Easily Access Your Stowed Away Lawn Mower With A Clever Storage Solution
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Properly storing your lawn mower doesn't have to be a complicated or cumbersome process. If you're tired of constantly lifting it out of the way or having to move a ton of assorted clutter just to access it, you might be in need of a designated spot for this lawn care essential. Although you could create a simple parking spot for your lawn mower, a pulley system is a far more effective storage solution to keep it tucked away. Whether you're trying to optimize a small storage shed or a compact single-car garage, this trick can be an excellent way to add functionality and practicality to your storage system.
This clever solution is perfect for homeowners who are trying to optimize space. It provides a spot for your lawn mower that will keep it out of harm's way, especially if you tend to leave it in a high traffic area. Furthermore, your lawn mower will be away from any industrial tools that might be utilized in the space. The pulley system allows you to easily raise and lower your lawn mower into its designated storage area without breaking your back in the process. With a little DIY know-how, you can create a fully functional storage system that makes accessing your mower quick and simple. By implementing the pulley system, you'll not only maximize your garage storage space, but also further protect your lawn mower, reducing the risk of damage.
Building your own storage system
Creating a custom pulley system in your garage or shed starts with building heavy-duty storage shelves that will last. Using a few 2-inch by 4-inch wooden planks and a couple of 2 ½-inch construction screws, build a basic framework that will serve as a shelf. An inverted U-shape should provide you with the necessary stability to sustain the weight of a lawn mower. Once the structure is built, secure it to your garage wall studs using wood screws or brads. Add a piece of plywood to the top of your design, ensuring that it is completely level to avoid any unexpected movement from your mower.
To install the pulley system, you'll want to start by choosing the right ceiling-mounted barn door track. It should have a rating that exceeds the weight of your lawn mower to avoid any potential hazards around your storage space. Identify the joints in the ceiling of your designated storage area and secure the track with a few 8- by 2-inch screws. Ensure that each screw is completely tightened before moving on. Insert the rolling feature of the track system and hook a quick link to the roller.
Once everything is properly secured, you can install a metal pulley system, like the LAIWOO M25 Stainless Steel Pulley System Kit, which has a weight capacity of around 330 pounds. Thread your rope through the pulley system and secure an additional rope around your lawn mower. Give the entire system a dry run before connecting the mower to guarantee that it moves smoothly. Once you're done, you can easily store your lawn mower off the floor.
Be mindful of potential hazards
While this trick can be an effective solution to free up some much needed storage space around your work area, it isn't without a few potential hazards. For starters, it is essential to properly mount your barn door pulley system upon installation. It needs to be mounted to the ceiling joints of your garage or storage shed, not just the drywall. If the pulley system isn't installed properly or the screws become loose, it could cause the entire system to collapse, potentially leading to serious injury and damage to your lawn mower. The barn door pulley system typically has a weight capacity of around 400 pounds when installed properly, but you should also be mindful of the rope's ability to handle heavy machinery. Frayed rope or improperly stored rope may weaken over time, which can also threaten the security of your storage system. Conduct regular maintenance checks to avoid any of these potential hazards before they occur.
Additionally, you'll want to ensure that the shelf itself is able to withstand the weight of your lawn mower before transforming it into a long-term solution. There are several wood options that you can use to build a strong garage shelf, including oak, plywood, or pine. You'll want to be mindful of the weight capacity of your chosen wood so that you can create a secure storage system for your lawn mower. Over time, wooden shelves may be exposed to moisture and they can crack or warp in response. This can further threaten the security of your pulley system and create an unsafe area for heavy machinery.