today I learned - how to avoid death by snowblower

"MonkeePuzzle" (monkeypuzzle) 12/14/2016 at 15:32 • Filed to: None

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from reddit: if your snowblower gets tangled/stalled, remove the spark plug to clear compression from the engine. There is potential that when you clear the obstruction the compression could turn the engine over sufficiently to maul your hands!

seemed advice worth sharing. even if the probability is low, the outcome could be catastrophic (said like the problem manager I am)

Hey if this ever happens to you and you stall out your blower go ahead and pull the spark plugs to take compression off the engine. My step-dad was clearing a snow blower of a string of lights and as he cut away the wire the engine still had compression and the auger rotated rapidly even the engine was off and his hand got caught which quickly broke his wrist.

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Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > MonkeePuzzle 12/14/2016 at 15:34

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This is why i tell my family to buy a Bobcat to clear the driveway...plus i just want to drive ond

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > MonkeePuzzle 12/14/2016 at 15:37

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My snow blower is worn out enough that any lingering compression will leak out in a few minutes or less.

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 12/14/2016 at 15:40

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This. Every Canadian. This.

jimz > MonkeePuzzle 12/14/2016 at 15:40

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yep, magnetos will do that to you.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > MonkeePuzzle 12/14/2016 at 15:42

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“I’m Joe Sakic, and I approve this message.”

diplodicus > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 12/14/2016 at 15:48

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Bobcats are dope as fuck too drive. I haven’t gotten to drive one with treads yet though. The ones with tires are surprisingly easy to get stuck in wet clay.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > diplodicus 12/14/2016 at 15:50

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Treads are sweet.

MonkeePuzzle > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 12/14/2016 at 15:51

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what an excellent reason to retain old machinery

safety

Takuro Spirit > jimz 12/14/2016 at 16:02

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S65 > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 12/14/2016 at 16:05

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Wacko > MonkeePuzzle 12/14/2016 at 16:17

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this shouldn’t happen since the clutches are not engaged.

If the handles are pressed yes.

if the auger was direct drive sure.

MonkeePuzzle > Wacko 12/14/2016 at 16:21

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I believe you are right. I do think some series of planets would need to align for this to go badly, but every little bit of prevention helps.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Wacko 12/14/2016 at 16:35

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Exactly! I was like what are you doing working on your blower with the clutch engaged, how do you even do that? You would have to zip tie the handle down or something.

Wacko > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 12/14/2016 at 17:31

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I did have a zip tie that I slide on and off the auger lever....

Wacko > MonkeePuzzle 12/14/2016 at 17:34

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I never ever touch the auger blades if the engine is running. Just like my riding lawnmower.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > MonkeePuzzle 12/14/2016 at 21:09

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My grandpa managed to cut the tips of his fingers up pretty badly trying to clear out his snowblower. Nearly cut a couple off all together. The next year he did it again. He lives on the west coast so it’s not like he needs it more than once or twice a year, so you’d think he’d remember?

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > MonkeePuzzle 12/21/2016 at 01:11

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Thats nothing, I ate a 48" (width) of chain link fence with a 18hp PTO snowblower. Removing chainlink fence is no fun.