Reuse An Old Garden Hose To Help With Heavy Lifting Around The Yard

Working in the garden can be relaxing and highly rewarding, but there are times when it is physically strenuous. Whether carrying large bags of soil, heavy buckets of water, or pushing a wheelbarrow, maintaining proper body mechanics is important for preventing injuries. To put this into perspective, the World Health Organization reported nearly 619 million people suffered from low back pain in 2020 alone. While not all these injuries are caused by improperly lifting buckets or other yard items, a proper handle to distribute the weight can help reduce the risk of lower back injuries. So, if you're looking for a way to maintain appropriate yard work body mechanics, specifically with lifting heavy buckets, head out to your shed and grab an old garden hose to use as a handle cover. 

Garden hoses are typically crafted from rubber or vinyl, which is why they are so durable against damage. It's also common for hoses to be made of polyurethane, but this variety doesn't provide the same strength as traditional materials. However, both varieties will work when it comes to repurposing projects for garden hoses. So, if you've got an old hose that's giving you problems and you're on the verge of throwing it away, set it aside for this clever hack to transform it into a bucket handle cover.

To get started with repurposing an old bucket and garden hose, you'll need to gather some supplies. Besides the bucket and hose, you'll need a sturdy pair of pliers and something to cut through the hose, like a utility knife or PVC cutters. Use the pliers to remove the metal handle from the bucket and set it aside. Next, measure how long you want the handle cover to be, and then use the utility knife to cut out the appropriately sized section of the hose. Slide the hose over the handle and use the pliers to reattach it to the bucket. Now, you're ready to carry heavy items in the bucket without extra hassle from the uncomfortable metal handle.

Don't panic if your bucket is missing its handle entirely. This hack can still work with the addition of extra material: some heavy-duty rope. To begin, you'll need to measure out the length of rope needed and string one side through the hole at the bucket's lip. Take your desired length of hose and slide it over the rope before securing the other end of the rope to the hole on the opposite side of the bucket. Once complete, your bucket will have a DIY handle and grip. Overall, the durable nature of garden hoses makes them great for lift assistance and help with other yard work tasks.

You don't have to throw away your bucket if you don't have an old garden hose. You can repair or completely replace a bucket handle with items you probably already have on hand in several ways! For buckets that are missing the grip, use a combination of electrical tape and pipe insulation to help with proper lifting. Like other bucket handle repairs, start by measuring out how much pipe insulation you'll need. Use pliers to remove the handle and slide the pipe insulation on. Last, use the electrical tape to tightly wrap the insulation for extra durability. If you don't have any pipe insulation, a thin section of a pool noodle can also be substituted for a bucket handle grip.

Many yard work chores require repetitive lifting, which can be strenuous on the body. If your bucket is missing a handle, don't try and pick it up without some form of assistance. Grab some paracord to create a DIY strap using this rope alternative. Paracord is a bit more durable than standard rope, making it a stable option to create a bucket handle. You can either drill holes into each side of the bucket, thread the rope (braided for extra durability), and knot it off, creating two straps, or use a series of knots to create a sling. With an improved handle in place, you can keep your favorite bucket and implement modifications to make it even more comfortable to use.