Posted on 12/20/2009 12:39:13 PM PST by big truck
Word to the wise: do NOT stick your hand down the shute of a snowblower to clear an ice jam if the auger is still spinning. I let go of the hand control and thought the auger has stopped. Three broken fingers and two to-the-bone lacerations on my middle finger on my right hand have taught me this lesson today. The ER nurses and docs were very impressed. No work, no driving, great pain meds, lots of antibiotics, and seeing a hand surgeon tomorrow. Dumb, dumb, dumb...
Hey big truck:
I did the same thing some years ago. I, too, thought the auger had stopped, so I punched my hand down the chute to dislodge some slush. WRONG! Had I not been wearing heavy gloves I would be missing my middle and ring fingers on my right hand. As is was, those fingers were just badly torn up and the nails on both are now deformed and will be that way until I get my new ones in Heaven.
I don’t remember the year, but I distinctly remember that two nights later I sat with my bandaged hand and those fingers throbbing, watching Penn State beat Vinny Testaverde and The University of Miami for the National championship.
FWIW.
I bought it second hand - 1996 Jacobsen 626 - beast of a machine. Goes through snow and ice like crazy. Have yet to have it fail to clear a path. An oldie but a goody.
My guess is that you’re still a little shockey. You’ll look at this thread tommorrow and not remember what motivated you to post your calamity.
Souderton, Pennsylvania.
Whats a snowblower??
Speedy recovery from Tampa
Let me guess: you regularly get toaster burns and shocks too, right?
Not that I recall. But I believe we all go back to Adam, so somewhere along the way I probably am!!
Lucky you did this before we “fixed” health care.
If it’s any consolation, I changed the element in my water heater once but forgot to turn the water off. I read it can be done without emptying the tank as long as you work quick. Took only moments to be in a water-soaked closet with bloody knuckles and smashed eyeglasses. Seemed like an eternity from the time I realized the element would not begin to thread until the water was shut off.
WARNING: Turn off lawn mower engine before removing cutting blade.
You are correct. I always tell my girls, “If you stop and think about it for 30 seconds, you probably won’t do it.” Should have listened to myself. I’ll keep your lawn mowing suggestion in mid next spring....
We have documented the hand calamity, but let me ask if your wife made you get bread, milk, and eggs before the snowstorm? I now live in Wisconsin(snows every frickin day) but I never saw the bread and milk briggade in as strong force as in suburban Philly.
I usually carry a stick or long screw driver. Was in a hurry trying to make church. Will definately heed the tip on the WD40. Thanks.
“Idiot...
YOU are the reason for idiotic attorney driven warnings placed on ALL of the wonderful mechanical enhancements our society has to offer.
If your crotch itches while mowing lawn, walk away from the mower before scratching. “
Actually, that depends. If he has thoughts of suing, then are spot-on. If not, then he is an AMERICAN, and learns his lesson without wrecking the county.
From his post, I’d say he’s the second...and if so, you owe him an apology.
“I hope you live nowhere near Fargo............”
That was kind of disturbing, wasn’t it? I’m always careful about “snags” when using one of those things, I can imagine my sleeve or glove getting caught and jerking my arm in before I can react.
'68 Gilson is my beast, 8 HP of walk behind snow killer.
Best wishes for your recouping, however..come on, admit the error of your ways my FRiend.
It could have been worse for sure.
Word to you: Read the instruction manual
Instruction manual:
CAUTION: Before using this product, read this manual and follow all safety rules and operating instructions.
Operation
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
Not yet.
That's Barney Frank on a ski trip.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.