6 types of shovels

There are a lot of differences between different kinds of shovels that are specialised for different purposes as they see a large variety of different uses.

Digging shovels

Digging shovels have a slightly curved scoop with upturned edges and can have either a flat or pointed tip. Pointed tips are more used for digging and planting in soft tilled soil whereas the flat tips are used for the heavier more hard packed soil that need more force to get in to. Square point shovels can also perform many of the same functions as a garden spade such as lawn edging or cutting small roots.

Trenching shovels

These are designed for digging and clearing trenches and they normally have a sharp pointed tip and square sides to help them produce clean trench walls while minimising the disruption to the surrounding soil.They are also often used for laying irrigation pipes and removing deeply rooted plants.

Drain Spades

Drain spades are extremely narrow with slightly curved edges and a rounded tip which makes them very good and more precise work such as adding flowers to flower beds and transplanting small shrubs.

Scoop  Shovels

Extremely broad shovels with a flat tip that are terrible at digging but very good at moving loose materials like coal, stone or snow.

Scrapers

Scrapers are used to clear ice and debris from driveways and roofs and are also pretty handy for eliminating weeds poking through the ground.

Trowels and soil scoops

Normally used for small jobs such as re potting, spot reseeding and other various tasks. They do not have the long handles or wide blade instead they have a pointed curled scoop to dig out holes for seedlings and new transplants.

Removing Rust from Saw Blades

Surface rust is a common problem regarding chainsaw blades that can lead many owners to go out and purchase completely new blades due to not having the know how or go get em attitude required to simply remove this harmless rust. To help save the pounds and throw a little knowledge your way, here is how you remove rust from saw blades using white vinegar.

  

The White Vinegar Method

1. Fill a container capable of submerging your saw blades with white vinegar.
2. Leave saw blades to soak in white vinegar for 48 hours.
3. Remove saw blades and wash thoroughly with soapy water.
4. Use towel to dry the saw blades.
5. Place in drying rack with fan directly placed on them.

Following these steps will make your saw blades as good as new but will do very little to prevent rust forming again. All is not lost however as following these simple tricks will ensure your blades stay in good knick. 

How to split firewood correctly

Using your own wood for a fire can be quite cosy and a good way to ride out the winter in comfort while keeping that heating bill down so here's a couple of tips on how to split all that wood yourself.

 

Equipment

Your going to need either a maul or an axe. A maul has a wider head and is heavier making it ideal for splitting wood but an axe can be used for smaller jobs. sharpness inst all that important for a job like this as our not cutting the wood. You're splitting it. You're also going to need a good source of wood. Seasoned wood splits easier but this does mean you'll have to stack it twice. Never attempt to split wood with nails in it. Its bad for the axe and potentially for you if it comes flying out.

Splitting

Put the piece on its end on a chopping block if one is available or on the ground. Using he ground has a chance to dull the axe blade however. Make sure that you position yourself so swinging with straight arms the blade will hit the centre of the wood. Make sure not to overreach. Coming up to short your blade hits the ground and its not too bad but if you overreach the handle will hit the wood and oo much of this and you'll need a replacement.

Tips

Its good practice to aim for the same spot every time even if you don't always hit it over time this will improve your aim. Also make sure to let the weight of the axe do most of the work not your own force. this will stop you getting tired as fast.

The Best Way to Cut Hedges

Cutting hedges can seem like a very straight forward task that can be achieved with nothing more than a can do attitude and some form of hedge trimmer I guess. And this sit true but to cut a hedge correctly to achieve a neat finish you also need a little bit of know how as described below.

  

Timing

Hedges should be trimmed 2 - 3 times a year unless you have a few types that grow quicker than the average hedge in which case 4 times would be more suitable. You have to be careful with how much you do trim your hedge as you are basically amputating which the hedge can most certainly have a bad reaction to.

 

Lines

Use taut lines attached to canes in order to know exactly where you are cutting. Once you get some experience you will be able to do this by eye but if you are a starter it always good to have these lines to ease you into hedge trimming.

 

Angles

Cutting the side of the hedges with a vertical sweeping motion as you walk along the hedge is the standard technique that most gardeners employ. Cut the top of the hedges with a horizontal sweeping motion.

Installing a Fence

Installing a Timber Fence

Installing a fence seems like a daunting, difficult job for those inexperienced with the process, I know it seemed that way for me! I didn't know the first thing to do or even how to start installing my fence but with some help from my more knowledgeable friends I had my fence setup in no time. Now it's time to pass on this knowledge in these easy to follow steps:

    

Digging the Fence Post Holes

Before we work out the spacing involved in the holes lets talk about the hole dimensions (for the purpose of a 6ft fence with 4x4 inch posts). The hole should be 2ft deep & 12 inches square to make for a sturdy fence that won't fall down at the slightest breeze or even all these storms we have been having.

Measure and double measure and then triple measure a length of string. Once you have ensured that this string is the exact distance you need you can use this to space out your fence posts. Make a mark on the ground where you need the fence to go in.

Installing the Fence

Place the post in the hole and make sure its the correct depth and then we move onto the fence panel. Some fences come with fixing brackets and these are very self explanatory to setup (and if not open the manual guys!) other fences you may need to use nails or woodscrews.

Concreting the Fence Posts

Concreting the fence posts is a whole other kettle of fish, especially if you want to mix your own concrete. There is a fantastic blog that has done a wonderful post on this and can explain it much better than I can here.

Axe Types

Before you choose an axe it is important you know what it is you are looking for to fit your desired purpose of this axe. Cutting, shaping or splitting.

Cutting axe

Cutting axes are very thin as they are used to penetrate across grain. This thinness means that it presents max force on small area similar to a razor blade in this respect. This causes it to sever instead of wedge which makes it less useful for splitting but great at cutting.

Splitting axes

A splitting axe has a wide angle blade and when slammed onto a log it has a wedge like action and forces the log apart. It expends all its energy in this way and therefore causes a deep split that forces the grain apart. Because of this it cannot be used to cut across grain as it will not penetrate nearly deep enough and will lead to a shallow cut.

Curved or Straight bit

A curved bit means only a small point of the wood will be in contact with the axe at a time and this aids in wood penetration either with or across the grain. A flat bit gives an even cut rather than a deep cut and there are varieties on this theme. The broad axe has a flat bit and a ramp on one side. This allows it to cut out a very flat section of wood but for general purposes a rounded bit is much more versatile.

Single or double bit

The single bit axe is more common and has certain advantages such as its design is optimised to put all the torque behind the one bit it has.  A double bit axe offers different advantages and is generally symmetrical around the center line. This does offer a certain amount of balance that isn't found in other single bit axes. The two blades are often ground differently to offer both splitting and cutting prowesses and therefore grants a large amount of versatility however these axes cannot be bludgeoned.

When or When Not to Buy a Top Handle Chainsaw

The decision to buy a top handle chainsaw or not depends entirely on your situation. Lots of factors come into play like will you need to use the chainsaw one handed, will you be using the chainsaw in a place where balance is key or even your current experience with chainsaws. All these factors we need to look at when asking the question, "Should I or should I not buy a top handle chainsaw?"

Benefits of a Top Handle Chainsaw

A top handle chainsaw key feature is that it does not have a rear guard. This makes the chainsaw more compact and easier to sue in tight situations. It also allows the chainsaw to be used with one hand which can come in very useful when in a tree, cutting a branch or at the side of your house if space is tight. The final key benefit of using a top handle chainsaw is that they usually have a smaller engine than a regular chainsaw which makes it the ideal starter chainsaw for beginners

Negatives of a Top Handle Chainsaw

A top handle chainsaws key drawback is that it has a smaller engine. Now while this can be a benefit for a beginner chainsawer, for a seasoned professional looking to cut down a redwood maybe a 26cc engine just doesn't cut it? Now a redwood is an extreme example but even large trees in the garden can be a lot more difficult to cut without that bigger engine that the top handle chainsaw simply does not have.

Conclusion on "When or When Not to Buy a Top Handle Chainsaw"

You should buy a top handle chainsaw when you have a smallish garden where you may need to cut branches of trees and space is tight. Also if you are new to chainsaws a top handle chainsaw is a fantastic way to start.

You should not buy a top handle chainsaw when the amount of work that is required is substantial and large objects need cutting.

Disposing of Garden Waste

There are a large number of ways to dispose of garden waste. The cost has a large variety and some methods are better for certain jobs so here are 5 for you to choose from.

  

Calling the Council

These include calling the council some of which but not all will provide home collection of garden waste for which green waste may charge a small fee but it isn't too expensive.

Skip

There is the option of a skip which can cost quite a bit and take some time to get to you so there's also the alternative of hippobags. This method tends to be the best for larger jobs and having a skip is one of the easiest methods.

Hippo Bags

They don't have the same capacity so a skip would be the better option nut they are a lot faster getting to you. They come flat packed ordered on-line or they can be bought in most DIY stores. This is cheaper than a skip or calling a guy.

Call a Guy

  

Go through your yellow pages and find anyone doing garden waste in your area. Call them and leave the waste for them. This is the most convenient method but also the most expensive.

Recycle

  

You could also take your waste to a recycle bank. This is the greener option but it does carry the issue of transporting waste. If there isn't too much this is easily done if you have hippobags.

This blog is provided by Timberpro

Digging Holes in Frozen Ground

Digging a hole n any season is a difficult job that requires a lot of effort and exertion. Digging a hole in winter however is a whole other kettle of fish that will leave you frustrated. cold and, after the first 3 hours, maybe a little dead on the inside. To help avoid all that unnecessary pain and anguish here is 3 methods for digging a hole in Winter.

The Kettle Method

This method is a little risky but an be the fastest way to unfreeze a patch of dirt. The idea is to constantly have boiling hot water being poured over the ground in order to heat it up. This is best done using two kettles though one will suffice. The risk with this method is if the ground and general atmosphere is really cold, the water may just freeze and make the ground even harder to dig up.

The Fire Method

This method dates back a very long time when people used to dig graves in Winter using their hands or very rudimentary tools. You basically build and light a fire (charcoal fire would be ideal) over the area of ground you wish to dig and tend to it for a few hours. This warms up the ground and makes your digging a lot easier.

Buy/Hire High Powered Equipment

There is special equipment available on the market for digging holes and for digging holes in Winter. This equipment may set you back but remember you can use it all year for the rest of time (provided they last that long) . If money is an issue you can always hire the equipment out or a company who specialises in the industry. This is the most expensive option but will definitely make your life a lot easier.

How to Perform Pressure Washer Maintenance

Not many people know of easy ways to prolong the life of their washers so here are a few maintenance tips to get the most out of your equipment.

Check the Oil

You can check the engine and fuel level and if need be top up either the fuel or oil. You may also change the oil if the is a manufacturer recommended oil in the operator's manual. You can also check the tires pressure but keep it at the value marked on the tires or if there isn't one keep it between 15 and 25 PSI.

Check Screens

Check the water inlet screen or the in line screen and flush them with water if they are dirty. If the inlet screen is damaged replace the screen and rubber washer. If the in line screen is damaged replace the screen and O-ring.

Inspect the Hoses

Inspect the high pressure hose and replace if you see any leaks, cuts, abrasions or bulging of cover or if the couplings are damaged or move. New hoses will have to exceed the maximum pressure of your washer. Also examine the cleaning detergent tube and filter. You will need to clean these if they are dirty or clogged. Examine the tube for leaks or tears and make sure it fits lightly on barbed fitting. Replace the tube or siphon/filter if either are damaged. Replace the o-rings if any connectors leak and clean nozzle orifices if clogged. Also rinse out the garden hose.

Make sure to flush the cleaning detergent from the tube and relieve the pressure in the system after each use.

How to Maintain Garden Hoses

 A skilled gardener knows that a hose is essentially a gardening tool and that they must be maintained and stored properly for it to its job. No gardener wants the frustration of a tangled or cracked hose or the wastefulness of a leaking hose.

Storage

Properly maintained a hose can last for a good many years and part of this maintenance includes putting the hose away after every use. Putting the hose away is obviously a simple task but it prevents the hose from being stood on, rotting from soil moisture or get run over by a lawn mower. The best way to put a hose away is to keep it on a crank and simply turn to reel it in. Make sure whatever you hang your hose on properly spreads out the weight to avoid any kinks developing and regardless of how you store it make sure it is not in the sun. Make sure to empty all the water and remove any attachments to the hose before putting it away for the winter. The open ends do allow for the expansion and contraction of the freezing of water the repeated freezing and thawing will weaken the fabric of the hose.

Coiling a Hose

This can be done properly with a crank but it is useful to also have the knowledge to do it yourself and it can be done in a few simple steps. Turn off the water to the hose. Hold the hose a few feet from the spigot. Bend an about 3 foot loop in the hose. Keeping hold of the hose, reach a foot or 2 further from the spigot in the same direction as the previous loop and stack these loops onto each other until the whole hose is coiled.

How to Sharpen Hedge Shears with a File

Sharpening hedge shears is not a difficult task but necessary to perform when you have had them a for a while and they feel as if they are declining. It is a fairly simple task when you have the knowledge on how to do it so here is a brief overview.

Tighten the Pivot Nut

Before sharpening make sure to take a look at the pivot nut to make sure its tight before you begin. If this nut is not tight it could cause the blades to separate slightly and tear twigs instead of cleanly cutting them. After tightening the nut check the tool again to make sure it still needs sharpened. If it cuts cleanly now then the nut was the issue. If it still cuts uncleanly check that the blades aren't bent. If they are bent unloosen the bolt and tighten the blades in a vice until they are straight.

Clamp the Blade

After the blade is firmly in a vice hold the file with both hands and mimic the direction of of the bevel and make sure to move the file in one direction, away from you. As you work you should be able to see the clean metal that the file will leave and do this until the entire edge is clean and sharp. Lightly sand the back of the blade while keeping it flat and moving it in a circular motion. When the burrs left by the fil are gone repeat the entire process on the other blade. After finishing you should try the blades to see how well they cut and remember that thick branches and dry wood can bend the blades so they should only be used for small diameter green wood.

How to repair a Deck Stair

Deck stairs carry a lot more traffic than any other part of the deck and are therefore the first to need repaired or replaced. Deck stairs are also not very difficult to replace because you have the old, broken part to use as a template.

Check the broken part

Before making the replacement you need to check the broken part in case the break was caused by the design of the stair such as the tread being too thin.

Create the new part

Measuring the gap and using the broken part as a guide you will need to make a replacement part the exact same size.

Fit the new part

Fit the new part and make sure the deck stairs are fully serviceable by just going up and down the stairs a few times making sure the stair structure and deck are working perfectly.

The stringers

The stringers may also be the part that breaks first but replacing these can be just as simple.

Check Damage

Look at the damage to see what you can do about it. Because it supports the stairs its not so easy to remove while you make the new one. However the stringer can be measured accurately enough while still in the stairs.

Replace it

Make sure the new stringer is addas the old one is removed to continuously support the stairs.

How to Drain a Chainsaw Gas Tank

Before putting your chainsaw away for the winter/too cold to garden months draining the fuel tank is vitally important. Oil can freeze and cause damage to the chainsaw not to mention if a leak where to develop in the coming weeks there could be potential for a serious accident to occur. With this is mind here are some easy step by steps to drain that fuel tank:

1. Wipe any dirt/dust away from the gas tank lid and the top of the gas tank with a clean rag. This will prevent any debris from falling into the gas and possibly forming a blockage in the fuel lines or carburetor.
2. Move to a well-ventilated area and unscrew the lid of the gas tank on the chainsaw. Situate your plastic gas can within reach and remove its lid as well.
3. Place the straight portion of your hand siphon into the chainsaw’s gas tank. Insert the drainage hose of the siphon into the gas can.
4. Compress the bulb on the siphon to begin suctioning the gas from the tank into the can. Continue until you have removed all the gas from the chainsaw’s gas tank. If your siphon has a hand pump instead of a bulb, simply work the pump to begin siphoning the gas from the tank.
5. Unhook the fuel line that connects to the gas tank. The exact location of the line will depend on your specific chainsaw. You may need to remove a plastic guard and small clamp to access and disconnect the line. You’ll also likely need a wrench and screwdriver. A small amount of gas may remain in the fuel line. After you unhook the line, try to hold the line and pour any remaining gas into your gas can.
6. Pour a small pack of BBs into the gas tank and add a small amount of commercial gas tank cleaner/solvent. This cleaner is at most hardware or auto supply stores. Make certain the cleaner you purchase is acceptable for use in 2-stroke engines.
7. Replace the lid of the gas tank and shake the chainsaw vigorously. The BBs will act as a mild abrasive and knock any debris loose from inside of the gas tank. Pour the BBs out and flush the gas tank with cleaner. You must ensure all the BBs are out of the tank.
8. Reconnect the fuel line. Pour the gas back into the tank if you plan on using the chainsaw immediately.

How to Maintain a Water Pump

Lots of people rely on their water pump and are possibly not near anybody who can repair it for them so here are some quick tips on how to maintain your water pump.

Maintenance

Make sure you turn of the power to your pump and locate the pressure switch. It will probably have some kind of plastic or metal cover on it that you will need to remove. Make sure you put the switch cover somewhere it won't get damaged. If your pump isn't operating as it should be pry back the switch relays and inspect it for damage such as pitting or burning. Clean the contacts and perform any pressure adjustments you feel is necessary.

Cleaning the Contacts

To clean the pressure switch contacts, slide a length of cloth between them and pull the cloth along them several times. Repeat this on the other side until shiny. You can also unscrew the aerator in order to clean the smaller parts or replace it if damaged.

Adjusting the switch

If you need to adjust the switch then you should know that pressure switches are in conjunction with pressure gauges and these are set to turn on at low pressure and off at high pressure. Adjustment instructions are normally on the inside of the switch cover and you will probably need a wrench to turn the adjustment screws but make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Conclusion

Performing these steps every so often can help extend the life of your water pump and save you money in costly repairs.

How to Sharpen a Chainsaw

There are a lot of people who do not know how to sharpen and regularly maintain a chainsaw and the lack of this knowledge can cost a lot of money to get done for you. So here I am going to show you a few tips on how to sharpen and simple maintenance for your chainsaw.

 

Learn the size of the saws chain

 

You will need either a rotary grindstone or chainsaw file that matches your chain tooth. Since there are several sizes of chainsaw teeth the grindstone or file must be the correct diameter for the saw.

 

Clean the chain thoroughly

 

You may use spirits or a degreasing detergent to remove oil and dirt from the chain. Do not flood or get excessive cleaner on the engine or other components, since some of these products can damage the plastic housing or other parts.

 

Inspect the Chain

 

Individual teeth may be broken or bent and if they get worn down too much they could break while in motion.

 

Clamp the saw

 

The saw will need to be stable and the blade must be firmly supported. You will get better results if the chain is allowed to rotate freely.

 

Locate the leading cutter

 

This is the shortest cutter on the chain and would be the best starting point. If all the cutters are nearly the same length then the starting point you choose will not matter. 

 

Use a twisting motion

 

File each cutter using a twisting motion to discharge metal chips. There is varying opinions as to the best direction to use the file but it really doesnt matter.

 

Reverse the saw

 

Reverse the sides of the saw to do the un filed teeth angled in the other direction using the exact same method.

 

Oil the chain

 

After oiling the chain, check the tension and you will be ready to cut again.

Different Kinds of Axes

There are a few different kinds of axes each with important differences that not everyone is aware of or what makes these axes suitable for their particular jobs.

Felling Axes

This is normally axe number one used to cut down trees and have an extremely sharp thin blade and slowly tapered head so it can cut across the wood grain as deep as possible. To suit this felling axes have 2.5 to 3.5 pound head and a 2 to 3 feet handle. This gives them a good swing length and the force to go through trees. There are a lot of variations to the basic design depending on where it comes from but most will share these characteristics.

Splitting Mauls

Rather than a deep across the grain cut a splitting maul uses a heavy wedge shaped head normally 6 to 8 pounds which deliver a more forceful strike without sticking in the wood and a nearly straight handle used to lever the maul deeper after the initial strike. Mauls also come with a broad butt that can be used to hammer a second splitter through the log.

Broad Axes

Named for the large bits and long beards they are traditionally used for hewing logs into beams. These axes allow the user to cut away the rounded edges of a log while creating a relatively flat face. The issue is these axes are dedicated left or right handed tools as dictated by the side of the bevel.

How to Repair a Chain Link Fence

A damaged chain link fence is an easy DIY repair job for around 60 dollars whereas some professionals would charge you about 150 dollars for the same job.

What you need

To repair a fence you will need a section of top rail with one open end and one crippled end. You will also need a hacksaw, file and pliers and a helper.

Fixing The Fence

Start by removing the wire ties that hold the fence fabric to the top rail, then rest the new rail on top of the damaged rail and have your helper hold it in place while you mark a cutting line on the old rail. Mark a cut on the other end of the new rail where it meets a joint. Cut the damaged rail at the cutting line then slide it off the joint and toss it. The ncut the excess of the top rail to mate with the existing joint. Create some maneuvering room by unbolting the top rail and sliding it away from the damaged area. Install the new rail onto the old rail and reconnect the corner post.

Making Compost with Garden Waste

Turning garden waste into something other than waste to be supposed is one of the easiest things you can do and it will probably end up saving up time and effort in the fact that otherwise you would have to dispose of it. Lets take a look at just how easy it is.
   

   

Compost Bins

 

Finding the right site for a compost bin is vitally important in breaking down the garden waste into useable food for your garden. The bin should be set somewhere sunny, which will help the chemical processes, on compost or soil. This will allow the worms to colonise and not die out or move on to ensure your compost heap is a success.

    

As well as adding garden waste to the compost bin remember that there are a whole lot of household items than can also go in there such as vegetable peelings, fruit, teabags, cardboard and a whole bunch more. Just remember to keep out all cooked food leftovers!

    

Keep adding to the compost bin for 9 - 12 monthes and once it turns into a dark crumbly material representing moist soil with an earthy, fresh aroma you know your good to go to add that stuff to the garden.

Most common Lawn Mower Problems

Lots of people have issues with their lawn mowers and it happens to the best of us and even regularly maintenanced lawn mowers are not immune to the effects of wear and tear. In light of these facts here are some tips to get your lawn mower working again fast.

Stuck Starter Rope

A pretty common cause for this particular issue the engine flywheel brake is engaged. This is the bar you hold on the handle that stops the engine when released so just make sure you are pulling it down the whole way before attempting to start the mower. Another probable cause is the blade is clogged or is dragging in the grass. To sort this out disengage the spark plug and move the mower to a hard surface so you can clean the blades to try again.

Mower Will Not Start

Lots of people experience this particular issue and the extremely common and most obvious reason is that you have no fuel. As well as making sure its all filled up also remember that old gas can also cause problems so if its been a while since using the mower it may be better to empty then refill the tank. Other possible causes are dirty, broke or disconnected spark plug, dirty fuel filter or fuel isnt reaching the engine.

Losing power while Mowing

There is a few reason this can happen and they are normally pretty easy to fix. Try cleaning or replacing the air filter or raising the cutting height on your lawnmower. You could also try cleaning or replacing the spark plug or clean the underside of the mower.

The Mower is Cutting Unevenly

If you are seeing this happen there is a chance you also feel some motor vibration. This can be caused by build up of debris or clippings and just needs to be cleaned. Otherwise you should try sharpening or replacing the blade.