Winter Tools

Prepare in early fall, before temperatures drop below freezing.

Essential Winter Tools: Snow blowers, snow brushes, snow shovels, and other tools that help keep your vehicle, driveways, and sidewalks clear. You can choose cordless models or portable ones that you can keep in your car for convenient use anytime, anywhere.

Lithium-ion batteries (used in most cordless gardening tools) can lose up to 20% to 30% of their capacity at temperatures below 32°F (0°C); charging them while frozen may cause permanent damage.

1. Move the battery to an indoor environment with a temperature between 40–70°F (4–21°C).
2. Keep the charge level between 40–60%; avoid letting the battery become fully charged or fully discharged.
3. Check the battery every 4–6 weeks during storage. If the charge level drops below 20%, recharge it promptly.

Proper winter storage protects your equipment and ensures your power tools will start reliably in the spring. Before storing any tools, follow these steps:

1. Drain the battery or gasoline
2. Remove all debris, dirt, and grass clippings from the surface and discharge chute
3. Clean the blade or engine and apply oil for maintenance
4. Store in a dry, sheltered area—such as a garage or shed.

Cleaning your garden tools before storing them helps prevent rust, bacterial growth, and dull blades. Here is a simple end-of-season maintenance routine:

1. Use a stiff-bristled brush or scraper to remove all soil and plant debris.
2. Clean metal surfaces with warm soapy water and a scouring pad. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a cloth.
3. Sand off rust spots with medium-grit sandpaper, then wipe clean.
4. Sharpen the blades of shovels, hoes, and pruning shears with a file or whetstone.
5. Apply a thin coat of oil to all metal surfaces to prevent rusting during storage.
6. Hang tools on a wall rack or hanging board for storage.