With the seasons changing and the cold weather approaching, now is the time to minimise any rust forming and metal parts seizing over winter. Whether you are preparing inside and outside your home, or at your workplace, you should always have a can of PlusGas penetrating oil to hand!
One of the key ways that PlusGas can help in winter preparation, is that it can be used as a water displacement spray. This acts as a waterproof barrier before any long-term storage over the colder months. Minimising any rust and corrosion forming, will extend the longevity and effectiveness of the item or part, and avoid any costly replacements.
Here are some metal items and parts that you need to consider protecting before the winter weather:
Bikes
During the colder months, you may find you don’t use your bike as often and it stays in storage. It’s important that before it gets stored away, you clean off any dirt and debris with water and dry it thoroughly. Try and store your bike in a dry place with a constant temperature. However, bikes are often stored in garages and cellars, which are usually humid environments and prone to rust when the moisture mixes with oxygen.
Therefore, to protect your bike’s mechanical parts, spray PlusGas penetrating fluid to keep it in top condition for when you’re ready to ride it again. This should also be part of your ongoing bike maintenance routine throughout the year and will help to avoid the dreaded stripped bolt or nut. Using a bike bag will also provide extra protection whilst in storage.
Hinges
Inside and outside the home, there are various hinges, latches and bolts that can become seized up during winter. This is due to the cold weather causing them to seize, especially if they’re not moved regularly. Therefore, moving metal parts, such as gate hinges and door hinges, as well as door handles, locks and latches, need to be kept lubricated with PlusGas penetrating spray so they continue to work properly.
In addition to preventing seized metal parts, PlusGas can also stop rust from forming over winter. For example, houses with old wooden or single glazed windows may have hinges that are particularly prone to becoming rusty.
Not only does rust look unsightly, but it can also damage the hinge and its effectiveness, as well as be dangerous to the user in the form of potentially contracting tetanus.
Remove any rust with a wire brush or sandpaper and apply a coat of outdoor paint suitable for metal surfaces. Once the paint has had the chance to dry for at least 24 hours, apply PlusGas onto a rag and wipe over the metal hinges and catches.
Garden furniture
Whether you leave your metal garden furniture outside during the winter or store it away in the shed, it’s important to protect it from rust and seized bolts.
The first step is to keep it dry and use a dry rag to wipe off any excess water. This can be difficult in the UK with rain approximately 40% of the year. Therefore, it would be best to store your metal garden furniture set somewhere dry or keep it covered if there is no space to store it inside.
Check to see if any rust is forming on the surface of the metal, as this will need to be treated before being stored away, to prevent the rust from becoming more severe.
Before you store your bistro set away for several months, spray it with PlusGas to provide a waterproof barrier to minimise future rusting and corrosion. Any metal garden furniture, whether steel or iron, will require regular maintenance if you would like it to look ‘like new’. Once the weather starts warming up again in the spring, your metal garden furniture will be ready to enjoy again.
Tools
Tools are essential for DIY jobs around the home, such as loosening a tight bolt or stuck screw, as well as carrying out work, such as landscaping and construction. They’re also often costly to replace! So ongoing maintenance is key to keep them working for longer.
Rinse your tools with water to keep them clean and prevent dirt build-up. For excess grime and dirt removal, you may need a scrubbing brush or sponge.
After drying the tool, spray PlusGas onto the surface to prevent rust and keep a lookout for any new signs of rust forming. Wipe off any excess with a clean rag. Read more about construction equipment and tool maintenance.
When you’re ready to use PlusGas, make sure you’re wearing the correct protective equipment (PPE) before use. This includes gloves, goggles/face shield, respirator, boots, clothing, or apron, as appropriate. If you are unsure of what PPE you should be wearing, visit the HSE website for further guidance.
As you can see, PlusGas can be used to protect various metal parts and tools before being stored away during Winter. You may want to consider keeping a can in your toolbox and as part of your ‘go-to’ kit in your car boot for whenever you need it.
If you have any further questions about using PlusGas and how it can be used on stuck and rusty bolts, take a look at our FAQs for information on seized bolt removal and how to loosen screws or contact us.