Hardware Store Edition of Barn Hacks
Of COURSE, I’m going to do a bunch of shopping at my local hardware store/giant box store of home improvement things. They have wonderful and wide aisles full of *things* that I can easily use to make my life simple at the barn. Total honesty – some of these are more “hack” and some are more “necessity” but really they just all make our barn work more organized.
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- Address Letters – These gems come in all sorts of colors and sizes and letters, and are great for adding some custom flair and labeling to buckets, trunks, etc.
- Hooks – For all things that need hooks. Big giant hooks are great for blankets if you are not the folding type. Hooks you can dangle are great for tack cleaning stations.
- Pipe insulation – One, for pipes. Two, for covering metal saddle racks so your flocking and saddle don’t get dented. Three, use the thicker pipe insulation to stuff in your tall boots.
So this is what pipe insulation looks like on a pipe. Now just move it to your saddle rack, super easy.
- Buckles/snaps/eye hooks – You might even find that the quality of these gadgets at the hardware store are better quality than the feed or tack store. Don’t forget to pick up a handy screwdriver (flathead is best) to install screw eyes.
- Vice grips – This is never a better way to move mats than vice grips. Or anything else bulky, cumbersome and heavy you need to drag around.
- Window insulator kits – These amazing sheets of plastic that you stick and blow-dry onto a window create a draft-proof window. Keeps things more climate-controlled. And super inexpensive!
- Kiwi latches – So far, this is the only type of latch that is mostly horse-proof. And sometimes human proof.
- Space heaters – For those days when you are just about to turn into a block of ice yourself. Pick up a model that has an auto shut-off and any other hi-tech safety features that will stop you from accidentally leaving it on.
- Fans – Much like the space heater, find models that automatically shut off. Some have safety plugs, some are even able to be used in the rain.
- Pick ax – This handy tool is great for dragging and digging trenches. Even a small path for rainwater to drain can make a huge difference.
- Mulch – Mud control is definitely a challenge, so when you have finished getting out all the anger with your pick ax, spread some mulch around for a mud barrier. This is usually great for temporary setups, like during freak storms or when you are showing and the ground is *ahem* less than stellar.
- Brooms – Can you ever have too many?
- Recycling bins, trash bins – Keep it green, folks! And find heavy-duty cans for feed storage.
- Pipes to aerate the compost pile – If you can’t turn your compost regularly, it might be time to stab your piles with giant PVC Pipes. You can drill holes into them, or you can find a french drain type that already has holes.
- Shop towels – So much more absorbed than paper towels. Great for making your own grooming wipes.
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Squish things then lift them.
This is the only latch that no horse can figure out. Unless your horse is a wizard.
This is SO SATISFYING to shrink up your seasonal horse blankets and gear.
Be sure to check the size. Don't want doll house size or marshmallow man size, either.
Vertical storage is the best! No more digging through trunks.
The extra arm is a great place to hang your saddle pads.
Set them free upon thine enemy (JK, not really, but you can move them to a safer spot for everyone).
Plus you can keep dust and rodents out of your horse's blankets while saving space.
Thank you!
More barn hacks:
See also:
PART SEVEN – DOLLAR STORE EDITION
PART NINE – HORSE SHOW EDITION
PART TEN – COLD WEATHER BARN CHORE EDITION