• See the Barreto Log Splitter in Action

    A log splitter can be an invaluable tool for splitting firewood and breaking down lumber. It is a popular equipment rental item when winter is approaching and homeowners want to build up their supply of firewood for cool evening.

    Watch this video to see the Barreto log splitter in action. It makes fast work of breaking down logs, making it easier than ever to have firewood or to split logs for other projects.

    For Barreto sales and rentals in San Jose, choose A Tool Shed. We have seven locations across the area with a wide selection of equipment and tool rentals for all of your needs, as well as new and used equipment for sale. You can learn more by calling (800) 286-6574.

  • Getting the Most from Your New Smith Concrete Planer

    Smith Manufacturing is known for setting the gold standard in surface preparation equipment, including concrete scarifying and coating removal. If you’ve just purchased a new Smith concrete planer , you can look forward to many years of rugged dependability, thanks in part to its Honda engine. This all-purpose planer works well on both concrete and asphalt. Always read the owner’s manual, including the safety warnings, before operating new power equipment or equipment rentals.

    Removing Substrate

    Use the hand wheel and the cam lever to adjust the height of the cutter drum. Be careful to set the correct depth of the cut so that the cutters do not extend past the depth of the material to be removed. The drum assembly should not come into contact with the substrate. Otherwise, it’s possible that the shafts, drums, and other components will sustain premature wear and tear.

    Creating Surface Patterns

    A little practice with your new concrete planer is all that’s needed to figure out how to make desired surface patterns when removing substrate . Experiment with dialing the hand wheel up or down. Additionally, try positioning the planer in multiple directions. After a few hours, you’ll be able to create any pattern you wish, and remove substrate with ease.

    Ceasing Work

    Follow the correct order of operations to shut off the machine when you’re ready to take a break from work. First, use the cam lever or hand wheel to lift the drum above the substrate. Then, stop the machine at the engine. Finally, close the fuel cock. This will close the fuel supply.

    Inspecting for Damage

    Before and after each time you use your concrete planer, you should remove and inspect the drum assembly. Look specifically for signs of wear and tear, such as weld separation and hole elongation. After every 40 hours of use, you’ll need to replace the cutter shafts and drum bushings. Order another cutter drum if you notice elongation of the drum’s center holes.

    Smith Manufacturing’s SPS 8” concrete planer is just one of the many tools and equipment you’ll find at A Tool Shed . We’re well-known among area homeowners and contractors for our exceptional rates on power equipment rentals, but we also offer new and used equipment for sale in San Jose. Call (800) 286-6574.

  • Ladder Tips and Tricks

    Knowing a lot about anything causes you to see it differently, and this applies to tools as much as anything else. Even a simple, everyday tool like a ladder can be safer as well as more functional and efficient when you use it properly. Keep reading and learn some ladder tips and tricks.

    Rent, Don’t Buy
    While it may be convenient to keep a step ladder on hand, chances are you do not need a larger ladder on hand every day. There’s no reason for frequently unused tools to take up space in your garage. With rental equipment, you can just give it back when you’re done with it. Plus, you can ensure that you have a ladder of proper height for every project. For example, if you need to get on the roof, the ladder should extend above the roofline so that you do not have to make a dangerous leap back down.

    Three Points of Contact
    Everyone should know their safety tricks when working with potentially dangerous tools and equipment. Falling off any ladder can result in serious injuries and damage. Remember to keep three points of contact on the ladder always. This means you should never have both hands or both feet off the ladder while you’re working. Just one hand and one foot doesn’t provide enough stability. Three out of four possible points of contact should always be made.

    Avoid Electrical Wires
    Where you set your ladder up is just as important as the way you use it. Look around for power lines and electrical equipment that you don’t want your ladder to interfere with. Find a clear space to erect your ladder to reduce the possibility of an accident.

    There’s always more to learn about your tools, so read up on them before you go out looking for used tools for sale in San Jose. A Tool Shed has new and used equipment for rent and for sale, so call us at 1 (800) 286-6574 to learn more.

  • Projects to Complete with an Angle Grinder

    Angle grinders are versatile tools, so there are a lot of projects you can use them for. It helps that they’re strong enough to cut through extremely durable materials like metal and concrete, you can use them to clean rust and grime off other metal equipment. Here’s a look at a few projects you can complete with an angle grinder.

    You can use different types of blades with the same angle grinder, which adds to its adaptability and value. Cutting through stone, tile, and concrete to form pavers for your new deck or floors for your outdoor kitchen should be no problem for an angle grinder with a diamond blade. With a metal wheel, you can cut off sections of rebar for your construction project. When you want to clean off all the dirt, grime, or even rust that has built up on your shovel, an angle grinder with a wire brush can leave your tool looking clean again.

    You need power equipment rentals and used tools for sale in San Jose, and we’ve got what you’re looking for . Call A Tool Shed at 1 (800) 286-6574 or look through our equipment options on our website.

  • Here’s What You’ll Need to Build a Treehouse

    If your children love the outdoors, they’ll be blown away when they see a finished treehouse in their very own backyard. The finished product has to be as safe, sturdy, and secure as possible, and you’ll need the right tools and equipment to build the platform, walls, and roof of the house. Read ahead and see what you’ll need to build a treehouse.

    Platform
    You’re going to be working with a whole lot of wood when you make your treehouse, so tools like saws and drills will be a big part of your arsenal. You’ll need the right drill bit to pre-drill holes for the coach screws. Before anything is permanently connected, use safety ropes to hang the planks in place. Even after the planks are screwed into place, don’t put any weight on the platform until you’ve added support beams. Unless your tree is perfectly even, you’ll cut your support beams at different lengths.

    Walls
    You could build your walls up on top of the existing platform, but it’s usually easier to put them together on the ground. Then you can connect each finished wall and begin to piece the treehouse together. In this case you’ll also need safety ropes to support the weight of each wall. Like the platform, walls will require beams and screws. In contrast to the floor of the treehouse, the walls require the use of a power drill.

    Roof
    Double check the platform and the walls of your treehouse before moving onto the roof. The construction of your roof depends on its design, and attention to detail is just as important. The angles might be a little bit different here, so use precision tools and ask for a second opinion while putting the roof together.

    Do you have all the San Jose tool rentals you need to build a treehouse for your kids? The equipment experts at A Tool Shed can help you find what you need. Whatever kind of tools you need for your project, see what we can do by calling 1 (800) 286-6574.

  • The Benefits of Having a Generator

    Equipment Rental San Jose

    Increased energy usage and unpredictable weather patterns can make your neighborhood more susceptible to blackouts during the summer season. Whether you are renting tools or shopping for used tools for sale in San Jose, you may want to talk to your sales representative about the advantages of having a generator at home. Let’s take a look at the top benefits that having a backup generator can offer you.

    Remain Comfortable at Home
    A backup generator will allow you to remain comfortable in your home, even when your power goes out for an extended period of time. Your generator will be programmed to turn on as soon as a power outage is detected. Using your generator, you will be able to power your appliances, turn on your lights, and keep your water heater up and running. With the use of your electrical equipment, you can stay safe while you wait for power to be restored.

    Avoid Dangerous Surges
    When the electrical company restores power after a blackout, an electrical surge could overload your home’s system. By keeping a generator on hand, you can avoid the dangers that a surge can pose to your house. You can remain connected to your generator’s power until you are sure that it is safe to switch back to the grid.

    Receive Peace of Mind
    Perhaps the best benefit of having a generator at your house is the peace of mind that your equipment will provide to you. Even if a major power outage affects your neighborhood and surrounding areas, you will be able to continue your daily activities as usual with the help of your generator.

    When you are seeking a high-quality generator for your household, be sure to make a trip to A Tool Shed . Our tool rental company carries a fantastic inventory of generators, and we can rent you a generator for a short or long period. Call us at (800) 286-6574 to learn more about the generators that we currently have available.

  • Yard Maintenance Tips for the Spring Season

    Springtime weather and temperatures can be unpredictable, but one constant you’ll find year after year is that spring is cleanup season. Tool and equipment rentals peak in March, April, and May, and with good reason: Ensuring a beautiful lawn and garden until winter begins with spring yard maintenance. You can use these tips to get started.

    Pruning Trees and Shrubs

    After a long, harsh, cold season, your landscaping is bound to have dead material in need of trimming. With pruners in hand, walk your property and keep an eye out for signs of frost damage on your trees and shrubs. For the best results and to stimulate new spring growth, trim back dead branches until you reach live stems. When grooming your hedges, use hand pruners rather than electric shears to cut the branches in a more natural way to allow air and sunlight to reach the shrub’s interior.

    Perennial Maintenance

    To keep your perennial grasses and flowering plants in good condition, be sure to prune them back in the spring to allow new growth. Reduce your ornamental grasses to about 2-3 inches, and your flowering perennials to a height of 4-5 inches for optimal results. Once the soil has thawed, you can start thinning out crowded perennials by digging them up, dividing them, and leaving about three stems per clump.

    Practicing Composting

    There’s no other time that you’re likely to have as much yard waste as you will in the spring. Composting is an excellent way to dispose of your leaves, grass, and branches, and you’ll also get a nutrient-rich soil additive for your efforts. Collect your yard waste into a pile, leaving out any weeds, and corral it in using a few sections of wire fence. For faster decomposition, chip branches and shred leaves into pieces no larger than ½”.

    For a broad range of high-quality tool rentals and equipment for rent in San Jose, contact A Tool Shed at 1-800-286-6574. We have seven locations throughout Northern California to provide you with the tools you need for your next weekend project.

  • A Closer Look at the Benefits of Renting Tools

    Even with a well-stocked tool shed, there are plenty of home improvement tasks that may require equipment you don’t already own. If you’re thinking of buying a tool that you need to complete your next project, renting tools from a high-quality equipment rental company offers several benefits.

    Short-Term

    Leasing a rental tool makes the most sense when you are going to use a piece of equipment once or only a handful of times. This saves you from making significant investments, and from having to find a home for the tool in your garage or shed.

    Zero Maintenance

    When you rent or lease equipment, one of the biggest benefits you’ll experience is cost-control. Renting requires a fee that covers your use of the tool anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and you know how much you’ll be paying for the amount of work you’ll complete with the tool. Buying equipment usually leaves you with a higher bill upfront, as well as possible maintenance costs in the future.

    Expert Advice

    When you choose to work with an established tool rental company, you also expose yourself to a wide range of expert advice and experience. A rental tool specialist can help you select the best type of equipment for your needs and explain how to use it safely.

    Up-to-Date Equipment

    When you opt to buy a piece of equipment, you expect it to serve you for a long time when properly maintained. While this makes sense when you plan to use the tool frequently, it also means that as equipment in the industry advances, you’ll be left with an out-of-date machine. For those who want to use the newest and best, tool rentals are the optimal choice.

    A Tool Shed Rentals supplies a broad range of equipment tools for rent in San Jose to help you get the job done. We have seven locations throughout Northern California and boast an ever-expanding range of rental equipment. When you need rental tools for your next weekend or major project, call us at (800) 286-6574.

  • Choosing a High-Quality Generator for Your Home

    Equipment Rental San Jose

    If your home is prone to losing power, or you need temporary portable energy, buying a generator may be the solution. If you only need it once or twice for a project, then contact an equipment rental company to rent a generator. In the case of regular use, there are only a few choices you need to think on.

    Determine What Size You Need
    What you need to have continuously running during an outage is going to determine what size and type of high-quality generator you need. Look around at the appliances and machines you absolutely must have running in case of a power outage. As you determine which appliances are necessary—refrigerator, freezer, or medical equipment, for example—look for the wattage information on the label. Add the wattages and multiply by 1.5 to be sure of the minimum wattage requirement you’ll need in a generator. Remember to only include essential items; you can live without televisions, computers, and ovens for a few hours or days.

    Consider Portable and Standby Generators
    Plug-in, or portable generators, are the least expensive option to purchase, and they don’t require installation costs. A few downsides to portable generators are the many extension cords you may need and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if it’s too close to the house. In addition, a portable generator must be manually turned on when power goes out. If your home is losing power regularly, it might be a prudent decision to purchase a standby generator that automatically turns on if you lose power. Standby generators are typically quieter than portables and can generate more power. A standby will also connect to propane or a natural gas line. The downsides to standby generators are the more expensive cost and installation fees.

    When you’re looking for generators for sale in San Jose , come to A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals. Whether you’re in need of tool rentals or looking for large rental equipment, we’re here to help. Call us at 1(800) 286-6574 to see what we have available.

  • Spring Maintenance Projects for Your Home

    Tool Rental San Jose

    Spring is just around the corner, and as you come out of hibernation, you should make a checklist of home repairs you don’t want to leave until summer and the rental equipment you’ll need to get them done. Grab your tools, check the attic, and inspect your walls, because it’s time to do some spring cleaning and maintenance around the house. Here are a few projects to get you started.

    Examine Wood Trim
    Spring rains can wear out and damage any wood pieces on the outside of your home, especially if they are already old and weathered. In order to avoid issues throughout the rest of the year, use a screwdriver to carefully probe exposed wood and ensure that it is still in good condition. If you find wood that is soft and splinters easily, make repairs now to avoid additional issues.

    Check Your Roof
    One of the most important components of your home is the part that covers it! Your roof stops the elements from entering and destroying your home and possessions. If your roof leaks , you could be facing high repair costs and an unneeded, stressful situation. Use a ladder to carefully climb on the roof, and check for broken shingles, debris buildup, and any weak spots. You should also check your home’s attic. Critters might have used your attic to stay warm in the winter, or you could have moisture in the attic. If your attic feels drafty, consider renting an insulation blower to add insulation to this area of your home. This will help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and improve your home’s energy efficiency.

    Inspect Your Foundation
    Just as important as your roof is your foundation. Your house won’t be livable without a solid foundation. Check for cracks and leaks throughout your concrete foundation, as well as in the surrounding property. Catch problems now so you can avoid having to use a jackhammer to address foundation issues.

    A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals is here with all of your equipment rental and tool rental needs. From tractor rentals to propane sales in San Jose , we have exactly what you need to make sure your home is ready for spring. Call us at 1(800) 286-6574 to learn more about how we can help you.