The Right Way to Store Outdoor Power Equipment Batteries
Take Care of Your Batteries and They’ll Take Care of You
If you’ve made the switch to battery-powered tools — like Greenworks, Stihl, or Toro Flex-Force — you already know how convenient they are. Instant starts, no fuel mixing, no exhaust smell. But to keep those lithium batteries working at full capacity year after year, storage matters.
Calgary’s temperature swings are no joke, and leaving batteries in a cold shed or hot garage can cut their life in half. Here’s how our team at Arns Equipment recommends you store them properly.
1. Charge to the Right Level
Lithium-ion batteries prefer to rest at around 40–60% charge. If you put them away fully charged, they slowly degrade. If you store them completely drained, they can dip below safe voltage and fail to recharge.
Before storing for winter or long breaks, charge each pack halfway. Most batteries have charge indicators, so you can hit that sweet spot easily.
2. Control the Temperature
Calgary garages often freeze in winter and hit 30°C in summer. Neither extreme is good for lithium cells. Store your batteries indoors in a dry, temperature-controlled spot — a utility room or basement shelf is perfect.
If you must use a garage, insulate the area where you store the batteries. Never leave them in a vehicle overnight.
3. Keep Them Dry and Clean
Moisture and dust lead to corrosion on battery terminals. Wipe your batteries with a soft cloth before storage and keep them in their original cases if possible. For Stihl AP series batteries, use the protective covers that come with the units.
4. Avoid Metal Contact
This sounds obvious, but we’ve seen it too often. Never throw batteries into a toolbox where they can touch metal tools. A short circuit can permanently damage the pack. Use separate compartments or keep them in their equipment bags.
5. Recharge Every Few Months
Even in storage, batteries slowly discharge. Give them a 10-minute top-up every few months to keep voltage levels healthy. This applies especially if you’re storing batteries through Calgary’s long winters.
At Arns Equipment, we use battery tools every day in our own shop and service bay. Stop by if you’re not sure how to care for your batteries or if you need a new charger, storage case, or replacement pack. We stock genuine Greenworks, Toro, and Stihl power systems built for Alberta conditions.
Your batteries are the heart of your tools — a little care keeps them strong for years.
