The Snow Ripper - Rip Snow From Your Roof in Minutes. 1/2 Snow Rake - 1/2 Ripper / Cutter.

Easily remove snow from your roof.

After receiving over 50 inches of snow this winter and you are like me you went to the local hardware store to find a snow rake for the roof. Only to be told they are sold out.

Well necessity being the mother of invention forced me to make my own.
So hear is my first attempt at an instructable.

Parts list and cost file attached below.

Snow Ripper Parts And Cost.pdf
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Step 1: Step 1

Cut two 12” pipes using the Schedule 40, 1 in. x 10 ft. PVC.
At the left side I marked each pipe with a 12.

Step 2: Step 2

Cut two 25” pipes using the Schedule 40, 1/2 in. x 10 ft. PVC.
I marked each pipe with a 12, 13 and 25 inch marking.

Step 3: Step 3

Take a rubber mallet and bang in both 12” pipes into each end of the tee. On the back side of the tee place a screw to hold each 12” PVC pipe in place.

Step 4: Step 4

Measure in 2 1/2” from each end on the main header.

Step 5: Step 5

Drill a 7/8” hole through the top to the bottom with a hole saw. Set the header on two spare 2x4’s to allow easier drilling. Note: Do not use a hole bit they make a mess and chew up the PVC pipe.

Step 6: Step 6

Slide the 25” x ½” PVC pipes through the header to the 12” mark. Screw in a hex head screw at the 12” mark. This allows the post to stop at 12”.

Step 7: Step 7

Duct tape the ends of the ½ inch PVC pipes to keep snow out of the ends.

Step 8: Step 8

Take the sheet metal and cut out a notch according to the photo and screw into the 1” header and ½” support pipes using 10 screws. Measure from the right 11 1/8 inches and to 12 7/8 inches. Mark these measurements. Measure 1 inch in as seen in the photo. Cut with sheet metal shears the two line. Bend the cut piece to 90 degrees.

Step 9: Step 9

Take a hack saw to the other end of the ½” pipe and notch out a “V” grove to each post.
Insert the chain across each V Grove and screw into each side as shown in the photo.

Step 10: Step 10

Add a Schedule 40, 1 in. x 10 ft. PVC pole into the tee and screw the pole into the handle. Duct tape the chain ends.

Copyright 2011

Step 11: Snow Ripper II - the Upgrade - for $20.00 More

Hi All,

I had a few comments about the pole so here I am trying to address them.
Some thought the pole might be to flexible.

As you know our hardware stores are running out of shovels, snow rakes, speedy melt, and anything used for snow removal.

With this economy I am still trying to keep a functional tool as well as cost effective.

So off to find a sturdier / lightweight pole.
I came up with a painter extension pole $17.97. Problem is I could not find a nut large enough to fit the thread at the end of the pole. So I bought a small roller handle for $1.97.

Step 12: Step 11

Remove the 10 foot PVC Pole and place the Snow Ripper head on the table with the top of the tee facing up. Mark the center of the tee and drill a 7/8 hole in the middle as shown below. This will allow the painters pole to be attached to the Snow Ripper head.

Step 13: Step 12

Take your paint roller and cut off the metal portion using a hack saw that holds the roller on as seen in the photo.

Step 14: Step 13

Slide the extension pole through the hole of the Snow Ripper head and screw on the roller handle to lock the head in place as seen below. You can use a washer if you have one.