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We’re sharing some advice on how to look after your equipment so it can look after your outdoor area.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Lawn mowers see a lot of action. They are one of the most used gardening tools in the shed or garage. It’s worth taking time at least once a year to ensure your lawn mower is running well, which will save you time and money in the long run.
Safety tip: Before starting any maintenance work on your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug and make sure the throttle is in the ‘off’ position. Carry out maintenance on the mower only when the engine is cold.
Use rags and soft brushes to clean the outside of the mower, removing any dirt, grime or grass. Once that's done, spray WD-40 onto the wheels, the throttle cable and the height adjuster. Use the rag to wipe away any excess.
Remove the catcher from the mower. If it's dirty, give it a thorough hosing out. If it's not too bad, clean it out with a soft brush.
Clean and check the underside of the mower by leaning it back; do not tip it upside down. Use a soft brush to remove the grass. (If you have a steel mower, this is an important step: a build-up of grass can cause rust.)
Inspect the blades to make sure they're not damaged. If they are, you'll need to replace them. Sharp blades cut grass well, keeping it healthy.
Safety tip: Wear safety gloves when working around the blades.
If you have a petrol lawn mower, make sure your air filter is in good condition. Remove the cover from over the air filter. If it’s dirty, replace it. (It’s worth it.) If it’s not too bad, give it a tap on the bench and clean it with a brush.
If you have a four-stroke mower, check the oil. Remove the cap and check the oil level on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, top it up. If the oil is dark and dirty, it will need draining and replacing.
Tip: Add petrol to the mower only before you use it. This prevents the petrol from going stale.
If you have a four-stroke mower, check the spark plug. If you have a two-stroke, replacing it can give your mower a new lease on life.
Use a socket set to remove the spark plug. If it doesn't need replacing, clean it with a wire brush. If it does need replacing, screw the new spark plug in with your fingers as far as you can so that you don't cross-thread it. Tighten it with the socket, being careful not to overtighten.
Chainsaws are the heavy lifters of the household, the perfect partner for felling trees, cutting logs and firewood, and other big tasks. They need regular care and maintenance to ensure they work properly – and safely.
It’s important to keep your chainsaw clean. If you notice oil pooling under it, that’s a result of it not being cleaned after use.
Start by removing the side cover, bar and chain. Place a rag underneath your chainsaw, then use a stiff brush to remove the bulk of the debris from the saw, bar and cover. Spray all over with a lubricant spray, paying particular attention to the hard-to-reach areas. Give it a gentle wipe with a rag. Do the same for the cover.
For the bar, use a flat bladed screwdriver to clean out the grooves. Use a clean, dry rag to wipe down the body of the chainsaw.
Once you’ve finished cleaning your chainsaw, put it back together. Ensure the chain is fitted in the correct direction by checking the side cover symbol.
Tip: To ensure the bar of the chainsaw gets even wear along its top and bottom rails, flip it after each clean.
For petrol models, you’ll also need the clean the air filter. Use a paint brush or compressor to brush the dust from the air filter.
You’ll know if your chain needs sharpening based on the debris it produces. Sharp chains produce saw chips; blunt chains produce saw dust. It’s important to sharpen the chain when required, as a well-sharpened chain will reduce wear, prolonging the life of your chainsaw. Also, a dull chainsaw is a dangerous chainsaw – look after your safety.
Tip: Avoid cutting close to the ground, as touching dirt will dull the chain.
Many chainsaw chains include wear markers that let you know the maximum depth to which you can sharpen the teeth. In addition, if you notice broken, damaged, off-centre, or missing teeth on the chain, that’s another sign the chain needs replacing.
To find the correct chain replacement, check the pitch, gauge, number of drive links and length of the bar. Many models will have this information available on the bar of the chainsaw. If you’re unsure, check the model number of your unit and speak with one of our expert Team Members in-store. They will be able to help you find the correct chain.
To work efficiently, all chainsaws require that the bar and chain be oiled constantly to reduce friction and heat. This allows the chain to travel smoothly around the bar at the speed required to cut effectively. All chainsaws have onboard oil tanks – some require manual pumping while others disperse oil automatically.
Chainsaw chains should be tensioned regularly during operation. As the chainsaw is used and the chain heats up, it stretches. After operation, the tension also needs to be released when the chain cools and shrinks back to its original length.
Some newer chainsaw models have a single dial to turn to tighten and release the chain. Other models achieve this result by turning a screw located where the bar meets the chainsaw body.
Safety tip: Always wear gloves when working with the chain.
Line trimmers are useful pieces of equipment, helping you keep grass and weeds under control, and providing edging around a variety of surfaces. Because of this, they can get overworked, especially when used on thick brush or against hard surfaces.
There are a couple of things you can do to keep your line trimmer running swiftly and smoothly.
You should replace the line in your trimmer every season. If you’re cutting thick weeds or using it against hard surfaces, you may need to do this more often.
It’s important to use the recommended line for your trimmer; using the wrong size will put extra strain on the motor. Many models have this information available on the unit. Otherwise, you’ll be able to find it in the owner's manual. If you’re unsure, check the model number of your unit and speak with one of our helpful Team Members in-store – they will be able to help you find the correct line.
To replace the line, remove the cover and inner spool. Insert the replacement spool and thread the line through the eyelet from the inside to the outside, sitting it in the groove. If you’re reusing the same spool, wrap the new line around the spool evenly and tightly, thread it through the eyelet and sit it in the groove. Replace the cover.
Tip: Running your line trimmer at full speed helps avoid line breakage.
If you have a petrol line trimmer, you should clean its vents after each use. Use a dry cloth to wipe away any debris surrounding the motor vents.
Learn how to maintain and store your garden tools with these handy guides.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
