• Your Guide to Using a Post Hole Digger

    When you’re installing a fence and seeking tools for rent in San Jose, a post hole digger could be among your most valuable tools. Before you start, evaluate the soil’s thickness to determine whether a manual or electric digger would work best. Measure and mark where each hole should go so that the posts properly aligned. If possible, dig soon after a rainfall; the moistened ground will make things easier.

    Puncture the soil by dropping the digger straight into the ground with its jaw open. Lift and drop the digger several times around the same spot until the hole is spread to a foot in diameter, then work the digger further into the ground. Brace the dirt within the jaws of the digger and set aside in a pile, several feet away. Keep plunging until the hole is at least a foot deep. To support a 4-ft.-high post, you’ll need a 1-ft.-deep hole; for an 8-ft.-high post, you’ll need a 2-ft.-deep whole.

    With seven outlets, A Tool Shed can serve all your tool rental needs. To hear more about our equipment rentals, call us at (831) 359-4769.

  • Replacing a Tile Floor

    When the time comes to remodel a bathroom, the replacement of old tile is usually one of the first steps. Whether you’re replacing the tile because it’s worn out or you just want something new, you should make sure you have the right tools before commencing with the following steps.

    Remove All Fixtures

    Whether or not you stick with the same toilet, sink, and vanity as before, they should at least be temporarily removed for the retiling process. Having those things out of the way will prevent them from being damaged during retiling; it will also give you more room to un-tile and retile, and it will make it easier to lay tile under those fixtures. If the bathtub is going to be replaced, remove it before you commence with retiling.

    Remove the Old Tile

    Before you lay the first of the new tiles, the old ones must be completely removed. A good place to start is at gaps in the tile, such as in the spot where the toilet usually sits. If the tile is stuck tight, use a hammer to crack and break it loose. A pry bar is good for pulling off larger sections. On an older floor with a mortar bed, you might need a sledgehammer to cut away at both the tile and mortar before everything can be cleared away.

    Prepare the New Tile

    In some retiling projects, it’s also necessary to replace the substrate with cement or fiberglass subflooring. Before applying mortar, arrange the new tiles onto the substrate to determine the right arrangement and fit for angled and corner pieces. Let the new tiles dry for 24 hours, apply the grout, and then let that dry for another 24 hours before walking on the tiles.

    Whether you need a drill or jack hammer, A Tool Shed has seven locations in Northern California where you can find an array of tools for rent. To learn more about our tools and equipment rentals, call us at (831) 359-4769.

  • Choosing a Standby Generator

    Standby generators are useful tools for powering homes. When you seek generators for sale in San Jose, you should know about the two types: air-cool, which power 20kw—which accounts for the vast majority of American homes—and liquid-cool, which power higher.

    Estimate how many utilities you’ll want to run during an outage. Generators can be fueled either with natural gas or liquid propane. While it’s easiest to use your home’s existing power supply, you could also use a fuel storage tank. Installations and electrical connections should be all done by qualified professionals.

    A Tool Shed has six locations with a full array of renting tools. To learn more about our tool rentals, dial (831) 359-4769.

  • A Tool Shed Helps with Eagle Project

    A Tool Shed was happy to help Elias with his Eagle Project. We received the following note and pictures from him:
    “Dear Robert Pedersen,

    Thank you for your donation of the trencher rental. It really cut down the price and the duration of my Eagle project. I successfully earned Eagle rank. Attached are photos of what I did with the trencher.

    Thanks again,

    Elias Masri”

    Way to go, Elias!

  • How to Extend Your Outdoor Living Space

    One of the benefits of living in Northern California is the mild climate that allows you to enjoy your home’s outdoor space almost year-round. While people who live further south are sweating in July humidity, Northern Californians enjoy warm mild breezes. While people in the Midwest are shivering in February chills, Northern Californians enjoy dining al fresco with only light sweaters for warmth. To make the most of your outdoor space, find the following equipment for rent in San Jose :

    Barbecue Grills

    To transform your everyday patio into a beautiful outdoor kitchen , a grill is essential. If you only host a barbecue once or twice a year, it is more cost effective to rent a grill rather than buy one as new equipment. Though many barbecue purists insist that charcoal provides a unique flavor, a propane grill is more convenient and will cook food that is just as delicious.

    Tables and Chairs

    When hosting large outdoor gatherings, it can be a challenge to seat everyone at a proper table. If you have a smaller space and do not wish to purchase a permanent patio dining set, you can rent tables and chairs for your parties. This ensures that all of your friends and family will have a comfortable place to sit and eat, and the day after your event you can simply return the table and chairs along with any other rental equipment.

    Portable Generators

    If you plan to have large speakers or lights at your outdoor event, you should consider renting a portable generator. If your property is large, this will be much more convenient than running dozens of yards of extension cords across your lawn to connect to your house’s power grid. Also, you can avoid overloading your home grid by powering all your outdoor entertainment tools separately.

    You can rent all the above items, and more, from A Tool Shed . Whether you need a propane grill or a jackhammer, contact us today to inquire about the new and used tools we have available. Visit our site or call us at (877) 890-2963 for more information.

  • Reasons to Choose A Tool Shed

    For your routine home maintenance or special renovations, you may be looking for equipment for rent in San Jose. With six locations across the city and surrounding areas, there is A Tool Shed near you that will have the items you need for all types of projects, from simple repairs to full-scale construction and contracting jobs. We have a wide inventory, ranging from tools for car repair to industrial-scale demolition equipment. Whether you’re working on your engine or building a room addition on your home, you want a selection of different brands at affordable prices from a company you can trust. At A Tool Shed, we offer competitive rates with no sales tax or environmental fees, so you can keep your project within budget without compromising on rental equipment quality.

    Our professional, friendly employees are always happy to help you figure out whether purchase or rental is best for you. Call us today at (877) 890-2963 to inquire about renting or purchasing the equipment you need for your project.

  • Should You Get a Backup Generator?

    Many homeowners give little thought to their household electrical power use until fuses blow. The grids in older homes in particular may not always be able to handle the increased electrical demand of modern appliance usage. Rather than undertaking a costly rewiring project, you may prefer to use a backup generator. We have a variety of generators for sale in San Jose .

    What Fuel Do Backup Generators Use?
    The majority of backup generators are gas-powered. You should exercise caution when operating a generator, as you would with any type of tool or rental equipment. When the proper precautions are taken, gas-powered backup generators are very safe to use. Fill the tank with same care you would use while filling a gas-powered lawn mower or any similar power equipment.

    What Types of Backup Generators Can I Rent?

    There are two basic types of high quality generators: standby generators , and emergency portable generators. A standby generator is permanently installed between your home’s electrical grid and the utility grid, and it automatically provides electricity to your home in the event of an outage. An emergency portable generator is a smaller tool that you can connect as needed to provide electrical power in case of a blackout.

    How Long Will a Backup Generator Power My Home?

    Backup generators come in a variety of wattages and sizes, so their output varies greatly. A 2000-watt generator with a 1-gallon fuel tank, for example, can provide up to 15 hours of use. Generators with higher wattages often have larger fuel tanks to support their greater power output. If you want a generator that will power your home for an entire day, you will need a larger generators whose output is measured in kilowatts.

    Whether you wish to purchase a generator as part of your San Jose earthquake readiness plan, or simply rent one for an event, A Tool Shed can help you find the equipment you need. Visit one of our six locations or call us today at (877) 890-2963 for friendly, professional assistance.

  • Angle Grinder Safety

    If you need a small, handheld tool to polish, cut, or grind items, use an angle grinder. Featuring swappable discs of different materials and sizes suitable for a wide variety of operations, from sanding to cutting, angle grinders are among our inventory of tools for rent in San José. For longer projects, you may also wish to purchase this versatile power tool new or used.

    Before using any power equipment or rental tool, you need to learn how to operate it correctly and safely. In this video, you will learn the basics of angle grinder safety. Wear a sturdy pair of goggles and thick work gloves, and follow the tips in the video to minimize the risks of injury when operating this type of power equipment.

    For more information on using, renting, or buying an angle grinder , call A Tool Shed today at (877) 890-2963. You can pick your equipment up at any one of our six locations around San Jose.

  • Reasons to Have a Dehumidifier

    Excessive indoor humidity, as is common in the San Jose area, can cause a variety of problems for your home and health. If you’ve noticed that your home shows signs of excess moisture, such as mold growth, a musty atmosphere, or respiratory issues, it may be time for you to buy or rent a dehumidifier. Here are some reasons why you will want to dehumidify your home :

    Maintain Home Décor

    Moisture can take a heavy toll on many elements of home décor. Wallpaper exposed to excess humidity will peel and sag. Condensation at the top of your walls will lead to unsightly drips. Moisture can be exceptionally problematic if you have artwork on your walls; if you wouldn’t want it to get wet, you don’t want it to be exposed to high humidity.

    Preserve Function of Doors and Windows

    Doors and windows that absorb the moisture in humid air will swell and wedge themselves into the frames. This can be frustrating to deal with, but it can also cause significant damage. The swelling wood will weaken joints and areas around screws and other hardware, and the added pushing and pulling that stuck doors and windows receive will shorten their lifespans.

    Minimize Allergy Symptoms

    High humidity can trigger or exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. If you or someone in your family has seemed more prone to allergy or asthma attacks, consider renting a dehumidifier to dry out your home. Drier air will allow your whole household to literally breathe easier.

    Prevent Mold Growth

    Mold thrives on moisture, so it is important to make sure that your home does not become too humid. Some types of mold can cause significant damage to the structure of your home, while other types can be hazardous to your health. For safety’s sake, keep mold out of your home by using a dehumidifier to control moisture.

    If you are dealing with excess moisture in your home after a leak or flood, A Tool Shed can provide you with a dehumidifier rental. We offer tool and equipment rentals at six locations in the Bay Area. Contact us online or call (831) 359-4769 to learn more.

  • Tips for Using an Angle Grinder

    An angle grinder is a versatile tool that can be found anywhere you rent or buy power tools. This handheld device uses an interchangeable wheel to cut, grind, and polish a wide variety of materials. Here is a quick guide to using an angle grinder:

    First of all, always use protective gear such as goggles, gloves, a dust mask, and ear protection. It is also important to hold an angle grinder securely, using the two perpendicular grips.

    When beginning a task with an angle grinder, make sure that you have securely attached the appropriate wheel. Tighten the wheel with a tool, not with your hands. You can use a wire brush wheel to clean rust or sediment from tools, and a metal grinder to sharpen large blades. Specialized cutting wheels can help you cut through tile, masonry, and even rebar.

    If you have a task that requires an angle grinder, call (831) 359-4769 and talk to the experts at A Tool Shed in Campbell , San Jose, Watsonville, and throughout the Bay Area. We offer equipment sales and rentals to help you complete just about any home improvement project you can imagine.