DIY Mini Insulation Blower

[Travelover]

This is not about tractors, but I know that you guys (and gals) appreciate an imaginative use of "found objects". I had a spot on my roof where the snow always melted, so I knew I had a heat leak, but I couldn't get access to the cavity underneath. Yesterday I drilled a 2" hole in the wall so I could peek in with a flash light and sure enough, it was never insulated in there. My only access was this hole, so I made a mini cellulose insulation blower out of a cat litter bucket, a shop vacuum on blower mode and a short piece of plastic pipe. I just tossed in the cellulose loosely and turned on the blower. I was amazed at how well this thing worked.

 

[texbaylea]

This is not about tractors, but I know that you guys (and gals) appreciate an imaginative use of "found objects". I had a spot on my roof where the snow always melted, so I knew I had a heat leak, but I couldn't get access to the cavity underneath. Yesterday I drilled a 2" hole in the wall so I could peek in with a flash light and sure enough, it was never insulated in there. My only access was this hole, so I made a mini cellulose insulation blower out of a cat litter bucket, a shop vacuum on blower mode and a short piece of plastic pipe. I just tossed in the cellulose loosely and turned on the blower. I was amazed at how well this thing worked.

Neat idea. I have a comparable situation but did not want the expense and hassle of renting a commercial blower. My Shop-Vacs do not have an exhaust port that I can hook a hose to. I wonder if a leaf blower would do the job?

Vernon

 

[Travelover]

Neat idea. I have a comparable situation but did not want the expense and hassle of renting a commercial blower. My Shop-Vacs do not have an exhaust port that I can hook a hose to. I wonder if a leaf blower would do the job?

Vernon

I know people that use leaf blowers to keep their dryer ducts clean. Works like crazy

 

[George2615]

I replaced a shingle roof with a metal one this summer. I bought all materials from a local store including insulation. The store owner loaned me his insulation blower for free since I bought everything from him. I doubt the big box stores do that. But for a small job such as yours your ingenuity did the trick. I would imagine a leaf blower rigged up that way would work as well.

 

[dmccarty]

I am pretty sure the HD near our old house loaned out the insulation blower if you bought the insulation from them. I was going to add some insulation to the attic in the old house. After 10 years. Never got it done.

The only problem I can see with using a leaf blower would be the exhaust in an enclosed space. Might prove fatal.

Need to start another thread....

Later,
Dan

 

[LBrown59]

*The only problem I can see with using a leaf blower
would be the exhaust in an enclosed space. Might prove fatal.

*I would think that would depend on if the blower was gas or elictric.

 

[texbaylea]

I am pretty sure the HD near our old house loaned out the insulation blower if you bought the insulation from them. I was going to add some insulation to the attic in the old house. After 10 years. Never got it done.

The only problem I can see with using a leaf blower would be the exhaust in an enclosed space. Might prove fatal.

Need to start another thread....

Later,
Dan

I have configured my "yard work" to allow me to get rid of small gas powered tools. If I need more than about a 40' extension cord it don't get done. Unless, of course, I can do it with my tractor.

Vernon

 

[dmccarty]

ELECTRIC YARD TOOLS!

Mentioned on TBN!

Shame!

I thought we was all about getting the big boy toys! If it ain't running at least gas it does not have the POWER!

Hmmm, where is the diesel powered hand held leaf blower.... Need to talk to my dealer...

Later,
Dan

 

[Travelover]

I have configured my "yard work" to allow me to get rid of small gas powered tools. If I need more than about a 40' extension cord it don't get done. Unless, of course, I can do it with my tractor.

Vernon

Elec-Trak.com

 

[Tallman]

I replaced a shingle roof with a metal one this summer. I bought all materials from a local store including insulation. The store owner loaned me his insulation blower for free since I bought everything from him. I doubt the big box stores do that. But for a small job such as yours your ingenuity did the trick. I would imagine a leaf blower rigged up that way would work as well.

GEORGE2615 What year is the Oldsmobile in your avatar. I had a simular one when I was younger. Mine was a 1954 88. Don't want to hijack the thread, just wondering.
Thanks Ken