As autumn descends, so too do the leaves, blanketing driveways, sidewalks, and even finding their way into our garages. The annual battle against fallen foliage is upon us, and for many, a reliable leaf blower is an indispensable weapon. But what if your leaf blower could do more than just clear leaves? What if it could also be the star of your Halloween festivities?
The Reigning Champion of Leaf Blowers: Ego Power+ 880 CFM
After extensive testing of the market’s leading battery-powered leaf blowers, one model consistently blew away the competition: the Ego Power+ 880 CFM. This powerhouse device delivers gas-like performance without the noise or fumes, proving itself remarkably quiet during operation. Our rigorous trials, which included moving both fabric leaves and concrete blocks, saw the Ego Power+ 880 CFM effortlessly dislodge a 5-pound brick paver without even needing its turbo mode – a feat unmatched by any other blower we tested.
For a limited time, this exceptional tool is available at Lowe’s with a significant discount, bundled with an extra backup battery to ensure you never run out of juice mid-task. While its primary function is undeniably practical, there’s a delightfully unconventional application that WIRED contributing reviewer and leaf blower expert Sal Vaglica is eager to share.
(Original price: $439, Sale price: $379 – 14% off at Lowe’s. Sale ends November 4.)
Unleash the Fun: Your Leaf Blower as a DIY Toilet Paper Cannon
Just in time for Halloween, transform your Ego leaf blower into an exhilarating toilet paper cannon! This ingenious DIY project promises to add a unique, playful touch to your holiday decorations or even provide harmless fun for children. With just a few common hardware store items, you can create a device capable of unrolling a single- or double-ply toilet paper roll in mere seconds.
The Science Behind the Stream: How it Works
The magic of the toilet paper cannon lies in the principles of fluid dynamics. A leaf blower’s powerful airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and miles per hour (MPH), is key. The fast-moving air creates a lower-pressure stream, while the surrounding still air pushes the toilet paper roll towards this stream. As the air follows the roll’s curved surface, it generates lift, and friction helps carry the paper forward. This fascinating effect is a combination of Bernoulli’s principle, curved-surface lift, and the sheer force of the airflow.
To optimize the cannon’s performance, we consulted Saffron Wyse, an associate principal specializing in fluid dynamics at Thornton Tomasetti. Wyse advises, “Positioning the roll underneath the nozzle is slightly better because then you’re pulling the paper upward into the airstream, and you want it to go upward because that stream is going to do the bulk of the work for you.”
While most leaf blowers come with a tapered round tube, some, like the Ego model, also include a wide, flat attachment. For maximum speed and distance, the flat attachment is preferred. Wyse explains, “Having a thin nozzle arrangement that’s trying to flatten the airstream probably gives you more force, more velocity, so it’s likely to go further.” If your blower lacks this attachment, a DIY version can be crafted using duct tape and cardboard.
Building Your Toilet Paper Cannon: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your Roller
Begin with a mini paint roller designed for standard nap rollers. Crucially, avoid models intended for foam rollers, as they are too narrow. Slide a toilet paper roll onto the cage. If the fit is loose, wrap the cage first with painter’s tape, then with duct tape, adding layers until the roll grips securely. The painter’s tape ensures the roller remains usable for its original purpose later.
Step 2: Position and Secure
With the toilet paper on the roller, position it beneath the leaf blower’s nozzle. Aim for approximately 3 to 4 inches from the tip, ensuring it’s centered within the airstream. Use 12-inch strips of duct tape to firmly secure the roller handle to the blower. Before applying the duct tape directly to the nozzle, consider wrapping the nozzle with painter’s tape first. This protective layer will prevent adhesive residue from damaging your blower.
Step 3: Launch!
Once everything is securely in place, pull the first few sheets of toilet paper free from the roll. Squeeze the trigger, and watch as your DIY toilet paper cannon unleashes a stream of paper, ready to decorate your chosen target!
—Article by Kat Merck, DIY instructions by Sal Vaglica
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