Hot Tools & Equipment Posts
How To: Purge, clean, and fill a butane lighter
In this tutorial, we learn how to maintain a butane lighter. There are a variety of butane lighters available, but basics for all of them are all the same. First, adjust the flame dial all the way down to negative. Then, purge the lighter using the back of a wooden match. You will hear a hissing noise as the butane and air escape. Do this until you can no longer hear the noise. You will now clean the lighter by holding a canister of air at a 45 degree angle 3 inches away, spray a few times an...
How To: Pick a lock easily with 2 paper clips
ZurplusFaction shows viewers how to pick a lock easily using 2 paper clips. First, you need to take your first paper clip and fold one end out. Fold it out again and straighten this out. Next, take the folded out in and fold in again so it forms boomerang shape with the paper clip. Now, take your pliers and squeeze this folded part together tightly. With a bigger paperclip, and use wire cutters to cut of a straight piece of the paper clip with a curve at the top. Now, you are ready to pick yo...
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: Tighten & keep tight those loose bolts
Bob Schmidt teaches the secrets to tighten & keep tight those loose bolts in simple steps. First buy a removable blue thread locker and keep it ready to use. Check for any loose door locks or bolts in your house and remove its screw. Squeeze some thread locker out and apply it to the screw and stay away from carpets while squeezing it out. Let it set on the screw for about 5 minutes and fit the screw back. It can also be used in nuts and bolts and bath accessories.
How To: Use a rototiller to level soil
Rototillers are the perfect tool for leveling and fixing your back yard. This Home & Garden how to-video demonstrates the proper operation and use of the rototiller for leveling yards. Installing sprinklers and mulching beds will be a much easier task once your learn how to operate a rototill.
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: Cut metal rods with bolt cutters
This is an instructional video featuring Doug Prime, founder of the Future Engineers Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Aviation snips are good for cutting small metal, but nail and steel rods require bolt cutters. Use safety glasses and clear the room as pieces could fly. Stand up as bolt cutters require strength and pressure.
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: 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: Install a sprinkler valve box
Installing a sprinkler valve box can be made easier by using bricks to support the valve box and using crushed rock in the bottom to make it look a little neater.
How To: Adjust a Rain Bird 5000 Series Sprinkler spray radius
Check out this video tutorial to see how to adjust a Rain Bird 5000 Series sprinkler spray radius with help from Sean Stefan of Sprinkler Daddy.
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.
Shortcut: Fix a Stripped Screw with a Toothpick
Don't you love those simple little tricks that just make life easier? Like quick solution for a pesky stripped screw? Apartment Therapy says,
How To: Replace a primer bulb easily
Many homeowners may not realize it, but primer bulbs are important for getting an engine cold started. Many people tend not to use it, but when it comes time and the machine doesn't start, then they it's important to have a primer bulb ready. Since they're plastic, they can wear out easily or even crack.
How To: Set the combination of an OnGuard lock
This video is a short tutorial to assist in setting the combination for an OnGuard Lock. In the event that a combination is compromised, it is important to change a lock to prevent from unwanted break-ins or theft. Watch this instructional video and learn how to reset the combination on an OnGuard lock.
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: Use a Paslode impulse framing nail gun
The Paslode Framing Gun is operated by a gas cartridge and battery so an air compressor is not needed. The tool also has a large range of nails available for different job requirements from 50mm To 75mm. Watch this video tutorial for a demonstration on how to use a Paslode impulse framing nail gun.
How To: Use a hole saw
Tim Carter demonstrates how to use hole saws. These tools drill perfectly round holes from one-half-inch diameter up to 2 and 1/4-inch diameter using your standard drill.
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: 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.
News: Magnetize a screwdriver - instantly
Got a screw loose? Don't worry. We all do. This handy tutorial will keep any screw secured to any screwdriver.
How To: Replace the blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330 mower
Watch to learn how to replace the blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330 mower. You'll remove and replace the 33cm Flymo blade on a Flymo Hover Compact 330. If your mower is not cutting properly remember you need a sharp blade for the perfect lawn. We use spacers to adjust the Flymo cutting height. This lawnmower maintenance video includes cleaning and we use a scraper tool to do this.
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: Preform a continuity on an electrical circuit using a multi-meter
The continuity test is one of the least well-known but useful functions on a multi-meter. It allow you to determine whether a fuse works by touching the contacts to it, which allows you to diagnose all sorts of electrical problems. This video will show you how continuity tests work and give you some examples of using them to find problems in household devices like a lawnmower.
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: Reset the combination on a Giant Surelock
This video is a short tutorial to assist in setting the combination for a Giant Surelock. In the event that a combination is compromised, it is important to change a lock to prevent from unwanted break-ins or theft. Watch this instructional video and learn how to reset the combination on an Giant Surelock.
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: Replace brushes on a DeWalt DW988 18v cordless drill
Replacing the brushes on a DeWalt DW988 18v cordless drill takes about 5 minutes to do, which could in turn add a longer life to your drill and keep more money in your pocket. Rather than having to replace a whole drill due to wear and tear, you can replace the parts on them easily, especially if you have a hard time parting with your tools.
How To: Use a wasp and dremel to etch concrete
Watch this video from the Concrete Network to learn how to uses wasps and dremels to make designs in concrete.
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: Remove an armature bearing using a vise
If you don't have a bearing puller available and need to remove an armature bearing, you're in luck! You can actually use a cheap vise available at any hardware store remove an armature bearing if you don't have the bearing puller or if there is not enough space between the bearing and the armature.
How To: Remove the wires from a 'Trap Door' power switch
Removing wires from a 'trap door' switch can be a bit tricky to do and of course you don't want to just yank them out. If you get yourself a thin pick to fit into the holes and just circle the wire to hit a spring you need to push down in order to release the wire.
How To: Use a pop rivet tool
Tim Carter demonstrates how a pop rivet tool works to connect two pieces of thin metal. Some projects, such as working on your aluminum gutters, will require you to connect two pieces of thin metal. An effective method is the use of a pop rivet gun. Most pop rivet tools come with an assortment of pop rivets and some 1/8" drill bits.
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: Waterproof the inside of a planter box
Back with another great how to tutorial for your home, Ron Hazelton, from Ron Hazelton's House Calls, and ronhazelton.com is here to bring us another great tip to save us time and money on our household projects. In this video Ron shows us a great way to waterproof the inside of your outdoor planters, which will protect them from water, provide a longer life-span, and help your plants to be healthier, in a quick and easy to understand manner.
How To: Repair a lawn mower starter
Lawn mower repair can be easy with the right instructions from an expert. Learn how to replace a lawn mower starter in this free video series.
How To: Make a hot knife for cutting plastic
Sometimes easy is the answer, as you'll see in this video on how I finally made a hot knife for cutting plastic. Make a hot knife for cutting plastic.
How To: Free rusted parts
In this how-to video, you will learn how to remove rust from metal. This is useful if you have rust on bolts and it becomes hard to remove. You can squirt penetrating oil on the bolt in order to easily take it apart. All you have to do is spray it. Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you still have a hard time, you can use wrenches to do this. You will see that the liquid has penetrated all the way through the threads of the bolt. This is the best way to release any rusty parts. This vide...
How To: Grease the head on your trimmer
This is a step by step tutorial of how to grease the head on your garden trimmer or weed wacker.
How To: Cut a lock with bolt cutters
This is a demonstration of how to use bolt cutters to cut off a lock. All of us have at one time lost a key to a lock, well now you can remove the lock with bolt cutters.