DIY: How to Make a Leaf Blower More Powerful

Let’s face it, leaf blowers make life easier. They’re great if you have a large property and many trees. Raking can be difficult for older people or those with health conditions. Landscapers are often expensive for people on a budget.

So leaf blowers are a great tool to have in your shed. But what if you want to give it some more pep? More of a kick! Below, we will explore ways you can make your leaf blower more powerful all on your own.

1. Know Your Leaf Blower

This may sound simple. Sometimes we overlook certain features because we just didn’t give the leaf blower a good once over. When you’ve purchased a leaf blower, break out the owners’ manual. Have the leaf blower on hand when reading through it.

Go through each feature, every button and switch. You never know if there’s a boost button or a turbo charge switch that will give you extra power.
Knowing the ins and outs of the leaf blower will also make it easier if you decide to make more powerful modifications yourself.

2. Change The Rotor Blades

To add more power to your leaf blower, try switching out the rotor blades. There are several blades on the market. So don’t be afraid to shop around until you find what suits your needs.

If you’re handy, you can also make your own. There’s also the option of bending the existing blades to gain more air flow. Whichever option you choose, please use proper safety precautions.

Provided the leaf blower can handle these modifications, you’ll have a very powerful machine.

3. Add Ons

Playing around with accessories can not only make your blower stronger, it can also be fun! Seeing which nozzles can do what, is sort of like transformers for adults!
There are many nozzle extensions available and they all perform different duties. For example:

• flat nozzles – will give you more miles per hour. This makes for a stronger air speed. Heavy debris and stuck objects are handled well by this nozzle.
• round nozzles -will push out more air for larger areas that are just freshly fallen leaves.

You can even make your own nozzle. Items like vacuum hoses and various containers can be used.

One man even used someone else’s trash to make an extension. All it cost him was a bit of elbow grease. Keep in mind the measurements of your blower so everything fits properly.

4. Adjust The Carburetor

Another way to give your leaf blower some extra power is to adjust the carburetor. You’ll do this by doing the following:

• open the leaf blower
• take out the carburetor
• look for a screw that is covered by a screw cap on the carburetor
• this will be the high speed adjustment screw. Take off the cap (you’ll need tools for this)
• reassemble the blower
• use a small screwdriver to slowly turn the screw while the leaf blower is on

The more you turn the screw, the more power your machine will put out. Not all leaf blowers will have this feature. But it’s well worth your time if it does.

It’s also fun! Like searching for an Easter egg!

5. Cleaning And Service

Often, we can get more power out of our leaf blower simply by proper maintenance. You don’t have to pay a pro either. You can definitely do it yourself.

Look for common problems such as:

• loose bolts and screws – A leaf blower is constantly vibrating and shaking. Sooner or later, the hardware will become loose. Tightening up these things will help help increase power.
• check your air filter
• You will get a lot more power from your leaf blower when your air filter is clean and in tact. A clogged or worn air filter will keep air from getting to the engine. This will reduce power.
• wipe it down after each use
• inspect the nozzle for cracks
• keep it in a dry area
• change the oil after 50 hours of use
• do not let gas sit in the blower too long without using it.

Don’t Poke An Eye Out! DIY Leaf blower Safety

We’d be remiss if we discussed modifying your leaf blower on your own if we didn’t cover safety. So buckle up and get ready for some tips to keep you and those around you safe.

• • wear safety goggles at all times –  whether you’re modifying, blowing leaves, or even putting gas in. Goggles are a must!
• • hearing protection – A leaf blower usually won’t go above 90db. This is not that loud. But repeated exposure to this decibel level can cause hearing loss.
• • dust mask – because dirt, debris, and bugs in the mouth and up the nose are just not fun!
• • heavy duty gloves
• • remove anything that could get blown around
• • always keep children and pets away when working on or using the leaf blower
• • do not leave the leaf blower running if you need to step away.
• • never stick body parts or anything else in the leaf blower while it’s running or plugged in
• • don’t touch the motor after using
• • never point it at anyone

If You’re Done With The DIY Power Project: Other DIY Projects For The Leaf Blower

So you’ve successfully made your leaf blower more powerful all on your own. Maybe you want to try some more projects just for fun. However, it could be out of necessity. Here are two extremely useful DIY projects for your leaf blower.

1. Gutter Attachment

If you own a home, you know the pain. Both mental and physical. Having to spend the day on a ladder, crawling on a roof.

Overcoming fears of heights, bugs, and missing the football game! If only there were something you could make, that would attach to the leaf blower. So you could stay on the ground and finish in time for the 2nd quarter!

Well, here you go. You will need:

• Aluminum downspout piping (the drains on the side of the house)
• power drill
• screws

Make sure to measure your nozzle before buying the piping. Attach the piping to the end of the leaf blower nozzle. Bend the end of the piping so it will fit into the gutters.

Then, simply screw those pieces together. There are many videos that offer an in-depth visual of these projects. It takes a matter of minutes. It’s a back and time saver!

2. Leaf Bags

Replacement bags for your leaf blower can be almost as expensive as the blower itself. Maybe a bag broke mid project and the store was closed.

Never fear, if you have an old duffel bag you’re in luck! All you’ll need is duct tape.

• cut a hole in the bag that will fit around the bag hole on the blower
• attach the duffel bag to the blower with duct tape

It may not be a permanent fix, but it will keep you blowing leaves until you can get a new one.

Now That I’ve Hooked Up My Leaf Blower, What Are Ways To Use It Other Than Blowing Leaves?

There are a number of innovative ways to use your leaf blower. They include:

• snow blower – It’s great for blowing powdery snow from sidewalks, steps, and the top of your car.
• car dryer – If you just DIY your car wash, top it off by drying it with the leaf blower.
• clean your lawnmower – an easy way to get rid of any grass clippings and debris stuck to the mower.
• clean out your car – Especially if you have kids. It’s an easy way to get crumbs, dirt, and everything else out of nooks and crannies.
• clean off patio furniture, porches, and kids’ outdoor toys/playsets – clear the cobwebs, dust, leaves, and dirt from these areas quickly and easily.
• cleaning out your dryer vent – remove the dryer hose and insert the leaf blower nozzle. Begin on a low setting.
• clean pet hair – Do not use a leaf blower ON your pet! But you can use it to get tough pet hair off their beds, furniture, and other areas where they leave their mark!

As you have seen, there are many ways you can give your leaf blower more power, by doing it yourself. Just remember to know how your blower works and what it can already do.

Also, never forget to take proper safety precautions. Other than that, experiment and have fun!