Hot Tools & Equipment Posts
How To: Pick a combination lock using a soda can
In this tutorial, we learn how to pick a combination lock using a soda can. To begin, have your lock next to you and an empty soda can and scissors. When your lock won't open, cut the soda can in the middle so you have a small square. After this, cut off strips, then measure the size of your pinkie on the foil. Next, cut the foil out so it's the exact size of your pinkie and then stick this piece of foil into the lock. Move the foil around until it comes undone and you will have the lock unlo...
How To: Straight pipe your small tractor engine
In this tutorial, we learn how to straight pipe your small tractor engine. First, insert a one inch screw pipe to your exhaust, then connect pipes into it so it connects to the back of the vehicle. You will need to install several elbow pipes as well as longer straight pipes. The pipes should reach the end of your tractor out of the tires. Make sure it's secured tightly to the floor boards and screwed in on the bottom of the tractor. You can experiment with different types and shapes of pipes...
How To: Build a base for a model ic or steam engine
Whenever a new project comes their way, many people tend to go out to the store in order to buy all the parts they need instead of checking what they already have. This can be costly and can easily be avoided if they do find certain items lying around the house.
How To: Use basic home power tools correctly and efficiently
In this video, Luke Van Dyck discussed power tools in the home, and some tips to using them more effectively, efficiently, and safely. When doing home renovations, it's important that you're familiar and comfortable with the tools you're working with, especially the power tools, specifically blades and drill bits. Whether you're using corded drills, cordless drills, table saws, or hand saws… you need sharp bits and blades for tool longevity. Find out some cool tips.
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: Remove and replace a chuck on a cordless drill
Most cordless drills are built very similar, so when it comes to repairs and maintenance… if you know one, you know them all. Especially when it comes to the drill chucks. When a drill chuck goes bad, there's no need to pay expensive repair costs… you just need to purchase the chuck and replace it yourself. See how simple and efficient it is to remove the chuck from your cordless power drill.
How To: Change the blade on a Festool Kapex Compound Miter Saw
Every miter saw needs a new blade every now and then, and the Festool Kapex Miter Saw is no difference. Actually, the only difference is how easy it is to replace a miter saw blade on the Kapex, one of the most advanced sliding compound miter saws available today.
How To: Remove and replace a Delta chuck on a drill press
A drill press is a wonderful power tool for any craftsman's garage, but just because it's wonderful doesn't mean it doesn't need a little maintenance or repair every now and then. The drill chuck goes through a lot, and eventually, it will need to be replaced, or at least cleaned. This video will show you how to remove a Delta chuck from your drill press with ease, and shows you where to go from there.
How To: Replace the switch on a corded DeWalt power drill
If the switch on your DeWalt drill is in need of some serious replacement, don't send it off to the shop for expensive repairs… try doing it yourself. It's easy to remove and install a brand new switch on a corded DeWalt power drill. Watch this video to learn how a professional changes the power switch on a corded DeWalt drill.
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.
How To: Oil a paper shredder
In this video, we learn how to oil a paper shredder. You will want to oil this every time you have to dump out the waste basket of your shredder. A good way to oil it is to grab the oil and make a zig zag shape on a piece of paper, then place it into the shredder. It's good to do this because the shredder teeth are made out of metal and need to be oiled, or they will start to not work correctly. Make sure you purchase oil that is made for shredders, or you could put the wrong type and ruin yo...
How To: Start a STIHL chainsaw
In this video, we learn how to start a STIHL chainsaw. First, remember never to start your saw by drop or throw starting it. The safest ways to start are to start it on the ground or standing up. To start it on the ground, find a firm and flat area free of any obstacles. Always make sure there are no people in the immediate area. Now, press your foot into the handle and grasp the handle with your left hand and the starter handle with your right. To stand while starting a chainsaw, do the same...
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: Easily replace the pad on an orbital sander
If you, for some reason, damaged the pad on your orbital sander, it's not the end of the world. The pad can easily be replace by just locating and removing the screws on the sander. Once that's done you can easily screw a new one in without much of a fuss.
How To: Choose a drill
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to choose a drill. There are 3 types of drills: cordless drills, electric drills and rotary hammer drills. cordless drills run on batteries and have a hammer setting. cordless drills are able to drill into concrete with mason drill bits. Electric drills last much more longer than cordless drills, but are limited by the extension reach. Rotary hammer drills are only used to drill into concrete. Some drills require a chuck key. Others have a key-less ch...
How To: Use a multimeter
This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to use a multimeter to check for continuity, measure resistance and voltage and many more values. Multimeters are like the electrical engineer's Swiss army knife. Multimeters can be of digital or analog types. Before using the multimeter, make sure there is continuity between the two probes. When you connect the two probes with each other, it will beep indicating that there is continuity and then you can go ahead. To...
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: Fix a slack recoil starter on your chainsaw
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to fix a slack recoil starter on a chainsaw. Begin by removing the bolts off of the side casing. If you leave the cord hanging out, it will make the saw much more difficult to start and can be caught onto things. To put more tension on the spring, wind the cord around the nylon spool and retract the cord. Make sure not to put too much tension in the spring or else the spring will break. This video will benefit hose viewers who have and use a chainsaw,...
How To: Sharpen your chainsaw
This video is how to sharpen your chainsaw
How To: Change the oil on a riding lawn mower
It is very important to change the oil on your lawn mower just as important as changing the oil in your car. The oil liberates, cools and cleans the engine. It is best to check your manufacturers information to know how often to change the oil. To change the oil you will need the following: a wrench, gloves, a drop cloth, a socket wrench, oil container, a brush, a new oil filter, an oil filter wrench and fresh oil.
How To: Make a dial indicator holder for your lathe tailstock
If you need help with drilling holes and need a better way to know how far you are going in, this next tutorial should help. All you need is a couple of tools and about 30 minutes of your time and you have yourself a handy tool. This is great for getting correct and consistent depth when drilling holes. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Make your own homemade tapping machine
If you have some parts hanging around your work station and need to do something with them, why not try and make a tapping machine. Sure you need certain parts, but if you got almost everything you need, you can go out and buyt the rest without spending a ton of money.
How To: Start a STIHL trimmer or brush cutter
In this tutorial, we learn the proper way to start a STIHL trimmer. Before you begin, make sure you are wearing the proper protection gear. Next, check the fuel level, throttle trigger, stop switch, cutting tool, and harness. Everything should be tightened and in good starting condition. Make sure you are away from any obstructions before you turn on the cutter. Pull the starter grip and guide it to rewind it properly. Pull the rope several times, then move the choke to the starter position. ...
How To: Keep Your Tool Box Organized with Foam Floor Mats
In this episode of Mechanical Mashups, Dave will show you how to keep your tools organized by cutting tool shaped spaces out of foam floor mats. Never let a wrench or hammer slip out of place again with this genius way of organizing your garage.
How To: Fix the tires on your lawn tractor
A lawn tractor is a big tool that shares many of the same attributes as a car. One of those being tires. And like a car, tires can get worn down, lose air, or eventually become flat.
How To: Charge the battery on a lawn tractor
Just like a car, a lawn tractor contains a battery that is used to help make the vehicle start and move. without it, you would have a very expensive mower that is pretty difficult to move. So if your battery were to ever die, you may need to replace it, or easily charge it up.
How To: Jump the battery on a lawn tractor
Just like a car, a lawn tractor comes with many parts that are usually found on a car. One of those parts is a battery. This is needed to get the lawn tractor started and ready for use. BUt like the car's battery, it can go dead sometimes and leave you in a sticky situation.
How To: Correctly level a lawn tractor's deck
If you've recently sharpened your lawn tractor's blade or purchased a new one, it's a sure bet that deck leveling is needed. This makes sure that you get a nice clean cut and know how far you need to lower your deck.
How To: Replace the deck belt on your lawn tractor
Owning a lawn tractor is a big responsibility. Just like a car, there are many areas that need constant care and attention. One area that needs to be checked regularly is the law tractor's deck belt. This is needed to help spin the blad that is located underneath the machine.
How To: Get a good, clean cut with a lawn tractor
If you're the new owner of a lawn tractor, congrats! This machine makes cutting your yards grass much easier for your body. But just like a car, there are certain buttons, levers, and gauages that have to be checked on before cutting any grass.
How To: Check your lawn tractor's battery
If you are having a hard time with starting your lawn tractor, there may be several reasons behind this. One being the battery. Just like a car, the battery brings life to your lawn tractor and makes sure that is is working properly. Without the battery, you can't use your machine.
How To: Maintain your lawn tractor's engine
You can do the basic engine care - such as changingJust like a car, a lawn tractor is an expensive piece of hardware that should be properly maintained on a regular basis. Not only does it need a regular oil change and tune up, but it needs to be cleaned as well in order to maximize its efficiency.
How To: Safely use a router table
There are numerous tools that can be added to a collection that make house projects so easy to complete. One of those tools is a router. This device is perfect for making your own crown molding, grooves, and indents. But carrying it can be a pain.
How To: Use a Work Sharp motorized sharpener
Keeping tools in tip-top shape is important for making sure they will work properly when needed. There are many tools that can complete the job, but in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to use a work sharp motorized sharpener. It's perfect for sharpening chisels and other tools. So check it out, be careful, and good luck!
How To: Maintain and store your tractor properly from Sears
Owning a tractor, is just as important as owning a car. It's an expensive item that needs constant maintenance in order to ensure that it works properly. There are several things that you need to watch out for when owning one.
How To: Properly use caulk around your home
Using caulk around your home is a great tool that can help save energy in your home and money. It's easy to spread, but for some, it can be pretty difficult to spread.
How To: Easily weather seal your garage door
If you have a garage door attached to your home, it's important to know that it's a space that needs proper insulation as well. Not doing so can lead to a room that is cold to walk into and can cause other rooms in your home to become cold as well. In this next tutorial, you'll find out what you need to do in order to easily weather seal your garage door. Enjoy!
How To: Use a long handed saw for branch cutting
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use a long handled saw. This type of saw is used to cut off the branches of trees. There are 2 bolts that screw the blade onto the handle. The handle is about 2 meters long when folded down and about 5 meters when extended out. When the blade is not in use, place the cover over it to prevent any accidental injury or sharpness wearing. Never use the blade near electrical wires. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in lumber or ha...
How To: Use a reciprocating saw when clearing out small trees
In this next tutorial, you'll be get some advice about reciprocating saws and chainsaws, and which is better to use in certain situations. Each saw has their own advantages when clearing out certain trees or debris on your land, but using the wrong can can damage the plants and yourself. There are many advantages for both, but in no way is a reciprocating saw a replacement to the chainsaw. So sit back and enjoy!
How To: Maintain the guide bar on a chainsaw
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to maintain the guide bar of a chainsaw. Begin by removing the guide bar from the chainsaw. Unscrew the two nuts on the side of the saw and then remove the chain. Now rest the guide bar at an angle and scrape off the metal bur, using a flat file. Simply run the file down the guide bar until it is clear of any bur. Then use a tool to scrape any debris that is inside the groove of the guide bar. This video will benefit those viewers who are in the const...