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  • Dave LaMarche

    As an engineer I didn't want to give up and made multiple visits to Home Depot and the automotive parts store.  It was at the auto store that they gave me the idea of using a downspout as an extension, though their idea was using aluminum.  My Home Depot only had vinyl but by sqeezing it I saw it was a perfect 3" in diameter - just right for my blower nozzle.  I bought the standard 10 foot length, a 45 degree vinyl downspout angle and a 3" worm/hose clamp.  For less than $15 and no duct tape I created my own cleanout nozzle.  You will also need 2 screws.

    1) remove all extensions from the blower as the downspout attachment is a little heavy and will strain them.

    2) place the downspout in a vise and heat up one end with a hairdryer until slightly soft.

    3) Once soft insert the blower nozzle into the downspout to provide a 6 inch overlap.  Wearing gloves form the downspout over the nozzle until the vinyl is cool. Add the clamp one in from the end of the downspout to provide some friction between the downspout and blower nozzle.  Take care - overtighting the clamp could crack the blower nozzle and/or downspout.

    4) Have someone help lift the downspout while you put on the backpack.  Standing at the lowest area under the downspout to determine what length of downspout you will need (I used 5 feet).  Your actual length will be based on your height and height of the gutters.

    5) Cut the downspout at the predetermined length and add the 45 degree corner. Drill pilot holes in opposite corners and screw in a 1/2" to 1" drywall screw. There is no need to seal the connections with tape or glue.

    This tool worked like a charm on my ranch house gutters and the entire house and garage were completed in less than 8 minutes - a task that would normally take 30-45 minutes with a ladder.

    Note: Additional end angles can be used but they add weight and also insert themselves too deeply into the gutter where they collide with the support angles.  This requires the user to lift the extension up a few inches every 6-8 inches of gutter.  Just one 45 degree angle allows the user to slide along the front lip of the gutter.

    CAUTION: 1) This method is only good for ranch style homes where gutters are 10-12 feet from the ground as the longer the downspout the heavier the extension and likely too heavy to safely control. 2) Do not use the blower while on a ladder as you will more than likely loose control and fall off. 3)  Keep the exhaust of nthe blower away from your roof shingles which may be damaged by the high wind. 4) Work in a direction so the leaves will blow away from you and not hit you in the face as they fall.

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