Snow blowers make light work of heavy snow, saving backs and shoulders from the strains of shoveling. However, snow with a high moisture content can form densely packed clumps that stick to the insides of the snow blower chute. When more snow gets pulled into the snow blower, it clings to the stuck clump, creating a clog instead of being pushed through the chute.
Nonstick spray works as a lubricant to prevent snow from sticking to the metal chute. The best nonstick sprays for snow blowers also create a water-resistant barrier and may even prevent rust, resist corrosion and UV rays, and leave a sleek shine. Keep reading to learn about other important characteristics to look for when shopping for nonstick spray, and consider some of the top picks in this list, so you don’t get stuck shivering in your boots as you try to clear a clog.
- BEST OVERALL: DuPont Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant Aerosol
- RUNNER-UP: Liquid Wrench M914 Silicone Spray
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DuPont Teflon Snow and Ice Repellant
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant
- ALSO CONSIDER: WD-40 Specialist Water Resistant Silicone Lubricant
How We Chose the Best Nonstick Sprays for Snow Blowers
We looked at the most popular brands of nonstick sprays used for snow blowers in the market and narrowed these down to our list of top recommendations. Our research mainly focused on effectiveness of the water-resistant and lubricated barrier created, as well as suitability for other household tasks, to provide shoppers with a versatile and reliable spray to keep around the home to help with a wide range of applications.
Specifically as snow blower lubricant sprays, our top picks boasted the correct characteristics to produce a weather-resistant lubricated surface to help snow and ice slide right off the snow blower. This helps to prevent chute clogs and allows users a more streamlined operation.
Our Top Picks
These top nonstick sprays for snow blowers have been selected based on drying time, function, overall efficacy, and other critical shopping factors.
Photo: amazon.com
Applying DuPont’s nonstick spray to the snow blower chute helps reduce sliding friction in the chute that can lead to snow buildup and clogging. This spray lubricant uses a resin-bonded formula and 100 percent dry-film Teflon to adhere to metal surfaces, which allows it to dry almost instantly and form a protective coating inside the chute.
DuPont’s Teflon coating extends the life of the snow blower chute and other metal tools it protects. The spray forms a shield that resists dirt, water, snow, ice, and some chemicals. It can be used in temperatures from -100 degrees Fahrenheit to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, and remains effective for up to 4 weeks. It comes in a 10-ounce can.
Product Specs
- Volume: 10 ounces
- Drying time: Unspecified
- Additional functions: Dirt and grime resistant
Pros
- Ideal for creating a slick and dirt-resistant coating
- Proper use can help extend snow blower life through multiple seasons
- Also great for lubricating other household items and machinery
Cons
- Can easily stain clothes and other soft materials
Get the DuPont nonstick dry-film spray at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Photo: amazon.com
Liquid Wrench’s silicone spray is a very slippery lubricant. When used in the snow blower chute, it inhibits clogs and helps ease the movement of snow and ice through the chute. The spray comes in an 11-ounce can and should be used only in open, well-ventilated areas because its vapors are flammable, and inhaling or ingesting the spray can be fatal.
This nonstick spray repels water, and it’s resistant to corrosion and rusting, so the metal chute is protected from deterioration. The product also can be used on wood, rubber, plastics, and vinyl to clean or lubricate augers, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and other tools. Liquid Wrench dries to a clear coating in a few minutes and lasts for up to 1 week.
Product Specs
- Volume: 11 ounces
- Drying time: Unspecified
- Additional functions: Water repellent and rust inhibitor
Pros
- Easy to use and dries clear
- Suitable for a wide range of other household tasks
- Less prone to becoming gummy like other options on the market
Cons
- Can be difficult to control the flow when used for more delicate applications
Get the Liquid Wrench nonstick spray at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.
Photo: amazon.com
DuPont’s Teflon Snow and Ice Repellant spray comes bundled with the company’s lock lubricant, two products that can solve a range of wintertime problems, from unclogging a snow blower chute to freeing up a frozen lock. The snow and ice repellent is made with a Teflon fluoropolymer and silicone formula that repels water, snow, and ice, helping to prevent buildup on the snow blower and other winter tools.
When applied in a warm, dry location, this affordable spray dries in just a few minutes. When it’s ready, the spray forms a clear coating that’s resistant to dirt and corrosion. This has the benefit of extending the life of the metal chute and other metal it’s used on, including rain gutters, snow shovels, snowplows, augers, and even snowmobiles.
Product Specs
- Volume: 10 ounces
- Drying time: Unspecified
- Additional functions: Prevents chute clogs as well as snow and ice buildup
Pros
- A single application can last for multiple uses
- Great at preventing clogged chutes in the snow blower
- Creates a slick surface; even works for heavy wet snow
Cons
- Can cause a buildup of dirt if not wiped frequently
Get the DuPont Teflon nonstick spray at Amazon or Ace Hardware.
Photo: amazon.com
However bad the weather conditions are outside, this heavy-duty nonstick spray will almost certainly work. CRC lubricant goes on in warm, dry, wet, or cold weather and creates a clear coating suitable for protecting wood, metal, and rubber surfaces. Once the spray has dried, it leaves no sticky residue behind but does provide protection against water, snow, and ice.
Though this heavy-duty spray is odorless, it should still be applied in a well-ventilated area because it can cause respiratory problems when used in an enclosed space. Use the nonstick spray to protect toys and tools for every season, including marine engines, cooling systems, boats, cars, tools, and even fishing gear and tackle.
Product Specs
- Volume: 11 ounces
- Drying time: 1 minute
- Additional functions: Prevents rust, waterproofing
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of household applications
- Comes highly recommended from professionals
- Can be applied to most material types
Cons
- Can be noticeably more expensive than similar options
Get the CRC nonstick spray at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The two-pack of WD-40 Specialist spray isn’t the WD-40 that many people already have around the house; instead, this product is specially formulated for increased water resistance. The silicone lubricant can be used at temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit, so the user can be confident that the cold weather won’t affect the spray’s effectiveness.
WD-40 Specialist spray can be used on most metal surfaces, along with several nonmetal materials, including rubber, plastic, and vinyl. The nonstaining film left behind when the spray dries is clear and rust resistant. What’s more, it’s a corrosion inhibitor that lubricates and frees frozen or stuck metal parts. Effective for up to 2 weeks, the product may require reapplication, depending on the volume of snow the snow blower moves.
Product Specs
- Volume: 11 ounces per can
- Drying time: “Seconds”
- Additional functions: Nonstaining, waterproofing
Pros
- Sprayer design is easy to use; ideal for prolonged use
- Creates an excellent lubricated surface; great for several uses
- Affordable considering it comes as a 2-pack
Cons
- May form an undesirable gummy coat if applied too thickly
Get the WD-40 nonstick spray at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Nonstick Spray for Snow Blowers
Before choosing a nonstick spray to help maintain a snow blower, take a few minutes to learn what to look for in a nonstick spray, including drying time, safety concerns, functions, and the spray’s longevity.
Drying Time
A nonstick spray’s drying time varies depending on the specific product, the ambient temperature, humidity, and the moisture content of the snow blower chute. A quick drying time allows for multiple applications in a short amount of time, and users can apply a second layer when it’s needed.
For the best results, apply the nonstick spray in a warm, dry environment, like a garage or workshop. Warmth helps the spray stick to the metal and dry quickly. Most nonstick sprays can adhere to wet surfaces in freezing temperatures, but it will take longer for the spray to dry. Until the spray is completely dry, it won’t lubricate properly, nor will it be fully water- or corrosion-resistant.
Safety
While nonstick sprays for snow blowers are helpful in preventing clogs, they can contain hazardous chemicals that should be handled with care. Check the product’s label for the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the proper way to apply and use the spray and learn whether any potential hazards exist in using it.
Some general rules apply when using these sprays. Keep them out of reach of children and pets because they can be toxic if ingested or inhaled. Because the liquid spray may be flammable until it dries, store it away from sources of heat or flame. Use nonstick spray in a well-ventilated space and consider wearing eye protection, a respirator, and gloves to mitigate contact with its hazardous ingredients.
Functions
The primary purpose of a nonstick spray for snow blowers is to lubricate the inside of the snow blower chute to keep snow from sticking and clogging the chute. However, many nonstick sprays have additional benefits, such as preventing rust and/or UV rays, resisting water, and even adding a shine or gloss to the metal finish.
- Rust prevention helps protect the metal on the snow blower chute from water, ice, and corrosive road salt.
- Water resistance, a common characteristic of nonstick sprays, allows them to repel snow, ice, and water to prevent clogging.
- UV protection ensures that painted surfaces don’t prematurely crack or fade after long periods in the sun.
Longevity
Longevity refers to the length of time a nonstick spray remains effective after it’s applied. One-time use nonstick sprays must be reapplied before every use, which can take precious minutes when the driveway must be cleared before leaving for work. Sprays that are effective for longer periods allow the snow blower to be used several times before the user must lubricate the chute again.
While it’s a good idea to reapply nonstick spray before every use, many products are effective for up to 4 weeks. To achieve optimal longevity and lubrication, users typically must apply more than one coat of these sprays.
FAQs
Learn more about nonstick spray for snow blowers and how to maintain a snow blower by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Q. Why does my snow blower keep clogging?
Snow blower chutes can clog because the user is trying to push through the snow too fast. They also clog when the heavy snow has a high moisture content and form compact clumps that stick to the sides of the chute.
Q. Can I use WD-40 on a snow blower?
You can use WD-40 to help lubricate the snow blower chute. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and acts as both a water repellent and corrosion inhibitor.
Q. How do I use snow blower spray, and where should I apply it?
Snow blower spray is easy to use: Just shake the can, remove the lid, and spray an even coating on the interior of the chute. The nonstick spray lubricates the chute’s sides, preventing snow from sticking and clogging the blower.
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