In November, the majority of the gardening work was done. The weather is getting worse and garden tools need to be cleaned and serviced in order to store them in your sheds and garden storage boxes in the best conditions.
Cleaning of power tools
Winter is soon here, the lawn no longer needs mowing, the mulcher will soon be less useful and the chainsaw should take a rest. Let’s see how to optimally prepare your garden tools and equipment for their Winter:
Lawn mower :
Maintenance of a mower in early spring before the first mowing of the lawn.
- Water jet cleaning.
- Empty the tank well by letting the machine run until it stops on its own during the last mowing.
- Put on gloves to clean the lower part of the housing.
- Use a large paintbrush to remove residue from the exhaust and cooling fins.
- Use a water jet to clean your mower to remove soil and grass residue.
- Pay particular attention to electric models whose motor must not come into contact with water.
- Check the condition of the blade. It must not be cracked or damaged otherwise its change must be considered.
- Sharpen the blade if it is still in good condition; To do this, disassemble it and use a grinding wheel on the upper part of it.
Plant shredder:
- Run your wood chipper so that there are no more plants inside.
- Do not leave any plugs in the device.
- Clean the outlet.
- If it is an electric grinder, unplug it.
Chain saw :
- Clean the chain with a brush.
- Sharpen the teeth if necessary.
- Lubricate the chain with a specialised oil.
- Replace the protective cover.
- Make an appointment with a dealer to have your power tools serviced if necessary, they will be less busy at this time of year.
Storage of motorised tools for winter storage
Put the mower in a shelter for Winter. Once properly cleaned, your garden tools will need to be stored properly so that they are ready for use when the time comes.
- Dry your tools well after cleaning with a soft cloth for a good Winterisation.
- Store them in a room protected from moisture and frost.
- Cover them with old sheets or blankets to protect them from dust and possible bird droppings if the room has an opening.
- If you don’t have a garden shed or garage, a simple roof overhang can do the trick. Opt for waterproof tarpaulins to protect your tools from moisture.
Cleaning and storage of hand tools
The winter season is coming, take the opportunity to give your hoes, spades and other rakes a little boost.
- Use a brush to remove dried soil from working tools.
- Wash the irons with clean water and black soap.
- Dry them with a soft cloth.
- Sharpen all sharp tools with a metal file. Bevel only one side of the blade for at least 1cm.
- Spray tool irons with rust remover or coat them with linseed oil using a soft cloth.
- Clean the pruning blades with a cotton ball soaked in methylated spirits. Then sharpen the moving blade with a whetstone, following the original angle.
- Once the maintenance is done, hang all your tools in a garden shed or garage so that they are protected from the elements.
- Linseed oil can also be used to protect the sleeves, do not hesitate to coat them well.
If you’re looking for more tips, check out our other articles, and if you need some garden storage, take a look at our collection of garden sheds and storage.
