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Avoid these 5 mistakes when buying a chainsaw

Chainsaw purchases are quite common when autumn sets in, as people like to keep their backyard and surrounding areas free of large trees that could fall and cause damage. However, felling a tree is not possible with random tools. A chainsaw lets you quickly cut down a tree and even get firewood. However, there are many things to consider when buying a chainsaw, so here are a few mistakes to avoid in the process.

Mistakes to avoid when buying a chainsaw
Choosing the wrong size
The size of the chainsaw is a key consideration when choosing the right tool. The size will affect the tool’s usability and functionality. You should also pay attention to the bar length, which is the distance from the top of the chainsaw to the end of the bar. If the guide bar is longer, the chainsaw can cut larger pieces of wood, but it will become difficult to control. Beginners should use a guide bar that is 14 inches or less.

Overlooking noise levels
Chainsaws generally make a lot of noise when in use, so consider choosing a quieter model. The noise the equipment produces could harm users’ hearing, so you should wear safety equipment and hearing aids when using a chainsaw. However, it is equally important to choose a less noisy tool. Before using a chainsaw, notify neighbors to avoid any complaints or inconvenience.

Not buying safety gear
Most chainsaws come with safety measures such as chain catchers and secondary power switches, but buying other protective gear for additional safety is also necessary. This includes a safety helmet to protect the head from kickback from a chainsaw, a built-in visor to shield the eyes from flying wood chips, an earplug to protect the ears from the loud noise, chainsaw pants that slow the tool down on the way to the legs, and safety boots to guard against slips and falls.

Choosing the wrong type
When selecting equipment, you should consider your requirements and the job you want the machine to carry out. When working in woods or remote areas, a gas-powered saw is preferable. It is also easier to fill up on gas and oil than setting up a portable generator, and the noise from gas chainsaws is likely to disturb fewer people in remote areas. An electric saw could be a great option for someone who lives in the suburbs.

Overpaying
For the average homeowner, a chainsaw should cost between $100 and $500. More expensive options are available, but they are mostly intended for professional use. The two most important things to look for are power and consumption. A gas motor is required for a more powerful saw, but an electric motor can power a less powerful, more mobile tool. A gas-powered chainsaw with an 18- to 24-inch bar is ideal for removing large trees from the land and turning them into firewood. A shorter blade should work when trimming a limb or a downed branch. So, avoid getting a heavy-duty, expensive tool if a cheaper one can carry out the work you require.

An important tip is to clean the saw after each use. So, clean the air filter, inspect the spark arrestor and spark plug, and ensure the chain is free from sap and debris.

5 easy home improvement hacks to try today

Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the skyâs the limit but letâs start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try. Statement doors This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldnât it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while itâs in style, you donât have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage - endless choices to make a statement in your home. Lighting This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too - ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldnât it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited? Paint color and texture This doesnât have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If youâre not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup. Flooring Youâd be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for. Of course, you also must consider factors like budget, cleanliness, accessibility, and such. The marble looks great but costs a fortune! Wood adds a beautiful rustic feel, but it can be prone to termites, or if you live in a humid region, it may spoil the wood. So, pick wisely. Window treatments This is a great idea to add some pop of color to otherwise plain wall paint. You can try out just using bright, bold colors or even look at painting the windows with some design.Â

5 mistakes to avoid while installing rain gutters

Gutter installation is essential, especially in locations that experience significant rainfall. One can hire a contractor for the job or take the DIY route. Gutter installation involves tasks like measuring areas, cutting, and sealing to ensure that rainwater does not accumulate near one's home. Several things must be considered during the installation process, including the gutter pitch, placement, and hangers. Some of the avoidable mistakes during this process are discussed below. Cutting costs while buying installation materials Cost efficiency helps save expenses during rain gutter installation, but skimping on essential components as a part of the cost-cutting can lead to problems in the long run. For instance, gutters that bend or sag tend to have installation problems. This problem arises from not installing enough hangers - the connecting hardware component that anchors gutters to a residence, and saving costs. Besides hangers, one may be tempted to purchase subpar gutter systems to cut costs. However, the cheapest option might not be the best one. Therefore, while paying more during installation may hurt one's pocket initially, it is an investment that will benefit by saving repair costs in the future. Not considering the gutter pitch Rain gutters are usually mounted at a slight pitch, raising their level compared to the surrounding areas on the roof. This mounting is also at an angle to drain water from the house efficiently. One needs to strike just the right balance while creating this pitch. If it is too steep, the water rushes through it and overflows in the gutter. Meanwhile, the drainage system will not function effectively if the pitch is insufficient. Ideally, the pitch should not exceed half an inch for every ten feet of gutter. Placing the rain gutters incorrectly The balance mentioned above must be maintained even while placing gutters on the roof. So, one must not place them right on the roof's edge. It avoids a scenario where rainwater pulls back underneath the roof and drips downwards. Alternatively, the gutter should not be placed too high on the roof, allowing rainwater to run behind the gutter and damage the fascia boards. Ideally, the gutters must be placed just a few inches under the roof edge. One can hire expert roofers for this task. Perfect placement drains the rainwater directly into the gutters. Settling for insufficient seam welding It is the most overlooked aspect of rain gutter installation. Improperly welded seams are among the main reasons behind leaking gutters. Therefore, homeowners must ensure the welding is sufficient to avoid this issue. For example, one can buy seamless gutters instead of multi-section ones to avoid welding problems and ensure no gutter leakage. Placing the gutter hangers too far apart People may place gutter hangers too apart during DIY installation. It is a major mistake, as rain gutters tend to sag because hangers are positioned too far apart. What's worse, leaving behind wide spaces between hangers can lead to gutters getting separated from one's home eventually. Though it may seem like a small issue, one may spend a lot to repair it in the long run. Therefore, gutter hangers must be placed at least every three feet to prevent sagging.