Top 15 Tools to Hack Your Homestead

[@trimbaker1893]

Hello Anne, George here. Something I learned as a kid and still do, sand the varnish off of tool handles. Varnished handles will cause blisters. I use two parts linseed oil and one part turpentine on my handles instead. The wood lasts way longer and develops a springy-ness over the years. The linseed oil rubs in and does not pull at my skin while I am working hard with the tool. I hope this tip is helpful to you or one of your nice subscribers. Smiling, George.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Oh that’s interesting! I’ve never heard that but I love a good tip!

[@trimbaker1893]

@@AnneofAllTrades can't have blisters interfering with the chores...

[@job1.21]

"because chickens suck" As someone who has about 30-40 chickens at any given time of the year on my farm, I can absolutely attest to that statement. Working on my mobile coop right now! Will have to watch that video for some ideas. Thanks for making great content!

[@CopingwithGrattitude]

She says that because they dig up her plants?😂 I got played by my hens alright!

[@duaneolsen8603]

We had at least 120 chickens running around in the yard on any given day. One time we counted in between the chickens, the ducks, the geese and the turkeys there was 205 in the yard (That didn’t last long) We lived on a lake at the edge of a swamp way out in the country. A few times a year you would find an alligator or a bobcat fox raccoon, even a panther at least once. But we had dogs and my stepfather who shot anything not walking on two legs that the dog ever barked at long enough for him to walk out of the house and confirm it was a “Varmint” (In his view, cats were varmints too). It was pretty easy because on the way out try the door to work, we walked through the barnyard and opened the chicken coop and at the PM feeding for all the animals, we closed it. We had about 20 or so bantoms or so, Who just flew up and slept in the trees. Chicken care is nothing next to taking care of horses. A couple of times a year, you wanna keep the chickens out of your gardens, but mostly, they were a great help on keeping an insects down and fertilizing. Also, chicken behavior is different when you have enough of them in enough space. I love all your videos Thank you

[@doloresreynolds8145]

As you probably know, those propane flame weeders also work well for doing shoshugibon preservation on wood (raised beds, siding, etc). Wow, I am in love with the tall transplant tool! Thank you.

[@StenEriksson]

When using the torch for weed control you can save a lot of propane by just cooking the weed instead of burning it, just a touch with the flame is usually enough and also reduces the risk of fires.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That's a great point! Less dramatic on video though ;)

[@hightechfarmers]

That would take away all the fun of burning those hated weeds. I say let em burn!

[@blueblur6447]

Yep, after a light rain is a great time also.

[@HarryLovesRuth]

Isn't the goal to boil the water in the plant so that the cell walls burst?

[@chrisrasku2261]

Accept purple thistle. They are a beast.

[@ChestersdadDave]

The previous owner of my little farm left some tools behind. I didn't know what one of them was until I saw this video - now I know its a broadfork. Thank you, Anne!

[@Skashoon]

What a great find! They cost around $200 and up for a good one. I’m still hoping to get one someday. Social Security doesn’t quite go far enough when you have a small farm. I’m raising chickens and pigs to help supplement my future income, but they’re not there yet, waiting for the pigs to farrow.

[@robertmcevoy24]

Anne you have infectious enthusiasm, we love it ! Keep it up, Thank you

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! Will do!

[@daveharrington7500]

Anne I love you. You are not only an insperation to all young woman in the world but also old geezers' like me. Keep it up girl!!!!!

[@angelacruz71]

I'd add in a subcompact recip saw. My 78yr young mom borrows my makita when she wants to trim her custard apple and sour sop trees or cut out tree roots. I reach for it too when a lopper wont work and i dont exactly need to use a gas chainsaw. Also useful for fencing and trellising.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s a brilliant addition! I feel a part 2 coming up…

[@doloresreynolds8145]

I wholeheartedly agree, I use one as well for unwieldy fireplace logs and free pallets. It is wonderful, as is my battery powered chainsaw! Get the same brand so the batteries work for both….

[@doloresreynolds8145]

I wholeheartedly agree, I use one as well for unwieldy fireplace logs. It is wonderful, as is my battery powered chainsaw! Get the same brand so the batteries work for both….

[@mking3219]

So glad you didnt quit Ms. You're great,

[@HighlineGuitars]

Your thumbnail had me. The fast presentation kept me watching. The useful content made me give it a thumbs up. And I don't have a homestead!

[@_Merica_USA]

Anne is so cool! She had me at blow torch 👍🏼♥️

[@justinfiorini3142]

Straight to the point and not a lot of fluff perfect.

[@kan-zee]

💥⌚️ *TIMESTAMP* ⌚️💥 #1...9:06 Solar powered auto door #2...8:18 Plastic Storage Bins #3...7:42 Harvest Basket #4...6:47 Zip Ties #5...6:27 Gate Latch 2 way auto closing #6...5:37 Speed planter 4:50 links to square space site #7...4:20 Baskets #8...3:54 Popper Scooper #9...3:32 Garden Hoe #10..3:01 Compost Thermometer #11..2:07 Expandable fruit picker w/ soft catch basket #12..1:39 Expanding Hoses #13..1:15 Quick change water hydrant #14...0:45 Weed torch #15...0:32 Broadfork 🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅🔅 10 Other items to add are : 1) Buckets w/ Gamma Lids 2) Weedeater & a Scythe 3) Power and Hand Carpentry Tools (cordless tools) 4) Mechanic Tools (for hvy equipment repair and upkeeping) 5) Garden Tools (Shovel , rake, etc ) 6) Chain Saw with xtra oil , fuel 7) Fencing Pliers 8) A Good Pocket knife or pocket multitool (leatherman) 9) Sledgehammer & Maul 10) Saw for heavy tree felling & Folding saw 11) Files for Sharpening tool blades 12) Work Bench with Vice 13) Riding lawnmower 14) Tractor w/ attachments like chains , front end loader , rough cut Rotory cutter, Box Blade for leveling out pot holes or snowremoval, post hole digger, backhoe for foundations, and pallet forks , etc . 15) A pickup Truck w/ hitch 16) Dump Trailer for hauling equipment, moving stuff around 17) Backup Fuel and Oil reserves Enjoy your Day

[@neilscole]

Growing up we used those bushel baskets quite a lot for harvesting in our garden. They're great.

[@blueblur6447]

This video was all the things we love. Anne Humor, Awesome Tools, and Awesome Advice! Enjoyed it!

[@yellowmuginc]

A wonderful collection of the most essential things big farm or small!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Adam asked me why I didn’t have “tractor” on the list. I was like “I farmed for six years without one, and most people won’t have enough space to warrant one!”

[@OvGraphics]

Hello All Anne! Your first item led me to a nearly two hour virtual chase which ended locally at Harbor Freight and the 43 in. Garden Fork with D-Handle. I did my due diligence research and this is the thing I need. And I hope that I NEVER have to use it. But, as you know the SHTF scenario is upon us so I'm getting one as insurance. In the meantime, and while there is gas I have my trusty Honda powered rear tine tiller. However.... I must say THANKEE for getting my humble self in gear. A garden spade of any kind just never occurred to me, even as I knew that I should have *something* in reserve. In the meantime I looked at everything I could find about your two handle gizmonic and various others to include forked spades which brought me to the one I'll purchase tomorrow for $21. It fits my real world loamy clay spring weedy situation perfectly, and for a price that makes sense. Not looking forward to ever having to seriously use it though. And your ingenious jet powered weenie roaster.... So happens that I have one. It has dealt death and destruction to my back yard fence weeds a couple of times when it just got totally absurd! Massively useful (if gas hoggy) instrument....and the guttural roar it makes will thrill any real boy's ears and heart. Make 'em think about joining the air force! baroooomwhoooosh!!! Sincerely your bestest fan in Alabam, Norm

[@michaelaversa5572]

Cute, spunky and loves farming.... She's a keeper...

[@scottkeehn3141]

One of the best homestead hack videos to date! Thanks , Anne!

[@anaphylaxis2548]

I’m a city dweller, but I love the country and all of the things that you share! Eta: That planting thing is so cool!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That makes me happy to hear!!

[@Skashoon]

Still working on my soil to get it from compacted, hard pan clay to luscious, soft terra preta. 2 years into it and it’s getting better, but not yet soft enough for that planting tool. At age 67, it would sure save me some backaches.

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Thank you Anne for the farm hack video. Zip ties are the new baling wire and duct tape the new chewing gum. Love your videos and your enthusiasm. Have a great week ahead.

[@DH-ry2ho]

Very helpful hacks. Thanks for sharing these with us. I really like the seed starter - so cool!

[@devlosirrus]

8:03 Got the feed room looking like an ancient Aztec tomb with all those spiderwebs I grew up on a ranch and our tack room looked just about the same, though, so I can't really talk. Great video!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Hahahaha that is the best description of it ever! Can you believe those are black widow webs? I don’t know how I’m still alive 😂😂

[@L.Scott_Music]

On those bushel basket handles you can wrap the wire handle with duct tape (Gorilla Tape is nicer) to make them more comfortable for heavy loads.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Great tip!

[@jacobroberts1434]

Great video as usual Anne with just the right amount of goofiness. Intended or otherwise

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you! Goofy is the mildest way to put my unique blend of weirdness ;)

[@jacobroberts1434]

@@AnneofAllTrades it's what the viewers want!

[@mikehomner4724]

#14 - That look in your eye when you're playing with the propane torch. Your dog was sure looking to get as far away as possible! :):)

[@georgebartholemew8444]

It's good to see that you are smiling again.

[@billhart2746]

My Dragon torch hose broke last month....can't wait to buy a new one!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I love those torches.

[@duaneolsen8603]

All great stuff thank you. BonusI’d like the bit where after you use the zip tie on the fence, You pulled The business and around to the back so the front looked nice and neat

[@markmacdonald2347]

Thanks for your tips Anne Love seeing all critters especially the donkeys

[@jackthompson8019]

Wonderful information.

[@frenchysandi]

Anne of all trades is an amazing lady

[@yotamgosh]

"Sturdy dtrong stackable stuff" is a great description XD Useful for all sorts of things, not only plastic storage boxes

[@AnneofAllTrades]

The ability to have things stacked upon it is a special skill for farm stuff :)

[@Skashoon]

Saw you with Justro at the festival and subscribed. I’ll be checking out your blog too. Thanks!

[@Gertyutz]

Your pig is adorable.

[@paperyakuk]

I read your blog for this and thought it was really helpful so I wasn’t going to watch the video but my goodness am I glad I did! That propane torch bit had me laughing a lot 😂 your content is second to none Anne!

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome work Anne! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thank you Fred!!

[@shannagarroutte7829]

Hilarious and also helpful! Well done again Anne

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That's always the goal! Thanks for watching :)

[@cherylbertolini3140]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Great items to have......thanks for the tips Anne!!!

[@PappyJag1]

Thank you for the tips Miss Anne

[@SandraBelanger-q4t]

5:46 - Planter demo - just the gizmo I need! Would you please post a link so I can get one? My online search has yielded nothing like your planter. Thanks, Anne. Am really enjoying all your adventures!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

It's in the "garden must have's list :)" www.amazon.com/shop/anneofalltrades/list/3EVQUN6G0IT5H?linkCode=spc&tag=anneofalltrad-20&domainId=influencer&asc_contentid=amzn1.ideas.3EVQUN6G0IT5H

[@iguesi]

The Speed Planter!!! Wow... takes me back to riding on the back of a tractor and and placing strawberry starts into the planter wheel and watching them go into the soil. Not as cool looking as your speed planter, but just as effective... if you have three people - the tractor driver and two people to load the strawberry starts.

[@gkdvrcb]

I totally thought the pooper scooper one was going to be "dogs" haha yes not bending over for poop is useful, but....dogs! Also...pro tip for zip ties and fencing (such as garden fencing, not where you have fence slamming livestock)..... I have a wire perimeter fence, and when a tree falls on the fence, zip tied areas take WAY less damage because the zip ties just pop off....T-posts are all still standing and maybe 10' of fencing is bent but salvageable. Where fencing is held up by metal clips, it pulls a much longer section down, posts included. I use metal zip ties at joints but 5+ plastic zip ties on regular areas. I use neon ones so I can see them easier when checking if any are broken

[@outrageousacres]

Do you have a video on that seed tray "bag". I'm interested in making one for transplanting this season.

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great tips

[@KarlBunker]

The closest I've ever come to "farming" was when I owned a few chickens for a while. They were partly for the eggs but mostly as pets. I found them really cute and enjoyable, so I'm wondering why an animal lover like you doesn't like them. Great video (even though I'm not a farmer/homesteader).

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Chickens are fantastic to have as assets to provide eggs, to recycle food and garden scraps, and they're fun to watch, especially if you only have a few that you socialize and keep as pets, but they aren't super smart, keeping them safe is a bit of a chore, and their poop is honestly one of the grossest things I've come across in 8 years of farming. I like what they do *for* me, and when I had only a few of them, I really did love them. But as I've gotten other animals, I've realized how much more engaging and rewarding it is to work with animals that provide a little more feedback and a little less... scorched earth.

[@Swamp-Fox]

Great video! Love the hacks!!

[@nelsonridgefarm]

Great tips, thanks so much! -Brad

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@teac117]

One day, you're going to come across a fox with a flashlight. One day...

[@sarasunny-hr2xf]

Where can I buy this hose I really, really need one at 85 my wrist hurt using my current regular hose it kinks and twists. Until I saw yours in this video, I thought I'd give expandable hoses another try. Really enjoy your videos. Thank you, Rae

[@AnneofAllTrades]

As a warning, they don’t have a super long life unless you’re really careful with them, but for me, it’s worth it to buy more when they break because it’s they are so valuable with regard to ease and reducing labor and frustration with chores. Especially when it comes to my need for 100 ft hoses. But here’s a link to the ones I use: a.co/d/1rzGylQ

[@sarasunny-hr2xf]

@@AnneofAllTrades Thank you for getting back to me so fast. Is the one you have is GUKOK BRAND? Amazon had the 50ft. which is what I need. If this doesn't work for me, do you trust this brand to buy their non-expandable hose? Thank you again, Rae

[@JoriDiculous]

everyone needs a hoe in their home, mine gets frequent use in the winter, mainly scraping snow and ice. (most of it off the tractor implements) But the number One hack every homestead needs is a Anne of all trades.

[@andrewmortimer3317]

This was fun and informative!

[@markengineeringSA]

Top tips 👍👍

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Good tips Anne! Thanks for sharing them with us!💖👌👍😎JP

[@jamesvatter5729]

"Roasting a marshmallow when you're in a hurry." LOL!

[@rick91443]

Wonderful American Ingenuity at its finest(scratching my head) and wondering how many of these items I can buy/find here in France...cheers...rr Normandy, Fra.

[@scott98390]

I don't know how close you are to a coffee shop, but talk to them about taking their coffee grounds. Mix them into that woody compost you've got and they'll break down very quickly. I did this to get rid of some "beauty bark" in a planter bed - by spring, I had thick, rich, soil teeming with worms.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You’re right! I’ve just done a basic composting video and the 3 bin system tutorial you’ll see here in a couple weeks goes over that very topic ;)

[@joexg50]

Very smart choices as you have proved and approved.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Thanks Joe!!

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

The oven got me 😂 good one

[@2300Kenzie]

A hack I've given to others is your forwarded videos. If you like a caramelized marshmallows instead of a sweet carbon briquette, try a heat gun. I keep one in the kitchen for focused browning and many other uses. My tool collection also lost an IR thermometer and propane torch to the kitchen. Fortunately I have several. Dang. Now I have to go build a harvest basket for a friend.

[@KMDFG96]

What jeans are you wearing, the large pockets on the front look perfect!!

[@youmebornfree]

I think that seed planter is brilliant the only thing is the tray puts your back in an awkward position. If the try was narrower and really wide you wouldnt have to hold it so far out in front of you.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

I'm pretty sure that clip was from 8 years ago... future iterations were much more ergonomic, but dang it if that wasn't a brilliant solution on the fly.

[@gabriellehumphreys1179]

Hi, couldn't find you on square space. I wanted the link to your broad fork. Please can you put up your link. Tyd

[@Love-144]

Definitely getting the weed burner!

[@texasbackyardgarden808]

Where do I find the garden hose quick connect?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

From aquor :) tell them I sent you. Great company, right by my old farm in Wa

[@JeniPollard]

What brand of hose is shown here? Hose shopping for 1/3 acre property and was looking at contractor hoses - very heavy!! Would love a lightweight hose that lasts more than 1 year!

[@marknahabedian1803]

Is that a Meadow Creature broadfork? Bob and I went to college together.

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@AaronSchmidt52]

100% agree, chickens suck.😆 Great info, thanks for sharing.

[@2300Kenzie]

What is & where did you get the mesh screen for your produce basket? I haven't found a good material for that. Gracias!

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Oh the basket came to me as a completed item. But I’ve seen lots of folks using enamel coated rabbit wire.

[@randywestcott6062]

Where can I buy one of those Speed Planter Tools?

[@tsaligrass]

where you get the plant planter

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Check out this list Garden Must Haves from Anne Of All Trades www.amazon.com/shop/anneofalltrades?listId=3EVQUN6G0IT5H&ref=inf_list_pub_anneofalltrades

[@suttonbogedain5874]

Please double check. I think you may have linked the wrong long handled bulb planter. Yours has two hand triggers. The link shows only one. Prices vary widely too. I am nearly 70, very interested and hope my kids will buy me one for Christmas. Thank you.

[@raysislands]

What is the thing holding up the seeding tray?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Hahaha it’s a construction safety harness with some modifications

[@jamesgoodin905]

First tool, how do you think that would work out as a tiller (gotta big mulch pile, just not big enough to buy/use a gas driven type)?

[@heatherjolly8389]

how have I just found you. you're awesome

[@johannwolf1]

great tricks... but lets talk about those fabulous jeans... who makes those?

[@GibClark]

Coooooool stuff!!!!

[@MadebyKourmoulis]

I use the propane weed burner to light my smoker. Hands down best method.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Brilliant!

[@ArmyCore_EOD]

I built your chicken coop and love the idea of an automatic door... unfortunately the vertical sliding doors often have too large of a footprint for the install locations on the coop. Where can I find that swinging door that you have on your coop?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

You did? That’s so awesome! My best friend made a video about how she made hers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6Xcm6iOn7J9oKs But I was lazy and bought mine 😂 chickendoors.com/product/right-small-pullet-shut-door/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Y_JmOy49AIVA5-GCh3mCwlfEAQYAiABEgLXLfD_BwE

[@ArmyCore_EOD]

@@AnneofAllTrades I'm actually in the process of building a mechanism to open and close the trailer gate. I've installed gas traction springs and I'm about to add the limit switches and Arduino. I'll share pictures.

[@coreycrawford8734]

May I ask the name brand of your jeans you have on in the video?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

They’re Dovetail workwear. ANNE15 at checkout will get you a discount!

[@laurieclarkson9180]

Do you have a new version of this video? I'd love to see your new hacks, favorite gadgets, and great ideas!

[@joecontreras5068]

If you really want a strong cable tie ,they make stainless steel ones that are badass- the plastic ones deteriorate over time and will snap with pressure, that doesn’t happen with the steel ones

[@garydargan6]

I couldn't help noticing it. How's the truck project going?

[@AnneofAllTrades]

It’s going great! I’m really behind on my videos about it but I’ve got it running really well. Few more mechanical tweaks then the fun stuff, interior and exterior can start!

[@robertpeacock1635]

If you don't have a lot of poop to deal with, a kiddy leaf rake to use as a scoop to pick up poop to put in bag or toss under a bush. Use underhand or side toss, don't toss overhand.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That's a great tip! With 80 animals though, I have a LOT of poop to deal with haha!

[@thundercell13]

Growing up my mom steam canned pickled green beans. Sooo yummy and crispy

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

"city folk proof". As a New Yorker ( actually a Long Islander. So suburban folk. It's probably suburban folk proof too ) I resemble that remark. Growing up in Levittown NY in the '60's and'70's we were able to buy produce from a few farms that stuck it out despite suburban sprawl. Most are gone now but eastern Long Island has seen a farming renaissance with "heirloom produce" and vineyards.

[@lesliejacobs3002]

If using zip ties. Make sure you have a knife on you..also, cause as fast as you need it up.. sometimes just that fast you want it..UNDONE.

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

Wolf Fruit Picker is better because basket is cloth which is easy on fruit.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

Nice! I'll have to check it out!

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

@@AnneofAllTrades it's the red/green tool as part of a multi-tool assortment. Extension tool is needed tonattachbtge tool. I've had this system for about 10 years...love it. WOLF-Garten ....Many nurseries here in the US carry it as well.

[@weirdowilab1726]

If you ever get past the guardian dogs, youll be torched. So dont even think about it 😂

[@AnneofAllTrades]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheMonkdad]

That torch looks more like a weapon than a tool.

[@victoriajohnson3034]

I want your energy level!

[@larrypostma2866]

The broad fork is a great idea but the ground around here is so hard you can’t stab it into the soil to begin with.

[@LeadingPaws]

3:31 😂 true

[@delila1830]

If she makes the tshirt I will buy and wear it

[@NWforager]

ha , Werner Hertzog i just heard also hates Chickens . There's a sneaky Racoon watching tutorial on how to get in that robo coop =)

[@mikejones3155]

Looks like the feed shed is collecting cobwebs 🕸.. lol

[@RDubdo]

The "broad fork" is not the easiest way to break up hard soil. It is much easier to keep the soil covered with mulch or crops and the soil will never be hard again.

[@AnneofAllTrades]

That’s true, but you gotta soften it up in the first place, otherwise you’ve gotta wait a loooooong time for it to soften up on its own ;)

[@keithrosenberg5486]

That ground breaker? Not the 'soil' in our yard. It is gravel hundreds of feet deep.

[@thom71]

We call them townies and I wish we had that gate when I was a kid. I like the planter but I would rather just run the rototiller instead of use that big ass fork.

[@otto_kilcher]

Coolest gal on the internet right here