Tired of mowing a bumpy yard? Build this Yard Leveling Rake and make your yard a golf course!

[@kenp4464]

Nicely done. I'm about to practice some welding and build one. Do you think the sharper corners of the square tubing wouldn't be as smooth as the rounded corners on the angle iron.

[@jamesflinn8630]

The edges of square tubing isn't all that sharp of an angle, so I wouldn't worry to much about that. Also, your corners won't really be that sharp because of the weld joints and then lightly grinding them smooth. You can pretty much build them from anything, you just want to keep the total weight down to between 5 - 10lbs. Any lighter than 5lbs and it won't be very effective. I did build my first one from slotted angle, but I didn't care for how light and flimsy it was. It just didn't move the dirt the way I wanted it to. However, it did move easier than the square tube because of it being so much lighter. Thanks for the comment!

[@Danko88]

I just made one from square aluminum tubing and some angle iron to add some weight. I just used bolts and lock washers to hold it all together. also used a pool pole. thanks for the build.

[@adamsons2890]

Thankyou,this is an outstanding vid,much appreciated!

[@Digidoc316]

Might I offer a suggestion? I noticed your gate hinge rolls to one side of the centerline. Invert the hinge and place the roll up against the end of the wooden handle. This directs the force of the handle directly down to the bolt and allows for more swing in either direction. Great build!

[@solidsoldier9021]

GREAT JOB SOLDIER

[@gordonsalive2818]

gate hinge is a brilliant idea

[@richbooth9030]

Nicely done I won’t be shelling out 170.00 for one after seeing your build Thanks

[@kylehudson4576]

Thank-you so much!

[@BenNawrath]

That slotted angle is likely zinc plated, so be sure you’re well ventilated when you weld it! Nasty stuff. Great project though. I want to make one as well. Built a roller out of an air tank, and a soil probe.

[@jamesflinn8630]

Really good point.

[@rbruce63]

Living in Costa Rica, importing a leveling rake or loot doubles it’s dollar value! Thanks for the tips?

[@jamesflinn8630]

No problem!

[@stevebabiak6997]

You could have used some metal conduit for the handle. It’s probably galvanized so not for welding, but the length and diameter selections are more varied.

[@jamesflinn8630]

Yes! Great idea!! I didn't think of that.

[@bluesfool1]

Would like to see it in action!

[@hacksaw413]

Been going down this rabbit hole for a little bit. Just had a thought that a section of aluminum ladder might work great?

[@jamesflinn8630]

Wow! Great idea. I'll have to see how that would work.

[@hacksaw413]

@@jamesflinn8630 I have seen a couple of good DIYs such as yours. But I'm about as frugal as they come. The other thing I was thinking was shelving from a plastic shelving unit.

[@frankholehouse1393]

Brilliant Video

[@cattips_]

Fabulous video!! I guess you are not using SI units but some ancient ones?

[@louannbristol8708]

Great job! Love to see more videos.

[@ringsidejudge4302]

Brilliant video , I am going to do the same job . Why did you not use the same material for the handle, with a small tee welded on to assist pushing or pulling and one hole drilled through for the bolt . I may be wrong but I think you went to a lot of trouble using U bolts ,bushes,gate-hinge etc . Correct me if I am wrong , I still think it is great end product and will last a lifetime .Thanks for upload .

[@jamesflinn8630]

You are correct, your idea would work as well. I was looking for something a little more light weight for the handle, verses adding the weight of the square tube steel. You want to try to keep the leveling rake right around 10lbs if possible. To heavy and it will dig in, to light and it won't level the ground properly. Mine was right around 11lbs, so fairly close. With that said, you're idea of welding a tee on the end is brilliant. Having something like that on the handle would be a big help when you're moving a lot of soil around.

[@ringsidejudge4302]

@@jamesflinn8630 Thanks for reply. I will take your advice on handle . Keep up the good work .

[@ermannodangelo1062]

6’ is 72” you would need more like 84” 😝

[@solidsoldier9021]

MANNN U THREW ME OFF , WHEN U SAID ITS A BIT🤬CH, WHEN THOSE HOLES DON'T LINE UP. LIMBO 🤣

[@LouieLasVegas69]

Hey, all props to you to be able to build a nice one. But if I can buy one for $150 vs. building one for $100.... I'd rather flush the $50 down the toilet and save hours of building.

[@jamesflinn8630]

That's ok, I get it. I'm a builder, so I love building things rather than buy them.

[@coreysellers4529]

I can build it for $20 though

[@dwightstebner9848]

so what are dimensions of the leveler it self?

[@areafortyone]

I made my own too except I made it out of wood using 2"x2"s. Works like a dream...

[@jamesflinn8630]

I would love to see it!

[@areafortyone]

@@jamesflinn8630 I might post a picture

[@samsi038]

@@areafortyone can you share the details please?

[@starfox1340]

Did you ever post a picture of your rake ?

[@derrick_builds]

Why is it the handle connections on all the DIY look so janky. Not just yours, but everyone out there. 2.0 looks better, but I guess it's how the yard looks and not the tool. Everything else looks great. Thanks for making the video.

[@K9388-n3z]

I mean like. Who doesn’t have a welder in their garage.....SMH

[@jeremymcclanahan2389]

If only someone could think of another means of securing two pieces of metal without having to be spoon fed every bit of knowledge in the world....lmao

[@jamesflinn8630]

I have a lot of friends that don't have welders or a torch. You'd be surprised at how many people don't even have the basic of tools.

[@K9388-n3z]

James Flinn kinda my point. Not really a DYI......

[@rjskum688]

@@K9388-n3z it is tho. You can buy a welder for 90 bucks. Or if you have a drill and some wrenches nuts and bolts may be the way to go.

[@AMP8424]

@@jamesflinn8630 totally went over your head.

[@hopper1415]

Why do you need to line up the two holes?

[@saraswatih9703]

Because a bolt is passing through these two holes.

[@hopper1415]

@@saraswatih9703 sar·casm /ˈsärˌkazəm/ Learn to pronounce noun the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.

[@saraswatih9703]

@@hopper1415 Do not ask stupid questions then