Snow shovels come on all sizes and types. I recommend the bent handle plastic with the metal strip. Aluminum are nice and light but the snow has a tendency to stick to them. Of course the metal ones won't have that problem but are heavier. Snow pushers are nice of small slushy snows and since you usually are not lifting it the metal works best for these. Remember silicone spray works great on the shovels and snow blowers to prevent snow from sticking.

There are 2 basic types of snowblowers, single stage and 2 stage. Single stage are usually 2 cycle which means you mix oil and gas together. This means no oil changing. Single stage are best for smaller driveways and sidewalks that are not on much of a hill since they are not selfpropelled. They do clean down to the bare driveway and handle small wet snows better. 2 stage snowthrowers are selfpropelled so are better if you are on a hill. They can handle bigger snows and those plowed in piles at the end of your driveway better. When looking at different brands look at the thickness of the metal --you can do that by check out the weight of the unit. Also look at the beefyness of the auger gear box on the 2 stage. Are the bearings plastic or metal. Check out the handle. Where ever bolted together did they use 2 bolts. Although minor it indicates the overall construction of the unit. My experience is Toro make one of the best snowthrowers out there.

It is way too late to put down driveway sealer. If you put it down when it is this cold, it will peal up later and create a mess. It is also too late to start grass except annual ryegrass which will come up in 3 days but will not come back next year. Although you can plant other grass seed now it will not come up until spring.
Bill the Handy Hardware Man

A great way to check for air leaks is to use a punk. Once lit the punk gives off a smoke stream that is sensitive to minor air movement. If it is not a windy day, you can create a draft by turning on all your exhaust fans, like in the bathroom. Then find those energy robbers by passing the lit punk around windows, doors, and don't forget the outlets on outside walls.

If you are thinking of selling your house you will want to listen to the Handy Hardwareman Show on October 22, AM580 from 11:06 am to 12 noon. We will have a special guest who is one of the area's largest realtors tell how to get the most for your home.
Bill Hornung

A little early prevention can save many dollars in cures. Remove those hoses from your outside faucets. If they are not frost proof spigots purchase faucet covers to keep from freezing. Also, that last mowing is a good time to drop your mower to about a 2 inch cut. This will reduce the chances of your lawn getting snow mold from that crazy winter if our precipitation is to continue.

Super Iron Out All-Purpose Rust and Stain Remover removes just about any kind of stain hard water leaves on just about any kind of surface. [ Read More → ]

Iwanthardwaredeals.com is a division of my Hornung's Hardware, which I opened in 1985 in Linglestown, PA, just outside of Harrisburg, the state's capital. Our specialty is customer service and with this Web site we hope to provide our renowned service along with some unbeatable deals to people outside our service area in the Susquehanna Valley.

Good customer service begins with answers to customer's questions. We welcome your questions, which you can submit to me by clicking here. We will email a timely answer which will also be posted on this blog. So, fire away with what's troubling you about things happening around your house, like plumbing, electrical, lawn and garden issues or anything that you will find an answer to with hardware. Hornung's also has the best small engine service department around with three master mechanics so feel free to submit questions about your mowers, lawn tractors or gas powered equipment.

We're here to help make things go easier, and offer some money saving deals.

Bill