Paint Roller Soil Aerator

A big spikey roller on a stick that chews up and aerates your gardens soil.

Printed parts:

NailRoller--Roller-NailTie-ShaftNCap3Cog <- Print 1x @ 10% infill

NailRoller--Cog <- Print 8x @ 5% infill

NailRoller--Roller-NailTie-ShaftNCap5Cog <- Print 1x @ 10% infill

NailRoller--Roller-16dCollar <- Print 24x

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:400921 <- jbeale's 8MM shaft nut (I used 25% infill)

Non-Printed parts:

1 x Paint Roller with extension adaptor:

Wooster Brush R016-9 Magikage Ninety Roller Frame, 9-Inch

https://amzn.to/3UaDLbH

1 x Roller extension:

Azusumi Paint Roller Extension Pole Multi Purpose Telescopic Extension Pole Lightweight Sturdy Extendable Pole for Painting Dusting

https://amzn.to/4dde9E0

or

Mintcraft Rp 5030 Wood Extension Pole, 3-piece, 42"

https://amzn.to/4d9Rbxt

3 X M3 bolts:

100pcs M3 Flat Head Countersunk Screw Kit, M3*6mm Stainless Steel Machine Phillips Cross Pan Countersunk Screws Bolt Fastener (6mm)

https://amzn.to/49QGLA0

48 X 16D(3.5in) Nails:

Simpson Strong Tie S16PTD1 16D Preservative-Treated Wood Decking Nails, 3-1/2-Inch and 9-Gauge, Stainless Steel, 1-Pound, 56-Piece

https://amzn.to/4b7jhre

1 X White Lithium Grease

Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease, 1.5 oz.

https://amzn.to/4barg6Z

Instruction\Advice:

Use\Build with caution and at your own risk. Use quality parts and don't be foolish or careless.

I was initially going to use the roller cage but it broke while removing it. I modeled one that sits between the 8mm(5/16") shank shaft and nail cogs. The roller ties in with two washers on either side and jbeale's 8mm shaft collar(I used the 3 x M3 screws version) at the end of the shaft. I did need to bend the shank a bit so the nails wouldn't hit it. It's best to do this before securing everything down.

3 nails go in through the bigger holes of each cog before it is set on the roller. Put the collars on the other 24 nails before setting them. You can squirt in a shot of hot glue to set them nice and tight. I thought they would eventually pop out but I've used it for hours and they've stayed put.

I've included Amazon Associate links for reference and/or convenience. If/When I break this one, I may try a roller where it attaches in two places. They all seem to be 9-12in wide with a 8mm shaft. A sturdy handle is strongly recommended. I had lithium grease left over from my printer. It makes it quite a bit smoother but it wasn't bad without it.