Yes, you can stop the clogs – learning how to keep snowblower from clogging is about using the right snow, adding a spray, and keeping the machine clean. It’s a simple fix that saves you a ton of time and frustration.
We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through the driveway and the chute jams up. Wet, heavy snow packs inside like cement. You have to stop, find a stick, and poke around while your hands freeze.
I tested every trick in the book over two rough winters. Some methods worked great. Others were a total waste of time. I’ll share what actually stops the jam.
This guide gives you the simple steps. You’ll learn how to keep snowblower from clogging for good. Let’s get your machine running smooth.
Why Your Snowblower Clogs Up
You need to know the enemy first. Clogging happens for a few key reasons.
Wet, heavy snow is the main culprit. It’s often called “heart attack snow” for a reason. This sticky snow packs together inside the auger housing and chute.
The second reason is lack of lubrication. Metal parts rubbing against wet snow create friction. The snow sticks to the metal like glue. A dry chute is a sticky chute.
Third, your machine might be set wrong. The skid shoes could be too low. This makes the blower scrape the ground. It picks up gravel, slush, and ice that cause jams.
Finally, going too slow can be a problem. A slow auger speed doesn’t throw snow with enough force. The snow just builds up and packs in. You need good momentum.
Understanding these causes is your first win. Now let’s talk about the single best trick I found.
The Best Spray to Stop Clogging
This is your secret weapon. A non-stick cooking spray works wonders.
I use a cheap can of Pam. You spray it inside the chute and on the auger. The spray puts a slick coating on the metal. Snow slides right off instead of sticking.
Apply it before you start blowing. Make sure the machine is off and cool. Coat all the inside surfaces you can reach. Focus on the chute and the auger housing.
You need to reapply it every few uses. Rain or wet snow can wash the coating off. Keep the can in your garage or shed for easy access. It takes ten seconds to spray.
Some people use car wax or silicone spray. These work too. But cooking spray is cheap and safe. You probably already have some in your kitchen.
This one step made the biggest difference for me. It’s the core of how to keep snowblower from clogging. Pair it with the next tip for even better results.
Pick the Right Time to Blow
Timing is everything. You can’t control the weather, but you can control when you go out.
Blow snow right after it falls. Fresh, powdery snow is light and dry. It moves easily through the chute without packing. This is the best snow to blow.
Avoid blowing in the middle of a storm. Snow is often wetter then. Also, if the temperature is right around freezing, be careful. This creates that heavy, slushy mess.
If you get wet snow, wait if you can. Let the sun or wind dry it out a bit. Even an hour can make the snow lighter. A drier snow is a easier snow.
Check the weather forecast. Plan your clearing for the driest part of the day. Early morning is often better than afternoon. Nighttime can be good too.
This proactive step is key. It sets you up for success before you even pull the starter cord. Good timing solves half the battle of how to keep snowblower from clogging.
Adjust Your Machine Settings
Your snowblower has settings for a reason. Using them right stops jams.
First, check your skid shoes. These are the metal or plastic plates on the sides. They control how high the blower sits off the ground.
Raise them up a bit. You want a small gap between the scraper bar and the pavement. This stops you from scooping up gravel and ice chunks. Those chunks are prime clog material.
Next, always use full throttle. Run the engine at its fastest speed. This gives the auger and impeller maximum power. Fast spinning parts throw snow better and resist packing.
Also, check your shear pins. These are designed to break if you hit something hard. A broken shear pin means the auger won’t turn right. Snow just piles up and jams.
Keep a few extra shear pins in your toolbox. Replace them if they look damaged. A smooth spinning auger is a happy auger. This is a big part of how to keep snowblower from clogging reliably.
Use Proper Clearing Technique
How you drive matters as much as the machine. Good technique prevents problems.
Take smaller bites. Don’t try to clear a two-foot deep drift in one pass. Go slowly and let the machine take a half-width pass. Overloading the chute is a sure way to clog.
Keep a steady pace. Don’t stop and start suddenly in deep snow. Constant forward motion helps the snow flow through. Hesitation lets snow settle and stick.
If snow is very deep, clear it in layers. Take off the top six inches first. Then come back for the next layer. This is slower but it never clogs.
Angle your chute upward. Pointing it too low makes the snow pile up at the exit. It can fall back in and cause a backup. A high arc keeps the path clear.
Finally, clear your area before you finish. Don’t let a pile of snow sit right in front of the blower. You might back into it later and suck it up. That’s an instant clog.
These driving habits are simple. But they work every time to help you learn how to keep snowblower from clogging during use.
Clean and Maintain After Each Use
A clean machine is a clog-free machine. Don’t just park it and walk away.
After you’re done, let the engine run for a minute. This melts any snow stuck to the auger or housing. The heat dries out the metal parts.
Then, use a brush or your hand (with the engine off!) to clear the chute. Knock out any leftover slush or ice chips. These bits will freeze solid overnight and cause tomorrow’s jam.
Check the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for safe tool handling tips. Always disconnect the spark plug before you reach inside.
Store your blower in a dry place if you can. A garage or shed is best. Leaving it outside lets moisture and ice build up inside. That’s a bad start for your next storm.
Do a quick visual check before you store it. Make sure the chute turns easily and the auger spins free. A minute of care saves an hour of frustration later. This upkeep is the final step in how to keep snowblower from clogging season after season.
What to Do When It Clogs Anyway
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, it still jams. Have a plan for this.
First, turn the engine off. Always. Never, ever try to clear a clog with the machine running. Your fingers are more important than your driveway.
Disconnect the spark plug wire. This is a critical safety step. It makes sure the engine can’t start by accident while your hand is in the chute.
Use a sturdy stick or a plastic snow scraper to clear the clog. Don’t use your hand or a metal tool. You could damage the impeller or auger blades.
Work from the top of the chute down. Push the packed snow back toward the auger. Often you can break it up and it will fall out the bottom.
Once it’s clear, reconnect the spark plug. Start the engine and let it run for thirty seconds before you start blowing again. This helps dry things out. Now you know how to keep snowblower from clogging and how to fix it fast when it does.
Long-Term Storage Tips
What you do at winter’s end matters for next year. Proper storage prevents rust and gunk.
At the end of the season, give it a full clean. Hose off any salt or dirt from the housing. Let it dry completely in the sun. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that clean equipment lasts longer and runs better.
Spray a light oil like WD-40 on the auger shaft and chute mechanism. This coats the metal and keeps rust away over the summer. Rust creates a rough surface that snow loves to stick to.
Drain the old gas or add a fuel stabilizer. Old gas turns to varnish and can gum up the engine. A rough-running engine doesn’t have the power to throw snow well.
Store it with the chute cover on if you have one. This keeps spiders and mice from making a home inside your auger housing. A nest is a pretty bad clog.
Doing these steps means your blower is ready to go next fall. It starts the season right and helps you remember how to keep snowblower from clogging from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main trick for how to keep snowblower from clogging?
The main trick is using non-stick cooking spray inside the chute. This makes the snow slide right out. It’s cheap, easy, and works better than anything else I’ve tried.
Can I use something besides cooking spray?
Yes, you can use silicone spray or car wax. Some people use vegetable oil on a rag. The goal is to make the metal surface slick so snow doesn’t stick to it.
Does the type of snow really matter that much?
It matters a lot. Dry, powdery snow almost never clogs. Wet, heavy snow is the main problem. Try to blow snow before it gets wet and sticky if you can.
How often should I apply the non-stick spray?
I spray it before the first big storm of the year. Then I reapply it every few times I use the blower, or if I notice snow starting to stick again. It only takes a moment.
My chute still clogs even with spray. What now?
Check your skid shoe height and your technique. You might be taking too big a bite of snow. Also, make sure you are running the engine at full throttle for maximum throwing power.
Is it safe to clear a clog with my hand?
No, it is never safe. Always turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug wire first. Use a stick or a tool to clear the jam. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports many hand injuries from snowblowers each year.
Conclusion
So, how to keep snowblower from clogging? It’s a mix of good prep, smart timing, and the right technique.
Start with the cooking spray trick. It’s a game changer. Adjust your machine and pick your clearing times wisely. Take smaller passes when the snow is deep and wet.
Remember, a clean and well-maintained blower is your best friend. A little care after each storm goes a long way. These simple steps will save you from those freezing, frustrating jams.
Give these tips a try next time it snows. You’ll spend less time fighting your machine and more time enjoying a clear driveway. That’s the real goal.
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