• Which Saw Blade Is Right for Your Project?

    Close-up of carpenter cutting a wooden plank

    There are dozens of types of saws and saw blades, and choosing the right tool for your home improvement task is of vital importance in terms of safety, efficiency, and overall efficacy. In order to choose the right saw and blade, you need to know what materials you will be working with and how heavy or light your use of the saw will be.

    The names of some blades, such as plywood blades, indicate what their primary use is for. To cut stone tiles, you will need a diamond-bearing edge blade. For a project that requires cutting several different types of materials, you may be able to get away with using a combination blade as long as nothing that you are cutting requires a smooth finish.

    No matter what type of saw you are looking for, you can find it at A Tool Shed in San Jose. With six convenient locations and more than 60 years of tool rental experience, we are equipped to meet all of your needs. Call (831) 359-4769 to have your questions answered by one of our equipment rental experts.

  • Winter Maintenance for Your Home’s Driveway

    Asphalt drive

    San Jose by no means has the coldest winters in the country, but it can get chilly in the area and even snow on occasion. To prevent harsh weather from creating or exacerbating cracks and fissures in your home’s driveway, there are a number of precautions you can take using tools you own or equipment you can rent . You can keep your driveway functional and attractive throughout the season and all year long by:

    Filling Cracks

    Winter weather has a tendency to expand cracks and other imperfections in concrete. By filling cracks in your concrete driveway or sidewalk while they are still small, you can spare yourself hassle and expense. A stiff brush, concrete-specific crack filler, and a putty knife are the three most important tools for this project, and you should be able to pick them up at your nearest hardware or home improvement equipment rental store.

    Sealing Blacktop

    To promote longevity, blacktop driveways should be resealed every couple of years. If it has been awhile since you last sealed your driveway, consider doing so the next time the temperature creeps above 50 degrees. Thoroughly clean and dry blacktop before applying a thin coat of sealant with a squeegee.

    Attending to Expansion Joints

    To protect the joints between concrete slabs on your driveway or sidewalk, fill them with liquid tar or window insulating foam. Before you do this, clean out the joints and rinse them with a high-pressure water hose. Once they have dried, they are ready to be filled.

    Repairing Crooked and Upheaved Slabs

    Slabs that have shifted or been upheaved are unsightly and dangerous, and should be repaired as timely as possible. If you have related experience, you may be able to rent the tools you need repair and level uneven slabs. Otherwise, call a concrete contractor.

    A Tool Shed in San Jose has everything you need to get your driveway in great condition this winter. With 60 years of experience renting first-rate home improvement tools and equipment to DIY-focused homeowners and skilled contractors, we are familiar with the tools required for various tasks and can help you choose your equipment rentals accordingly. To learn more about our inventory or to make equipment rental arrangements, call (831) 359-4769 or visit one of our six San Jose area locations. 

  • Caring for Your Trees During the Winter

    Planting a tree

    Healthy trees are pretty tough, with many species having average life spans that are significantly longer than our own. Still, frost, freezing temperatures, and snow can threaten tree health. To keep the trees on your lawn in good shape throughout the winter so that they are full of vitality and ready to bloom with bounty when springtime arrives, obtain the necessary equipment and take the following tree care precautions before the next freeze arrives.

    Water Your Trees

    Trees do not require as much water during periods of dormancy as they do during periods of activity, but they should still be watered year-round. If it hasn’t rained in a while, give your trees some water to keep them hydrated.

    Clip Deadwood

    Winter is the best time of the year to prune a deciduous tree because its barrenness makes it easier to spot deadwood and poorly placed branches. Buy or rent some high-quality pruning shears, and trim parts of your trees that may otherwise hinder their health and growth.

    Lay Down Some Mulch

    Mulch acts as a form of insulation that shields tree roots from freezing temperatures. It also retains moisture, which can spare you from having to water your trees as often as you normally do.

    Wrap Youngsters

    Young trees are more vulnerable to temperature extremes and other threats than are mature trees. If you have any young trees on your lawn, wrap them with a plastic guard or tree blanket to protect them from the elements.

    Winter tree care is important, and is best carried out with reliable, high-quality tree maintenance equipment. If you live in the San Jose area and do not own pruning shears and other tools that are necessary for winterizing your trees, visit one of A Tool Shed’s six convenient Bay Area locations . To enquire about our inventory or locate the A Tool Shed location nearest you, call (831) 359-4769.