Guide to storing mowers, power tools, and lawn equipment
Last updated: August 29, 2026
Proper preparation for lawn mowers, chainsaws, hand tools, and power equipment involves draining fuel, oiling steel blades, and keeping metal off bare concrete floors.
How do I prepare gas-powered lawn mowers and power tools for storage?
Drain gasoline from the fuel tank or run the engine until dry to prevent varnish from clogging carburetors during storage. Clean grass clippings from mower decks, change spark plugs, and spray exposed metal blades or moving linkages with a light coat of protective machine oil.
What is the best way to organize hand tools and hardware in a unit?
Wipe down metal hand tools with a silicone-treated cloth to guard against surface oxidation. Store hand tools, fasteners, and power tool cases inside heavy-duty plastic toolboxes or modular shelving units raised on wooden pallets off the concrete floor for organized drive-up access.
Specific tool preparation instructions
Lawn Mowers and Riding Tractors
Scrape caked grass from under the mower deck and wash exterior surfaces. Remove the battery and drain the fuel system. Store mowers flat on concrete driveways or wooden pallets.
Chainsaws, Trimmers and Leaf Blowers
Empty 2-cycle oil and gas mixtures into approved containers. Clean air filters and wipe guide bars with bar oil. Hang trimmers vertically or store on sturdy shelving.
Hand Tools, Shovels and Rakes
Clean dirt from shovel blades and rake tines. Coat steel tool heads with motor oil or WD-40 to prevent rust, and bundle long-handled yard tools together upright in a plastic trash bin.