Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Chuck1
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: Jan 15, 2005
Points: 24
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Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Original Message Jan 25, 2005 12:35 pm |
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IThis is not a real snow blower question, though it is relevant in that if we get additional snow (which I've no doubt we will) I won't be able to clear my driveway with my machine as I won't be able to get any traction. On Saturday past we received 61 centimeters of snow (23+ inches), which I promptly cleaned up, leaving about 1/4" of snow on the driveway. Yesterday we had torrential rain (typical for our climate). Today it's -2C (26.6F) and everything is frozen solid; despite my hard work, my driveway resembles a hockey rink. Anyway, it's my first year in this house and it has what I call a "doggie bone" brick driveway (I believe they're called paving stones). Can anyone give me some advice on what to use to get a grip on the ice? I really don't want to use salt as I'm concerned that it will damage or stain the stones. Sand is an option that came to mind, but I was wondering if anyone else had any thoughts. Thanks in advance. Chuck
Ariens 11528, Yard Machine by MTD 6.0HP Mower, Weed Eater GTI-15, Simoniz S1600 Washer, Weber Silver C.
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Chuck1
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: Jan 15, 2005
Points: 24
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Re: Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Reply #2 Jan 25, 2005 12:40 pm |
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Fred, Yes sir, it is indeed sand. Chuck.
Ariens 11528, Yard Machine by MTD 6.0HP Mower, Weed Eater GTI-15, Simoniz S1600 Washer, Weber Silver C.
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ChrisS
Appreciate what you have already been blessed with.
Joined: Sep 16, 2002
Points: 2793
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Re: Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Reply #3 Jan 25, 2005 12:41 pm |
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My town provides free sand which I use. I could not afford to buy salt for my entire drive. I guess it comes down to what you can get your hands on or afford.... What happened to you has happened to me often so I have sand buckets placed on the drive and more sand in bins in the garage. C
Honda 928TA, Ariens 924 STE, Toro single stage S-620, 95 Jeep Wrangler with a 6 foot Fisher Plow, many shovels, one 14 year old boy. Craftsman 01 1000 LTX pimp Gold LT 20hp Briggs OHV V-twin. Tough as it is ugly.
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Dave___in___CT
Deliberate often... ...decide once...
Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159
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Re: Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Reply #4 Jan 25, 2005 12:49 pm |
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Hi... Size of iced driveway ? 1st... I'd use salt-free sand... least expensive or free... There are ice melting products that will not damage the pavers or plants in fact... like salt will... I got mine a a hardware store... Can also buy and use a propane flame weed burning torch... Dave...
Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.Henry Ford BCS Tractor & snowblower
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Chuck1
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: Jan 15, 2005
Points: 24
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Re: Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Reply #5 Jan 25, 2005 1:03 pm |
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Dave, It's two cars wide, 50' long. I've never heard of a propane weed burner before. . . Chuck
Ariens 11528, Yard Machine by MTD 6.0HP Mower, Weed Eater GTI-15, Simoniz S1600 Washer, Weber Silver C.
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Dave___in___CT
Deliberate often... ...decide once...
Location: West-Central Connecticut
Joined: Sep 17, 2002
Points: 3159
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Re: Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Reply #6 Jan 25, 2005 1:11 pm |
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Chuck... Here's a picture of one brand... Weed Dragon Price: $69.90 Weed Dragon/Cylinder Dolly Combo Price: $119.80
Other brands / sizes available... I did a search on propane weed torch
I've never used one... but it should melt ice... ...seen pictures of 'em being used for this... Here's a picture... Just noticed this... " LIQUID TORCH KITS: If you plan on using your torch continuously for great lengths of time or if you plan on using it in sub-zero climates, you will need to use a Liquid Torch Kit. Liquid Torch Kits require a propane tank equipped with a liquid withdrawal valve. Talk to your local propane dealer for more information about this. Two kits to choose from."
Dave...
This message was modified Jan 25, 2005 by Dave___in___CT
Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.Henry Ford BCS Tractor & snowblower
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Chuck1
Location: Newfoundland, Canada
Joined: Jan 15, 2005
Points: 24
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Re: Best ice remover for paving stone driveway
Reply #8 Jan 25, 2005 7:33 pm |
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I bought some of that Alaskian Ice melter stuff and followed it up with sand. . .thanks all for the feedback!! I'll let you know how it works out. Snow again tonight! Chuck
Ariens 11528, Yard Machine by MTD 6.0HP Mower, Weed Eater GTI-15, Simoniz S1600 Washer, Weber Silver C.
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