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Louie's ACE Home Center - Serving Fallon and Dayton, NV
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As winter wanes and the first signs of spring emerge, it's the perfect time to start thinking about your garden. Late winter offers an ideal opportunity for planting trees and shrubs, setting the stage for a lush landscape. Louie's Ace Home Center is here to guide you through this process with practical tips and expert advice.

Choosing the Right Time and Species

Late winter, just before the spring thaw, is a prime time for gardeners to plant. This season is particularly suitable for dormant bare-root plants like roses and fruit trees. They establish roots in cooler temperatures and burst into life as the weather warms. However, it's crucial to be selective with species; evergreens, for instance, may struggle to establish roots in winter's tail end. Prioritize species that thrive in your region's climate for the best results​.

Soil Preparation: Laying the Foundation

Proper soil preparation is key. Ensure your soil is well-aerated and well-drained before planting. While it might be tempting, avoid over-amending the soil. A moderate amount of compost and bone meal can enrich the soil without overwhelming your new plants. When digging the planting hole, keep it no deeper than the root ball and twice as wide. This provides ample space for roots to grow without being constricted​.

Planting Technique: The Art of Nurturing Growth

When planting, gently place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. For compacted soil, loosening it can facilitate better root growth. Be mindful not to plant too deep, as this can stress the plant and hinder its growth. Remember, the initial care you take in planting can dictate the future health of your trees and shrubs​.

Post-Planting Care: Ensuring a Strong Start

After planting, regular watering is essential, especially when the soil below the mulch and in the root ball feels dry. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. However, be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Consistent care in these early stages will pay off with robust growth in the spring and summer months​.

As you plan your late winter planting, remember that a little preparation goes a long way. Visit Louie's Ace Home Center for all your gardening needs, from quality soil and mulch to a wide selection of trees and shrubs suitable for your area. Embrace this season of renewal and transform your garden into a vibrant, flourishing space.

Selecting the perfect holiday gift for DIY enthusiasts is a thoughtful gesture that acknowledges their hobbies and passions. Louie's Ace offers an array of top-quality tools and gadgets that cater to a variety of interests, from gardening to woodworking to any hardware service. In this expanded guide, you'll find an even broader selection of gift ideas to inspire and delight the handyman or handywoman in your life.

About Louie's Ace

At Louie's Ace in Fallon, we take pride in being more than just a hardware store; we're a part of the community's fabric. For over 30 years, our store has been a haven for DIY lovers, offering products that range from basic tools to high-end equipment, all backed by our commitment to customer service and quality.

Top Gift Ideas

1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2724-20 Leaf Blower ($179.00): A powerful tool for efficient yard cleaning.

2. EGO Power+ CS1604 Chainsaw Kit ($329.00): Perfect for the woodworking enthusiast, offering cordless convenience.

3. EGO Power+ HT2411 Hedge Trimmer Kit ($219.00): Ideal for detailed landscaping work.

4. DeWalt 20V MAX DCBL722B Handheld Blower ($159.00): Compact and efficient for quick yard cleanups.

5. Craftsman V20 CMCK279C2 Blower/Trimmer Kit ($99.00): A versatile and affordable combo for yard maintenance.

6. EGO Power+ LB5302 Leaf Blower Kit ($199.00): High-capacity and user-friendly, perfect for larger yards.

7. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. Battery Chainsaw ($329.00): Reliable for heavy-duty cutting tasks.

8. Blackstone Liquid Propane Outdoor Griddle ($249.99): Ideal for the outdoor cook and entertainer.

9. YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler ($325.00): A durable choice for outdoor adventures.

10. Craftsman V20 CMCBL700D1 Handheld Blower Kit ($89.00): Lightweight and powerful, excellent for quick yard tasks.

11. Weber Traveler Portable Grill ($399.00): A portable grill for the BBQ enthusiast who loves to cook on the go.

12. Craftsman 41 Piece Screwdriver Set ($49.99): An essential set for any handyman's toolkit, versatile for various projects.

13. Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Palm Edge Router ($149.00): Perfect for the detail-oriented woodworker, offering precision and ease of use.

14. Dewalt 20V Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver Kit ($199.00): A must-have for any DIY project, known for its durability and power.

15. Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner's Tool Kit ($79.99): A comprehensive set for general home maintenance and repairs.

Why These Make Great Gifts

From the practicality of a comprehensive tool kit to the joy of an outdoor grilling session, these gifts are selected to enhance the hobbies and interests of your beloved handyman or handywoman. They not only symbolize thoughtfulness but also offer practicality and longevity, making them gifts that keep on giving.

Making the Right Choice

Think about the current interests and needs of your recipient. Whether they enjoy building, fixing, cooking, or gardening, select a gift that aligns with their passions and adds value to their endeavors.

Louie's Ace is here to help you make the holidays special with gifts that are both meaningful and useful. Explore these options and more at our store, where quality and customer satisfaction are our top priorities.

Visit Louie's Ace in Fallon to find the perfect holiday gift. Our knowledgeable staff are eager to assist you in selecting a gift that will be cherished and utilized for years to come. Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

Changing the Game in Snow Removal

In a landscape cluttered with gas-powered snow blowers that often bring with them a fair share of fuss and environmental concerns, the EGO Power+ Power SNT2405 stands as a shining beacon of innovation and efficiency. Not only does it promise to give its gas-powered counterparts a run for their money, but it also redefines what users can expect from an electric snow blower.

A Quiet Revolution in Performance

When it comes to clearing snow, we've often been subjected to choices that are loud, messy, and not particularly eco-friendly. The EGO Power+ SNT2405 challenges this paradigm by offering performance that exceeds even gas-powered alternatives. The key to this superior capability lies in its Peak Power technology, utilizing two EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries to handle the harshest of snow conditions. Simply put, this snow blower doesn’t just clear snow—it owns it.

Depth, Distance, and Duration: The Triple Ds

Where many electric snow blowers fall short is in their inability to manage deeper layers of snow. The EGO Power+ is a standout in this regard with a 24-inch clearing width and a 20-inch intake height. This machine isn't just for light dustings; it's built for winters that don't play nice.

Moreover, this isn't a machine that will call it quits midway through the job. It can clear an 18-car driveway blanketed with 8 inches of snow all on a single charge, thanks to the powerhouse that is the dual 7.5Ah batteries. That’s right, this is an electric snow blower with endurance to boot.

Snowy Walkway

User-Centric Design

While raw power is crucial, ease of use is equally important. With variable-speed self-propulsion and an additional reverse gear, you can maneuver this machine with a level of control that many other models simply can't offer. The variable auger speed lets you decide the snow throwing distance, effectively allowing you to customize your snow removal experience.

Let's not overlook the LED lights. These four beacons of brightness ensure that you can operate the snow blower at any time, day or night, without compromising on visibility.

Built to Last

Robustness in design rounds out the EGO Power+ offering. Composed of heavy-duty steel and composite materials, this snow blower promises to withstand the trials of many winters to come. It's not just a tool for a season; it’s an investment for several years.

The EGO Power+ Power SNT2405 24 in. Two-Stage 56 V Battery Snow Blower Kit isn't just another entrant in the world of snow blowers. It's a technological leap forward. It effectively balances incredible power and user-friendly features, all backed by a 5-year warranty. It doesn’t just make the task of snow removal easier; it turns it into something approaching a pleasure.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or considering a switch from a gas-powered model, the EGO Power+ Power SNT2405, available at Louie's Ace, provides a compelling case for why electric is the future of snow removal.

Disclaimer: Before committing to any purchase, it's advisable to personally test equipment and ensure its suitability for your specific needs and environmental conditions.

Available now at Louie’s Ace, this model doesn't just promise change; it delivers it. If you've been on the fence about the transition to electric snow blowers, this could very well be the push you need. So why wait? Make your winters not just bearable but downright manageable with the EGO Power+ SNT2405.

How To Prepare Your Home For Fall And Winter

As we are all preparing for the cold by putting away our summer clothes and pulling out our winter clothes, we also need to start preparing our homes for the changing weather. Before it gets too cold, it’s a good idea to do some seasonal maintenance on your home. Performing a few simple maintenance tasks can save you from costly repairs later on. Here are some tips on how to prepare your home for fall and winter:

Exterior Maintenance

1. Check Roof, Chimney, & Fireplace

Nobody wants a leaky roof when the rain comes. At the very least, make sure to do a visual inspection of your roof from the ground. Look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and be sure to replace or repair them. If you can, get a better look at the roof by climbing up there and inspect every shingle. Also, if you have a flat roof, remove any debris to prevent blockage of drains and other damage. You should also check your chimney and fireplace to ensure that they are ready to be used. It is best to hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney.

how to prepare your home for fall and winter

2. Clean Out Gutters

It is very important to clean out the gutters before it starts raining. You can hire a company to do this or do it yourself. Either way, leaves, nests, and any debris needs to be removed. In addition, you should check for leaks in the gutters and repair them.

3. Winterize Irrigation System

Preparing your irrigation system early can save you from disaster later. You should drain and check the system prior to the cold season. If you live in a place that gets snow, be sure to mark your sprinkler heads so snow removal equipment doesn’t run them over. It is also wise to bring any hoses inside so they are protected from the cold.

4. Prepare Landscaping

There are many precautionary steps you can take to protect your landscaping from the winter. First, inspect your trees to ensure that they are healthy for the cold weather. You don’t want any tree limbs to fall on your home, car, or power lines. Also, trim back any bushes, shrubs, and flowers as recommended in your climate zone. If you have any plants in flower pots, bring them inside to protect them. It is also very important to fertilize your lawn to prevent damage from the cold and weeds in the spring.

5. Bring Seasonal Furniture Inside

If you have any lawn chairs or other seasonal furniture, it is best to bring those things inside your garage or shed. Remove the cushions and wash them, so they are ready to go. And wipe down the furniture and store it in a dry place.

Interior Maintenance

6. Check for Drafts

Looking for drafts in your home can help you stay warm and save energy this cold season. Check all of your doors and windows by feeling for drafts. If you feel any air coming in, you may need to replace the seals or repair caulking. A great way to check for drafts is to hold a lighted candle near the crack and if the flame flickers, there is probably a draft.

7. Winterize Air Conditioning

No matter what kind of air conditioning system you have, you should prepare it for winter. If you have an outdoor unit, it is best to cover it. Covering the unit protects it from the cold and prevents any water from entering the unit. If you have a window unit, bring it inside so that you can close the window for the fall and winter.

winter home maintenance

8. Prepare & Inspect the Heating System

Prior to firing up your heating system, perform an inspection or hire a professional to do so. Test for leaks, check the heating efficiency and replace the filters. In addition, it is a good idea to check out all of the vents in your home. Make sure all of the vents aren’t blocked by anything and are free of dust.

9. Inspect Home Safety Devices

Be sure to perform an inspection of all of your home safety devices. Replace the batteries in all of the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors and make sure they are working properly. If you do not already have a carbon monoxide device, I would recommend getting one for your home.

Louie’s ACE Home Center Can Help!

Here at Louie’s ACE Home Center, we know how to prepare your home for fall and winter. Come on by to pick up anything you may need to get your home ready or to ask any questions you may have. Did you know about our Fallon, NV Hardware Store? This is where you can rent quality tools, parts, and other hardware for short term use, and purchase the tools and hardware you need from quality national brands you know and trust. While hardware is our speciality, we also offer party rentals and key duplication services! We also offer a variety of hardware services and support to help you with your next home improvement project.

We are happy to help and here to serve you, so contact us today!

While it’s too cold to actually start gardening in winter, this is the perfect time to start planning for your spring garden. And of course you could simply buy seeds, soil, and other gardening tools right before you decide it’s time to plant. However, planning for your spring garden in the winter will help you create the best garden you’ve ever had. You’ll be better prepared, better equipped, and more confident in your gardening abilities. So, check out some of these helpful tips for planning your spring garden in the middle of winter.  

gardening tools

During Winter, Start Preparing for Your Spring Garden

To get the most beautiful garden, you should start preparing yourself and your yard during the winter months. Start by assessing the weather you’ve had this past winter. Was it colder than normal? Did it snow more than it typically does in your area? Is it more mild than usual? All of these things may affect the longevity of your plants life and should be dealt with before you start gardening. If it’s especially cold this winter, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect your plants from freezing temperatures. 

Also be sure to assess the area you intend to plant your garden. Look for any damage to your yard that may need to be fixed before you start digging your gardening tools into the ground.

Order Seed Catalogs and Get Your Gardening Tools

Gathering all of your materials, such as seed catalogs and gardening tools, will help get you excited about your future garden. Since it’s still too cold out to begin planting right away, having the tools you need before hand are a good way to start the process. Also keep in mind that seed catalogs provide a great advantage to gardeners. Using seed catalogs to find the plants you’ll use in your garden will usually ensure that you’re getting high-quality seeds. And don’t forget to stop by Louie’s ACE Home Center for all of your gardening tools! We have a great selection to choose from and our friendly staff is always happy to help our customers find the right tools for their projects.

gardening toolsConsider Using Cold Frames

Cold frames are very popular in areas, such as Reno, that experience severe cold weather. They’re transparent-roofed enclosures that are built low to the ground and help protect plants from excessive cold or wet weather. The transparent roof allows sunlight to enter while also effectively trapping in heat. The roofs can be taken on and off and are perfect for controlling temperatures and climate that your plant will have to endure. Essentially cold frames help the gardener extend their growing season.

Perform a Seed Germination Test

A seed germination test will help you determine if the seeds you’re using for your garden will produce thriving, beautiful flowers and plants or not. To do this, start by taking a few seeds from the package and planting them in small pots. Next, place those pots in conditions that will most likely make your seeds germinate. Lastly, watch them as they grow to determine whether or not they grow healthy sprouts.

Check Your Grow Zone and Pick Your Plants 

After all of the prep-work you’ve completed, you’re finally ready to start planning your garden and picking out your plants! This is easily the most fun part of the preparation process and will help to bring your garden to life - literally. Be sure to check the grow zone of the area you live in. This will help you determine which plants will do better in the type of living condition they’ll be in. This tool will help your garden thrive, and prevents you from having to buy more seeds and other gardening materials later on.

Connect with Louie’s Home Center to Get Your Gardening Tools!

At Louie’s Home Center, we have a wide variety of gardening tools available. From soil and fertilizer, to shovels and rakes, we have just about everything you need to get the garden of your dreams. Our knowledgeable staff is always willing to guide you in the right direction when you come into visit. Connect with us today!

Are you ready to start planning for your spring and summer camping trips? A few months ago we showed you how to winterize your RV  to get ready for the colder months. Now, we'd like to share our best tips for de-winterizing your RV, so that you can be on the way for your next adventure.

Tips for De-Winterize Your RV

  1. First, turn the valve for the front water tank off.
  2. Fill the water tank 1/3 full with fresh water.
  3. Take the hot water plug and put it into hot water tank. Need a hot water plug? Hot water plugs are available at Louie’s Ace Hardware.
  4. Use a 16-inch socket to tighten hot water tank. Make sure that you don’t over tighten so that it does not pull the threads of hot water tank. 16 inch sockets are also available in our store.
  5. Now, you can go inside your RV and fill the water tanks there. Locate the water pump and check the lines to make sure there’s no leaks.
  6. Turn the water pump on. Once water pump builds pressure it’ll shut off.
  7. Now, turn on one of taps. Let it run until the pink anti-freeze runs out, and nothing but water comes out.
  8. Move from the kitchen and drain all of the other water sources in the trailer including the bathroom and bathtub.
  9. If you have an outdoor shower, go outside to fill its tank. The shower is usually located on the outside of the RV.
  10. Once you're done pumping anti-freeze, you can fill the hot water tank with water. First, find the hot water bypass valve and turn it. Let it run continuous until water tank fills with water.

Before you go out for a trip, make sure you check your RV for gaps, cracks, and tears. You’ll want to fix these before the season starts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Happy Camping!

With winter upon us, our homes are much colder and our electricity bills are skyrocketing. Turning up the heater is the first thing we do as soon as we feel the cold, but there are other alternatives. If you invest in the appropriate window coverings, you won’t have to run the heater as often and will save a bunch of money. Although, purchasing blinds can require a large upfront payment, you are making an investment in your home and it will pay off.

 

Does It Really Work?window coverings

Of course it does! Windows are the greatest source of cold into and warmth out of your house. It has been said that windows account for 40% of heat loss in homes. You spend all this money on a heater, just to lose almost half of it to the outside. Installing blinds wouldn’t allow this loss to occur. If you are able to trap a layer of air in between blinds and the window, the heat won’t be able to escape and cold won’t be able to enter.

 

How to Make the Most of Your Blinds

Making the most of the newest addition to your home is actually quite simple. The best way to control the temperature in your home without touching the thermostat is to time the opening and closing of your blinds. During the day, you are going to want to open the blinds to let in all the sunlight and warmth. However, when dusk falls, close the blinds to keep the natural heat inside and the cold out.

 

The Right Window Coverings For You

Because every home and customer is different, there is not a one-size-fits-all window covering. The perfect window covering for you depends on the style you are looking for, the size of your windows, and the cold protection you desire. Louie’s Ace Hardware offers a wide variety of mini-blinds and basic rollers to fit any need. In addition, at Louie’s, you are able to special order products from Hunter Douglas. Whatever your style, we have you covered!

For other home projects, we also offer ACE hardware rentals if needed. Contact us today!

 

After the summer fun is done and the last camping day of fall has passed, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your RV. Winterizing your RV may seem like a daunting task. But at Louie’s Ace Home Center, we have everything you need to get the job done. If you are staying in your RV, you are going to want to keep your water lines functional. Be sure to wrap your lines with foil and open your faucets slightly if you are planning to stay in the RV. If you are storing it, follow these simple steps to winterize your RV.
winterize rv

 

To fully winterize your RV, be sure to remove any perishables, laundry, trash, and valuable items. Fix anything that is broken as it will make it easier to use the RV when its time. Cover all your vents and holes so pests don’t see your winterized RV as a place to get warm. Cover your RV with an RV cover, and don’t forget your tires, too. Some people lift their RVs to take the pressure off the tires as well.

We hope these tips help winterize your RV. Visit Louie’s Ace Home Center for all of your RV supplies. Have a great winter!

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