Winter storage?
 

As new products are introduced, we wonder if certain items can be left to freeze?

Large tool batteries, e.g. leaf blower, drill, etc. Is freezing harmful?
Paints--latex, oil based, etc. Freezing OK?

For many years, we have covered mattresses with newspapers, believing that mice don't like the surface. Do others do this or do something else? Or do nothing at all?

I know this is not a new discussion, but looking at new products...

Our battery chainsaw manual states that the battery should be stored at a minimum of 40 degrees. We have left oil-based paint at camp over winter with no issue. Water based paint should not be left to freeze.

Alan

After a winter of mice problems several years back we pack all bedding and pillows in tote boxes. Beds and furniture are covered with drop cloths and we scatter dryer sheets around the camp and under the drop cloths. I sealed up all the pipes under the house and we haven't had any mice problems since. Way back we used moth balls which was the old school thing to do but the smell was horrible.

Yeah. That's what we do. I was hoping for something easier. We do scatter moth balls around the exterior perimeter to discourage mice, squirrels from seeking new homes in the fall. By spring, all dissolved, not small.

Regarding paints. IMO none should be left at freezing temps for extended periods. Oil based paints will obviously do better than latex or acrylic based but there are water based oil paints that can also freeze at temps close to 32F. If any paint partially freezes for a short time it can usually be restored by allowing it to thaw at room temp and then stirring or having a paint store shake it for you.
Another important thing to consider is oxygen exposure. As we all know, the lids on these cans don't always seal after a lot of use, allowing exposure to air. Placing some plastic wrap between the can and lid and then quickly turning the can upside down to wet the plastic can create a good enough seal for a season. I do something similar with sheet rock mud. I lay some plastic wrap on top of the mud surface then put the snap top back on. Keeps the mud fresh for a long time.

While on the freeze topic, what do folks do with boat batteries? Leave them in the boat with the positive cable disconnected or remove from the boat. These things are getting heavy as I get older !!! And what do marina's do when storing boats outside?? Trickle charge is not an option for me.
Any thoughts...?

Most google searches say to remove the battery, store it on a wooden block in the basement and attach a trickle charger. I just googled it for myself this week as I'm adding a trickle charger this year. But I'm sure marinas just disconnect the battery and leave it in the boat. What would they do with all the batteries if they removed them? It just means you might not get as much life out of the battery.

No reason to remove your battery from the boat. Simply charge fully at seasons end and remove the negative cable. Done! Been doing it this way for as long as I can remember without any issues...The rate of discharge on newer batteries during storage after being fully charged especially AGM batteries is negligible at best so don't kill your back yanking them out...

Dan

Agreed, my boat is a 2018 and I have never taken the battery out, just disconnect it. Every year I keep thinking, "this is the year I'm going to need a battery", but so far so good. I probably just jinxed myself. :rolleye1:

I've had one near miss with my battery. I was launching at Shep Browns one Sunday night and the boat didn't want to start and there was nobody around. Surprisingly the motor did turn over after some cranking and I was able to get over to Bear. I replaced the battery that week and I also had one of those small jump starters the next time I arrived. A dead battery can ruin your day.