In order to reduce clogging (especially when clearing wet snow), I have always relied on a can of DuPont Teflon Snow and Ice Repellent.
Since my original review, I have found additional products so I wanted to share what I found.
Available Options
- Vegetable oil / PAM spray
- DuPont Teflon Spray
- WD40
- Fluid-Film
- Snowboard Wax
A Material Safety Data Sheet for Dupont Teflon Snow and Ice Repellent is found here
I spray Dupont Snow & Ice Repellent (check the latest price here) on different parts of my snow blower/thrower to prevent snow and ice from sticking:
- Underneath the electrical (control) buttons – helps to repel water during slushy operation;
- Chute Rotating Motor and Sprocket – spray while rotating back and forth;
- Chute Deflector motor – spray while adjusting the deflector up and down;
- Liberal (and I mean LIBERAL) amount on the inside of the discharge chute as well as the impeller, augers, gearbox and auger hood (inside);
Snow build up on chute and deflector motors are especially hard on the electrical systems, possibly causing all sorts of problems down the road.
So I pretty much go through about half a can per use and keep about 2-5 cans on hand. I specifically avoid the fine aerosol/mist version because I need the spray (with a straw-like nozzle) to get into tight spots.
Applying silicone spray makes it so much easier to work because the snow just slips right off instead of sticking all over the place! Just make sure to apply it and let it dry for at least 30 minutes.
Another option (to be done off-season) is applying “Fluid Film” ( Fluid Film Aerosol Cans – 3 pack) which lasts a long time. It’s an old farmers trick to apply this material to harvesting equipment because it is safe and durable. For the best result, you need to spray and let it cure for 24 hours.
I do not use:
- WD-40 – WD40 evaporates very fast and it not really meant to be used this way
- Sno-Jet – This product has changed hands multiple times; I recommend against solely on the fact that it does not have an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
In an emergency, I have used a can of cooking spray (i.e. Pam). It worked fairly well but the spray tends to be a dirt and debris magnet so it is best to thoroughly clean the blower after use.
I hope you found this article to be useful and I would love your comments. If you are interested in more DIY articles, I invite you to sign up for my newsletter. Just look for a signup form on the upper right hand side of your screen. Thanks!
Todd Moore
Saturday 5th of February 2022
Link to Snow Jet MSDS: https://www.snowblowersdirect.com/manuals/ariens-adc7c84c63dca282e724e3836061f8b4.pdf
TED BRASSARD
Wednesday 4th of December 2019
Kevin, Snow-jet spray has not changed hands in 29 years. They do have an msds sheet. Just email them. Snow Jet has been the number 1 anti stick for over 30 years.