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Critical Homeowner Safety Protocol

How to Safely Unclog a Snow Blower Chute

Every winter in Missouri, hospital emergency rooms treat dozens of severe hand injuries and finger amputations caused by snow blower impellers. Follow this mandatory 4-step safety protocol every single time your chute plugs.

⚠️ MANDATORY RULE: NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, PUT YOUR HAND INSIDE THE DISCHARGE CHUTE OR AUGER HOUSING.
Step 1: Release Both Handlebar Drive Levers

Immediately let go of the auger clutch and traction drive handles.

Step 2: Shut the Engine Completely Off & Pull the Safety Key

Flip the engine switch to OFF, pull out the safety ignition key, and wait 10 seconds for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.

Step 3: Use the Plastic Clean-Out Tool (Or a Wooden Broomstick)

Unclip the plastic clean-out tool mounted to your snow blower housing (or grab a sturdy wooden broom handle). Work the tool down through the discharge chute to break up the compacted snow plug.

Step 4: Keep Hands and Feet Clear During Restart

Re-insert the key, start the engine, and engage the auger handle from behind the operating console to fling out remaining slush.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is called "rotational torque spring-back." When wet snow jams an impeller, the drive belts and auger drive shafts are wound tight under elastic rotational tension. As soon as you dislodge the packed snow chunk, the impeller blade can violently snap forward 2 to 4 inches with enough force to sever fingers—even with the key removed and engine stone dead. ALWAYS use a plastic clearing tool or broomstick.
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