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How To: Start a Briggs and Stratton Power Generator After 3 Years

My Briggs and Stratton power generator wasn't used for 3 years. Trying to start it again, lead to some problems. The video will show you the true story and the solution. The first problem was, that it lost some fuel - the fuel pipe was broken. In good hope I tried again to start it, but it stopped within seconds. A check of the spark plug to find a very dirty one. After cleaning the spark plug, the engine ran, but only for a few seconds. It lost a lot of fuel and stopped again. The fuel was c...

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: Decode a combination lock

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to decode a combination lock. Users will need a feeler gauge strip with a modified tip. Begin by sliding the feeler gauge strip in between the wheel and body of the lock. Then start rotating the wheel. When the wheel has resistance, notch the wheel in the right place. Then rotate the wheel counter clockwise three clicks. Do the same for the rest of the numbers on the lock. This video will benefit those viewers who have a combination lock, and would li...

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: Remove a stuck drill chuck

If you have a stuck keyless drill chuck and need help on to repair it, check out this next video tutorial. In it you'll find out what tools you'll need for taking out the drill chuck. It can be a difficult job if you lack the right tools and are not careful. So check out the video tutorial above and good luck!

How To: Use a tile nibblers on ceramic tiles

This video demonstrates how to make small cuts on ceramic tile by using Tile Nibblers. The video starts with a quick overview of the tile nibbler tool. It looks like a pair of pliers that have been sharpened. The presenter stresses that a tile nibbler should be just that; nibble away at the tile. If you try to cut out bigger chunks it will result in cracking. Once you get the cut close to how you want it, the presenter uses a tile file to remove the remaining tile and smooth the edges. This v...

How To: Use a John Deere snowblower

If you have to deal with piles of snow outside every year, you've probably dreamed about owning a snowblower. But how do they work, and how do you know which one to buy? In this video tutorial, Ask the Builder host Tim Carter will show you how to use a John Deere snowblower, and he'll walk you through what features to look for when you're buying your own blower.

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: Use an electrical box extension

This is a video tutorial in the Home & Garden category where you are going to learn how to use an electrical box extension. Bob Schmidt shows how to use an electrical box extension during remodeling; when adding drywall, tile or wood over existing surfaces. For this you will need a PVC box extension which is designed to fit over the box that is already embedded in the wall. It extends out of the wall which will be covered by the layer of tile or drywall. Disconnect the power source to the plu...

How To: Use a handheld router with Skil & Lowe's

In this tutorial, we learn how to use a handheld router with Skil & Lowe's. There are countless ways to use the router in all your project, but there is one that's the most popular. You have a lot of choices, like a round over, a chamfer, or an ogee. Regardless of which you choose, the technique is always the same. Begin with mounting the bit in the router, then use a wrench to tighten it and make it secure. After the bit is on, reinstall the base and you will be ready to use your machine. Us...

How To: Easily fix a sticking Karcher pressure washer

Using a pressure washer to clean the outside of your home or driveway, is great and easy to use. But what happens when it becomes stuck and there's hardly any pressure? Well you're about to find out. In this next tutorial, you'll see how to fix a sticking Karcher pressure washer easily. It can take you a couple of hours to complete or a matter of minutes. Good luck and enjoy!

How To: Pick a padlock and understand how it works

When picking a padlock, the only part you need to worry about is the part where the key goes into the lock. The locking mechanism has pins attached to springs. The key pins are on the bottom and the driver pins are on the top. The key turns when the pins of different heights are separated, flush and aligned. Stick a tension wrench into the keyway and put pressure on it. Take a pick to push the rest of the pins up until they are flush with the shear line. Stick the tension wrench into the bott...

How To: Pick a door lock using only a paper clip

In this video, we learn how to pick a door lock with a paper clip. First, make sure you have a door lock that has a pinhole on the outside. Now take your paperclip and open it up so it's straight and flat. Once you've done this, stick your paperclip into the pinhole and wait until you feel a small hole on the inside of the lock and twist the paperclip. Keep twisting the paperclip until the door becomes unlocked, you will hear and feel the lock opening. If the paperclip slips, just stick it ba...

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: Replace or sharpen lawnmower blades with Lowe's

Do you want to know what's the secret to a great looking lawn ? Then you have to watch this video in which Lowe's home improvement expert Mike Kraft explains how to sharpen or replace a Lawn Mower blade. Mike will share with you all the tips and the secrets of this simple and yet crucial operation. From the tools required to the safety measures, everything will be explained to you in this video with all the steps actually executed and filmed right in front of you.

How To: Inject Your Drill Press Table Crank with Steroids

First, I would like to explain that among my family members, I am considered somewhat of an oddball. Mostly because of some of the mods that I have performed on a few of my woodworking tools. After I show you what I did to my drill press, you may be inclined to agree. When I first hatch an idea in my little pea brain, the first thing I take into consideration is whether or not this mod is irreversible and will destroy my tool. In the case of my drill press, I determined that it was safe to pr...

How To: Change the oil and spark plugs on an MTV snowblower

It's still pretty snowy out there, thanks to winter's desperate need for attention. But thankfully you've ditched the snow shovel and got yourself a snowblower to help you remove all that blizzard snow from your sidewalks. Unfortunately, like all snowblowers, you'll eventually have to perform an oil change. But no worries, if you have an MTV snowblower, then this video will help you change both the oil and the spark plug in your engine. Plus, see how to gap your spark plug. This also is handy...

How To: Better install automatic sprinkler systems

Sprinkler Daddy's Sean Stefan explains automatic sprinkler systems in a nutshell. You'll see how to better install automatic sprinkler systems with a little sprinkler knowledge. It's a lot easier to envision yourself installing your own underground sprinkler system if you know basically what's involved. So, to make your landscaping needs less in the future, and your grass beautiful and greener than ever before, just watch this educational piece.

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: Strop on a stropping block

In this video, we learn how to strop on a stropping block. There are two layers to the strop and they measure different lengths. On the bottom you should put two mouse pads to make sure it stays put. Now, charge the strop with a stropping compound and rubbing it against the grain until it flakes off. Next, gauge the angle of your knife and place the blade against the strop. Push against the edge of the blade and work from the top to the bottom in a long and slow arch. This is all there is to ...

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: 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: 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...