Store power tools inside for winter

Why It Matters

Freezing temperatures crack hoses, damage lithium batteries, and seize moving parts in trimmers, blowers, and similar tools.

Tools

• Approved fuel container (if draining fuel)

How to Do It

1. Gather all power tools from the garage or shed: gas-powered trimmers and blowers, battery-powered tools, and corded electric tools.
2. For gas tools, run the engine until it stalls from an empty tank, or drain the fuel into an approved container. A completely empty carburetor won't gum up over winter.
3. Remove all lithium-ion batteries from cordless tools. Batteries stored in freezing temperatures lose capacity and can be permanently damaged.
4. Bring the batteries and all electric and battery-powered tools into a heated indoor space, such as a basement or conditioned utility room.
5. Store batteries at roughly half charge if you won't use them until spring; this is the charge level that minimizes degradation during long storage.

Related Tasks

• Clean garage interior Once a year
• Remove and store lawnmower battery indoors Once a year
• Add fuel stabilizer and run mower for 5 minutes Once a year