How Early Is Too Early To Use Power Tools On The Weekend? [Block Talk]

ACROSS AMERICA — When is an acceptable hour on a weekend morning to start the whir of power tools? There’s no one answer, we learned after asking for Block Talk, Patch’s exclusive neighborhood etiquette column.

A few people think it’s OK for the hum to start as soon as the sun comes up or by 7 in the morning on weekends, a couple pushed for a later start at 10 a.m., but most readers said anytime after 8 or 9 o’clock is fine. Many people implored their neighbors to shut down the noise by sunset, and some said power tools should be retired by the dinner hour. Still others said that as long as their neighbors are improving their property, they can’t complain.

“Give the majority of people reasonable time in the morning and respect a ‘cool down’ for the evening,” said Temecula (California) Patch reader Clayt, who suggested the hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m. are reasonable for the use of noisy tools and lawn-care equipment

“Cutting the grass at 7:30 any day of the week is BS,” said Dick, an Oak Lawn (Illinois) Patch reader.

Eyan, a Bolingbrook (Illinois) Patch reader, is OK with his neighbors using their power tools from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. most of the year but said “8 to midnight in the summer” would fly where he lives.

Get Up And After It

Doylestown (Pennsylvania) Patch reader Ed is a get-up-and-get-’er-done kind of guy. He’s in the crowd who thinks anything goes after 8 a.m.

“If you are in bed beyond 8 a.m., you are the one doing something extreme,” he said. “Don’t expect the rest of the world to cater to you.”

Wallingford (Connecticut) Patch reader Bill said 7 a.m.-9 p.m. works for him. “People try too hard to control others,” he said. “If work needs to get done, don’t complain about the noise — especially if it’s a one-off situation and not a consistent trend of work at unreasonable hours.”

Arlington Patch reader Nancy said people should feel free to use their tools anytime between 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Most people use air conditioning in the summer months, “so I don’t feel power tools should be a problem,” she said, adding, “People, unfortunately, like to complain when others are improving their homes.”

Missy, a Joliet (Illinois) Patch reader, said that as long as the sun is up, it’s OK to use power tools.

“There shouldn’t be starting time limits,” she said. “Anyone should be able to work in their yard when they choose.”

A lot depends on the climate, said Winnie, who reads Sarasota Patch and Bradenton Patch in Florida, Pittsburgh Patch, and Across America Patch.

“My rule is ‘as long as the sun is up,’ ” Winnie said. “Living in a hot climate (southwest Florida), it is very common to start outdoor work early (7-10 a.m.) and then again when the sun sets (8-9 p.m.).

In between those times, it is too hot and humid and dangerous. Everyone here in Florida understands these rules.”

It’s often toasty in Maryland, too. On hot days, go for it as early as 8 a.m., but when temperatures are cool, hold off until 9 a.m., said Odenton-Severn Patch reader Louise. If her neighbors are working on projects, she prefers they shut down the tools by 9 p.m

“Everyday noise should end by 7,” she added.

Are Weekends Really All That?

Patch reader Suzie thinks weekends are sacrosanct.

“Weekend noise pollution ruins backyard peace and ruins backyard barbecues and gatherings,” Suzie said. “Stick to machinery and lawn mowing during the week or after work if you can’t do it during the day.”

That doesn’t work where she lives, Patchogue (New York) Patch reader Jacqui said. “Long Islanders mostly work during the week, so weekends are for projects,” she said, adding, though, “I still think Sundays are precious and for sleeping a little later.”

Across America Patch reader Robert struck a balance.

Generally, he finds there is “too much noise when people should be enjoying their time off,” but said circular saws, drills and other noisy tools are OK from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., but not at all on Sundays. Mow the lawn on Sunday if necessary, but get it done between 10 a.m.-5 p.m., he said.

Dwayne, who reads Cheshire (Connecticut) Patch, said the “idea that weekends are something special is outmoded.”

“What with four-day work weeks, gig jobs and an increase in service workers, the 9-to-5 Monday-to-Friday worker is in the minority,” he said.

‘If They’re Still Jerks … ’

Susan, who reads Hatboro-Horsham Patch, Abington Patch and Upper Moreland-Willow Grove Patch, said many Pennsylvania townships take the guesswork out of noisy activities with clear ordinances. Unfortunately, she said, her township isn’t one of them

“Recently,” she said, “we had street cleaners going up and down the street at 2 a.m.”

When local ordinances are in place, as they are where he lives in Illinois, the problem’s solved, said Dave, who reads Plainfield Patch, Naperville Patch and Chicago Patch. Dave uses loud tools “whenever I want within the city regs,” he said. “It’s not up to my neighbors to decide.”

“Talk with your neighbors or the contractors first,” said Adam, who reads Joliet Patch. “Know what your local noise ordinances are, and let someone know if they’re in violation. Some people are just uninformed.”

But, he said, “If they’re still jerks, call the police or sheriff, whichever applies.”

‘Ignorant Or Completely Insensitive’

Courtesy goes a long way, several readers said. Long Islander Camille, who reads Patchogue Patch and Port Jefferson Patch, wishes her neighbors understood that.

Camille’s husband gets up for work at 4 o’clock on weekday mornings. She doesn’t think it’s too much to ask her neighbors to keep things on the quiet side until 8 or 9 on weekend mornings — later on Sundays — and then quiet down by 9 or 10 at the latest.

“I just think people should be more considerate of the neighbors,” Camille said.

But don’t just assume neighbors are mind readers and know you’re stewing over the sounds of their weekend projects, said Ellen, who reads Bensalem (Pennsylvania) Patch and Southampton (New York) Patch.

“Talk to them!” she said.

“Just be considerate,” implored Anthony, an Algonquin-Lake in the Hills (Illinois) Patch reader. “It’s not hard.”

No, it isn’t, said Marlborough (Massachusetts) Patch reader Patrick.“I try to be aware of if the neighbors are having guests or an outside party or gathering and perhaps find a different, less noisy project to work on,” he said.

“If you see your neighbor hosting company on their deck for dinner, it’s probably not an ideal time for you to start leaf blowing right next to them,” said Stratford (Connecticut) Patch reader Aaron. “That’s just ignorant or completely inconsiderate.”

It’s Not Just Power Tools

About that …

“They should outlaw gas leaf blowers,” La Grange (Illinois) Patch reader Ken said,

• Related: Are Leaf Blowers The Devil? [Block Talk]

We’re not so far past the 4th of July that Patch reader Kelly isn’t annoyed by fireworks.

“I get up at 3 a.m. daily, and I wish people had more common sense on fireworks,” Kelly said. “I am not a fan, nor are my dogs.”

• Related: Bottom Line On Firework Is Respect [Block Talk]

And we’re not so far away from a typically harsh Chicago area winter that the topic isn’t a bit of a trigger for Joe, who reads Mokena Patch, Tinley Park Patch and Oak Forest Patch.

“Be conscientious about using loud power tools in the early morning hours, especially snow blowers,” said Joe, who thinks using noisy equipment is perfectly acceptable any time between 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Related: A Shovelful Of Advice On Snow Removal [Block Talk]

Then there’s Alicia, who lives in California and reads Redlands-Loma Linda Patch and Banning-Beaumont Patch.

“We, fortunately, don’t have any ‘problem’ neighbors,” she said.

‘Thank You For Allowing My Vent’

Some folks don’t care one way or another. A reader who goes by “Abraham Lincoln” was, if nothing else, honest:

“Who gives a crap?”

Glendora (California) Patch reader Ruth does.

“Not before 8 a.m. on Saturday or 10 a.m. on Sunday,” said Ruth. Her home is backed by automotive businesses, and she and her family are exhausted and stressed out by the clamor coming from her neighbors.

“Maybe I was spoiled by the previous occupants being extremely considerate to the noise they made,” Ruth said of the previous tenants, whose businesses were open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. during the week and were closed after 3 p.m. on Saturdays and all day Sunday.

“Now it’s another story — loud banging, car idling or revving, burnouts, loud music and shouting arguments have been heard way past 10 p.m., sometimes til 1 or 2 a.m. on any given night. It’s way too much stress and lost sleep for my household. Residential noises can be tolerated on occasion, as they are not likely to be as consistent or obnoxious,” she said, adding she would like to see more regulation on businesses operating near residential areas.

“Thank you,” Ruth said, “for allowing my vent.”

About Block Talk

Block Talk is a regular Patch feature offering real-world advice from readers on how to resolve everyday neighborhood problems. If you have a neighborhood etiquette question or problem you'd like for us to consider, email beth.dalbey@patch.com, with Block Talk as the subject line.

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