Maintenance Spares: The Parts and Tools That Keep Gear Running
Keep the oil, filters, plugs, chainsaw parts, and basic tools your equipment needs, and track upkeep in a dated log.
Generators and chainsaws usually quit over small things: a dirty filter, a fouled plug, a dull chain. Keeping a small shelf of spares and a simple log lets you fix those problems yourself, even when stores are closed.
How much do I need?
One of everything that wears out, per engine. For each engine: one spare plug, one air filter, enough oil for one full change, plus one more quart for daily top-offs (you'll check it every 8 hours of use).[2] For a chainsaw: one spare chain, one file, and at least as much bar oil as fuel, since a tank of oil should last as long as a tank of gas.[1]
Engine basics: oil, filters, and plugs
- Oil: keep the type and amount your manual lists. During an outage, check generator oil daily or after every 8 hours of use.[2]
- Air filters: they keep dirt and sawdust out of the carburetor (the part that mixes fuel and air). A dirty one cuts power.[1]
- Fuel filters: they keep dirt and other contaminants out of the carburetor.[1]
- Spark plugs: a healthy plug tip is dry and tan, not black.[1] Keep at least one spare per engine.
- Follow your owner's manual for each machine.[3] Gear that isn't used or maintained is a known hazard during storms.[6]
Chainsaw spares
- Chains: keep a spare. A dull chain makes sawdust instead of chips, strains the saw, tires you out, and raises the risk of kickback (the saw jumping back toward you).[1]
- Sharpening file: keep the right round file and a file guide for your chain.[1]
- Bar: the bar wears faster than the chain. Clean it and flip it each time you sharpen, or at least once a day of use, and keep a spare if you cut a lot.[1]
- Bar oil: the bar and chain need a steady supply. A tank of bar oil should last at least as long as a tank of fuel.[1]
- Safety gear: Forest Service saw training calls for gloves, saw chaps, hearing protection, a hard hat, and eye protection.[1]
Hand tools and fix-it supplies
- A multipurpose tool, work gloves, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and scissors are all on the Red Cross list of emergency kit supplies.[4]
- Add a socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, and the spark plug wrench for each engine.
- Keep heavy tarps and rope for covering roof or window damage.
- Keep oily rags in a sealed metal can, away from heat.[5]
- Store oil and gasoline in a shed away from the house, in approved containers.[5][7]
Keep a dated maintenance log
A log tells you what's due without guessing. Keep a notebook or card for each machine with:
- Date, machine, and engine hours if it has a meter
- What you did: oil change, new plug, filter cleaned, chain sharpened
- Parts used, so you know what to restock
- Date of the last test run
Also inventory your fuel cans when you update the log, and replace any that are damaged or missing parts.[7]
Checklist
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying spares without checking the exact part number in the manual
- Running a chainsaw with a dull chain
- Running a saw low on bar oil
- Leaving oily rags in a pile
- Skipping the log, then forgetting when the oil was last changed
- Waiting for an outage to find out a part is missing
Do this this weekend
Pull out each engine's manual, write down the part numbers for its spark plug, air filter, and oil, and check whether you have a spare of each. Start a log page for each machine with today's date and what you found.
Gear that helps
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. We list items for why they matter, never by price or ratings. Disclosure
- GeneratorsInverter generator (with CO shutoff)Runs a fridge, lights and phones in an outage. Pick one with automatic carbon monoxide shutoff, and only ever run it outdoors, far from the house.Check it (opens retailer site)
- GeneratorsHeavy-duty outdoor generator extension cordA properly rated outdoor cord safely carries power from a generator that's running well away from the house.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Fuel cans5-gallon approved gasoline canApproved cans are built to vent and seal safely; label each with the fill date so you rotate it.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Fuel cans5-gallon diesel can (yellow)Color-coded cans keep diesel and gasoline from getting mixed up.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Headlamps and lightsLED headlampKeeps both hands free and is safer than candles in an outage.Check it (opens retailer site)
- Headlamps and lightsBattery LED lanternLights a whole room without fire risk.Check it (opens retailer site)
Sources
- Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course, Chapter 3: Chain Saw Use and Maintenance USDA Forest Service
- Hurricane Season: Getting a Gas Generator Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs
- Generator Safety Red Cross
- Survival Kit Supplies Red Cross
- Basement and Garage Fire Safety US Fire Administration
- Severe Weather Fire Safety US Fire Administration
- Fire Prevention 52: Gas Cans National Park Service
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