DIY Weed Dabber for Precision Herbicide Application

Spot-treating weeds with a dabber eliminates overspray and waste. Build one in 30 minutes from hardware-store parts.

Parts List

• 1½″ PVC pipe (30″)
• 1½″ PVC cap
• 1½″→¾″ PVC reducer + ¾″ male pipe thread adapter
• ¾″ male pipe thread → male garden hose adapter
• Garden hose cap with rubber washer
• PVC cleaner & cement
• Pipe dope or Teflon tape
• Household sponge (1½″ square)
• Fine mesh screen (onion bag works)
• Hose clamp or electrical tape
• Drill with 1/16″ bit

Assembly

1. Clean and cement PVC fittings: cap on one end, reducer chain to garden hose fitting on the other.
2. Thread hose cap onto garden hose fitting (seals with washer).
3. Drill 1/16″ hole in center of PVC cap.
4. Place sponge over hole, cover with mesh, secure with clamp/tape.
5. Remove hose cap, fill pipe with ready-to-use glyphosate, replace cap.

Use & Maintenance

• Cap tight = vacuum holds herbicide; sponge stays damp, not dripping.
• Dab weeds—leave a wet trace, don't soak.
• If sponge dries, loosen cap briefly or invert to break vacuum.
• Effects show in ~1 week (temperature-dependent).
• Always follow herbicide label.

Cheap, precise, and saves desirable plants.