Tip of the day.

[jyoutz]

I have bought several used old style heavy steel filing cabinets at surplus stores. Usually for $40-50 each. They are compact standing upright but have an amazing amount of storage. I use some drawers for all of my equipment owners manuals and service guides, and others for tools and miscellaneous.

 

[Avenger]

Speaking of gas cans, I started doing this a few years ago.

Every month for a year, about the same time of the month, I'd buy a 5 gallon gas can. I'd mark it with the number of the month I was in (Jan = 1, Fed = 2, and so on). I'd fill it up and place it on this heavy shelf. The following year, I'd take that can, dump it into my truck, put the can in the back, and head to the gas station. I'd fill the can, and fill the truck the rest of the way.

Now, I have 60 gallons of gas on a monthly rotation that is never over a year old. No need for stabilizers or additives. No extra cost (after the purchase of the can and the first fill up) since I burn the fuel in my truck anyway.

A few years ago, we had a horrible wind storm that knocked power out to the majority of my city for about a week. People were lined up down the road at the only fuel station that had a backup generator. I simply drove past the line. 60 gallons of fuel kept my generator humming and my vehicles running.

In the photo, you'll see a can marked with "M". Thats for Miscellaneous. This gas is not on rotation. I use it in the lawn mower or to mix 2 cycle with.

 

[Wagtail]

I can't get mine online, won't ship to Ca. But tractor supply sells them in Ca. All my cans have them

Or you can go the ultra inexpensive (cheap) way and use the top of a plastic 'soft drink' bottle (soda/pop/coke/whatever it's called in your location). You cut the top to match the rim and then it's a simple unscrewing of the cap to fill small tanks (string-trimmer, chainsaw, etc...)

Here's my chainsaw canister, 2-stroke in the large side and bar-oil in the small:

 

[lman]

I filled a 55 gallon barrel when gas was less than $2. Doesn't seem that long ago. The good old days of 2020. Now I wish I would've filled two. Maybe in a couple of years it'll get below $4 and I'll fill it again.

 

[MF243RedTop]

Got a grease zerk you keep stripping threads out? Breaking off?? Can't stop to drill and tap? Don't have the tools but a welder.
Keep some 3/8-18 zerks and 3/8 pipe coupling npt handy.. cut coupling in half weld in place over zerk hole thread zerk in... (If applicable in your situation) break one again just grind off and weld another piece of coupling on... They're not as easy to break
(Pro tip, clean out as much grease as possible before welding... It'll want to boil out into your weld as it gets hot)


Recent mower deck repair

 

[Spike56]

Speaking of gas cans, I started doing this a few years ago.

Every month for a year, about the same time of the month, I'd buy a 5 gallon gas can. I'd mark it with the number of the month I was in (Jan = 1, Fed = 2, and so on). I'd fill it up and place it on this heavy shelf. The following year, I'd take that can, dump it into my truck, put the can in the back, and head to the gas station. I'd fill the can, and fill the truck the rest of the way.

Now, I have 60 gallons of gas on a monthly rotation that is never over a year old. No need for stabilizers or additives. No extra cost (after the purchase of the can and the first fill up) since I burn the fuel in my truck anyway.

A few years ago, we had a horrible wind storm that knocked power out to the majority of my city for about a week. People were lined up down the road at the only fuel station that had a backup generator. I simply drove past the line. 60 gallons of fuel kept my generator humming and my vehicles running.

In the photo, you'll see a can marked with "M". Thats for Miscellaneous. This gas is not on rotation. I use it in the lawn mower or to mix 2 cycle with. View attachment 768933

Curious the brand of gas cans you have. Had (2) that I have owned for probably 10 years that all the sudden developed a leak in the seam on the handle. You could not tell there was a leak unless you sloshed it around but scared me and so bought new ones. Thankfully the leak was on the top handle! Guess the stress of lifting full cans ?

 

[Alan W.]

Curious the brand of gas cans you have. Had (2) that I have owned for probably 10 years that all the sudden developed a leak in the seam on the handle. You could not tell there was a leak unless you sloshed it around but scared me and so bought new ones. Thankfully the leak was on the top handle! Guess the stress of lifting full cans ?

Have had 3 do the same. Leak in the seam on the handle.

 

[ArlyA]

Have had 3 do the same. Leak in the seam on the handle.

There are good, steel, American made cans out there that are durable and don't leak. I own three of them and used and abused them for years. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQO15I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Spike56]

Have had 3 do the same. Leak in the seam on the handle.

It is beyond my comprehension that in the year 2022, something as seemingly simple as a gas can is so difficult. Between the Gov't can compliance standards, and "let's make these as cheaply as possible" boggles my pea brain. Many cans sold a box store now have only a top handle. I hate that design and have to order online just to get a side handle. Sure, the single handles are usable but. Also, the self-venting spouts! Then, there is the "I cannot see, or it takes just the right light angle to see the level when filling". I had a can long ago with a clear window up the side. Can't find one now that has this and (2) handles.
I sort-of solved the self-venting. But to do so I had to by plugs (Tractor Supply), drill the can and install. Even so still a pain.
Guess, I expect TOO much these days and complain too much.

 

[Spike56]

There are good, steel, American made cans out there that are durable and don't leak. I own three of them and used and abused them for years. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQO15I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

View attachment 768950

$114 per can! They better be good. I keep 5 cans at home, but dont have that kind of budget.