A driveway grader is a simple home maintenance tool to level gravel driveways. The driveway might become uneven for various reasons, like rain or extended use.
Homemade driveway graders are easy to make as the principle behind them is easy to grasp.
There are quite a few ways you can build a homemade driveway grader for your yard.
That’s why we are here. Today, we will discuss everything you need to build a homemade driveway grader and explain their significance.
Also, we will talk about how you will put it all together and everything you need to consider before building. Now, come with us!
Tools Needed To Build A Homemade Driveway Grader
A homemade driveway grader is quite a simple thing to build.
You can follow a sophisticated plan to build one close enough to commercial graders, and we’ll talk about this too.
However, there will be a more straightforward method too. You need to pick your choice.
Welding tools: This option stands for only those who can weld. It would be best if you had them join your construction as only welding can make it strong enough.
Metal stock (L-shaped and Flat): The flat metal bar will be used for the construction of the framework of the grader. The metal bar has to be thick enough to work.
Bolts and nuts will be used to attach the grader blade to the framework.
Metal chain: Rather than having to weld a metal handle to the grader, you will use a metal chain to drag it about. It will be easier and more convenient to get and attach.
Drill: This will be used to make holes that will be used to attach both chain and blade to the framework.
Grader blade: This is the leading man. It will do the job of grading, and you can use a used motor grader blade.
Cattle panel, Chainlink fence, or bed spring: If you can not weld, this will be the main component of your homemade driveway grader. Rather than the more complex spiked tooth construction, the cattle panel or chain link fence will do the grading work.
Weight: Dragging a cattle panel or Chainlink fence around won’t move anything. It would help if you had heavy stuff on either of those to make it solid enough to grade. You can use many things for this, and looking into your junk should give you enough options.
You can quickly get all these at your local home improvement store or a junk dealer nearby.
Step-By-Step Guide To Building A Homemade Driveway Grader
As mentioned earlier, there are two ways to build a homemade driveway grader.
Method One – Standard
Step One: Do Your Calculations
The first thing you have to do before building anything is to calculate the preferred size of your homemade driveway grader.
Knowing the size will let you know the quantities of all the required materials needed.
Step Two: Get Your Materials Ready
As should be said, this step is the proper start of the building phase. If you want to build the regular grader set up, you need all of the welding tools and metal to build.
Also, you will need things like a saw, screws, and drill.
On the other hand, if you are going for the more straightforward design, you only need a Chainlink fence or cattle panel and the weight on it.
For either option, you must get a metal chain to do the dragging.
Step Three: Build Your Framework
The main framework that will hold everything together is the first thing to construct. To do this, cut your flat metal bar to the desired length of your dragger.
Drills a hole at the end of each to take the chain.
Afterward, cut two pieces of the L-shaped to the exact width of the grader. Afterward, place both pieces between the main bars and weld them together.
One should be at the end without holes, and the other should be in the middle. It is to smoothen the way after the blade has graded it.
Step Four: Attach The Blade To The Framework
After the framework is done, add the blade to it. However, it would be best if you had a foundation for it before you can do that.
Cut your flat bar stock with its length equal to the grader width. Drill three holes right in the middle, equivalent to holes on the blade.
If there are no holes on the blade you got, correct that now.
Now, go to your driveway and determine the optimum angle your blade has to make with the ground.
Attach the newly cut bar towards the end with the drilled holes at this angle. Weld it in place, place the blade on it, and use bolts and nuts to secure it.
Step Five: Add Your Chain
The last step is to loop the chain into the hole. To do this, open up each end of the chain and slide it into the hole.
Afterward, use a plier or something similar to close it back.
Step Six: Finish Up And Test Run
Well, you are done! Attach the chain to your vehicle’s hitch and go for your first run with the newly made grader.
Method Two – Simplified
The other option is relatively easy. It is done in the following easy steps:
Attach Chain to your spring/Chainlink fence/panel.
Of course, this might not be an excellent option if your yard’s needs go beyond that.
Ultimately, what choice you’ll choose for your homemade driveway grader will depend on a few key considerations that will be discussed next.
Considerations In Building A Homemade Driveway Grader
As mentioned, you can build a homemade driveway grader in two ways. The option to choose will depend on a few things.
They are:
Budget: You’re working on a tight budget and need a driveway grader? The option is clear enough as one is cheaper than the other.
Convenience: If you are someone without experience in welding, it would be best to stick to the more straightforward way. Also, even if you can weld, you have to consider how easy it will be to get everything you need and build.
Need of your driveway: Some driveways are more challenging to grade than some. Many reasons for this include the size of gravel and wetness. If yours is full of more giant stones, you need a heavier grader to work it. You can achieve this by using a heavier blade or a heavier weight using the spring option.
These are all the things you have to keep in mind at the very beginning of your project.
Conclusion
A driveway grader is one of the tools necessary for taking care of your home surroundings. The clincher can be built for a minimal cost.
Building a homemade driveway grader is not at all difficult with a few dimes and effort. What are you waiting for?
