Fall Power Tool Maintenance Checklist

Fall is here. The leaves are starting to fall, the temperatures at night are dropping. Yard work and around-the-house tasks start using up some of our time on the weekends. To get the job done efficiently you need the right power tools, and you need to be sure those power tools are running right. Before you pull your fall cleanup power tools out of storage and put them to work, make sure you've prepared them for the workload. This checklist of proper maintenance tips will help get your equipment out of hibernation and ready to run.

• Have the condition of your spark plugs checked and replace if necessary.
• Have air filters checked for dirt and damage to determine if any need cleaning or replacement. Clean debris from blowers and trimmers as well.
• Have your equipment inspected for broken parts, and replace any that are broken or damaged.
• Check screws and nuts, and retighten them if necessary.
• Now is a good time to sharpen or change saw chains, and replace trimmer line.
• Lubricate parts where friction will occur.
• Check power cords on electric tools for damage or wear.
• When mixing fuel, use fresh fuel (stored for less than 2 months) and new 2-cycle engine oil.
• Use STIHL MotoMix® Premixed Fuel in your fuel tanks. STIHL MotoMix® is a highly stable blend that will help to ensure great performance.
• Don't put your power tool to work immediately-after a season of storage, let it warm up for a few minutes before use.

Remember, for comprehensive maintenance and repair for power tools, see the product manual. For more information on power tool maintenance and repair, contact Monnick Supply in Framingham and Marlborough.

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