Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I had this topic going about a year ago on WTB, and it was quite a mixed bag. Very different methods, but my main concern is safety. Many warned about igniting gas fumes. I would like to start this topic again to see different methods discussed and the safety factor as pertaining to each. I do have a small electric ceramic heater I could use, but on the directions it states do not use where there are gas or paint fumes. Because it "arcs". The little propane Mr. heaters that attach right to the 20 lb tanks look nice, but are they any safer? MR. HEATER    The shed is 12 feet x 20 feet, and has a roof ridge vent and vents on each side at the top. Any comments are appreciated.
                                                                                                                                      Thanks Kevin

The reason for my questions were to see if you could use a heat souce like a heat tape to warm the equipment before use. If you used a light or heat tape to warm the stuff, maybe the night before, just by plugging in the extention cord. The machines should be ready to go in the morning. Maybe you could use a cheap timer if you wanted to melt and dry the machines after use.

If you are just concerned about start up, a dipstick heater might do a real good job.

 I think heating up the stuff is alot easier than heating the whole shed..

Hi Kevin,

I gave up using radiant heaters several years ago.  I've found the DeLonghi brand heaters that Lowes sells are fantastic.  They are the oil filled variety and look great and take up very little room.  True they are designed to be used in your house, but I would assume as long as you keep them dry, I don't see it would be a problem.  If you really need to keep your snowblower or other OPE warm in the winter, I couldn't see you do much better than one of these heaters.  They are totally safe.  In fact, I have used mine in my garage when I've had to work on my snowblower or car in the cold.  DeLonghi is the brand I buy, I actually have two of them.  There are other similar brands that I'm sure are just as good.  The thermostat works really well too.  Hope this helps.

another option if your going to put power out there is be sure to run 240 instead of 120......then install an electric baseboard electric heater,. if your shed is insulated a 6 ft baseboard should be adiquate to maintain a temp making equipment easy to start as well as being much more comfortable if you have to perform cold weather repairs or maintence.

even just insulating can make a 20 degree temp difference from inside to outside and will be benificial no matter what source of heat you decide on.

spottedpony is correct once again! Insulating your shed will stop the wind from getting into there, and also will keep moisture vapor out of the shed. And that is another large concerne with OPE. Do as spottedpony suggested and you should be fine!

Kevin, I have used the first kind that Marshall showed to heat Joint compound buckets when doing new construction. The rooms were about the same size as your shed with drywall walls and plywood decking. We blocked off the room to keep heat in. They worked real well because they didn't need electricity. However, as you have electric there, the oil filled that Richie discussed would make a great choice because there is no flame/sparks etc. (They look like small radiators with the thermostat on the side) *Make sure the extension cord can handle the current the heater needs!!! One thing to keep in mind with gas or any flammable substance is that it won't (usually) ignite unless the concentration is between its LFL and UFL (lower flammable limit and upper flammable limit)In short the Oxygen/fuel concentration must be correct for ignition to occur. That is why a flooded engine won't fire. I have other examples but due to this public format and safety reasons I won't discuss them here. I hope this helps.Walt