How to Stock and Reclean Your Workroom to Prepare for Spring Projects

Organizing your garage workshop prior to the spring is the perfect time to set it up for all the projects you’re planning when the weather gets nice. We’ve got some pro tips to get you started!

First of all, if you have not yet taken the time to install a peg board in your shop, now is the time to do it. Space savers are always essential for a busy workroom, and a peg board is one of the most inexpensive investments you can make. Use large sections that you can attach to the walls to keep large tools easily accessible. You can also make small peg board panels to hold your levels, hand saws and hammers. By nailing a few pieces of trim as guides underneath your workbench countertop, you can slide the panels in and out when you need a small tool.

Clearing the Clutter

Getting objects that occupy floor space out of your way can make your workshop seem larger than its actual size. Using the ceiling and the walls can accomplish this goal well. For example, the ladder, which is usually in the way, can be stored overhead with ceiling brackets. Unless you use the ladder regularly, this is a great way to use your space more wisely.

Overhead space is also a handy place to suspend storage bins for holiday items like decorations and strings of lights. Pick up some large plastic tubs from your home improvement store, and clear some space by moving them only one time. To incorporate wall space for organizing your yard tools, screw two rows of short lengths of two-inch PVC pipe to the wall. Place one row about one foot from the floor and the second row about two feet above it. You can stand your shovels, rakes, hoes and other garden tools there where they can dry.

Lining up Your Drill Bits

Mount two magnetic strips on a length of 1 x 2 board. Then you can let your drill bits and screwdriver bits line up in a row where you can see them. The width of the board, when attached to a flat surface, allows you to pick and replace the ones that you need.

Storing Pipe

With two pieces of latticework suspended from the studs in your workshop, you have slots that are the perfect size for holding your copper or PVC pipe. You can see each length, and you can choose the one you want without moving the pieces that are in your way.

And there you have it! You’ve just provided yourself a large, easy and convenient space for working on whatever project you desire. So rev up your chainsaw and start working!

Winter Damage Control: How to Clean Up After a Heavy Snowfall

If you’re one of our friends on the East Coast or in the Midwest, we do not envy the harsh Winter you've been having this year. While we can all keep our fingers crossed that Spring will show its sunny face any day now, there are certain things you can do to make the snow a little more bearable. Chief among them: snow removal! You may not have control over the weather, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with cold, soggy feet and pants any time you want to walk out your door or use the driveway. Below are a few snow removal tips so you can keep your walkways, driveways, and home safe and snow-free.

Use the Proper Equipment

Decide what equipment is best for your physical abilities as well as amount of snow and the size and type of your property. A manual shovel may be appropriate if you are healthy and the snowfalls in your area are fairly light; or if you only have a small pathway to clear up. An electric shovel, on the other hand, is a great choice for people with physical limitations and small properties in areas with light snowfalls.

Looking at some heavy-duty cleanup? Snow blowers come in various sizes and power levels based on the amount and heaviness of snow they can remove, and they are by far the best option for large driveways or walkways and heavy snowfall. Also, they’re pretty fun to use. Just make sure you get your earplugs out, and for the love of all that is sane, no 7am snow-blowing!

How to Protect Yourself

Once you have the appropriate equipment, take the proper precautions to protect yourself, your neighbors and your property. If you have any physical limitations, use a snowblower instead of a shovel, or hire someone to clear your snow for you (even if you didn’t have physical limitations, we’d understand if you want to outsource this task to an enterprising young teenager). Other safety tips include:

• Look the part. Wear warm clothes and outerwear along with the proper gloves and boots to get the job done. A pair of thick worker’s gloves will help you stave off blisters, as the repetitive motion of shoveling snow can often create a few. Layer your outfit so that if you get too hot, you can remove a few layers as needed. And finally, wear sunglasses and sunscreen. It may sound a little torturous to slather yourself in that fresh, sunny sunscreen smell and remind yourself of the day at the beach you’re not having, but snow is highly reflective of UV rays; dangerous sunburns can and do happen. Similarly, it it’s sunny out and the snow is particularly reflective, then staring at it for prolonged periods of time can cause serious damage to your eyes. If it helps, grab a margarita and try to pretend you’re on a tropical vacation; if nothing else, your neighbors could use a little comic relief!

• Use the right technique. The proper way to lift snow with a shovel is to bend at your knees and turn without twisting. Do not twist. Do not twist! This can seriously tweak your back.

• Lighten your load. Don't wait until the snow gets too deep or heavy. Shovel several times during the storm or in layers, and don't overload your shovel.

• Inspect your machinery. Make sure your snow blower is in optimal condition, and repair it if necessary. We happen to have a wide array of Tecumseh parts, a leading brand in snow blower engines.

How to Be a Good Neighbor

These points should be fairly intuitive, but they’re worth mentioning. Make sure that as you perform your routine cleanup, you respect your neighbors and their needs by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Obey the rules. If your community has a rule for removing snow within a certain time frame, follow it. Even if they don’t, use your good judgement on this one. We know you need to get out of your driveway, but early morning really isn’t a good time to bust out the snow blower. Plan ahead the evening before if you can; and if there was a fresh snowfall overnight and you absolutely must be at the office at 8am, see if you can make do with a shovel and take care of the rest later. Strategically park your car as close to the edge of the driveway as possible to make getting out easier.

• Keep it to yourself. Never transfer snow from your property to your neighbors' properties, and avoid throwing it into the street or onto the sidewalk. Otherwise you’re likely to start a snow battle, which is only fun in Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. So where should the snow go, you ask? Unfortunately, into the parts of your yard that you’re not using. Don’t worry; you’ll get your yard back eventually.

• Treat icy surfaces safely. Use de-icers that aren't toxic and won't hurt pets' paws. Gravel is a safe way to improve traction without chemicals, and Calcium magnesium acetate is a more environmentally-friendly choice than the popular, inexpensive rock salt. On an unrelated note, while we’re on the topic of pet safety: never, ever leave antifreeze outside. Both cats and dogs are drawn to the sweetness of this incredibly toxic substance. 

Good luck! Spring is just around the corner, and we’ll be ready for it with plenty of fresh blog posts about fun outdoor projects and construction ideas. You’ll be trading in your snow blower for a lawn mower before you know it!

Beat the Winter Blues With these Easy Indoor Projects

If you’re in most parts of the country, you didn’t need a groundhog to tell you this year that Winter is far from over. We’re officially hitting the doldrums of the year, which means people are less enamored with fancy lattes, new sweaters, and fresh snow, and they’re more ready than ever to finally soak up some sun. This can be an especially frustrating time if you spend a lot of time tinkering around outdoors in your garden, yard or driveway, working on projects.

The good news? You don’t have to wait for the good weather to arrive to get back into the DIY spirit! If you’re lucky enough to have a garage that doubles as a workshop, you’re set: just drag out the space heater and rev up the chainsaw. If not, there are some clever ideas out there about how create a makeshift woodshop in your basement or an unused room. Don’t have that luxury either? Move the furniture, lay down some floor covering, and start apologizing to your family members for stealing the dining room. These short indoor projects will be worth it! Below are a few indoor woodworking project ideas to get your creative juices flowing and keep the winter blues at bay.

• Home Improvement Projects – One of the safest bets for a great indoor project is anything home improvement-related. Often these projects, like fixing a door frame or installing more attractive lighting, are so localized that you won’t even need a working space beyond the radius of the actual item you’re working on. It’s also a productive, helpful use of your time – so you’re more likely to receive forgiveness for noisy drilling or hammering. Check out these great home improvement ideas for more inspiration.

• Convert Old Furniture Into New – Get fun and creative by re-purposing some furniture you don’t need anymore. Do you have an old crib your child has grown out of? Turn it into a bench. How about an old wardrobe or dresser? Remove the doors and add some shelves for a contemporary and quirky bookcase. Even unused wood pallets can make the perfect bed frames. Use your own furniture or hit the thrift stores and let your creativity shine. If you get stuck, just type in your item of furniture followed by “upcycled” or “re-purposed” on Pinterest and you’re sure to be met with a wealth of ideas.

• Get Crafty With the Kids – Why save all the fun for yourself? Enjoy some family bonding time and teach your kids crucial skills that will last them a lifetime by showing them how to build their own birdhouse, outdoor planter, or bench. Allow your children to use their skills to complement each other. For example, if one child is more artistic and detail-oriented, allow them to paint the finished product. Again, look to Pinterest for some great beginner’s woodworking projects.

So don’t get down about the weather; get creative! We promise the sun will be out soon. In the meantime, have some fun and then reap the rewards of your work.

A Quick Guide to Choosing Your Small Engine Oil

Just like with your car, whether or not you perform regular maintenance on time can make or (literally) break the performance of your chainsaw, lawnmover, or other small engine-powered equipment. But do the other rules apply as well? Can you use the same type of engine oil and expect a similar performance?

Well, yes and no. The truth is, while the basic mechanisms of engine performance and the impact of a high-quality oil are the same, small engines require their own special 2-stroke oil that contains components designed specifically with throttle and high-revving performance in mind. Below is a run-down of some of our top-selling small engine oils and their specific uses:

Semi-Synthetic 2-Cycle Oil: Semi-synthetic oil, which contains a mixture of synthetic and mineral oil, is usually less expensive than synthetic oil but it works great for ordinary engine use. We have some wonderful options for high-quality semi-synthetic oil, like the Lucas Brand High-Performance 2-Stroke Oil. This versatile, smokeless oil is great for almost any small engine, including those powering leaf blowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and even snowmobiles.

Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil: If you tend to store your chainsaw or other small engine-powered equipment for long periods of time, choose a synthetic oil, which is less likely to deteriorate over time and cause performance issues. Look to the fuel-stabilization properties of our AMSOIL SABER 2-Stroke Oil, a powerful synthetic that protects the engine during off-season storage. If you’re someone who’s likely to set down the chainsaw for the cold Winter months, this is the oil that will keep you covered when you come out of hibernation!

Other Fuel Additives: In addition to choosing the right oil, there are a number of additions on the market that can help you keep your engine running more powerfully than ever. Look to our Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment, for example, which helps gasoline break down more slowly and evenly, and prevents issues like phase separation and fuel gelling. It’s a little detail that goes a long way.
Remember, as always, if you have any questions, the experts at HLSupply are here to help!

Five Lumberjack Lotharios Who Made the Ladies Swoon

Looking for another excuse to pick up your chainsaw and start working on some outdoorsy projects like making a wooden garden bench or cutting down that troublesome tree in your back yard? Well, do we have an excuse for you: instant popularity among members of the opposite sex. Nothing holds more appeal than a Chainsaw Cassanova, a DIY Don Juan, a Come-Hither Carpenter (we could keep going with these all day). In honor of Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d go off the beaten path a little and provide some inspiration in the form of five famous lumberjacks who were a big hit with the ladies:

1. Paul Bunyan

The number one spot on this list goes to the iconic lumberjack himself. This literal giant of American folklore first emerged from stories told in lumbercamp bunkhouses that involved superhuman exploits like taming the Whistling River and breaking up a 200-foot log jam with Babe, his blue ox. Want to know how manly Paul Bunyan was? He combed his beard with a pine tree. He also said fun things like, “By jingo!” and “Jiminy!” The great Mr. Bunyon is less-widely recognized as a forerunner of the 90’s grunge fashion movement:

With a look like that, you can guarantee that his blue ox wasn’t the only Babe who followed him around.

2. Jos Montferrand

You may not have heard of Jos, but apparently he’s a pretty big deal in Ottowa Valley. This lumberjack, log driver, and raftsman was a real-life figure who quickly became the stuff of increaingly exaggerated legends after his death. He has been written about, sculpted and painted by countless artists, and in 1992 Canada officially put him on a stamp. Plus, there’s this:

We don’t even know what he’s doing there, but it looks pretty tough.

3. The Brawny Paper Towel Guy 

 Due to the ever-shifting landscape of branding, there are actually two Brawny paper towel men. The man on the left got the axe (pun intended) back in 2004, and we don’t want to speculate but we’re thinking that his eerie resemblance to Tom Selleck was probably what did him in. He has since been replaced by the man on the right:

Brand leaders at Brawny wanted the new Brawny man to show off his softer side; because paper towels aren’t just about strength, they’re also about softness, get it? Truly a lesson for us all. And while we’re on the subject of the Brawny paper towel man, let’s look to his counterpart from The Simpsons:

4. The Burly Man

This spot-on parody of the Brawny man was only featured in a single episode of The Simpsons, but it quickly became an iconic moment for the show. In the episode, Marge accidentally buys the wrong brand of towels – Burly – and falls in love with the man on the packaging. Capable of inspiring the adoration of every woman in the fictional town of Springfield, the Burly man is truly one of the lumberjack greats.

5. Daniel Boone

This picture in no way represents what the real-life Daniel Boone looked like, but we’ll give it a pass for getting the coonskin cap right. He’s also not technically a lumberjack, but given his impressive resume of outdoor skills, we’re guessing he could easily add tree-felling to his list. Like Jos Montferrand, Boone was a real-life person who became the stuff of legend after his death; numerous stories and TV shows have since been written in his honor, along with the requisite array of sculptures and paintings. There are even inscriptions on trees, now preserved in historical societies, that commerate moments like this one: “D. Boon Kilt a Bar, 1803.” Anyone who can kilt a bar is clearly not someone you should mess with.

Inspired? Then give your chainsaw engine a once-over, don your best plaid shirt, and get out there. They’ll be featuring you on paper towel packaging in no time!

Why and How to Provide Regular Compression Tests on Your Small Engine

In our last blog post on DIY New Year’s Resolutions, we emphasized the importance of performing regular checks on your small engine, just as you would a car engine. This includes oil checks and changes, checking the ignition system and ignition coil, and performing compression tests. As promised, here’s our run-down of the why’s and how’s of compression testing. It may seem daunting if you’re new to performing your own maintenance, but the compression test is one of our favorite “essential” tests for two reasons:

1. It’s of the utmost importance, and
 2. It’s easy!

So, let’s start with the basics.

What is engine compression testing? 

In short, this is the first question mechanics ask when they’re brainstorming with other mechanics about why an engine isn’t running: “Does it have good compression?” An engine requires a certain amount of compression to drive the piston and crankcase. This test, which involves checking for leaks in essential components like around the piston or valve, will give you an immediate picture of whether each part is wearing evenly. Any problematic part can then be replaced so your cylinder can do its job properly.

When should you check your small engine’s compression?

As mentioned above, if your engine isn’t running, compression is the first thing you should check. However, there are other, less catastrophic signs that it’s time for a test. If you start your engine and find that it’s spinning unusually fast, that’s a tell-tale sign. Other signs include loss of power under load and erratic idling. Common causes of this occurance could include a blown head gasket or a stuck/bent valve. Even if you’re not experiencing any causes for concern, regular compression testing is the key to proactive maintenance.

Here’s how you do can perform your own compression test:

1. Obtain a gasoline engine compression tester that is specifically suited for the small engines used in chainsaws, cut-off saws, and lawnmovers. Ours is fitted with a 65 millimeter gauge and provides two scales of reading, psi and kPa.

 2. Access your spark plug by unscrewing the cylinder cover on your engine and gently slipping a flat-tip screwdriver under the rubber boot, maneuvering as necessary until you can get the rubber boot off the spark plug.

 3. Loosen the spark plug with a socket wrench and remove it, then set the choke to “off.”

4. Make sure there’s no remaining fuel in the cylinder or crankcase by cranking on the starter cord a few times.

5. Insert your compression reader’s hose into the spark plug hole. Pull on the starter until the compression gauge needle hits its maximum – it usually takes about 10 to 15 pulls. As a general rule of thumb, compression shoud hit at least 90 PSI if it’s hot or 100 if it’s cold, but check your engine manual; some engines require anywhere from 80 to 150 PSI. These readings are such great indicators of performance because if there’s a leak somewhere in the engine, there will be a drop in compression. If you’re more of a visual learner, check out this great video that details a lawnmower compression test:

Now what do I do?

If you noticed a poor compression reading, it’s time to do some trouble-shooting and repairs. If you have the expertise you can do this yourself, and we have all the parts and tools you’ll need. But when in doubt, take it to a mechanic; it’s not worth breaking your engine further.

And that’s it! You’ve just saved money on performing your own compression test, while keeping your engine happy and healthy in the process.

Here's a good piece on choosing lubricant for small engines, if ya need Lubricant.

Five DIY Resolutions Every Craftsman Should Make

New Year’s resolutions can be a polarizing tradition. Some people think they’re a great way to set and achieve new goals, while others believe they’re a silly superstition that will fall by the wayside within a month. But we at HLSupply love them! We think they’re a great way to get you thinking about your goals for the upcoming year, and they can be just the push you need to finally get started on the projects you’ve been putting off. Not sure where to begin this year? We’re here to start your year right with five easy, achievable New Year’s resolutions for any DIY enthusiast.

1. I Will Perform Regular Engine Checks

If you routinely use a chainsaw, lawnmower, leafblower, or other tool that operates on a small engine, then treat that engine with the same care you would a car engine and perform regular checks. While there are myriad tests you can perform to keep your engine in top shape, two of the easiest and yet most important tests are regular oil checks and compression tests. Oil loses its ability to lubricate over time, which can take a serious toll on the overall performance and longetivy on an engine, as many disappointed first-time car owners can tell you. So check (or just change) your engine oil frequently: usually after about every 25 hours of use.

2. I Will Perform Regular Maintenance on My Engines and Tools

To piggyback on our last point, if you do notice that something appears to be off with your engine, don’t wait for it to break down. One out-of-sync piece can often create a domino effect and cause serious problems for the whole system. Fortunately, we provide everything you’ll need to check and maintain your engine: gasoline compression testers, top-of-the-line oil, and even full carburetor rebuild kits. Look forward to our upcoming blog on how and why to perform regular compression tests, where we’ll provide you with the finer details of running these checks!

3. I Will Not Buy Something I Can Make Myself

Don’t go crazy with this one; obviously there are plenty of things you could make yourself that are much easier (and smarter) to buy. However, it can be fun to challenge yourself. So the next time you’re in need of a new planter, bookshelf, work bench, or bed frame, think about how you could make it on your own. Try doing this every one or two months and pick projects based on your skill level: there are some great ideas out there for woodworking projects for beginners, all the way up to beautifully-architected furniture or full home makeovers for the expert.

4. I Will Invite Someone Else to Join Me for a Project

If you’re constantly tinkering around outside or in the workshop, then let your construction time serve double-duty as bonding time with a friend, partner, or child. Collaborating on a creative endeavor can be one of the most fun and rewarding ways to spend time with someone. So next time, don’t go it alone! Invite your friend over for a beer and a work session, or teach your son or daughter about basic woodworking while instilling lifelong memories.

5. I Will Track My Progress

Sure, you can make resolutions, but can you keep them? There’s only one way to find out. Design a system of accountability that works for you, whether it involves writing down your activities, having a motivation buddy, or setting up milestones and rewards along the way. With resolutions this fun and easy, you’re sure to achieve your goals.

Wishing you a fabulous 2015 from HLSupply!