How To Use a Power Auger

                                   

Doing yard work and other projects by yourself is commendable. However, some projects go much more smoothly with the assistance of a mechanical item. A power auger can come in handy if you need to dig holes to create room for a fence or another fixture in the yard.

You can find power augers at home improvement stores and online shops, which can be set up for one or more users. The following are some instructions on how to use a power auger to help you with your project:

Run It

It’s understandable if you need to learn how to start a power auger. The first step in the process is stabilizing the unit on the ground and setting the choke in the "RUN" position. 

Pump It

Next, you’ll need to look for the primer bulb and pump that several times. You are done priming it when you see the fuel line. 

Set the Choke

The manufacturer’s guide provides instructions on setting the choke, which might be different for every model. Thus, you’ll need to refer to your guide and set the choke the way it explains. Typically, you will put it to "FULL CHOKE" if the engine is cold and "HALF CHOKE" for a warm engine. 

Turn It On

Now your auger needs a little power. Hence, you need to turn the ignition to the "ON" position to start. 

Pull and Squeeze

The next step requires you to do two activities at once. Master this, and you’ll know how to start an auger appropriately. 

You’ll need to pull the start cord while you squeeze the throttle. Ensure that you keep your feet away from the auger while trying to start it because it will be engaged and can cause bodily harm. Steer clear enough to avoid injuries when it starts. 

Dig

Avoid squeezing the throttle too much at first. The goal should be to squeeze it just enough to pierce the ground. Let it get into the ground a few inches before applying additional pressure to the throttle. Once you do that, you and the other person can get into a digging groove. 

Tips for Using an Auger Effectively

These are some tips to be mindful of as you use the power auger:

Don’t Work Too Hard

The machine is there to make your work easier. Thus, you don’t need to put a tremendous amount of power into operating it. Let its weight handle the load. 

Remove Dirt Periodically

You should stop the machine every now and again and then pull it out to remove some of the dirt. This simple process will make the work a lot easier for you. 

Remove Difficult Objects With Your Hands

Stop the machine if you come across any challenging objects like rocks. Pull them out of the way with your hands, and be careful when doing so. 

Rake and Shovel Extra Dirt

Rake and shovel the extra dirt you pull out of the hole to avoid damaging your grass. Your yard will thank you for it. 

Use the process and tips mentioned above to use your power auger effectively. Your tasks should be much more manageable that way.                    

What a Rotary Hammer Is, and Its Uses

When it comes to the world of power tools, there are so many different models and varieties out there. A rotary drill is a tool that not all people are going to need or are going to benefit from, but it is a tool that certainly has a place. So, what is a rotary hammer, and what might it be used for? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Roto Hammer?

A rotary hammer is also referred to as a rotary hammer drill, and it is used to help chip away or hammer hard materials. It is not a traditional drill in that it does not make holes necessarily or does not drill holes. Instead, it works to hammer or chip holes and chip away at very hard surfaces. You can think of it as a super mini jackhammer that is hand held.

A roto hammer is a tool that is part of most work sites that use larger tools like jackhammers. You can use a roto hammer at home; you do not have to use them at work sites only, but they are a very common tool at most construction sites.

How To Use a Rotary Hammer

A rotary hammer uses the hammering motion to chip away and make a hole so that the flutes of the drill bit can take away the pieces of whatever hard material it is that the rotary hammer is working to drill. You can use a ton of different drill bits to get a different size hole or to get a different overall effect. 

When it comes to a rotary hammer drills, they are often used to drill holes in very hard material like concrete so that things like rebar can be put in to help support a structure that is being built. Depending on the material you are hammering or the overall purpose of your hammering, you can choose a ton of different bits that will get you the effect and end result you are looking for.

Plenty of different bits can be used to take care of just about any job you have and just about any overall end you are trying to achieve. Now, this is not a tool that most people tend to have in their tool kit, but they are rather useful for bigger jobs.  

Contact Ram Rent-All for quality equipment rentals for a range of jobs.

What To Know About Loading and Unloading a Riding Lawnmower

                   

Knowing how to load a lawnmower is necessary if you run a business that requires you to visit different locations with your lawn equipment. You’ll need to do it several times a week with precision and the least amount of loading issues. These are some of the top safety steps to reduce the likelihood of injuries or damage to the equipment from improper loading. 

Purchase the best ramp to use to load a lawn mower.

Most of the lawnmower loading "fails" you see on the internet happen because people don’t choose the correct ramps for their situation. Thus, evaluating the lawnmower and then matching it up with the appropriate ramp is paramount to a successful load. 

Ensure your ramp length is adequate. 

One way to ensure that your loading adventure goes well every time is to check that your ramp is long enough. You can use a ramp length calculator to figure out the right length your item should have.

You’ll need to enter information such as the wheelbase, ground clearance, and loading height to get the correct calculation. Once you have that, you can shop for the perfect ramp to load your unit.  

Consider low ground clearances and act accordingly when buying. 

Your lawn mower will most likely have low ground clearance because of how it’s set up. That issue can make loading difficult, but you can do something to help. Purchasing a ramp with arches is a choice you can make to eliminate the issue.

The arch design will make it easier for your lawnmower to make it over the tailgate’s lip without causing any issues for the mower. Therefore, you can seek a ramp with that design to make the process easier for you. 

Combat tipping with length.

While going up a steep incline, you might find it quite difficult to avoid tipping. That’s why you must ensure that your ramp has enough length. Investing in a longer ramp will cut down the instances of tipping and, in turn, keep your lawnmower from experiencing damage that needs costly repairs. 

Invest in wider ramps for zero-turn models.

Buying extra-wide ramps can help to prevent your lawnmower loading mishaps if you own a zero-turn mower. Variances such as the wheel offsets and uneven weight distribution can cause a problem if you try to use a traditional ramp.

The extra width of the model you choose will help to balance out those problems. Additionally, you can look at ramps with a greater weight capacity to ensure that you make the best choice possible. You might have to pay a little bit extra for a ramp with a higher weight capacity, but your equipment will thank you for making a choice.

You now have a better idea of how to load a lawn mower. Those are a few steps to guarantee a smooth transition from the ground to the back of your pickup truck. Follow those tips, and you should have few or no problems getting loaded up and performing your next project.

How To Safely Operate a Snow Blower for Beginners

If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, keeping your walkways and driveways clear is an important chore. This task can have a huge impact on the safety of your property overall. Shoveling snow can be back-breaking and time-consuming work. Snowblowers are tools that can help speed up this process to keep your home safe during the winter.

It is important that you know the correct way to use a snowblower. This quick guide will provide you with tips on how to operate a snow blower.

Create a Plan

When you head out to clear snow on your property, it is important that you develop a plan first. Snow removal can be done faster and more effectively when you have a route planned out and a plan in place. This is similar to cutting your lawn in the summertime. You will want to create a back-and-forth pattern to clear snow efficiently.

Your plan should also consider where the snow will be thrown to. The thrown snow will naturally create drifts, and you need to make sure that these drifts will not interfere with anything else on the property. You should avoid blowing snow into other pathways and certainly avoid blowing snow into the street.

Follow the Equipment Instructions

Don’t assume that you know how to use a snowblower. Each model is different. You need to review the manual thoroughly before you start using the equipment. This is an important safety precaution. The manual will provide you with information on how to start a snow blower, how to operate it safely, and best practices. 

Dress Appropriately

Clearing snow can be a time-intensive task, even with the help of a snow blower. Be sure you are dressed warmly for this job. Also, be sure to use safety goggles as well.

Remove Debris

You will also want to make sure that any yard debris is out of the way. A snowblower can send debris flying at high speeds, which could be dangerous.

Avoid Accumulation

It is best to blow snow before it has sat and accumulated for long periods of time. The longer the snow sits, the harder it will be to blow away from the areas you want to clear.

Work Alone

It is best to have small children and pets safely inside while you work on this chore. Debris can be thrown at high speeds and could hit someone. Also, you do not want children or animals getting in the way.

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Operating a Sandblaster

A sandblaster is a handy tool if you know how to properly use them. Though you might imagine that figuring out a sandblaster is incredibly difficult, armed with the right knowledge they can be easy enough and fun to use. Here are some steps you can follow to learn all you need to know about using a sandblaster.

Hwo To Operate a Sandblaster

The first thing you need to do is assemble your power head components. You need a power head, the nozzle and the siphon air jet. Attach the power head assembly to the gun of the machine. Your next step is to attach the siphon hose to the siphon air jet.

You can then add the items that you are going to sandblast to the inside of the cabinet. You need to ensure that the sandblaster is closed tightly and that the door is secured fully before you turn on the cabinet light and start the sandblaster. You then need to switch on the machine and start sandblasting your items.

Put your hands into the protective gloves and get your foot in position to push the pedal and send the sand into the cabinet. To get the sand to come out and actually blast or smooth the item that you are using, you do need to press the pedal to push out the sand. Then, blast until you are happy with the way that items appear.

Can I Rent a Sandblaster?

Sandblasters are very large. Even smaller versions of this machine are going to be large and do require a power source, an air source, a cabinet, and more. This is a huge undertaking, and you may not be able to rent a machine that can be brought to your home or to your workshop. If you want to rent a sandblaster you can get one, but you do need to take the time to figure out what a good size blaster for your needs is and then figure out a local place that rents them.

You can also get items sandblasted by people who own sandblasters and get some great results. There are plenty of options, and you can rent a sandblaster in some cases. If you think that you might need to rent a sandblaster, you are likely to be able to contact your local equipment rental business to see what options you have and what machines are available for rent.