Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
How To: Get past a mortice lock with a drill
This lock can certainly be picked, but what if you don't know how, or you don't have anything on hand that can serve as a good lock pick? That's what this video is here for! It will show you how you can drill out the stump of a mortice lock, allowing you to get past the lock entirely. It is not a difficult procedure, and all you really need is a power drill with the appropriate bits, and maybe a template showing you where to drill.
How To: Pick the lock on a garage door
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to pick the lock of a garage door. It is not recommended for users to learn this technique to use to open other people's garage doors to break in someone's home or steal their possessions. The tools needed for this technique are a L-key and a diamond pick. Put the L-key at the bottom of the lock hold and fiddle around with the diamond pick on the top part of the hole. Do this until your able to rotate the lock. This video will benefit those viewers wh...
How To: Clean cut using a table saw, mitre saw or power saw
This short video tutorial Bob Schmidt will show you how to make clean cuts in wood. The blade rotation of any pretty much dictates the best way to run your material through. To get the cleanest cut possible remember these tips: Whenever you run wood through a Table saw, always make sure that your finished side is up. Do the exact opposite when you are using your Power saw. The finished side of your wood must be at the bottom. When you use a Mitre saw, make sure the finished side of the wood i...
How To: Refill an extended reach camping Bic lighter
This video shows you how to take an extended reach Bic lighter (the kind you would use to light a camping stove, charcoal or something similar) and add more lighter fluid to extend it's life. As long as the spark is still good, you can refill your lighter, and this tutorial shows you how to take apart your extended reach lighter and replace the drained lighter. You will need a flathead screwdriver, and maybe a bit of glue to seal everything back up.
How To: Restore and Sharpen Rusted Scissors
Leaving scissors wet or forgetting them outside can cause them to rust. Rusty scissors, if you can even open them, will leave brown marks on everything you attempt to cut through. Attempt is the truth—rust dulls the blades of the scissors making it virtually impossible to cut through any type of material, ranging from paper to fabric. But don't toss the scissors in the trash just yet. You can restore rusted scissors to a usable condition provided they are not completely covered and have rust ...
How To: Read a ruler
Everyone has used a ruler at some point in their life, whether for art sizing, blueprint plans, or sizing up your widescreen television on your living room wall. But there's a lot of little ticks on the ruler that you may not be aware of. Your ruler shouldn’t be used only to draw a straight line. Make sense of all those little lines and take advantage of its intended use.
How To: Use a tile file to shape a tile
This how-to video explains how to use a tile file to remove a sharp edge from a piece of tile. To being you just need to buy a tile file (or a couple if you plan to use it a lot). A tile file would be used if a piece of tile has a sharp edge that you cannot hide in a corner or cover with another piece. To use the tile file simple rub the tile file against the tile like you would a piece of sandpaper on wood. Rub the tile file back and forth until the sharp edge has been smoothed out and then ...
How To: Measure your home's square footage
If you’re selling your home, you’ll need to know its square footage. Why pay a professional when you can measure it yourself?
How To: Clean a 2 cycle engine carburetor from a Ryobi trimmer
If you own a Ryobi trimmer and wish to perform some regular maintenance work on it, you may want to check out this next video. In the tutorial, you find out how to clean a 2 cycle engine carburetor from the Ryobi trimmer using some simple pieces. It's not too difficult to do and can be really handy when you want to make sure your machine is working at optimal capability. So check out the video above, pay attention, be careful, and enjoy!
How To: Refill a butane lighter
In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to refill a butane lighter. For this you will need any kind of butane lighter that has an opening for refill and any kind of butane refill can. Shake the butane can properly. Then remove the cap and you will see the nozzle. Now hold the lighter upside down and insert the nozzle in to the refill hole. Now press the can down and hold for about four seconds. Repeat this for three to four times. Then replace the cap on the can and try out yo...
How To: Polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol. In this polishing tip we polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol Metal Polish. The tutorial includes detailed work instructions and best practices.
How To: Use the hopper gun to resurface concrete
Watch this video from the Concrete Network to learn the proper function and use of the hopper spray gun tool.
How To: Use a gauge rake & smoothing paddles
Watch this video from Concrete Network to to learn the proper function and use of the gauge rake and smoothing paddle tools used for leveling concrete.
How To: Use a sheet metal nibbler
In this series of diy metalworking videos, our sheet metal expert will show you how to use a pneumatic nibbler to punch small holes in metal. A nibbler allows you create a hole in the middle of a sheet without having to cut up to that hole.
How To: Pop a Car Lock with a Coat Hanger
You've done it, I've done it, almost everyone who owns a car has done it: they've gone an locked themselves out. Well, this good how-to shows how to get back into your older model car with nothing more than a coat hanger. It will requre some trial and error to get it done, but this video is a good primer.
How To: Open a supra combination lock box
The supra combination lock box has been one of the most trusted door locks for the past forty years, and is commonly used by real estate agents for protecting their houses. Generally a supra combination lock operates with a four-digit password.
How To: Replace a damaged power cord on a Hitachi circular saw
Have an old power tool that works perfectly fine except for the fact that the power cord is shot or maybe you just bought a brand new power tool and accidentally cut off the cord? You're in luck because there is a way to replace that damaged cord. You'll need to take the part off that encases the cord on your power tool, in there you will find the switch the cord is connected to and connect your new cord to it.
How To: Wire automatic sprinkler valves
This video tutorial will show you how to wire automatic sprinkler valves for the health of your green grass lawn. Attach wire to the sprinkler valves and run it to the automatic sprinkler timer. That's it. You don't need to be an electrician or a plumber to accomplish this sprinkler step. Just get some wire strippers and do your own electrical work.
How To: Use a cordless drill and taper tap to cut a threaded hole in steel
Trapping a hole is the process by which you give them threads so that they can accommodate a screw, and doing it to a lot of holes quickly can be a major pain. Fortunately, you can actually do it with a cordless power drill much more quickly and easily than manually. This video will show you how to do it.
How To: Fix a power drill grinding noise and chuck problem
Is your power drill making a funky high pitched noise when you try to use it? Or why your chuck on your drill doesn't spin? You first reaction may be to throw it on the ground in anger, but this could actually be simple fix. Sometimes, the gear switch can get stuck in-between gears, and can be fixed by simply moving the gear switch back and forth on your drill. Try that and see if it fixes your battery operated power drill.
HowTo: Remove a Stripped Screw With a Rubber Band
Apartment Therapy posts a simple household hack on removing a stripped screw without an extractor. For all our WonderHowTo Home & Garden DIYers, you never know when you might accidentally strip a screw clean. Here's how to remedy the problem.
How To: Remove a trimmer clutch from most line/string trimmers
If you need to fix or replace the clutch on your trimmer, you will be able to follow along step by step at the best way to take the trimmer apart so you can get to the clutch. There is a tip provided for removing those tricky clutch drum screws as sometimes you cannot get some parts out as easily as they look.
How To: Remove a DeWALT miter saw armature bearing
Removing a miter saw armature bearing on a DeWalt miter saw armature can be a bit tricky if because even if you have a bearing puller, you probably won't have enough space to get it in the armature to be able to get it out. You will get a great tip on how you can use a vise to hold down the armature so you can use both hands to work on getting that bearing out.
How To: Turn a rake into a screed tool
This video is a tutorial on how to turn a rake into a screed tool. It begins by explaining that a screed tool is something used for spreading concrete. First, you will need a rake and a piece of wood that is called a 1 by 4. Put a steel rod over the rake blades and use a drill to secure it to the wood. Use wing nuts to tighten the bolts. By using a 1 by 4, you are creating a light-weight smoothing tool. It can be used to smooth out concrete, mulch, sand, or soil. If you make the screed tool t...
How To: Copy a key with a Coke can
This is a how-to video explaining how to copy a key with a can of cola. All you need is an aluminum soda or beer can. To make it come out better, add a additional side to the one piece. This technique works well when you don't have time to get a new key cut. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to duplicate a key with a Coke can.
How To: Use a power drill to unlock a lock
Some locks are easier to drill through than to try and pick, especially if you need to get through them in a hurry! You will need one large power drill and an assortment of drill bits to be able to use this method. First, drill a 1/8 inch pilot hole just above the keyhole. Then follow through with a 1/4 inch or larger drill. After just a minute or so of drilling, you should be able to get through the lock!
How To: Open a bedroom or bathroom door when you're locked out
Ahhh! You're locked out of your bedroom, or your bathroom! Well, watch this video and you won't be locked out for long. Fortunately, interior privacy locks are very simple to pick. There are essentially two kinds: one that requires a blade, or knife and the other which requires a long sharp "pin" like object to insert into the handle. Check out this video and never be locked out again! You'll need something like a flat head screw driver for locks with a "slot" in them, and something long and ...
How To: Adjust the spray distance of a sprinkler spray head
Sprinkler Daddy's Sean Stefan demonstrates how to make minor adjustments to spray distances on your sprinkler spray heads.
How To: Replace the carbon brushes inside a KitchenAid stand mixer at home
Has your KitchenAid stand mixer completely given out and won't even turn anymore? We know this can be extremely frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of mixing a pie filling, but don't just give up and get a new one.
How To: Adjust the miter and bevel angle on a miter saw
In this DIY guide from the folks at eReplacementParts, we learn how to adjust the miter and bevel angle on a miter saw using an adjustable square. For step-by-step instructions, and to learn how to adjust the miter angle and a bevel angle on a miter saw yourself, take a look.
How To: Make a simple latex mold using liquid latex rubber
In this DIY guide from the folks at the TAP Plastics, we learn how to produce a simple latex mold using liquid latex rubber. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about seven minutes. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Fix an oil leak on a KitchenAid stand mixer
In this DIY guide from the folks at the eReplacementParts], we learn how to repair an oil leak on a KitchenAid stand mixer. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about two minutes. For all of the details, and to learn how to repair a leaky KitchenAid mixer, take a look.
How To: Repair your lawn mower's pull starter with silicone spray
You're trying to mow your lawn, but the engine on your pull-string push mower isn't turning over— why won't it power up? Well, if your lawn mower was stored outdoors for a large amount of time, chances are that the recoil has built up some corrosion or is simply sticking. This video will show you a very simple repair, where you only need to remove 2 or 3 screws to gain access to the mechanism, then grease with silicone spray.
How To: Identify hardened steel compared to mild steel
Hardened steel is very durable, but nearly impossible to work with at home. If you are trying to choose a piece of steel and can't tell if it's hardened or not, you're in luck, because this video contains a quick method for doing so. All you do is try to file an indentation in the steel with a file. If that doesn't make a mark, you've probably got hardened steel.
How To: Cut a threaded metal rod or bar to get a nut onto it and make a custom bolt
Threaded metal rods and bars are useful to have around because they allow you to make custom length bolt and nut combos whenever you like. Cutting them to the right length in such a way that your nut will still fit on the bolt can be tricky, but this video will show you just how to do it with a hacksaw and other tools.
How To: Cut a bolt and save the threads
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cut a bolt and save the threads. The materials required for this task are: a hacksaw, steel bristle brush, bolt cutters, wrench, oil and a filer. Begin by putting some oil onto the threads of the bolt. Then place the saw on the desired groove and cut across through the thread. Now brush it with the steel bristle brush to remove the debris. Finish by removing the excess metal with the filer and unscrew the bolt(s). This video will benefit those view...
How To: Make your own charcoal
In this video, we learn how to make your own charcoal. First, you want to make a stack of wood you have laying around, anything you have from scraps. Now, push the wood into a small empty pant can until you cannot fit anymore. Then, place the top onto the can so no oxygen gets into the can. After this, load the cans into a large barrel that has large air holes in it, then wait for the wood to turn into charcoal! This is a process that does take a long time and when finished, the can is going ...
How To: Use an engraving tool
In this tutorial, we learn how to use an engraving tool. It doesn't matter how old your engraving tool is, just make sure it has different speeds on it to help control it while in use. Now, place a piece of aluminum down and adjust your power level to the lowest level. Push down on the aluminum and write the word you want to so you can see how the pressure effects the aluminum. Now, set the tool at the highest setting and push down on a sledge hammer to see the pressure you need to push to ge...
How To: Replace the brushes in a cordless DeWalt power drill
Cordless drills may seem complicated, but only if you've never take one apart before. They have a really simple design, compared to other power tools, and this means easy fixing! When it comes to brush replacements for your DeWalt cordless drill, it's super easy and super fast to replace yourself. This step-by-step guide will show you just how to remove and install drill brushes.
How To: Replace the brushes in a corded DeWalt power drill
Removing and replacing the brushes in your DeWalt power drill doesn't have to be a costly repair. You can do it yourself, and it doesn't require a lot of time or effort. Simply unscrew and take the casing off your corded DeWalt power drill to expose the brushes. The model in the video has spring-loaded brush holders. It's as simple as taking the old ones out, and dropping the new brushes in. Learn from a pro to efficiently and correctly restore the brushes in your corded drill.