How to Winterize a Weed Trimmer
Weed trimmers are second only to lawn mowers as a necessity for proper lawn care. During the warm spring and summer months, these tools get a workout. Since grass is dormant in the winter, weed trimmers don't get much use and are usually put into storage until spring. Before placing a weed trimmer into the shed, perform several tasks to winterize it and ensure that the trimmer is in optimal condition for next spring.
Brush off grass and debris still attached to the weed trimmer with a towel. Use a toothbrush to remove any debris that will not come off with the towel. Use a degreasing cleanser to remove the oil and grease stains. Make sure all debris and solvents are removed from the weed trimmer to keep it free from corrosion or molding.
- Weed trimmers are second only to lawn mowers as a necessity for proper lawn care.
- Before placing a weed trimmer into the shed, perform several tasks to winterize it and ensure that the trimmer is in optimal condition for next spring.
Unplug the cord from the electric trimmer. Wrap the cord around a large piece of cardboard to avoid tangling. Store the cord in a plastic bag to avoid damage over winter. For gas-powered weed trimmers, proceed to step 3. To finish winterizing an electric weed trimmer proceed to step 8.
Empty the gas tank if the weed trimmer is gas-powered. Run the trimmer until it runs out of gas. This method avoids spills and ensures all the gas is removed. If you must empty the trimmer without running it, proceed to step 4.
- Unplug the cord from the electric trimmer.
- Empty the gas tank if the weed trimmer is gas-powered.
Set up a plastic container, preferably an empty gas can. Remove the lid from the can. Insert the funnel into the opening of the can. Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Remove the spark plug from the weed trimmer using the spark plug wrench. Remove the cap from the gas chamber of the trimmer. Quickly overturn the weed trimmer so the opening of the gas chamber is over the opening of the funnel. Allow the fuel to completely drain from the weed trimmer into the gas can through the funnel.
- Set up a plastic container, preferably an empty gas can.
- Remove the spark plug from the weed trimmer using the spark plug wrench.
Remove the spark plug if you haven't already done so. Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug end. Use the spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug. Discard the spark plug, and replace it at the beginning of the next mowing season. Change the spark plug yearly at a minimum to ensure good operation of the weed trimmer.
Drain the oil. Remove the cap to the oil chamber. Insert the small end of the funnel into the oil chamber. Place the pie tin on the ground. Turn the weed trimmer on its side so that the large end of the funnel is in the pie tin. Drain the oil completely. Replace the oil with the proper type and amount recommended at the beginning of the next mowing season.
- Remove the spark plug if you haven't already done so.
- Change the spark plug yearly at a minimum to ensure good operation of the weed trimmer.
Replace all caps loosely so that they remain on the mower; do not tighten down the caps as this can cause an air vacuum which will make removing the caps difficult without tools later.
Hang the trimmer upright on a hook, or nail in a dry location.
