shovels with winter gear, gardening tools together.
- Heavier tools should be stored low and securely to prevent falling. Position ladders horizontally.
- Use tool organizers, cabinets, shelves, pegboards, and clearly labeled containers to keep storage neat.
- Power tools should be stored in protective cases away from moisture, dirt, or impact.
- Ensure electrical cords are neatly coiled and secured with Velcro or zip ties to avoid tangling.
- Consider positioning frequently-used tools near the access point of storage areas for convenience.
- Take inventory of what is being stored to prevent losing track of tools over winter.
Logical and strategic storage makes accessing tools quick and easy next season.
Maintain an Inventory
Maintaining a written or digital inventory of tools headed into storage is wise for a few reasons.
- It helps ensure all your tools are accounted for and not lost or misplaced during off-season months.
- You can cross-check your inventory list against manufacturer servicing requirements.
- It provides insurance documentation in the event of loss from theft, fire, or natural disasters.
- You can reference your list before making off-season purchases to avoid duplicate tools.
- It allows you to budget for replacement of heavily worn or damaged tools over winter.
- Your inventory provides a reference point of what needs to be removed from storage when spring arrives.
Keeping an inventory provides important documentation and ensures you know what requires maintenance or replacement during downtime.
Use Storage Time for Maintenance
The off-season winter months present the perfect opportunity to perform maintenance on your stored tools and equipment.
- Sharpen, clean, and lubricate all hand tools per the tips above.
- Service the engines on lawn mowers and power equipment – replace filters, spark plugs, fluids, gaskets, and belts as needed.
- Inspect tool storage areas for any water damage or structural issues and make repairs before returning tools.
- Take inventory of accessories and attachments for power tools and replace missing or broken items.
- Remove batteries from storage monthly and give a maintenance charge to keep them fresh.
- With more free time available, deep clean power tool motors, metal surfaces, and other hard-to-reach areas.
- Research any specialty maintenance procedures required by tool manufacturers and perform them during downtime.
The winter off-season provides the time needed to keep tools in optimal working order.
Monitor Storage Conditions
A final but critical tip for winter tool storage is to periodically monitor their conditions in storage and watch for any changes.
- Check tool storage areas weekly for leaks, signs of pests, excess moisture, or temperature fluctuations.
- Look for early indications of rust, corrosion, or other deterioration on tool surfaces so they can be quickly addressed.
- Ensure protective coverings have not come loose and continue to shield tools properly.
- If storing tools outdoors, verify coverings are secured against strong winds.
- Test the operation of power tools briefly to ensure full functionality before returning to storage.
- Keep batteries on maintenance chargers and change desiccant packs in storage containers regularly.
- Routinely cleaning and inspecting stored tools prevents damage and saves you headaches when retrieving tools later.
Consistent monitoring of winter storage conditions allows for early intervention against potential tool damage.
Conclusion
From proper cleaning and lubrication practices to maintenance of storage conditions, these tips allow you to properly secure tools through the winter. With the right preparations and preventative care before storage, your valuable tools will remain in ideal shape when their services are needed again next season. Investing a small amount of time in proper winterization pays off by extending tool lifespan and performance over many years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is proper winter storage important for tools?
Proper winter storage is crucial to prevent rust, corrosion, and general deterioration of tools when not in use. Temperature swings, humidity, condensation, and dampness can quickly compromise metal and other tool components over the cold months if not stored correctly.
What are some key tips to prepare hand tools for winter storage?
- Clean dirt and debris from tool surfaces
- Sharpen cutting edges on blades, pruners, shovels, etc.
- Apply protective oil coatings to metal surfaces
- Store tools in a dry location suspended off the ground
- Wrap handles in oiled rags to prevent cracking
How should you winterize garden hoses before storage?
- Completely drain any remaining water and flush with air
- Use hose hangers to keep elevated and promote drainage
- Insert a rag in ends to absorb drips
- Consider replacing old hoses prone to cracking
- Store in a heated indoor location if possible
Why is it important to change lawnmower oil and filters before winter storage?
Changing oil and filters before storing lawnmowers removes any contaminated oil that could sit over the winter months. Old oil can cause corrosion and buildup inside the engine. New clean oil coats internal components and prevents rust during downtime.
What steps should be taken to maintain power tool batteries over winter?
- Fully charge batteries before storage to prevent sulfation
- Keep stored around 50% charge for lithium-ion batteries
- Give a maintenance charge every 2-3 months
- Store at room temperature if possible
- Clean any dirt and debris from battery terminals
How can you prevent rust on metal tool surfaces during winter storage?
- Apply WD-40 or other lubricating oils to coat surfaces
- Liberally coat cast iron and steel shovel heads with normal oil
- Loosen any seized parts or frozen components before storing
- Use penetrating lubricants on stuck mechanisms
- Apply rust corrosion inhibitor sprays to storage areas
Why should you check manufacturer recommendations for winter tool storage?
Tool manufacturers often provide specific winterization, lubrication, maintenance, and storage instructions for their models tailored to their design. Following their guidance protects warranties and ensures you are properly caring for tools during off-season months.
What kind of preventative maintenance could you perform on tools before winter storage?
- Oil changes on mowers and power equipment
- New fuel filters and spark plugs on gas engines
- Battery replacement if low charging capacity
- Diagnostic testing and tune-ups from repair centers
- Blade sharpening on disc sanders and woodworking tools
How can you strategically organize tools in their storage areas for winter?
- Group tools based on next seasonal use
- Store heavy tools low and secure
- Use organizers and labeled containers
- Power tools in protective cases
- Neatly coil any extension cords
- Frequently used tools near storage access points
Tips for Storing Tools Through the Winter