Use handymen love our power tools, and want them to last as long as possible. Part of ensuring we get the most out of our tools is properly storing them. Though overlooked, storing tools properly – especially gas-powered tools like leaf blowers – is essential to maximizing the life of the tool.
In this guide, we’ll provide a simple, step-by-step guide to storing leaf blowers whether it be over winter or for other purposes.
1 – Get all the leaves out
Run your blower in both blow and vacuum mode, switching between the two several times. This ensures that you can get all leaf bits and pieces and as much dust as possible out of the tube. If you don’t have a vacuum type blower, this step doesn’t really matter.
2 – Make sure there is no gasoline remaining
When left to sit for extended periods of time, gasoline turns into a sticky varnish that is definitely not good for engines. Therefore you must get all the fuel out of your leaf blower possible.
Start by draining nearly as much of the fuel as you can. Leave just enough so that you can start your blower.
Then, start up the blower, and let it run until it stalls. Attempt to start it again. If it starts, run it til it dies, and repeat until it will no longer start. This ensures all of the gasoline is burned.
3 – Oil the inside of the engine
Remove the spark plug of the engine and pour a thimble’s worth of motor oil inside. Slowly pull the starter rope a couple times to ensure the oil is covering the insides of the engine. Then, replace the spark plug. You may leave it disconnected, but if you do so, be sure to protect the connector with tape to avoid oxidation.
4 – Drain the engine oil (4 stroke engines only)
This step is optional if you use your blower infrequently, but is recommended. Open up the drainage port and drain the motor oil into a pan, and dispose of it in a manner that is kosher with your local regulations.
5 – Wipe down the exterior
Grab an old rag and clean off the exterior. Yes, it’s an outdoor tool, but treating it with care goes a long way. No need to have dirt marks to become permanent stains on your machinery. Apply a light layer of oil or other metal protectant to avoid oxidation.
6 – Store in a dry place
Moisture is the enemy of tools. Be sure to store your leaf blower in a dry place to avoid it becoming moldy, or worse, causing any steel parts to rust. If you’d like, you can wrap it in a cover to avoid collecting dust.
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