The Answer Man

Howdy, neighbors! The Answer Man here. We’ve officially crossed the halfway mark of the year, and if your garage looks anything like mine, your outdoor power equipment has already logged some serious hours. From taming that fast-growing Missouri June grass to clearing brush after those stormy spring afternoons, your mowers, chainsaws, and power tools have been working hard.

But here’s a word to the wise: running your equipment hard without a mid-season checkup is a fast track to a breakdown right when you need a tool the most.

Mid-year maintenance isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t take long. With a few fresh filters, spark plugs, and the right oils from our tool accessories and automotive departments, you can keep your gear running like a top until winter rolls around. Let’s dive in!

1. Lawnmowers: Keeping the Cut Clean

By mid-summer, your mower has likely sucked up dust, dandelion fluff, and plenty of thick grass. That buildup forces your engine to work twice as hard.

• Check the Air Filter: A clogged air filter chokes the engine, causing it to burn more gas and lose power. Pop the cover and check your filter. If it’s paper and looking dark, replace it. If it’s foam, wash it in warm soapy water, let it dry, and add a few drops of clean motor oil.
• Sharpen the Blades: Dull blades don’t cut grass—they rip it. Stripped, ragged grass tips turn brown and leave your lawn vulnerable to disease. Bring your blades in or grab a replacement set at C&C to keep that clean, professional cut.
• Fresh Oil Changes: If you didn’t change your oil in the spring, or if you’ve logged more than 25 hours of mowing, it’s time. Check your owner’s manual—most walk-behind and riding mowers love a fresh fill of high-quality SAE 30 or 10W-30 oil.

Answer Man Tip: Before you tilt your push mower over to scrape out stuck grass or change the blade, always disconnect the spark plug wire. Safety first, neighbors!

2. Chainsaws: Sharp Teeth and Smooth Revs

Whether you’re cutting firewood for next winter or clearing fallen limbs, a chainsaw demands respect and regular maintenance to run safely.

• Bar and Chain Oil: Never run your saw dry. High-quality bar and chain oil keeps the chain sliding smoothly without overheating. If you notice smoke or your chain stretching rapidly, check your oil reservoir and lubrication ports.
• Keep it Sharp: A dull chain makes fine sawdust; a sharp chain throws big wood chips. Grab a matching file guide or a new replacement chain from our tool aisle to save your back and your saw’s motor.
• Clear the Spark Arrestor: If your saw starts idling rough or losing power when you pull the trigger, check the little screen on the exhaust muffler. It can get fouled with carbon, but a quick scrub with a wire brush will fix it right up.

3. Handheld Power Tools: Weed Eaters & Trimmers

Your string trimmers and leaf blowers take a beating in the summer heat.

• The Magic of the Spark Plug: If your two-stroke equipment is getting stubborn to start on hot mornings, swap out the spark plug. It’s a cheap, two-minute fix that makes a world of difference.
• Fuel Matters: Modern pump gas contains ethanol, which can attract moisture and gum up small carburetors in a matter of weeks. The Answer Man always recommends using a fuel stabilizer or buying pre-mixed, ethanol-free fuel for your handheld tools to avoid costly repair bills.

The Answer Man’s Mid-Year Tune-Up Checklist

Before you fire up your tools this weekend, swing by C&C in Bolivar or Lebanon and stock your workbench with these essentials:

1. Replacement Spark Plugs (Grab a spare for the mower and trimmer!)
2. Fresh Foam & Paper Air Filters
3. 4-Cycle Motor Oil & 2-Cycle Engine Oil Pre-Mix
4. Bar & Chain Lubricant
5. Fuel Stabilizer (Keep that summer gas fresh!)

Visit C&C Farm and Home

Taking an hour this weekend to tune up your gear will save you time, money, and frustration down the road. Plus, there is nothing quite like the satisfaction of a tool that starts up on the very first pull!

Stop by C&C Farm and Home in Lebanon or Bolivar today. Whether you need a specific filter size, a new spark plug, or just some advice on sharpening your blades, the Answer Man is here to help you get the job done right.

Are you noticed your trimmer line constantly snapping or welding together inside the spool? Ask me how storing your trimmer line in water can actually extend its life and performance!