SAVE $$$ | DIY Lawn Leveling Tool
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- DIY METAL lawn leveling tool (Levelawn Rake/ lawn leveler) for under $30. Most of the screws came from a Harbor Freight assorted screw box I had in the garage, the parts list is below for those interested in making their own. I saved quite a bit of money by using parts that I had laying around the garage.
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Parts List:
2- 48in pieces of slotted angle (2- 3ft pieces, 2- 10 in pieces)
1- 36in piece of slotted angle (2- 10in pieces)
2- 36in pieces of slotted flat bar (2- pieces cut to support diagonally)
8- #10-24 X 3/4in machine screws
8- #10 finishing cap washers
8- #10 lock washers and #10-24 nuts or 8- #10-24 lock nuts
1- handle (broom handle works)
1- 2in bolt (handle attachment)
1- lock nut (to fit handle bolt)
1- Fence bracket clamp (I think- I used something I found in the garage)
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Cool.. another idea ..screw together some 2 x4 or even 2 x 6 what ever laying around, into a frame and put you punched angle on the edge .. easy to put a weight on top too.
Endless possibilities! 👍🏼
Great job on building that little leveling rake, gave me some ideas. If folks are trying to build this here's a simpler idea for attaching the handle... space those two center slotted angle pieces in the center at 1" wider than the handle, add 1/2" thick nylon spacers at both sides of the handle, drill a hole through the handle up 1 inch from the bottom add a 3/8" size bolt through the center handle supports, use a nylon locking nut don't over tighten. I'm using a 1" × 7 ft long metal conduit pipe,
Great idea!!! Thanks for watching!
Nice job... This tool is actually called a "lute". They are more common in the UK for some reason. Expensive in Canada and the US. To help out anyone else wanting to do this, I made mine very much the same but with solid "L-channel" with NO holes. I also used a utility handle, but I simply attached it to a 1 1/2" dowel which then pivots in holes drilled in the centre braces. It works very well, but here is the important part... I HAD TO ADD a couple of iron plates for weight. If it doesn't have enough weight it won't properly work the dressing or soil into the low spots. Hope this helps anyone looking to make this tool.
Thanks for the tips!! I think the L-channel would be very useful. 👍🏼
Great job. Especially that you didn't injure yourself building it. I built one very similar with heavier guauge. I initially used carriage bolts but then welded it. Used an old dust mop swivel handle.
Thanks!! That’s exactly what I was looking for, some kind of swivel attachment. Gotta work with what ya got though!
If you connect the 10" pieces in a 'W' shape, that would improve rigidity.
Thanks for the tip!
Glad you found those gloves! I was hoping you kept all your digits!
🤙🏼 Thanks for watching!
Nice video. Not sure if you have one or not, but a vice on a portable stand would be a great addition to your garage.
I don’t quite have the space for one, but I really should figure out a way to put one on my workbench! Thanks for watching!
THAT is SWEET!!
Much appreciated! 😎
have you noticed a difference in your angled supports compared to the original levelawn's double horizontal support in terms of leveling capabilities? This looks like a great DIY.
No, I haven't seen any difference in terms of leveling. If anything I'd want to build it again from thicker material to add to the stiffness. Thanks for watching!
Cool!! I like that better than the PVC leveler I've seen some make. Look forward to seeing that in action soon!!!
Very soon!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Good film, informative and straight to the point. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching! 🙏🏼
Fantastic! I love the DIY aspect, I’m curious to see it in action! Like if the holes in the angled steel will grab onto the ground from time to time.
Hoping to put it through the ringer very soon, but so far- the holes have not had a negative impact. Actually feel like they help to disperse soil/sand more evenly!!
Don’s Lawns That’s awesome!
newbie -- may I ask why just a piece of plywood weighted down wouldnt workl?
It could work, but having the open areas helps to distribute the sand/soil more effectively. A lot of guys use pallets for large acreage leveling!
Very good idea. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
You sir are the man! Thank-you for sharing your diy idea. Very innovative and you just got yourself another subscriber. I just don't get the thumbs down....
I really appreciate it! Thanks for subbing! 🤙🏼
Ok, so how much to buy that metal cut that I'll probably only use once?
No matter how you calculate, making your own will be less than buying one online.
@@donslawns1 It's really that expensive?
Can you post a video of this in action? Looks great, but also looks too light to really work.... At 9:06 it looks like the bottom of the angle doesn't even sit flush as well, so I am curious as to how this worked out for you. I don't want to waste half a day in labor building and buying materials and spend $30 on materials only to find it wasn't good enough and have to spend another $130 in the end as a bonus.... Know what I mean? Can you show us how this worked in real life? The PVC ones are worthless.
Linked in the description. Thanks for watching!
If I made this and used it once I would probably throw it away when I was done. Considering all the time to put it together it wouldn't be worth the hassle for me. I would rather just buy a quality made rake that would last years. I could always sell it second hand to recoup some of the money years down the road. The home made rake would be worth nothing second hand. But still, thanks for the video, it helps me to weigh out my options.
Thanks for your two cents!
I am just curious, what if to do it from wood? It will he heavier, it might work as well...🤔
A lot of people use wood, even pallets! The whole goal is to have a flat surface to drag or push across the uneven surfaces 💪🏻
Awesome! I will definitely be making this :) appreciate the ideas
Glad to be helpful! Thanks for watching!
I would try to find a welder to put a few spot welds to make much stronger.
Not a bad idea! Thanks for watching!
Can we get a list of materials we need to make it ? Any idea what the clamp thing is to hold the handle ?
I think the clamp came from a fence bracket (where two poles intersect to form a T). I just added the parts list to the description, thanks for watching!
Don’s Lawns - Don. The description shows the measurements in length, but I was curious about the height. Is it 1-1/2, 1-3/4, 2 inches that you used?
Michael Salcido I believe it was 1-1/2” height on the slotted angle pieces!
Like your idea and execution!
Much appreciated! 🤙🏼
Nice man. I've got a drag mat but would love a leveling rake. Don't wanna spend 140 bucks tho. Can't wait to see how it works out!
Thanks for watching bro! I’m looking forward to using it very soon!! 😎
how’s the lawn looking?
Awesome job Don, great looking lawn leveller. Look forward to see it in action. We can have a lawn Levelling duel.
Lol we could!! 🤙🏼
Great idea Don!
Thanks man!! 😎
Hi Don! I've been needing to do some leveling for a couple years and have been kicking around making this so I don't have to buy one. I see this video is about 3 years old Do you have a long-term review or anything you would change if you made it again today?
It still works for me, I actually welded the pieces together the other day to stiffen it up some. If I could change anything I’d do something better for the attachment point for the handle. It’s a little light, so I would consider using a heavier material, but that’ll typically cost more. 😅 thanks for watching!
@@donslawns1 that's great information. Thanks for the reply and honest feedback. Now it's time for me to start building...
@@csuwehling best of luck!!
Good idea 💡
Thanks, hope you enjoyed the video!
would you recommend using non-slotted aluminum angle instead? and just drill the holes where needed
If you can get some that has a rounded edge, then it’ll be perfect! Probably more sturdy as well, but might cost you more. Thanks for watching!
@@donslawns1 Yes just saw that they are a little more pricey but still beats the $120 leveling rakes online haha
Would making the width to 48inch be better for lawn leveling or do you think 36inch is enough? Any specific reasons why you didn't go wider on the build? Thanks for the video!
Depends on your area you need to use the tool on. I have a smaller section, only 1k sq ft that I made the tool for, and some spots are tight around trees, the playscape, etc. 48” width would be great for more open sections!
Going to build one soon. Seems like you had premade hardware kits any idea what they were?
My screws and such were all from Harbor freight! Thanks for watching!
Well done!
Thanks!! I hope it was a helpful video! 🙏🏼
Good job Man, you made mu day 👏🏻
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it!
I want a dons lawns fridge magnet and or coffee mug!
I have stickers that I can send you! Coffee mug is on my Teespring store, I don’t keep any merch on hand. 😅
@@donslawns1 I ordered a mug!! This is the first merch from the lawn care community that I have gotten but I am a huge fan of your channel!🌱🌞👍
Tiffany White thanks for supporting!! 🤙🏼
Awesome man 👍🏽
Thanks! 👍
Like and subscribed. Had me at saving 100$
Thanks for joining! 🤙🏼
Don your a damn genius
Thanks for watching, hope you enjoy the content!
For those looking to make this. Here is a good solution for mounting the handle
www.lowes.com/pd/SteelTek-1-1-4-in-Silver-Galvanized-Steel-Structural-Pipe-Fitting-Swivel-Base/999931090
Nice option!! Thanks for the help!
Brilliant
Thanks bud! 😎
This is awesome! Where did you find that attachment you used for your handle?
I think it’s from fencing. It basically held 2 pipes together at a “T”, but I can’t find the item online...
Those look like what holds a dog kennel door on. It will be in fencing.
The Handle looks like the paint roller handle. It is in the Paint aisle in Home Depot.
Looks light and won’t be leveling anything. Will just ride over the bumps. But I might be wrong.
It is pretty light, but it worked alright! I may tie a brick on it and see if that helps.
Nah time is money, Ill just go buy the real deal and have a beer
To each his own! 🤙🏼
Nice work. Anyone tried a similar design but with wood? Have a few 2x2s laying around.
I have seen some wood ones implemented, I think they work just as good. I’d be curious to see their longevity!
Don’s Lawns btw - made mine with 2x2s. Worked great. Weight was perfect. 30” wide. Would go slightly wider next time.
For the past week I literally have been brainstorming on how I want to make one. I love it and now I def will be making one myself!
It’s working great for the money!! 😎
great video, would've liked to see it used in action. 🧐
I used it in a later video- check out my channel for more! 🤙🏼
Mate! Seriously: get a vice! I had visions of you removing a thumb with your grinder, or putting the drill through your foot!
PS Otherwise, good job!
Hahaha thanks!
Why no sound ?......
There is sound.
Song?
RUclips free music: Sightlines, Simmering, and wallflowers were used.
It would have helped showing how it performed.
Check out the lawn leveling video I made!
Bravissimo
Thanks for watching!
The audio in this video is too low.
Sorry!
bro whats the use if you dont even show if it even works
Sorry Evan. You should check out my sand leveling video to see it in action. 👍🏼
Holy crap. You are a professional so buy the professional tools. Rolling up to a property with a MacGyvered leveling rake is pure amateur
I don’t do others lawns. Thanks for stopping by.
@@donslawns1 my apologies. For the record buying a leveling rack is a kick in the butt. After trying to level with a rake and killing yourself, the leveling rake is a godsend. You have outstanding mechanical skills but believe me the actual rake is a must 😎
@@bluejay3945 for sure! If I do start taking clients, I will definitely be buying one! In the mean time- it works great for my small section in my backyard.
30$ and 'two days labour", sounds cheap to me ;-))
When you have nothing but time on your hands due to the virus outbreak- it sounds like a steal! 🤙🏼 thanks for watching!
@@donslawns1 People don't need their lawns cut when they are in quarantine? Some areas will fine you if your lawn is too long.
People need their lawns cut year round where I live.
Subbed 🤘🏽
To not see it being put into action was disappointing.
Sorry, but there’s another video for that!
Don’s Lawns
Great! link please?
ruclips.net/video/sVe4-WQ6RR8/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/lNG01-3Inz4/видео.html
Safety tip for yall. Don't wear gloves when using a rotorary tool like a grinder 😉
That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard. Always wear safety gear recommend by the tool manufacturers instructions.
First.
You should of spent 100 bucks because you spend more time working on it. Your time is money
How much money did you just spend leaving a comment? 🤔 Thanks for watching!
@@donslawns1 it was late late at night brother i had just come home from work so it didn’t cost me anything. I still respect your ambition.
@@taurus66 I appreciate it. This video has made me over $400 so far, so I think it was worth the time!
To my opinion, you have wasted $30. Just do not get why you used such material/ Does not look like you will be levelling anything.
Haters gonna hate! 😎
9:47 "... if you're looking to save some money, use your head, use your mind, figure it out building yourself...", problem is that I build things in my mind that my hands cant follow :-)
Nice! Thanks for watching!! 🤙🏼
Video too long… would recommend welding rather then using the bolts. From my experience the bolt heads do minor damage to centipede grass
Thanks for your input! I’ve since welded the pieces and have noticed better performance. Don’t forget to skip ahead if you get bored at anytime! 😎
Am I high? Or did you seriously record yourself talking to the camera and then not include the audio? 🤣😂
Nope- there is definitely audio!
Since I need less than that I took half inch shed 40 PVC put hole for rake teeth. Used rake to brake up soil, them used PVC on teeth and it did what I needed. I am on budget and way out from Depot so this will do small areas and flower beds. Not recommended for major jobs. TNX
You didn’t show it in use. I am curious to see it in action
There’s another video of it being used when I sand leveled.
In regards to the handle, a galvanized pipe can work if you drill a hole through the end and secure it to the slotted angle iron with a simple pin or bolt/nut.
You are correct! I could do that with my handle as well, I just wanted something “extra” to add support. Thanks for watching!
isnt the leveler too light ? you should weight it down ,my opinion anyway ,let me know if it works well as is
It works pretty great! You can always lay a brick or two down and bungee them using the holes in the slotted angle.
@@donslawns1 great thanks i will experiment once i build it
At this point, I think you should just buy one
Projects are fun though! 😎
@@donslawns1 facts
How well does it do the job?
It does pretty good!! Especially considering how much I put into it. Thanks for watching!
This home made leveler works great! I made it tonight and used it along our new fence looks like a pro job!
Nice!!! Glad the video was helpful!!! 🤙🏼
What did you use to connect the handle to the rake? I recall Don found something laying around the garage, but could not find anything in the stores.
Minou TV check out the fence hardware at the store, or you may be able to just put a bolt through the handle.
I used to paint roller handle with the rod cut off.
Drilled a hole in a piece of oak that worked like a hinge. With a notch to hold the wire in the hole. This let me remove the handle for transport
When I get home tonight I’ll take some pictures and send it.
rickeh100 That’s a great idea! I’ll look forward to seeing some pics. Thanks!
Great video man. You just saved me a ton of money thanks 👍🏽
You bet!! Thanks for watching!!
Pretty cool, the only issue is the time you spent in labor building it was not accounted for in your overall cost. I would suspect you could have easily purchased 2 Levelawns for how much time it took you to make your leveler....just saying...
Depends on your evaluation of time. Just saying, “free time” is called free for a reason. 👍🏼 thanks for watching!
Cool vid. Sometimes the fun is in the imaginative shopping, then the building AND the savings.
EXACTLY!! 🤙🏼 thanks for watching!
I might try something like this. I have about 12 foot of 1/8 inch flat bar. Might be able to rivet it together. Ty for vid, it was inspiring.
That sounds awesome! Best of luck!
My lawn levelling tool, I used a galvanised boot scraper www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L3WHXVQ. Tied on a couple of bricks for weight and a loop of rope tied to each end to drag it with. Still use the boot scraper for its intended use once I finished.
Ingenuity at it’s best!
Fantastic video pal..I love tinkering and making stuff too. Hi from.the UK
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
@@donslawns1 am so making one pal. Got loads flat bar. Looking forward to following your channel
The Country Cottage Gardener I appreciate it! I think it’s the most useful tool I’ve ever made. 😅
@@donslawns1 lol I normally use a dummy rake but that grabs stones and marks the soil. That looks spot on. I'll do a video and drop you the credit Pal
The Country Cottage Gardener sounds great!! Looking forward to seeing your vid!
dude you wearing gloves and you’re wearing shorts?
Why didn't you just get a buddy and a 2x4 .
It wouldn’t have got these views! Thanks for watching!
@@donslawns1 yeah you would have. Your title would have been how to level a lawn for $2 and that was back with lumber was at a normal price.
I was sitting out front of the house Yesterday. I told myself I couldn't mow the lawn until I saw a NJ License plate. it wasn't 30 mins later and here came a car from NJ. Damn the bad luck. I had to mow.
😂
Glad you made this. More people will stop spending hundreds on a weighted rake. You def PITTL!!! I love that
You know it man!! 🤙🏼
@@donslawns1 can't wait to see what the next project will be
Any suggestions or in your library, on grubs good/bad. Just aerated, found little white translucent wormish guys at the buttom of the plug. Keep up the good work
You can check out these two videos: ruclips.net/video/inw1AmlqkO4/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/kF1CNB4xyhA/видео.html. Thanks for watching!!
OMG......I predict you will lose an 1" or 2" of a finger or thumb....or worse the way you use that grinder.
Sorry to disappoint!
You need a welder.
Oh, cool idea, btw.
I tried to tell my wife that, but we’re not spending that kind of money right now. 🤣
Beautiful tool...I like to make tools also...
DIY fabrication at it's finest!
Your music selection was awesome. Ofcourse you did a good job too. Maybe you should be a Dj.🤔
I really appreciate it! 👏🏼 Thank you!!
How durable has it been?
It has been good! I’d consider using a more stiff or thicker material on the front and rear, but it’s perfect for my uses. 👍🏼
Good job but would have love to seen it in action. Sure looks the part but does it play the part? Was it heavy enough? I know the ones you buy the good ones have some weight to them to really help tamp the mix into low spots.
Thanks! I made a separate video using it, had okay results using it with soil and peat moss so far. Hoping to do a sand leveling soon!
Nice! Thanks Don! Been looking to buy or make one. Great job
I think I'll try and make one by cutting up an old metal bed frame welding it together.
That’ll work great, nice weight and thickness!! 👍🏼👍🏼
Just a thought, but that looks awfully close to a wall mount tv bracket. It seems that you might only have to figure out how to make a handle. As an added bonus the corners are welded
Not a bad idea!! I like the ingenuity!! 👏🏼👏🏼
R&R lawn products sell just the adapter piece for like $16. The piece that a handle would screw into and then screw adapter to your rectangle piece.
this is 101x better than those from pvc pipes.
I agree! Thanks for watching!!
I like how you tested in the lawn .🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😩😩😩😩😩😩😩💤💤💤💤💤😩😩
Thanks for watching!
Cost effective... innovative. Oh, shorts, very thin shoes, no gloves cutting a small object with a grinder on concrete... oof-uh!!! If that thing bites, your heading to the ER
Thanks for your concern! 🤙🏼
@@donslawns1 all good. I've been working at industrial sites for 25 years. Grinders are one of the most versatile power tools. However, they are EXTREMELY dangerous without the utmost respect. Once using one I had on steeltoes, jeans, long-sleeved shirt, leather gloves, safety glasses AND a face shield on a hardhat.... I was leaning over a bit cutting a piece of steel tubing in a vice on a bench.... sounds like I covered all bases of safety.... the bottom of my shirt was just long enough to get caught by the wheel... the grinder ripped out of my hands and up my chest... it was over before I knew what happened.... a few stitches... not too bad considering. Stay safe, man
Zig Wil that’s wild! Glad you came out alright!!
Great job, too bad you didn't show it in action. Would have been nice to see it work.
I made a separate video using it
Great video. Kill the music.
🤙🏼
make a cut on just one side of the angle, you can then bend it and fold it over to make a 90 degree. Keeps it more rigid and less cuts and fasteners.
Very true! My next version will probably be done that way!
@@donslawns1 here's another idea. Use heavy angle iron. Cut 3-4 pieces 36" or whatever size you want. Make 3-4 holes in each and run ready rod thru and secure with nuts and preferred spacing. It'll be nice and heavy.
Great idea mate
Your the double of matt does fitness
Appreciate it bro! I think it’s the nose. 😁
@@donslawns1 haha I think it is bro 👍
I like the idea, but I don’t have a tool to cut metal. 😟 Guess I search Craig’s List. Looking forward to seeing how it works out.
Bummer! If you have a circular saw for wood, you can try a metal cutting blade on that! Otherwise, you can try using precut lumber/metal.
I was wondering if there was precut to those dimensions, or close to them anyway. I have a Dremel, but I’m concerned so would either go through a lot of cutting discs or burn out the unit. I’ll check out the precut idea.
Thanks!
Minou TV they came in 3’ sections at Home Depot/Lowe’s. I’m not sure about any shorter pieces, maybe they’d be willing to cut it for you?