• Tips for Picking the Perfect Floor

    Set of color wooden laminated construction planks

    The fact that flooring gets more use than just about all the furniture, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and other equipment in your home should put into perspective just how important flooring is. As you search for the perfect flooring materials for your home, consider the following factors so that you can make informed and confident flooring decisions for every room.

    Household Circumstances

    What is the current makeup of your family? How do you anticipate that makeup changing in ten years’ time? Generally speaking, children and pets are harder on flooring materials than are well-mannered adults. If you have young children and pets at home or anticipate that children or pets will make an appearance in your life soon, focus on cheap, stain-resistant materials like linoleum or vinyl flooring.

    Relative Moisture Exposure

    When selecting flooring materials for rooms with high relative humidity or in which the floors will be splashed with water, resistance to water damage should be a priority. Ceramic tiles and non-porous natural stone flooring are ideal options for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and elsewhere that moisture exposure is a concern.

    Ease of Maintenance

    Another factor to consider before selecting flooring materials for your home is the maintenance that will be required to keep it clean and looking good. Rental tools and equipment that can help you clean carpet and tile floors efficiently are available, but it is still wise to opt for flooring materials with recommended cleaning and maintenance requirements that you think you can handle.

    Once you decide on flooring materials for the various rooms in your home, adopt a floor cleaning and maintenance schedule to maximize the life of your home’s floors. To rent tile removers, linoleum rollers, and other equipment that can help you with your DIY flooring project or the upkeep of your brand new flooring, call A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals in San Jose at (831) 359-4769 or visit one of our six South Bay locations at your convenience.

  • Tips for Using a Cordless Drill

    A drill is a power tool that everyone uses at some point during one of his or her DIY projects. To learn about the advantages of cordless power drills and how to properly and safely use them, watch this brief video clip.

    In it, Bill Link of Workbench Magazine demonstrates how to use an 18-volt cordless power drill. In his step-by-step demonstration, he walks viewers through the proper setup and positioning of the drill, offering tips and discussing how cordless power drills can save considerable time and labor on many home improvement projects.

    If you would like to rent a cordless drill like the one featured in this video clip, A Tool Shed Equipment Rental in San Jose is the first place you should look. To speak with a representative about the cordless drills and other rental tools in our inventory, call (831) 359-4769 or visit one of our six Bay Area locations at your convenience. You can also see all of our rental tools online. 

  • Exploring Our Air Nailer Options

    Pneumatic hammer

    Also known as a nail gun, an air nailer is a tool that often comes in handy for the DIY homeowner or light construction specialist. Some applications for which air nailers are especially helpful include framing, fence work, and home woodworking. Since different tasks can be better carried out with specific types of air nailers, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with various air nailer models and the functions they serve and to rent the right tool for your job from an equipment rental supply store.

    At A Tool Shed Equipment Rental in San Jose, we carry high-quality air finish nailers compatible with most common nail sizes. We also have air nailers designed specifically for roofing applications, air staplers, and air palm handlers that can help you get your job done with accuracy and precision. To find out which of our six convenient Bay Area tool rental locations is closest to your home or office, call us at (831) 359-4769.

  • Tips for Hosting a Neighborhood Cookout

    kettle barbecue grill

    Summer is the season of sunshine and barbecues, which makes it the perfect time for a neighborhood cookout. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you invite your friends and neighbors over for a barbecue, like being sure to rent the right equipment. Here are a few tips for hosting a neighborhood cookout.

    Drinks are Important

    A neighborhood cookout is a social event that takes place outdoors in the sun, which means refreshing drinks are in order. Drinks will keep your guests cool on a hot summer day. Make sure you provide a wide array of drinks including beer, water, and refreshing nonalcoholic drinks for children and non-drinkers. It is also important not to underestimate the amount of ice you will need in order to keep the drinks cold throughout the duration of the cookout.

    Consider the Timetable

    Keep in mind how long it will take to prepare your food. If you do not want your guests to be waiting around for an hour before they start eating, start the grill before your guests are scheduled to arrive. Just because it is a cookout does not mean you have to grill every part of the meal; feel free to prepare salads and provide snacks to hold guests over until the main course is ready.

    Borrow and Rent Materials

    If you do not frequently entertain guests, you may not own sufficient seating for the entire party. If this is the case, talk to your local tool and equipment rental store, like A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals. They will be able to provide you with tables and chairs so that all of your guests are comfortable and relaxed.

    A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals is proud to be Northern California’s home for tool and equipment rentals. Since 1945 we have been helping homeowners complete jobs by providing our high quality tools and equipment out of six convenient locations. If you would like to know more about our rentals and sales, please do not hesitate to visit our website or call us at (831) 359-4769 today.

  • What Is a Dehumidifier?

    ad-250-carry-handle-l

    Humidity is a part of life regardless of where you live, but some areas are more prone to high levels of humidity than others. Fortunately, there is a tool that can help control humidity in your home or business.

    When humidity occurs inside the home, the discomfort it causes is amplified. High indoor humidity can also affect your health, attract certain types of bugs and pests, and even affect the integrity of the structure of your home. Many people who experience humidity inside their homes choose to purchase a dehumidifier. This is a machine that removes moisture from the air in order to achieve a comfortable level that does not pose problems. Once the dehumidifier collects a significant amount of water, it can either be dumped out or evacuated through a pump or drain.

    If you are looking for a dehumidifier, stop by A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals . We have been serving the San Jose area with equipment and tool rentals since 1945. If you would like to know more about our tool and equipment rentals, feel free to visit our website or call us at (831) 359-4769. If you live in San Jose, stop by one of our six locations today to see all of the tools and equipment rentals we offer.

  • Learn the Perfect Technique for Lighting a Charcoal Grill

    There are several different techniques for lighting a charcoal grill, but some are much easier than other. Watch this video to learn the perfect technique for lighting a charcoal grill.

    The most popular way to light your charcoal grill is by using a charcoal chimney. Pour lump charcoal into the chimney and then loosely wad a few pieces of newspaper and place them under the chimney. Light the newspaper using a match or a handheld blowtorch, and then the chimney will do the rest of the work. In about 20 minutes to a half hour, you will have nice, clean charcoal that you can add to your grill in order to begin cooking. 

    For more techniques for lighting a charcoal grill, call A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals at (831) 359-4769 or visit our website . We are a tool and equipment rental company based in San Jose that operates out of six locations. If you would like more information about our tool and equipment rental services, feel free to stop by today.

  • How to Refinish Hardwood Floors

    Do it yourself

    Refinishing your hardwood floors may seem like an overwhelming task, but with the right equipment and the right knowledge, the task becomes much easier—even for the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. Keep reading for an overview on how to refinish hardwood floors, and where you can get the tools and equipment you need to complete the job like a professional.

    Preparation

    Before you begin you must determine which tools you will need for the job. Discuss the pros and cons of different sanders with your local equipment retailer. While at the equipment retailer, purchase a substantial amount of sandpaper. After completely clearing off the hardwood floor, be sure to seal off any doorways and vents inside the room to prevent dust and wood particles from getting all over your home.  

    Sanding

    Once your floor has been prepared for refinishing, the first step is to begin sanding. You should start sanding with coarser grains, using 20- to 40-grade sandpaper. As you cover the entire surface of the floor, gradually switch to finer grains until you finish the last coat of sanding with 100- to 120-grade sandpaper. If you are new to using a sander, it is important to remember to always keep the sander moving; if you hesitate for too long in one spot, you may end up with an uneven finish.

    Staining and Polyurethane

    Limit yourself to one coat of stain so that the floor comes out looking even and dries within a reasonable amount of time. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when you apply your coat of stain. Contrary to staining, you can add a few layers of polyurethane. Be sure to use applicators that are as clean as possible so your floors will not be left with bubbles due to dust or loose hairs. Depending on what type of polyurethane you use, you may have to wait up to a week to replace your furniture.

    Want to make sure you get the right tools to refinish your hardwood floors? Call A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals of San Jose at (831) 359-4769. We are happy to serve Northern California with six convenient locations throughout the Bay Area. Our business sells and rents the equipment and tools to help you finish the job like a pro. For more information about our rentals, feel free to visit our website today.

  • The Benefits of Renting vs. Buying Tools

    Whether you’re a professional contractor, a handyman, or a homeowner interested in taking on a few projects around the house, you need the right tools to get the work done efficiently and accurately. Purchasing tools can be an expensive venture, and cost-prohibitive for experienced professionals and beginners alike. The next time you have a project that requires special equipment, consider the many reasons why it makes more sense to rent tools rather than buy them. Tool rentals allow you to select exactly what you need at a fraction of the cost of buying tools. You’ll get the newest, highest-quality equipment, without having to worry about repairs, maintenance, or storage. Just use what you need and then take your rental tools back. Check out this infographic to learn more about the benefits of renting tools in San Jose. Feel free to share with your friends and fellow do-it-yourselfers! 

    The-Benefits-of-Renting-vs-Buying-Tools-Infographic

  • Spotlight on Our Trailer Rental Options

    Truck and Trailer

    If you need a trailer for an upcoming vacation or project, you may find it more practical and financially sensible to get what you need at an equipment rental shop, rather than buying a new trailer that you may not use much. At A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals, we offer a wide range of trailers at 4-hour, daily, weekly, and monthly rates. We have 5’ x 10’ and 5’ by 12’ trailers, as well as equipment trailers with dual and single axles, firewood trailers, 500-gallon water trailers, car trailers, and tow dollies. We have dumping trailers with 5,000 and 7,000-pound capacities. We also rent slide-in hitches and folding ramps.

    To see our top-notch equipment rental selection at A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals , drop by one of our six locations in Northern California. Take a closer look at our tool rental and sales inventory on our website, and call us at (831) 359-4769 for more information or to schedule your rental pickup. 

  • Lawn Mower Safety Tips

    Protective Lawncare Equipment

    The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that more than 230,000 people were medically treated for lawn mower injuries in 2012. To reduce the risk of injury, experts say it’s important to take precautions when operating a lawn mower and other power equipment . Here are some of the most important lawn mower safety tips.

    Use a Safe Lawn Mower

    Only use a lawn mower that is well maintained. An improperly lubricated lawn mower with dull blades is a recipe for failure, and could put your safety at risk. Furthermore, be sure that the lawn mower you use has a control that stops the blade if the handle is released.

    Prepare to Mow Safely

    Always wear proper clothes and gear while mowing. The most important things are gloves and sturdy shoes. Before you start mowing, make sure that your children and pets know to stay away from the mower while it is in use. Before you mow the lawn, remove stones, toys, and any other objects that could become airborne and injure somebody.

    Tips for Riding Mowers

    When starting the engine of a riding mower, be sure you are sitting securely in the driver’s seat. Always mow up and down slopes that have an incline of more than 5 degrees, rather than mowing across them, and be sure to go slowly to prevent tipping. Never operate a riding mower if the slope is greater than 15 degrees. Stay alert when operating a riding mower to avoid running into holes, ditches, and obstacles.

    Tips for Walk-Behind Mowers

    Unlike riding mowers, it’s best to mow across a hill, not up and down it, to avoid injuries when operating a walk-behind mower. Always keep the mower flat on the ground, and shut off the engine immediately if you hit something. Shut off the engine when adjusting blade height.

    For more information about lawn mower safety, come to A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals. With six locations in Northern California, we have everything you need for your lawn-mowing project. Call us at (831) 359-4769 or visit our website to learn more about our equipment rental options.