Debate: Should you keep yard tools inside a shed all winter or bring them into the garage?

I always stored my lawnmower and trimmer in the backyard shed during winter, but last month the mower wouldn't start after a freeze and a neighbor told me the gas had gummed up because of the cold. Now I'm wondering if it's better to haul everything into the garage just for the cold months, even though that makes my workshop a mess. What do you guys do-keep stuff in the shed and winterize it, or just bring it inside?

2 comments

2 Comments

evan5436d ago

Huh, I’m actually surprised nobody’s brought up the whole pest angle yet. If you keep gas tools in a shed over winter, you’re basically rolling out a welcome mat for mice. They love nesting in the engine covers and chewing through spark plug wires. Garage isn’t totally safe from that either, but it’s a lot easier to set traps and check on things when it’s attached to your house. Plus, if you winterize the mower right-drain the gas or put stabilizer in it, run it dry-then the cold doesn’t really matter. I’d say pick your poison: deal with a messy garage and fewer critters, or risk walking out to chewed wires and a dead battery in spring. Personally, I’d rather trip over a leaf blower than rebuild a carburetor.

wright.leo6d ago

I read somewhere that mice actually hate the smell of peppermint oil, so some people soak cotton balls in it and stuff them around the engine. Sounds kinda goofy but a buddy of mine swears by it, says he hasn't found a nest in years. Still, I'd rather deal with a messy garage too. You ever tried that trick or just stick with traps?