10 Tips To Get Your Shop Ready For Winter 

I made a spreadsheet that has an entry for each vehicle and tool I have. It has year, serial number, oil and all filter models and quantities, wrench size for drain plugs, vin numbers, tag numbers and links to .pdf manuals. If I am at the store I can quickly look up from my phone whatever I need . I use it often

Pro-tips from a mid-west mechanic: Especially after the snowblower has been used prior, make sure that no snow or ice is keeping the inner impeller (behind the augers) frozen in place. (Small wedged rocks can do this too!) If your impeller isn't free and you activate the augers, that's a recipe for a cooked auger belt!

I just had this conversation with my son. He and I both suffer from ADHD and what I shared with him is that what we lack in forward thinking we have to make up in discipline. This is a lesson I have struggled with my whole life, and hopefully he will not have to.

no upload in 2 weeks the feds got him after he grounded his bed

Unrelated to this video I wanted to say thank you for the video you did about using wet towels to put out a chimney fire . I never thought that I would needed it but I shared that technique with my wife and today she used it to save our house. There's nothing more valuable then knowledge . Thank you for sharing your knowledge .

could you review the no shoes in the shop policy that you seem to follow?

Haven't seen Cody post anything in 10 days. What's going on? Hope all is well. Merry blessed Christmas

I have a hot water spigot in my garage and I hose off my snow blower with hot water after each use to remove all of the stuck on snow as well as all the road salts from blowing along the road. Really helps keep my machine from rusting and clean.

Thanks for the spillage. It is like a watermark to know this is a genuine Wranglerstar production and not some fake!

Maybe you could do a review on the importance of safety boots sometime 👍🏻

I've always put Sta-Bil or some other additive in the gas I use for my lawn equipment, riding mower, push mower, weed eater, chainsaw, etc. and I've used gas that was in some cases 3 years old or stored mowers with ethanol in them over the winter and never had issues. I regularly stored my 20+ year old mowers over the winter with gas in their tanks as well as gas cans with no issues. The only time I ever had to rebuild a carburetor was when I bought my used push mower and it was surging. I use a sharpie or a paint pen and write on they equipment what oil and filter is needed. Just the other day I used a white paint pen to write the oil weight and quantity as well as the filter number on the radiator housing and the air filter number on the air filter housing in both my vehicles. Time and wear fade the writing but it's a simple matter to rewrite them when necessary.

Nothing wrong with washing and protecting equipment. I have a John Deere x485 gas with c62 deck . I wash then wax the mower and deck at the beginning and end of every season. It has made clean up at the end of a job so much easier. My stuff still gets scratched and banged from normal use but I couldn’t imagine what it would look like if I hadn’t taken that extra hour every year . Take pride in your work and you will be happier for it. God bless .

Have not heard from you in a while... Hope and pray you and your family are well... May God bless you and yours.... .....East Coast Man :D

Mr. W, I can't imagine you reading this, but I'll send it out just in case you do. Thank you! I've been in bed with a flu over here in Germany for about a week now and have been binge watching your videos. I can't wait to get my health and energy back! Your videos have got me sooo motivated to clean my guns, get a stove in my garage installed, buy some more 🪓 's, and get back in the woods and harvest some more firewood. Thank you sir for the inspiration to stay motivated and stay traditional...All the best from Deutschland!

Best thing I’ve bought for my shop is a good quality label maker. I print out labels for all my equipment to keep track of maintenance and any info like fluid quantity, filter type, belt sizes. I 100% recommend getting one for any professional home owner.

Pro tip: put on socks and boots ;)

I actually made my own snapon handled extension like this with a Williams black screwdriver handle and a 3/8dr extension. I wanted one so bad I made my own and love it! I also have the Mac tools versions that are locking. But I agree they are a must have and very handy!

I lived in Marion MT, (west of Kalispel), for a few years. I had to learn some of that stuff too, it was my first time in really cold weather. I I really like the channel. You not only stand up for yourself, but for a way of life. Keep going !

Excellent advice. I hit my snow blower with this stuff called fluid film. Basically looks like I just dunked it in a pool of the stuff when I’m done. Like I always say rather it oily than rusty. I also get a paint pen and write some maintenance info on stuff.

I’ve been called a “gun toting hippie” by several people, plus a Tennessee Hillbilly. So… seeing you change oil while barefoot made me rather happy.

Yes Sir... nothing worse than needing a piece of equipment in an emergency and having it not ready to go. Great tips, thank you.

For those that don’t want to write on your machines. Luggage tags are an option.

My father replaced his honda 1 stage snowblower 25 years ago with a 2 stage honda. As of this year my sister clears her driveway with the 1 stage and I have the two stage. Best snowblower I have ever owned.

Love that air compressor! I keep that compressor on my truck at all times for a slow leak I have on an alluminum rim. It great for that and other equipment around the shop. Plenty of power. Highly recommend!

For some reason, the lack of shoes gave me considerable enjoyment. I could virtually hear the Safety Sallies warming up their angry typing fingers.

You are the living embodiment of all my fathers best advice in a charming, rustic setting. Thanks for another informative video!

Hi Cody, Excellent video as usual. I thought I noticed grease fittings on the front augers, but I didn't see you grease them. Mine has them and I use winter grade grease every fall.

Hey mr w not all us east coast guys are the same 😅some of us grew up with less than others and understand that taking care of an item whether a price of equipment a tool or even a pair of boots means the difference between being triumphant or defeated I was always taught at a young age that regular maintenance was a must next to prayer and education I love watching your content and I know your just teasing but it’s nice to know that as a man of god and family like myself that your educating others to help them be triumphant as well thank you for everything you do and god bless you and yours

The Milwaukee rover 12v light has been a very good tool at my work. It has been very handy from car repairs, plumbing, or working in a factory fixing machines. And it charges devices. Highly recommend.

We have over a dozen tractors on our east coast farm and everyone is always in shock when they find out we wash them multiple times a year and wax them at least once a year, we also wash all of our implements before storage. My grandfather has instilled that behavior on me. I even waxed our mig welder a couple weeks ago lol!

The way you take pride in your equipment is really cool to see. I need to do the same but seem to think I never have the time

Miss long format videos :/

That thing looks brand new!

I run regular pump gas in my equipment during the "prime" of the given season. As the season comes to an end I start to use non-ethanol gas to make sure that all the regular gas is flushed out. This method has saved me tons of time and headaches from clogged up equipment.

I have been waiting patiently for years now for you to bless us with your timber framing knowledge and rebuild the shed that was stolen from you. Please get that sort of content back. Thank you

Cody you should roll the blower forward on the auger box. The bottom plate under the blower is now accessible. Remove the plate and use cold temp grease on the drive sprocket. Pretty sure its in your owner's manual for once a year maintenance.

I have read and listen to Jock for sometime now. Always a pleasure to hear others using him as a reference.

Good shop prep tips again. Don't forget to check the scraper bar and skid shoe condition and height.

I used a ceramic coating for my Honda HSS1332ATD bucket and chute. Wet snow can't pack and clog my beast anymore. Makes cleaning easier too.

I take pictures of my handwritten notes all the time. Not sure how many people know, as I just figured this out a couple weeks ago, but iPhones will read your handwriting and make the notes searchable in photos. Now when I make notes I title them based on job or in your case "snowblower" and you can easily search within photos and the note will pop up. Gamechanger! Im not sure when your phone scans the images because it doesn't work right away, but for sure next day it will be searchable.

I used to build fuel stations, ethanol last longer then you think, the difference is that the alcohol in the fuel suspends water up into the fuel and causes phase separation creating a brine which will ruin your engine. I use ethanol fuel in my snow blower and put it away every year with no additives in it, I just make sure the tank is completely fuel and its stored under roof so no moisture can build in the tank. with non ethanol fuel the fuel floats on the water. with ultra low sulfur diesel we have today you can take a jar of diesel and put a piece of steel in it and watch it corode over time. Our fuels are changing and not for the better. if you have fuel tanks on your property check them with water finding paste and if you have diesel have it checked once a year for allege. Hope this helps clear things up

Cody, you have yourself an excellent machine, well built and durable, and don't complain about it having tires. I used more than a few snow blowers with tracks, and they suck! Very troublesome and are hard to turn. You just are fighting and wrestling the machine and are exhausted by the time your done, I wouldn't take one with tracks, even if someone offered it for free. The John Deere snow blowers are well balanced and they are an easy pleasure to use. I do recommend to have a lot of spare auger sheer bolts on hand, as the do seem to easily brake. Another great brand of snow blower is Simplicity Signature Pro Series. Heavy duty and well designed, with high hp engines for that heavy snow.

I see the Compressor is great at filling tires and such but can you put the attachment on to blow compressed air? I often have to clear my sunroof drain lines and that would be a game changer

I'm glad i'm not the only one out there washing heavy equipment in their garage. I'm up in Canada, so not familiar with your spray products, but i've always waxed my tractors / outdoor equipment in the off season. Not a fan of the spray stuff out of a can, as you hit the nail on the head - don't need to breathe in any more chemicals. Johnsons paste wax was what my grandfather always used, I have a little left - it's a shame they dont make it anymore.

I find Sharpies dont stand the test of time, especially when there is oil about. Tried paint pens....they fade with time. Best solution so far are the little brother printers, the labels are laminated so you have a barrier over the print. Info will be there a life time 👍

I know this video is old so I am not sure you will read this but a tip I learned for keeping track of list that plus I record all my maintenance on my equipment in google sheets. Its a great place because you can look it up on your phone and on your computer. really good way to help keep track of all your equipment.

You can buy grease base on the NLGI grade of 1 has a consistency like tomato paste, where a grease with an NLGI grade of 3 has a consistency more like butter. I recommend marine grease on every thing!

Store bought (Autozone, O'Reilly, Napa) "Stabile" works good too. Love how "kitty cat" is keeping an eye on everything from nearby while perched on her "Dad's chair! Lol. I hear you on having the phone turned! But wait who the heck is going to call you at 0200? Oh yeah! Lol.

Great times Cody! I agree with ya....we're running AV Gas on my farm now...it keeps for 4-5 years! Pricey but it's the best!

I was on the fence about buying that Milwaukee compressor, it's now in the shopping cart, thanks !

Lol. Just chiming in to point out that the first time I hear you address any potential ladies in the audience- was for an ad. Hilarious, never change

I cut the number side of my oil filter box and under the number I write my wrench size for the drain plug and my oil weight. I tape this to the top of my air filter box and it's so nice lol.

You sure have changed since the last time I watched your videos.

Im glad to here us midwesterns are your friends because I would say we are similar to you guys.

Those pour spouts on the oil jug is nice for small engines.. first time I seen them.. does your shop hold the heat good? Was just wondering with the high ceiling. Thanks .

Hey cody ive seen where guys take the 1/4 spinner handle extensions and swap handle colors. You can drill them out to fit. Im thinking a great porject video would be making one with a 3/8ths. Just have to get one of the larger replacement hard handles and a 3/8 extension . set the handle in a vice and drill it out and then you can countersink the other side to fit the wider end. When asselmbing just use some sort of glue and it should be dandy.

This Is a very well put together and helpful video. I fly by the seat of my pants more than I'd like to admit... but I really like this advice. I always remember seeing little notes like this in my father's and grandfather's shed.

Mama kitty living her best life … love it !!!

I like to keep the manual in the shop and jot the oil weight and capacity, plug type, part numbers for the belts and other frequently purchased parts on the front cover and I usually hang spare belts on the wall with a tag that includes the part number. When I have to replace one I order a replacement right away when possible.

I tried to find a video that explained your reason for not wearing shoes but I couldn’t find one. I watch all your videos so I don’t know how I missed it. I’m sure you’ve explained it multiple times but could you let me know the reason? Thanks.

I prefer a single stage snowblower for the simplicity. And they get clogged less is wet snow. I have a MTD that’s been very reliable

Just an FYI stabil or any brand of it doesn’t do anything to ethanol. The fuel is still just as corrosive as it’s always been but it just won’t go bad for 12 months. Project farm did a video about it where he found that there was no product that could actually “neutralize” the ethanol.

Wurth makes an extension/ screwdriver that is very high quality. It comes in the zebra set

On my small engine equipment at the end of the season I go through and check everything and do an oil change, run the gas out. It has worked for me for years! I started recording the hours service was done as well.

15:52 An Ex Mark walk behind mower with a sulky behind it is one of the toughest, versatile, and most efficient lawn mowers money can buy.

Good stuff thanks. I plan do to small engine maintenance at the end of the season but always end up doing it at the beginning of a season in a hurry. What about you?

I’m glad I held out on getting the Milwaukee m12 inflator until they came out with the m18. It’s amazing everyone check it out

you probly dont care, but my 100x50 foot barn is actually an old forestry service building built in the 40s.. that the original owner of my property bought in the 60s.. from the forestry service.. took apart.. moved and rebuilt on the land i own now.. Its really cool to have a barn.. but actually a forestry service building thats 80 years old.. It has 4 double double door they used for aparatus

That machine looks brand new! Your neighbor has taken good care of it

Hi all, did I miss some news on where the videos are or are headed?

Step 11 Turtle wax ceramic coat the entire unit including inside the shoot.

Those extension nut drivers with a handle are great! I remember you talking about your snap on one years ago. I thought it sounded like a good idea and found one made by GreatNeck 28096 10 Inch Quick Extension, 3/8 Inch Drive. I liked it so much I bought a second one! Unfortunately they don't seem to be making it anymore. So disappointing, its such a huge help, like you said, working on small engines! I wish I had bought more of them!

Two genuine questions Cody: 1. When hard times come, wouldn't it be better to find a solution that would not require the use of fossil fuels / oils in general? Now I'm not necessarily saying batteries as they can also degrade, but maybe even something completely manual or electric and corded so that it can be powered by solar? -- My thinking is you can only store as much fuel until you eventually need more. 2. Again, when hard times come, wouldn't it be better to keep files redundantly? Like on paper and the cloud or if preferred all digital local NAS and cloud? I appreciate your thoughts on keeping independence, but sometimes it may be helpful to think "What would people 100 years ago have done to solve this problem?"

I've used Amsoil everything for 23 years. I only use the finest oil they make. I use their diesel additive and gasoline additives. I install an engine heater on everything I can.

Great video, earlier in the video when you were using a fire poker to move around the coals, something I think would be neat to see you do is forge a fire poker.

Nice amsoil product placement subtle but efficient reminds me of the lock tight good all days. Well done Sir!

Hi there, about three years ago you posted a video titled 'BOMBPROOF WORKBENCH - You Can Build Yourself' and you stated there would be a follow to that video. I can't find the follow up on your channel anywhere. Help!

Cody has his snow blower shinier than my everyday truck 😂

Please do a video about your cat compact, skid loader. I’m about to purchase one and would love an update video with your thoughts on how they are.

Great work Cody! But I doubt that you would use the little walk behind snow blower now that you have a caterpillar snow blower that has luxuries like a heater..

Hard to beat small diesel equipment for reliability and ready to go in a hurry. Although in the cold proper starting aids are necessary

I’ve used gas that has been over two years old premixed and sitting in a can in the garage when my tractor was out of gas, and I needed the plow

I do stock belts. You really want to try to order one and wait for weeks for it to arrive in the middle of winter?

Couple tid bits from this video. Never once thought to use a permanent marker to write belt number/lengths especially riding lawn mowers it's usually find the model number then search for the belt size. But it goes with all equipment. Along with gas/oil mix ratio and anything else you replace often belts,sheer pins ect. 2nd to write it down and take a pic or atleast put it somewhere easy to find. I now have a 3 ring binder for a polaris sxs full of service dates and anything you would need to know without thumbing thru the manual which for a lot of things are pretty much online only at this point.

As backwards and knuckle dragging as we East Coasters are, we try to wear shoes or boots in the shop. A broken toe or metatarsal will slow you up much worse than a less than showroom shiny snowblower…great video, just wanted to reciprocate the friendly ribbing. Merry Christmas!!

What is that raw denim jacket and pants called/ where did you get them?

Merry Christmas, Cody and family!!! Stay safe during this storm and may God keep your family safe. 🙏🏻

Why’s it been 3 weeks since a new video??

For the sheer pins you can use grade 2 bolts.

My old yard truck as 3 year old pump gas in the tank, start right up. I don't run ethanol free in a single engine I own, an I live in up north. Never had issues. Cept my log splitter, but that's just cuz ice got in the carb. Little overdramaric my guy

Hey Wranglerstar could you do some reviews of Outdoor Edge products? i know a few guys that swear by them. Mostly the replaceable blade knives. They also have a budget bushcraft kit called the WildGUIDE that has two knives and a small saw. Would love to see you look at any of them and give your thoughts on their voracity.

Gravest video, I’ve noticed that you mention that we we shouldn’t cheap out on some products, is there any products that we can cheap out on? Thanks

something about a cat sleeping next to a wood stove is super comforting. Also how is your shop clean enough to walk around barefoot? My tiny east coast brain cant comprehend.

Still M12 or M18 compressor? I know the M18 did your truck tires, but perhaps you use the M12 most? Thanks!

I have started removing ethanol from fuel. Tedious but it works. What do I do with the ethanol?

Enjoy these videos love being prepared

Great rundown Cody ! At 1:40 100LL Aviation gas also works good in engines that are seasonal as it has no additives and long shelf life . Happy New Year ! 😀👍

East Coast man say -- silly barefoot West Coast man slip on overspray bang head on clean John Deere. Wife find pacific West Coast man unconscious . Wife leaves supper on workbench.

What is the shop apron and shop cost you are wearing?? I’m in need of one! Many thanks for the great videos and helpful tutorials!❤

What do you think of the WEN 10 in. 2-Direction Water Cooled Wet/Dry Sharpening System and have you ever used it before?