DIY Lawn Striping Kit

[@TheLawnCareNut]

Jimmy, first off, great to see you my friend. Utah was great and when I come back I want to mow your back lawn. Stripes look great and the lawn is double dark. I don't know how much better it can get!

[@darrenposey82]

That was a great job. You were saying:" when you turned the mower, the striper would raise up. " My suggestion is:" add two sprigs that will bring the striper back down after every turn?" Have a good day.

[@jwilli850]

Beautiful yard!!! Good job dominating your neighborhood

[@MirzaGus]

Try the nut fully tight with the frame, then insert the bracket followed by two nuts tightened together leaving the bracket moving up & down freely

[@timboland02]

For your bracket issue, I would suggest that you use a longer bolt and then use 2 nuts on the one side. By doing so, you can semi-tighten the bracket to the mower, leaving some wiggle room and then use the second nut to tighten up adjust the first nut to keep it secure and not move (jam nut method). In addition, adding washers to this on each side will help with keeping it mobile while you turn and lift the mower as well.

[@marshallhoux7987]

Put a metal sleeve with washers it will let it float up and down without loosening the nuts on the bracket

[@pestandlawnginja]

You the man! Well done

[@richbullins1846]

GOOD JOB BROTHER!! I CANNOT WAIT TO TRY THIS! Going to Lowe’s to get the materials immediately!!! Thank you so much!!!! 👊

[@TheLawnTools]

Can’t argue with those results 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@PacificNorthwestLawns]

I plan on buying a new mower here really soon and have been thinking about a stripping kit.. I like this idea. Thanks Jimmy.

[@ndavis80]

As for the frame connection, go pick up a couple of small bearings and put the between the nut and the frame to set as a washer, and get nylon locking nuts, or drill a hole thru the bolt ends end secure to the bolt to the frame of the mower with cotter pins thru the bolt you drilled holes into. Nice vid bro!!

[@michaelpainchaud15]

I did this exact same system except I drilled holes through my handle and mounted the striper to the handle using clevis pins so that I could take it on and off easily.

[@B-Davis]

Great video brother. This is going to save ppl big money

[@pismolvr8053]

Put a clevis pin on each side, it’ll pivot for you and also make it easy to install and remove the unit. I have some in the garage you can have.

[@YardGuy]

Backyard looks sweet with those stripes buddy!

[@jamzach4]

Nicely done Jimmy !! Lawn looks amazing.

[@tr2727]

Can you use your lawn stripper with the bag attachment on ??

[@mrsaintlewis]

Great job man. You save a ton of money and it works for you. Thanks for sharing.

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thanks for watching. Great name by the way 😉

[@parikksit]

Thanks for discussing your challenges post completion. Helps us think of solutions that address it right in the design phase!

[@JimmyLewisMows]

The design gets better over time. Have an update video in the works. Gonna put the DIY kit up against one of the big boys...

[@liquidsteel8131]

Great video! Are you no longer able to use the bagger with this setup? Thanks again for sharing your videos!

[@rymaster4385]

Nylon lock nut is the way to go.

[@jimin8rfort46]

Nylon nut

[@pheyn0m961]

Well, that worked out awesome didnt it. Thanks for this video!

[@iceybudz16]

I made one myself and it's very similar to your but to fix your issue I used a couple springs doo it would push it up when I turnt and then when I say it back down after the turn tg he spring would release the tension n force itself back down. I just used a little bit bigger bolts thst gave me room to put the spring and extra washers on each syde

[@DaddingAllDay]

Superb results with that kit! Spacers should help. I’d give that try.

[@Mntinxtreme]

Beautiful backyard!

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thank you

[@Mntinxtreme]

Front too..I also just really like that nice big yard. Not a weed in sight.

[@AsLawnandLandscaping]

Looks awesome man! Best DIY striper I’ve seen! Great stripes too!

[@faithjones9157]

I Like your humility 😊

[@Oakleyboy05]

Made one myself, thanks for the video! It won’t let me post a pic of the before and after!

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Nice! Feel free to email pictures. [e-mail]

[@diyard3001]

Hey Jimmy, good start to your DIY striper. I made one a few years back which is a DIY version of the Big League Lawns striper. It uses shoulder bolts and set screw bushings to keep the angle bracket away from the mower frame and swiveling nicely.

[@diyard3001]

What I think you’ll find you want is some lateral support between the angle brackets. www.lawnsite.com/attachments/28a8aeb7-b2c8-4aa0-ac29-089d778863a5-jpeg.381038/

[@cauricemouture]

Use plastic spacers it will keep the roller attached to the mower but will also allow it to move up and down

[@DaddingAllDay]

I was going to say the same thing! I believe this will solve the problem.

[@juancarlosmateo6993]

That’s would work and I would just add a castle but with a cotter pin

[@angelf9800]

Question What direction should you cut your grass to get nice lawn strips.

[@johnmack1399]

Nice job Jimmy. looks really good!

[@1thinkhealthy]

Did you try lock nuts with the nylon in them?

[@ndavis80]

You also should add some spacers onto both outer ends of the 1/2" metal shaft (that goes down the middle of the pipe). Put the spacers between the securing nut and the plastic pipe to the rolling pipe doesn't slide on the shaft left and right as much.

[@ActorRyanBabcock]

Hey Jimmy, is it still possible to use your bag? with the diy stripper.

[@jaimebedolla989]

I know this video is 2yrs old but didn’t see anyone ask , can you use the bag and if yes any hangups or mods you did after attaching bag ? I only like to bag mow my lawn .

[@mrbill8476]

Great video Jimmy. This was good I have wanted to try this thank you for sharing. I look forward to your updates. I will happily post any ideas I have. Keep rockin it Jimmy 👍👍👍😁😁😁👏👏👏

[@papercut1987]

I think what you need is to solidify the frame your roller system ( keeping that rectangular shape from flexing) . 1- Add a bar (use two bolts each side) which will link your left and right L brackets will prevent them lifting independently (twisted frame = tilted roller) This will also add weight to your system, which is good. 2- Heavier roller will also help, maybe put sand inside and use silicon to close the pipe on the inside (a second cap inside of your end cap). 3- reduce friction between L bracket and mower frame, If your roller system isn't twisting, letting it going up and down freely will further reduce the chance of it getting stuck on up position after turning.

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thanks for the tips! Definitely would like to solidify the framing. The roller is plenty heavy, but yeah like you said beefing up the frame will definitely help sure it up and will add a bit more weight.

[@scottwoodbury5777]

One thought would be to put the attach brackets to the frame loosely with locking nuts so that it moves freely without coming loose, then add a moderate spring to both sides pulling down to keep positive contact with the ground. Although, over time, a loose mount would elongate the holes in the frame. Perhaps a solid mount with a replaceable bearing would be in order. I tend to over-complicate things though. I also think I would also find a way to put internal caps on the pipe to prevent the small striping within the larger lawn stripes. Otherwise, Looks great! Mountain views show you in the county just south of me. Looking to get a Timemaster soon. I really like my vintage 21" Personal Pace though.

[@wallyallyn5473]

Well my friend I would get some sort of a Long bar of all thread and attach it to one side or the other of the striper and then use it to pull the striper off the lawn and then once you turned the mower you can push it down that would be my suggestion I hope it helps you thank you

[@stanroberts9726]

Use shoulder bolts so the brackets can move as you turn around

[@BudgetLawns]

Impressive! Sounds like it might just fit into the budget! Just wondering how well it'd stripe the ole bermuda. Hmmm...

[@rogermazuca4582]

What type of grass do you have there in Utah?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Kentucky bluegrass

[@rogermazuca4582]

@@JimmyLewisMows It's very very nice. That scenery from the back porch is outstanding

[@ronadkins8997]

Nice video, great content! And your lawn is Awesome!

[@joshuawood9297]

I would use a spacers between the mower and the brackets

[@trevormuggeridge4560]

First Aussie 😁The Lawn is looking great, the edging is tight.😎👍👍

[@CHB_98]

Any ideas what to use Instead of end caps to so it sits all flush I find it’s leaving cap marks behind in my Lawn (not completely smooth since the caps are not level with the tube) thanks

[@glennfabar2106]

Try adding a spring tensioner either side. Connect from the bottom of the mower housing to about half way along your connecting arm brackets from your mower to your roller. Will add tension to keep your roller down. You won't have to push the roller down each time. Leave the bracket bolts loose so it can pivot. Try nylon nuts.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I would try some type of lock nut, maybe with a washer. Stripes looked great!

[@ronnieabrams1074]

Get some locking nuts they have plastic in the Nuts , you can sung the nut up close to the bracket and still leave enough play for wiggle room.

[@zachsmith538]

Mock you up a new L/triangle bracket and include 2 window lift support shocks (what thew use on car tailgates/windows). This will allow the bracket and PVC to flex upward when you push down to corner the mower and then press back down into the grass. Hope this helps!

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

What inch did cut at? Look very nice!👊👍👌❗

[@TryitTyler]

Double nut the bolts with loc-tite, tighten the second nut into the first one as much as possible without stripping threads

[@shanespillman2492]

Put 2 nuts together away from the frame and lock them together. Then it can move free.

[@bryceglissmeyer1016]

Got the backyard looking nice like a football field. Just need a red U in the middle 🙌🏼😉

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Nope haha. My cougs pulled out the upset on USC yesterday!

[@audisoundproductions]

What kind of grass is this ? What is the best grass for stripping in NC ?

[@fescuefreddy6529]

This is similar to the one I made for my old recycler. You might try a nylon lock nut so you can leave the bolt loose enough but not back off. That is if you havent figured this out already

[@paultanner2007]

Great video brother great lawn!!

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thank you!

[@j.plawncare]

I know this is a old video but you could have used a lock nut where it blots up to the mower that way the roller could move up and down and it couldn’t come loose thank you for the idea I’m going to make one for my mowers I bet it work on a zero turn to

[@graceortiz9494]

Great set up. Lawn is looking great!!👵

[@josemarquez86]

Use thread locker (medium strength) for those bolts and nuts, my friend👍

[@opnorty]

Try either a nylon locking nut or loctite. Either would let you get the nuts tight enough to keep it attaches, but loose enough to let the pipe drop after turning.

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thank you!

[@MikeHaddadLawnAddictions]

Was just going to say the same thing

[@saisamongarner2758]

hi jimmy, my mower is very small, and has no room to attach brackets, could i build the same kit and mount it onto a broom type handle, then use it independantly from the mower, would this work the same.

[@MikeHaddadLawnAddictions]

Looks awesome

[@BudgetLawns]

Yup!

[@TMF-8400]

Hey Jimmy, Loctite had different levels for tightness. I would look into that. It's a cheap fix! Good luck!

[@hockeyfan1115]

Should I use 3" or 4" pvc ?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Up to you. As long as it has decent weight to it, that's all that matters. The weight is what causes the grass to lay down and give a stripe.

[@CP-rm7rz]

A knockoff BLL striper can be built . The key components for the Timemaster are 1 piece 26.5" 80/20 1.5" or 2" square aluminum (overstock ebay-get black), 8 yates or similar boat rollers (4.5" diameter, 3" wide) , 1 rod , L brackets and bolts. I honored source/design but some may not be able to afford it or would prefer a project.

[@theeapco]

Looks like it works well!

[@johnrosado9245]

What grass type/ seed do you have in your lawn? Kbg, rye, Tass fescue?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

80% kbg. 20% rye

[@Kathyskollectables]

I have really been wanting to make a striping kit of my own. After watching your videoo I am convinced I can do it. Now I can afford the parts and time now. I do wonder, my Craftsman mower does not have existing ports to place the "L" brackets to the side of the mower. Any suggestions?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Find a good spot on each side to drill a hole!

[@williamchang9870]

Where do you find black PVC? Do they sell this at Home Depot?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Home Depot, yes.

[@TheLawnGuardian]

Nice! I made one very similar to that and it ended up breaking and I never tried to fix it. You should do some diamond patterns on the upper backyard.

[@trevor-bd4kt]

Hey sir ur a freakin genius!! Gonna do on my brand new Timemaster. Do u feel that 3" pipe is heavy enough or would 4" do better?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Totally up to you! I think the 3” is enough, plus the Timemaster puts down a pretty good stripe naturally, so combining the two 🔥🔥🔥

[@trevor-bd4kt]

@@JimmyLewisMows I built mine just like urs..works great! Painted flat black and it looks oem. Thanks!!

[@robhuber4045]

What length is the front and back lawn

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Front yard is 2000 sq ft. Back is 8500

[@robhuber4045]

@@JimmyLewisMows I am sorry I should’ve been more specific I meant the height of cut

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Oh sorry about that. Front yard is 0.75” and back yard is 2.75”. Both same blend of kbg/rye.

[@robhuber4045]

@@JimmyLewisMows Thanks for the response quick question my whole backyard is all Bluegrass this fall I aerated and over seated with all blueagain do you think next year I should over seed With Raye If so why

[@Willtt2005]

Use a backing nut. Loosen to where you want it set and tighten another nut against the original nut.

[@cfloyd28]

Beautiful!

[@garyshelton6019]

Springs on each side from bracket to lawn mower. That might work.

[@RVALawnLove]

Whole yard looked great to me bud, great job. That stripers results look good, besides the issue turning. But stripe wise...they’re poppin!

[@randallhunter3912]

Should have got some caps to slide inside the pvc pipe but still looks awesome

[@adamblakeney8446]

I'd assume the lines in the middle of the stripes are from the edge of the cap on outside. I would also definately use inside caps

[@memlay465]

try using Ny-Lok nuts they will stay were you want them without loosening.

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thank you

[@Herbybandit]

The answer to your tight nuts problem would be plain washers and nylock nuts 😉 that way you can tighten them just enough to take up the slop but loose enough for the roller brackets to move up and down without binding.

[@jrblandscapingandsnowplowi4935]

put a thicker bracket and a bigger hole where it mounts to the mower. Use a sleeve or ball bearing,, bushing for the bracket to swivel up and down on. Either that or a slot at the bottom so the roller can float, like a floating deck on a mower. Looks good thiugh

[@williamrutkowski]

Looks good!

[@alec5545]

Nice stripes! Really impressed. I like how the edges of the stripes are a little more pronounced. Gives it an extra pop. Not sure if that's from the wheels or where the PVC caps make contact, but either way it's really cool.

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thanks! Ya I think it's a combination of that pipe caps and the back wheels of the time master.

[@AsLawnandLandscaping]

How much does the whole build cost for someone wanting to do this?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Cost me about $50 not including tools.

[@Gustavo-nu1kq]

Larger diameter pvc pipe would help keep it on the ground. I would put a rubber washer between the bracket and the frame of the mower.

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thanks

[@90jblaze]

nylon lock nut or two nuts back to back

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thanks!

[@iiiStUNA9]

Hey Jimmy, question on the mower. Would you recommend the 30” timemaster? I have seen a mixed bag on reviews. Any advice on this?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Hey Cody, A lot of the issues I've heard about before getting mine were related to the older models. The new model seems to hold up a lot better. Haven't had any issues with mine so far. Great mower. The thing is a beast. I've really enjoyed it. With that being said, at this point I would recommend it. Hope that's helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@markcaldwell3978]

Get a shoulder bolt with nylon lock nuts

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thanks!

[@AA-cy4rl]

Great Video, However wish you had put it tough at the edge of the Garage to provide more lighting

[@raypalermo1603]

Can you back up with this with no problem?.

[@tysonlucas8671]

Use exhaust manifold studs. I would send you a photo of mine if youtube would let me

[@wallyallyn5473]

Hey Jim it's too dark and there can't see what you're doing

[@bsmith2340]

Y would u want it to roll I would think a drag would lay down more

[@jasonb8081]

where is the measurements for this project?

[@JimmyLewisMows]

The width of the roller depends on the width of the wheelbase of your mower. I have a parts list in the description.

[@BlindTv]

Thank you I’m all about these kind of videos thanks I just now subscribed to you I’m definitely gonna watch your channel #ICan’tSee

[@ThelifeofEdwinFord]

Enjoy the video I have to make something like that...

[@JimmyLewisMows]

Thank you!

[@soccerbros756]

use lock nuts

[@grassjunky3705]

Lock tight.

[@derekresendes2984]

Use a second nut.

[@paulelam2789]

[]==\\\\\\\\\ bolt []=|=\\\\\\\\\ bolt fed through bracket []=|=□\\\\\\\ now add nut []=|=□\□\\\\ feed bolt through mower. Add final nut A bolt that does not have threads going all the way to the head. Put bolt through bracket. Then put on a nut as far onto the bolt as it will allow. Feed through mower. Put on other bolt. Above is the best I could come up with as a diagram in comments. | represents the bracket. \\ is threads. □ are the nuts.