Tampers are ideal for leveling dirt and mulch after planting shrubs and small trees, leveling and packing paver base before installing a paver walkway or patio, or even smoothing out gravel after heavy rainfall. With a few helpful tips, you can efficiently and effectively use this tool on your next outdoor project.
Tamper vs. Digging Bar
Though both tools are often referred to as tampers, there are big differences between tampers and digging bars. A tamper, as previously mentioned, features a long shovel-like handle and a heavy, square base. It’s perfect for packing and leveling dirt, sand, and rock, as well as many other materials. A digging bar is a long steel bar most often used for setting fence posts, deck supports, or similar materials. On one end of a digging bar, there is a small tamper used for packing in the dirt around a post-like structure. Its smaller size makes it perfect for fitting in holes around posts, but not as useful for packing or leveling dirt in other situations.
Safety Considerations
Tampers may be simple, but they can be dangerous if used improperly. The heavy steel base can cause significant injury if it strikes a leg or foot, so proper work attire such as thick pants, work boots, and gloves should always be worn during use. Additionally, it’s recommended that you wear eye protection whenever using a tool to strike a material. If you feel that you are losing control of the tool due to exhaustion, it’s best to take a break and pick up where you left off once rested.
How to Use a Tamper Tool
Buying vs. Renting
Many home improvement stores offer hand tampers as rentals, but the cost of this tool doesn’t justify this. Because of the wide range of uses, a tamper is a tool most homeowners will use again and again after purchasing. So, unless you are absolutely certain you will never use the tool again, it’s likely one worth buying.
Keeping Tampers in Good Condition
The main task associated with keeping a tamper in good shape is simply cleaning it off after use. Depending on the specific material used for your tamper’s base, storing it dirty or wet may lead to rust and deterioration. So, it’s always recommended that you clean and dry it after use.
When to Replace a Tamper
If properly used and cleaned before storage, odds are a tamper’s base will last forever. However, the handle, depending on the quality and specific material used, will likely wear out over time. In this case, many tampers can have a replacement handle added, while others cannot due to their construction. If your specific tamper isn’t made to accept a replacement, a bad handle is a sign to buy a new tamper.
