Welcome to Bob Vila


How To: Maintain a Snow Blower for Peak Performance

How you maintain a snow blower directly correlates with how prepared you are for this season's snowfall. Follow the advice ahead to keep your snow blower in tip-top shape.

By Donna Boyle Schwartz and Bob Vila | Updated Dec 9, 2020 9:13 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

7 Tips for Snow Blower Maintenance

Photo: istockphoto.com

There is a definite chill in the air, and the first snow flurries are flying… that means it’s time to get the snow blower prepared for the winter.

RELATED: Solved! What to Do When Your Snow Blower Won’t Start

Basic snow blower maintenance is fairly simple and straightforward, involving steps similar to those you’d take for your car (changing oil, inspecting belts, and so on). The first step is to dig out the owner’s manual so that you know exactly what replacement parts, oil, and lubricants are right for your specific model of snow blower. The following general guidelines should have you up and running before the first heavy snow.

1. Inspect and tighten or replace parts as necessary.

Check all of the nuts, bolts, screws, belts, and cords to make sure that nothing is loose. Two-stage snow blowers have two belts, one for the auger and one for the drive; single-stage snow blowers have only one belt. If the belts are worn or cracked, they should be replaced. Otherwise, make sure they are tight. The starter cord also should be inspected and replaced if there is any evidence of fraying.

Changing the Oil During Snow Blower Maintenance

Photo: istockphoto.com

2. Change the oil and gas on fuel-powered snow blowers.

A two-cylinder engine uses mixed gas and oil; a four-cylinder engine uses straight gas with a separate crank case for the oil. In both cases, you should completely drain the old oil and gas from the engine and properly dispose of them, then replace with new fluids. To change the oil, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to warm up. Stop the engine and remove the oil plug, draining the old oil into a waste receptacle. Once all the oil has drained, replace and tighten the plug and refill the engine with the appropriate weight of oil. Turn the engine on again and check the oil level. Also, check to make sure that the drain plug is tight and there are no leaks.

3. Replace spark plug, fuel, and air filter.

Check your owner’s manual to ensure that you have the proper replacements on hand. To change the spark plug, remove the lead wire, then use a socket wrench to remove the plug. Replace with a new spark plug, being careful not to over-tighten the new plug, and re-attach the lead wire.

4. Lubricate the drive and chassis.

Again, check the owner’s manual to ensure that you use the proper lubricant. If possible, turn the snow blower on its side so that you can easily reach all of the components.

While the snow blower is on its side, inspect these additional parts:

  • The scraper bar, which is the piece that rubs against the ground and scrapes the snow off. If this is worn, replace it (leaving it alone could result in damage to the snow blower housing).
  • The skid shoes, which are located on each side of the auger housing. The skid shoes adjust the height of the auger in order to keep it from scraping the ground or picking up stones. Skid shoes should be replaced if they are worn.
  • The rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing, it is time to replace the rubber.
Consult a pro
Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed appliance technicians near you.
+

5. Check tires and chains.

Check the tire pressure and add air if needed. Visually inspect the tires for wear; replace if necessary. If you have chains for your tires, either put them on in advance or make sure they are readily accessible.

Keep Up with Snow Blower Maintenance with Spare Shear Bolts

Photo: lowes.com

6. Keep new shear pins on hand.

The shear pins (also known as shear bolts) on a snow blower are actually designed to break. Shear pins are important safety features, because they break when the auger and casing are over-torqued and prevent serious damage to the unit. The shear pins are located between the auger and the gear casing. If any pins are missing or broken, replace them. It is a good idea to buy extras from wherever you purchased your snow blower—be it a big box store like The Home Depot or Lowe’s or Amazon—so you have them can handle replacements quickly.

7. See that all snow blower accessories are in working order, too.

Different makes and models of snow blowers come with various accessories, such as power steering, headlights, and electric starters. It is a good idea to inspect all of these items and replace any accessories that are broken or worn.

Just a few minutes of simple maintenance will keep your snow blower in tip-top shape.

Keep these best practices in mind during the season so your blower is always ready for winter’s worst:

  • Always run the snow blower on a cleared surface to remove any leftover snow from the auger, before you put it away, wipe snow from the throw chute and the housing.
  • Tighten any loose bolts or fasteners after each use.
  • Check for worn or damaged parts and replace them as soon as possible.

A Brief History of Nutcrackers

How you maintain a snow blower directly correlates with how prepared you are for this season's snowfall. Follow the advice ahead to keep your snow blower in tip-top shape.

By Marie Proeller Hueston | Updated Dec 19, 2012 12:03 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

These fancifully painted fellows herald the holiday season in grand style.

assorted traditional nutcrackers

Assorted Traditional Nutcrackers. Photo: Christmas Spirit

Slideshow: Nutcrackers on Parade

Read the rest of this entry »


Bob Vila Radio: Carpet Wrinkles

By Sarah Monzon and Bob Vila and Bob Vila | Updated Mar 4, 2020 9:18 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Wrinkles in wall-to-wall carpet don’t just look bad, they can be a tripping hazard. They’ll also wear out first, so they’ll really never go away unless you fix them.

Carpet Wrinkles

Photo: thecarpetsurgeons.com

mp3_link

Listen to BOB VILA ON CARPET WRINKLES or read the text below:

Improper installation is what causes carpets to wrinkle. Carpet has to acclimate to your home’s temperature before it goes down, and it should always be installed with a stretcher.

Stretchers look a little like large sponge mops, but the head is covered with sharp teeth to grip the carpet; a lever moves the teeth to stretch it.

To fix a wrinkle, you can rent a carpet stretcher and a knee-kicker for around 40 bucks and adjust its tooth depth to the depth of the pile of your carpet. Pull the carpet up from the tack strip at the baseboard, then sink the teeth of the power stretcher into the carpet where you need to pull it taut. Use the lever to stretch out the wrinkle. Then, use the knee-kicker on either side of the stretcher to fasten the carpet back onto the tack strip. Curl the excess carpet at the baseboard toward you and trim it from the back with a carpet knife.

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

For more on carpet, consider:

Carpeting 101
DIY Painted Rug
Bob Vila Radio: Recycling Carpet


How To: Make an Evergreen Holiday Wreath

Carpet wrinkles don't just look bad, they can be a tripping hazard. They 'll also wear out first, so they'll really never go away unless you fix them.

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Dec 9, 2020 9:58 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

How to Make a Wreath

Photo: shutterstock.com

As soon as December hits, I’m ready to break out the Christmas cheer. When it comes to decorating for the holiday, I’m a traditionalist. I like white lights and natural elements—especially fresh greenery.

I had the pleasure this year of attending a wreath-making workshop with a gentleman in my town named Bill Landon. Bill’s family owned a farm here in Lewes, DE, for generations. As a young child, he helped the family make more than 500 wreaths every season that were put on trains and sent to cities like New York. He learned the art of wreath-making from his great-grandfather and was generous enough to share his talents with a group of us over spicy Christmas cocktails.

Wreath-maker, Jim Landon

Wreath-Maker Jim Landon. Photo: Jennifer Noonan

Bill is committed to using only natural elements. He creates hoops upon which to build his wreaths using switches harvested from local marshes. Creating a beautiful wreath was far easier than I imagined, and every bit as fun as I hoped. I left the workshop with my hands full of sap, my senses full of the scent of evergreen, and my heart full of holiday spirit. I am thrilled to have a natural wreath hanging on my door this year. And I feel sure I’ll never purchase one again.

What You’ll Need

First and foremost, making a holiday wreath of this type requires fresh evergreen boughs. Pine, holly, cedar, bittersweet, turkey beard, juniper, boxwood and many others work wonderfully well. Be creative and use what you’ve got!

Also equip yourself with the following:

  • Pruning shears
  • Floral wire (on a roll)
  • Heavier wire for a hanging loop (optional)
  • Wreath form (You can either purchase one at a craft store or create one yourself with anything that will make a firm circular shape).

How to Make a Wreath in 3 Steps

 

STEP 1: Gather Your Greenery.

You can purchase your greenery or collect it from the yard. There are even many parks that will let you snip greenery, as they often need to prune back certain areas. Get pieces anywhere from 6″ to about 18″ in length. You can always trim later. Look to include interesting accents like berries and pine cones.

How to Make a Wreath - Starting the Process

Bill starts this wreath with a piece of fresh cedar. Photo: Jennifer Noonan

STEP 2: Add Greenery to Your Form.

You’ve got to start somewhere, so just pick a piece of greenery (or a small bunch) and lay it on your form. Wrap floral wire around the lower part of the stem to secure it to the form. Wind the wire around three or four times and pull tight. Very tight. Lay another piece (or small bunch) of greenery over the first piece, with the stem 3″ to 4″ behind the first one, with the result that they overlap nicely. Wrap with wire, as you did the first stem. Continue to add greenery to work your way around the form.

How to Make a Wreath - Adding Greenery

Working around the form adding greenery. Photo: jencelene

STEP 3: Finish it Off.

Once you’ve reached the place where you started, lift up the first piece of greenery you attached and stick the stem of your last piece underneath. Shift things around until you get the look you desire. If you find a spot that looks a little bare, you can simply wire another piece of greenery onto the form. And if you want to add a hanger, wrap a loop of heavier wire around the wreath form at the top. Add a bow too, if you like, before hanging your wreath for display.

How to Make a Wreath - Finishing Up

Finish the wreath by tucking the last piece under the first, then looping the wire in a knot a few times. Photo: Jennifer Noonan

Though his daughter, Brittany, loves to hang the wreaths that he makes in her kitchen (so she can enjoy the smell), Bill advises that you hang your wreath outside, so it won’t dry out too quickly. Wherever you hang it, it will indeed smell wonderful. And everyone who sees it will be mightily impressed!

How to Make a Wreath - Bill Landon at his How to Make an Evergreen Wreath tutorial

Bill Landon with his class of wreath-makers. Photo: Jennifer Noonan


Tabletop Christmas Trees for the Holiday Season

By Kelsey Savage | Updated Jan 20, 2014 3:00 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Tabletop Christmas Trees

Photo: TinyHandsOnline.com

Choosing a live evergreen to serve as your Christmas tree brings a fresh scent and a bit of the outdoors into your home. But it will also bring a rash of falling needles and perpetual sap-induced stickiness. If a full-size fir doesn’t fit in your household, why not try a tabletop version for the benefit of a live tree with a small portion of the mess?

Table Top Christmas Tree from Brookstone

28-inch table top Christmas tree from Brookstone.

Dwarf spruces, firs, and pines usually come in a gallon-size container and should be bought from a reputable nursery for lasting power. Pick a variety that you an incorporate into your yard once the holiday season has passed.

Once at home with your mini tree, let it sit under a slow drip from the sink until fully soaked. After the initial watering, you will only need to water again once the pot begins to feel dry (stick your finger in the soil every few days to test). If the needles appear to be falling out faster than usual, mist the tree daily to help balance the effects of winter’s dry air.

Read the rest of this entry »


Hot Fireplace Inserts

By Rebecca Thienes Cherny | Updated Dec 14, 2014 6:59 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

fireplace-inserts

Photo: heatnglo.com

Fireplace inserts are a great way to update an existing masonry fireplace.

A traditional open-front wood-burning fireplace usually has an efficiency rating of just 5-10%, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. A new fireplace insert constructed of durable steel or cast iron utilizes an insulated closed-combustion system that increases heat output and promotes efficiency.

To be a candidate for a fireplace insert, you must have an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace with a working chimney, and you’ll select the insert’s size based on the existing opening.

The type of venting required by a new insert varies. Natural venting through the existing chimney is possible; direct vent and vent-free options are options as well, depending on your fuel choice.

The cost and availability of fuel in your area, the overall maintenance required, and the desired look are all factors to consider when choosing an insert. Wood, gas (natural or propane), and pellets are the most common fuel sources for fireplace inserts.

 

WOOD: A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY

Fireplace Inserts - Lennox

Montlake Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert from Lennox

When searching out a wood-burning insert, look for an EPA-certified appliance to help protect the environment and your indoor air quality. Made of heavy gauge steel, Lennox’s rustic Montlake 230 insert features an airwash system to keep the taller-than-usual glass panel clean and clear. An optional 150 CFM blower with multiple speed options makes it easy to quickly heat spaces ranging from 1,200 to 2,200 square feet. The Montlake vents through a 6″ pipe and comes in black, brushed nickel, or nickel trim options.

 

GAS: MODERN MARVEL

Fireplace Inserts - Heat & Glo

The Cosmo I30 Fireplace Insert from Heat & Glo

The Cosmo gas insert by Heat & Glo fits well in modern interiors and comes in two sizes, 30” and 35”, depending on your existing opening. The reflective black glass interior and linear flame contribute to its sleek appearance. Direct venting ensures combustion exhaust and fumes are fully removed from your home’s interior, and a smart intermittent pilot ignition system adds an extra level of safety and energy savings.

 

PELLETS: RECYCLED FUEL

Fireplace Inserts - Napoleon

NPI45 Pellet Insert from Napoleon

Thanks to its use of recycled sawdust pellets as fuel, Napoleon’s NPI45 Pellet Insert heats things up in an environmentally friendly way. With a 120 CFM convection blower, auto igniter, and airwash system to keep the glass crystal clear, this unit offers the efficiency of a pellet stove housed in a recessed fireplace opening. The hopper holds a whopping 45 pounds of pellets, making refueling unnecessary for 45 hours of burn time. And if you’re worried you’ll miss the traditional look of logs on a fire, an optional decorative ceramic log set is available.

 

For more on fireplaces, consider:

12 “Different” Ways to Store Firewood
Firewood: What Type Should You Use?
10 Accessories for the Fashionable Fireplace


All You Need to Know About Whole House Humidifiers

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Jul 26, 2017 10:50 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Whole House Humidifier

Photo: rockyhomeimprovements.com

As the days are getting colder, the air is getting drier. While lotion coupons are at the forefront of the Sunday paper’s circular section, many people are accustomed to replacing the moisture they are losing in their bodies and environment with a humidifier.

Most are familiar with the small, portable type that are set up in individual rooms. You fill a tank with water, turn it on, and the machine puts humidity into the air until you turn it off or until it runs out of water. There’s not a lot of control.

Related: 10 Houseplants to Improve Indoor Air Quality

In contrast, a whole house humidifier installs directly into your cooling and heating system. It introduces humidity in the form of water vapor at the source—your ductwork. The level of humidity is then monitored and controlled by your thermostat, just like the temperature is, and an even level of moisture can be released into your house all year long.

Putting a whole house humidifier into your home can reward you in many ways:

Health
Many viruses thrive in low-humidity environments, which can increase your likelihood of catching the flu, colds, and other respiratory ailments. And an overly dry environment can make people more susceptible to infection. Putting humidity back into your home can reduce the incidence of all these maladies.

Comfort
Over-dry air can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms and lead to dry noses, sore throats, and cracked, itchy skin. Not to mention those painful and surprising shocks you get from static electricity.

Preservation
Dry air can damage many things in a home, including wood floors, plaster, paint, furniture, artwork, electronics and musical instruments. A whole house humidifier therefore protects your home and its contents from the adverse effects of dry air over the long term.

Energy Efficiency
Turning up the thermostat will raise the temperature in your home, but it won’t necessarily make you feel any warmer. Installing a whole house humidifier can help you feel warmer at lower temperatures. According the EPA, you can save up to 4% on your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. And humidity control can help a home qualify for the National Association of Home Builders’ Green-Built Certification Program.

You can install a whole house humidifier in either a new or an existing heating/cooling system. There are even systems available for homes with radiant or baseboard heat, so the opportunity is there for everyone to benefit from a controlled-humidity environment.

You might still want to stock up on lotion for the winter—but you can keep it in your car instead of on your nightstand.

For more on HVAC, consider:

Bob Vila Radio: Indoor Air Quality
Pellet Stoves: An Eco-Friendly Heating Option
Quick Tip: Ventilation for the Home


Top 5 Posts of the Week: Saying Goodbye to November

You're likely familiar with the portable humidifiers families set up in the nursery, or perhaps to help a tropical houseplant thrive. Whole house humidifiers take the same essential technology a step further, ensuring that indoor air quality remains high year-round.

By Kristina Grosspietsch | Updated Jun 17, 2019 12:35 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

December is knocking on our door, promising a month with chestnuts roasting on an open fire and sleigh bells ring-a-ling-ing. But as we gear up and start getting excited for next month, we say goodbye to November and take a look back at some of the past week’s highlights.

 

1. 5 Things to Do… With Pine Cones

Pine Cone DIY

Photo: craftysuzanne.com

How do you like your pine cones, cinnamon-scented or functioning as fire starters? Introduce a natural element into your next indoor DIY project, and check out five great things to do with the pine cones blanketing the ground this time of year.

 

2. Bob Vila’s 2012 Holiday Gift Guides 

Holiday Shopping

Photo: letsfondueit.com

December’s arrival means it’s time to start hunting for presents! Whether you’re shopping for an aunt who loves gardening or your cousin the gadget-loving DIYer, our gift guides are packed with fresh and affordable ideas sure to lend a helping hand.

 

3. 5 Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginners

Easy Woodworking Projects for Beginnners

Photo: tobeylane.com

Calling all novice woodworkers! Get started with five easy projects perfect for newcomers to the world of hammers and nails.

 

4. Trending Now: Pellet Stoves

Pellet Stoves

Photo: treehugger.com

Looking to cuddle up with a fire while still doing your part to save mother earth? Consider a pellet stove, the humble solution to a host of home heating challenges.

 

5. 10 Kid-Friendly Christmas Crafts

Kid-Friendly Christmas Crafts

Photo: crafts.kaboose.com

Bob Vila Nation contributors Mallory and Savannah of Classy Clutter round up ten holiday DIYs just right for kids.

 

For more top content this week, consider:

How To: Install Ceramic Tile
Bark if You Love Architecture
Firewood: What Type Should You Use?


Firewood: What Type Should You Use?

By Jennifer Noonan and Bob Vila | Updated Sep 21, 2020 9:55 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Firewood Types - Roaring Fire

Photo: Flickr/ krazy79

‘Tis the season for hot chocolate and snuggles by the fire. Many newer homes have gone to gas fireplaces. They’re cheaper to build, easier to install, and are often considered more convenient. Just flick a switch.

But for those of us who are “old school”, nothing but a real wood-burning fire will do. The smoky smell, crackling sound, and tactile ritual of fire building… nothing can really match it.

So when it comes to building a wood fire, what type of firewood should you use? Each wood species has its own set of burning characteristics, and there are a lot of choices out there. Here’s a quick primer on some of the most popular and available firewood types.

Hardwoods

Oak

Oak is abundant in the United States and is considered one of the best species for firewood. Dried properly, it can produce a very slow-burning and hot fire. But it does need to be seasoned—aged in a dry area, that is—for at least one year, preferably two. Like other hardwoods, oak is difficult to ignite, but you’ll be rewarded once it’s burning with an intense, sustained fire.

Hard Maple

Readily available in the northern US and Canada, hard maple is extremely dense and heavy, which allows it to burn very slowly, even in comparison to other hardwoods like oak and hickory.

Birch

Birch is very attractive and gives off a lot of heat, but it burns fairly quickly. Though birch can be easier to find and cheaper than many other species, you’ll go through it faster. It’s best mixed into your firewood supply and used in combination with other types.

Firewood Types - Wood Stack

Photo: Wikimedia

Softwoods

Pine

Widely available and highly sustainable in northern climates, pine seasons faster than hardwood varieties, is easy to split, and easy to start. The cons are that it burns very quickly and does not produce the heat of hardwoods. Also, burning pine is usually characterized by exploding sap pockets that cause sparking, which it turn can cause creosote buildup in your chimney. Many people like to use a softwood like pine to get a fire started before switching over hardwoods once the fire is hot.

Fir

Probably the best conifer for firewood, Douglas Fir has a medium heating value and does not produce too much ash. Older trees are easy to split and easy to start. Fir does produce a moderate amount of sparking.

firewood types - shelterlogic covered firewood rack

ShelterLogic Covered Firewood Rack from Hayneedle.com

Key Considerations

Whatever firewood you choose to burn, make sure to store your wood in a well-ventilated outdoor area that is protected from the elements. Bring in only as much firewood as you plan to use in your fire. (Indoor temperatures can encourage any bugs in the wood to become active.)

Remember the following:

  • Most any wood that has been seasoned properly will burn well. And even the best firewood will not burn well if it has not been seasoned. If the moisture level in wood is too high, energy is consumed evaporating water instead of throwing heat out.
  • Many dealers sell “seasoned” wood, but if it’s been split this year, it probably won’t be dry enough. Most experts advise buying wood this year to burn next year.
  • Wood that has been seasoned properly will appear grayish in color on the outside and weigh less than a new piece of wood of the same species. If you split it in half, it should be white on the inside.

The Pellet Stove: An Eco-Friendly Heating Option

By Marie Proeller Hueston | Updated Nov 5, 2014 8:37 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Pellet Stoves - Napoleon Fireplaces

Photo: Napoleon Fireplaces

The warmth of a wood stove appeals to many homeowners as much for its practicality (it can cut down on heating costs) as for the undeniable charm it adds to a room. For anyone considering such an investment, pellet stoves have become an increasingly popular option.

Slideshow: Trending Now: Pellet Stoves

Similar in appearance to traditional wood-burning stoves, pellet stoves burn, well, pellets—compact, one-inch-long pieces made from recycled sawdust and wood shavings. Because pellets are higher in density and lower in moisture than wood, they burn more efficiently and with less smoke and ash.

Pellet Stoves - Popular Mechanics

Photo/Illustration: Popular Mechanics

Features
Another desirable feature of these stoves is that once pellets have been loaded into the hopper, they are automatically fed into the burn chamber over the course of the day, eliminating the need for the repeated loading and stoking of wood that is necessary with a traditional wood stove.

Opening a bag of pellets, too, is considerably less hassle than stacking or splitting a cord of firewood. And while all wood-burning units require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform at their peak, low-ash pellets will make the cleaning process less arduous.

Pellet Stoves - Pellets in hopper

Photo: RexKnows

Design
Pellet stoves come in two basic styles. Fireplace inserts are set into a home’s existing fireplace, utilizing the same chimney and flue. Freestanding units can be placed anywhere in a room once proper floor guards and vents (specifically intended for wood-burning stoves) have been installed.

Either option will need to be situated near an electrical source to run the automated features of the stove. As for as the appearance, pellet stoves can be found in a wide range of designs, from old-fashioned to modern and from ornately decorated to streamlined.

Lennox Whittfield pellet stove insert

Lennox Whittfield Pellet Stove Insert

Cost
Pellet stoves sell for about $1,500 to $3,500 depending on size and styling, which is somewhat higher than traditional wood-burning stoves owing to the automated features built into each unit.

Installation costs usually fall in the $500 range but are worth the expense. When introducing any wood-burning unit to the home, be sure it meets local safety codes.

The pellets themselves are typically sold in 40-pound bags for $5 to $8 (or by the ton for about $250; similar in price to a cord of firewood).

Before committing to a pellet stove, research pellet availability in your area, as supplies and costs vary depending on factors—whether there are pellet mills nearby or they will need to be shipped a long distance, for instance.

Before purchasing a pellet stove, determine your own home’s heating needs and compare features of various brands. In a helpful article, Consumer Reports analyzes the pros and cons of pellet and wood-burning stoves.

For more on home heating, consider:

Radiant Floor Heating 101
11 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget
Quick Tip: Make Your Fireplace More Efficient