What’s a Propane Wand?

A propane wand—also called a propane torch—is a handheld system that includes a propane tank and extended hose attachment that ends in a nozzle that emits propane-fueled flames. This tool can be handy if you are doing yard work and need to get rid of a large amount of weeds or otherwise need to perform a controlled burn.  

Propane wands allow you to precisely target things, like weeds, that you want to torch without the risk of starting a larger fire. The wand releases flames when triggered by you, so you don’t have to work with a continually burning fire, which could be dangerous to you and your property. Although propane wands offer the ability to perform controlled burns, it is still important to take the proper safety precautions, including wearing leather gloves and protective glasses.  

If you think a propane wand could work for your project, contact A Tool Shed today to learn more about our rental tools. We also offer new and used equipment in San Jose for sale. To find out more, call (800) 286-6574.

Your Crash Course in Chainsaw Safety

Chainsaws are invaluable tools for a wide variety of jobs, but they can also be dangerous when they are not operated properly. If you rent a chainsaw, there is a good chance that you don’t have a great deal of experience with them, so it’s important to take the time to learn how to operate this powerful tool safely. Fortunately, chainsaw safety is not difficult. As soon as you learn some basics rules, you will be able to use your tool confidently and safely.  

Inspect Your Chainsaw Before Each Use 

Operating a chainsaw with damaged equipment can lead to injuries. Before you use your chainsaw, inspect it carefully to look for signs of damage to the brakes, bolts, handles, safely shield, chain tension, and other components. The saw should be sharp, and there should be a full lubrication reservoir. Check the saw before each use, even if you only stopped briefly. You never know what kind of damage that wasn’t there before could happen while operating your chain saw.  

Wear Protective Gear 

Protective clothing and gear will reduce the risk of injury when operating a chainsaw. You should have a hard hat, hearing protection, goggles with side shields, and gloves with a gripping surface. Wear cut-resistant pants or chaps and steel-toed, non-skid boots. Some operators also wear a face shield to protect themselves from debris.  

Practice Safe Operation Techniques 

Start your chainsaw with at least 10 feet of clearance around you. There should be no pets or spectators in the area. Make sure you have a plan before you start cutting, and always take into account gravity, so you don’t get hit by any falling debris. Kickback can occur when you touch the saw’s tip to something you’re cutting, and pushback occurs when the chain becomes compressed and stops. These motions can cause you to lose your balance and control of the saw, so try to avoid triggering them. Keep both hands on the handle of the saw so you have more control.  

A Tool Shed offers multiple sizes of chainsaws as well as large collection of other types of saws for rent. To make a reservation to rent tools in San Jose, please call us at (800) 286-6574.

Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Core Drill Bits

If you need to drill through hard surfaces, from stone to beach glass, shells, and pottery, then you need a diamond-core drill bit. Diamond-core drill bits use water inside the hollow part of the bit to keep it cool and allow it to keep drilling without becoming clogged with debris. These kinds of drill bits are expensive, but fortunately, you can add them to your equipment rental reservation instead of investing in them yourself. If you’re considering using a diamond-core drill bit on your project, here is what you need to know.  

What exactly are diamond-core drill bits? 

Although they may not sparkle like diamond rings, diamond-core drill bits get their power from the precious stone. The bits contain diamond powder, which adds extra strength, allowing them to stand up to extremely hard surfaces. The bits are hollow, allowing the centers to be filled with water. The water swirls around inside the bit when the drill is in motion, which keeps the bit cool so that it doesn’t overheat. The water is also helpful in reducing the risk of the bit getting clogged.  

What surfaces require a diamond-core drill bit? 

Diamond-core drill bits are recommended for surfaces that are too hard for regular bits. This includes ceramic, stone, tile, glass, potter, and some types of hard wood, such as hickory and hard maple. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t substitute a diamond drill bit for a standard bit on softer surfaces. The bit is too strong and will destroy soft materials.  

Are diamond-core drill bits hard to use? 

Diamond-core drill bits aren’t complicated to use, but they are different from standard bits. They grind holes into surfaces rather than cutting holes. This means that the drilling process takes longer. The biggest mistake people make is assuming the bit isn’t working because it takes longer than they are used to.  

A Tool Shed has a wide variety of drills and drill bits available as rental equipment, so you can get the right tool for your job. Reserve your rental equipment in San Jose today by calling (800) 286-6574.

Reasons to Rent a Generator

A generator is a useful tool to have on a jobsite and at a home for a variety of reasons. Renting a generator is more attractive than buying one in many cases, especially when the equipment is going to be used on a jobsite. Should you consider renting a generator? Here are some of the reasons to consider renting this useful tool.  

The most obvious reason to rent a generator for a jobsite is so you can get power when you need it. For large sites, many companies choose to rent multiple generators, so that different areas of the site can get power at the same time. For homeowners, generators can come in handy when you know your power will be disconnected for a specific project or you know that there is a storm coming that could lead to outages. Renting a generator is preferable to buying one for occasional use because it is more cost effective and frees you from worry about maintenance.  

Call A Tool Shed to learn more about our equipment rentals and reserve a generator today. You can learn about our tools for rent in San Jose by calling (800) 286-6574.

How to Use Sandpaper Properly

Sandpaper is used to prep surfaces for painting and staining. If you’ve never used sandpaper before, this important tool can be a little trickier than it may seem. This video will show you techniques that will help. 

Don’t try to use sandpaper sheets flat on surfaces with just your hand. Instead, wrap the sandpaper around a block of wood or other handheld implement and staple it in place. This will help you get the traction you need to sand effectively. Be sure to choose coarse sandpaper for smoothing wood and fine sandpaper for painted surfaces.  

Whatever project you need to complete, A Tool Shed has all of the tools and rental equipment you need to get the job done. To learn more about tools for rent in San Jose, please call (800) 286-6574.