Landscape contractor Lee Gilliam teaches host Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about putting together a snow removal kit. After explaining the different types of material he uses to break up snow and ice on driveways and walkways, Lee shows Kevin the shovels he uses as well as a non-stick spray to keep the ice from building on them. Last, they talk about snowblower maintenance and how to ensure a snowblower is ready for the season ahead.
Next, mason Mark McCullough teaches Kevin how to assemble a masonry tool kit for homeowners. Mark shows Kevin all of the basic hand tools he uses regularly and explains what they’re for.
Finally, we meet general contractor Tom Silva as he and Kevin build a new miter saw station with some factory tool cabinets. After securing the two cabinets to each other, Tom shows Kevin how to attach a shelf for the miter saw before moving on to installing a removal saw fence for control and accuracy.
What You Need in a Snow Removal Kit
Lee Gilliam shares how to prepare for ice and snow removal ahead of the winter season. Lee shows Kevin O’Connor the tools and materials he uses professionally, as well as some maintenance he performs to make sure his tools are ready to go.
Where to find it?
For an icy driveway or walkway spread out a dusting of salt to melt the ice. Avoid using salt on newly laid concrete or a bluestone patio to prevent any damage.
Calcium chloride is a very effective snow-melting product, often used in shopping center parking lots. Although powerful, calcium chloride is a strong chemical that can harm animals and plants.
If you have a pet, be sure to use a magnesium chloride ice melt product. It’s pet-friendly and less corrosive to concrete surfaces.
Lee recommends a small plastic shovel for scooping snow and a wider plastic shovel for pushing snow. To keep snow from sticking to the shovel, use a snow and ice lubricant spray.
Lee recommends using a snow and ice lubricant spray on the shoot of a snow blower. This will prevent snow buildup.
Annual maintenance of a snow blower includes changing out the auger paddle, spark plug and checking the oil.
Mark’s Favorite Entry-Level Masonry Tools
Mark McCullough shares his favorite homeowner-friendly masonry tools with Kevin O’Connor and explains how to use them for entry-level projects.
Where to find it?
Mark starts off with a measuring tape, mason’s line to assist in creating a straight line from one point to another, and a torpedo level. Next, he includes a brick hammer for cutting bricks multiple chisel sizes for different-sized masonry joints. Mark recommends a rubber mallet for brick walkways laid on sand to secure them in place without damaging the brick. A masonry grout bag can be used to easily apply mortar into joints.
For application, Mark suggests using a finishing trowel for repairs to concrete patios or walkways. He recommends using a brick trowel for step or stone wall repairs. To take out and repair stone joints, Mark recommends a margin trowel. A jointer/slicker is used to fill and smooth masonry joints while also sealing them from any moisture.
For cleanup, Mark recommends using a hard bristle brush to clean up any dust or debris on the floor. A soft bristle brush is recommended for finished brickwork to clean off any imperfections after repairs. He also recommends large grouting sponges to clean up any dust or grout pilling on the brickwork.
Build It | Miter Saw Station
Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor work together to make a miter saw station. The new mobile setup will feature two workbenches and cabinets for extra storage.
Where to find it?
For the metal framed shelf, Tom makes the cuts using a miter saw with a metal cutting blade. He then makes rivets using a rivet gun.
Tom uses a jigsaw to cut out four sections for the wheels.
For the worktop, Tom makes the cuts using a miter saw with a standard wood cutting blade. They secure the worktop to the metal frame using heavy-duty wood screws.
For easy measuring and consistent cuts, Tom and Kevin include a Track and Stop kit. To keep the boards in place, they also include a featherboard. To make even more precise cuts, Tom and Kevin also incorporated a miter gauge.
Tom and Kevin used tools manufactured by Bosch Tools and Kreg Tools.
Original Air Date: Nov 16, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 8 23:42