How do you keep your seldom used equipment in proper running order?

PM – Preventive maintenance. When something breaks, fix it. If you find something that is about to break or fail, fix it.

To minimize inactive battery decay, I use those with maximum shelf life.

I bought a 12-pack of Energizer Ultimate Lithiums, and they claim to have a 20-year shelf life.

@kritiper I do fix things when they break. I also lub things when I have the grease gun in my hand. I change the oil. But…. Things happen as it sits. the battery discharges, the disc brake rotors rust, air leaks out of the tires.
Stuff happens and it seems like every time.

I’ve taken to leaving the batteries out of those devices at risk to remain unused for months at a time. WD40 in lock cylinders and on hinges. I don’t store air in the compressor tank and drain it between jobs.

I take the batteries out of the tool & I have a see through battery box full of brand new batteries. When I need a battery, I open the box & poof my tool works. As for my power tools, every Fathers Day I buy myself a Black & Decker 20V cordless tool (while they’re on sale on Amazon). Those batteries can be charged 24/7 without going bad & I keep 3 batteries charging at all times. When I need to use the tool, I pop in the appropriate battery & off to work I go. When finished, I clean it up really well before placing it back on the shelf. I might find a dead power tool tomorrow; but, it has worked well for over 10 years!!! For my weed eater, I buy a 3-pack of cord; so, when it runs out just as I’m getting started, I can open, replace & get’r’done!!! Oh yes, I keep the extra cord in the same box as my extra batteries.

Do PM’s

PM means you check the mechanical items using a calendar, ever 45, 60 or 90 days. You set the cycle and follow-up.

@LuckyGuy Yepper, shit happens. That’s what Johnston’s Law says: “Murphy’s Law is ALWAYS in effect and it can affect YOU.” Meaning, you can’t beat Murphy’s Law, no matter who you are or how hard you try.

I do one of two things. I either use these things periodically like with an engine I will take it out of storage every few months and run it. If it’s not going to get used I’ll drain the gas, carb, fill the crank case with oil and remove the battery etc. When it’s time to use again it’s easier to get going in that state than it would if I had let it sit. Battery powered electronics I remove the batteries when not in use. I have piles of those free voltmeters from harbour freight and other nice ones but I have one that I have used since I was in trade school that just always works. Filtering out what is quality and what is throw away junk helps too.

@ARE_you_kidding_me You actually start and run things? I have 2 generators. I put them away after I use them and then can go years before I try them again. I am just reluctant to start engines if I don’t need them.
By the time I do need them, mice have gotten into the box, or the gas cap has swollen, or who knows what.
You take out the batteries…. Yikes. You are a good guy.

I have several vintage motorcycles that require it, also it’s pleasing to see and hear them even if I don’t have the time to really ride them. On the other hand, I pulled out my pressure washer about a month ago that had not been started in three years with three year old gas in it and it started on the fifth pull. I was flabbergasted and in awe. I was certain the carb would be all crusted up and need new gaskets from the ethanol. It has a Honda engine. Some things just “work.”
Taking out batteries is an acquired habit. I have reconditioned enough old electronic “stuff” with green/blue/white puffy batteries that it’s essentially a pet peeve to not leave them in.

@ARE_you_kidding_me Surely you don’t pull the batteries in your flashlights, do you? Don’t you want/expect them to be ready? I keep one in the tool box, one on the garage door, one in the car, one in the truck 2 in the barn, etc.

My Honda lawnmower is like your power washer. I can leave it for a year, pour in gas, and it starts – 3rd pull. Amazing.

I do, if they are in my storage areas or emergency kits in the basement and vehicles they are taken out and stored in a ziplock bag. Flashlights that I use regularly I leave them in, they’re all CREE with Li rechargeables at this point anyway.
I especially take batteries out of seldom used items like toys for the nieces and nephews or electronics that don’t get used too often like an air mattress inflator.

You’re a better man than I am.
I’m too lazy to pull batteries. I just expect the things to work. Maybe I am asking too much of battery technology.