Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Cut hardened steel with an angle grinder
Hardened steel is a very useful material, but working with it is tough because it is nearly impossible to cut with simple tools. What you really need is an angle grinder, and this video will show you how to use one of the powerful power tools to cut a hardened steel ring.
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: Adjust Skid Plate Shoe Height on a Snow Blower
Learn how to set or adjust the skid plate or show height on your snow blower so that the scraper is off of the ground.
How To: Replace the broken power cord on your vacuum cleaner
The vacuum cleaner is the most elaborate piece of cleaning equipment many people have, and they should last a long time. Their power cords, however, are generally not very durable. If yours have gotten worn out or actually broken, it's not too challenging to replace it yourself. This video will show you exactly how to do it on a Hoover WindTunnel vacuum.
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: Tighten a Loose Snow Blower Belt - Toro - Tutorial
This video will show you how to tighten a loose snow blower belt on a Toro snow blower. This would work on a Toro 624, 724 and 824. Also many other snow blowers that have a Briggs and Stratton engine.
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: 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: Replace the power cord on a KitchenAid stand mixer
With Thanksgiving just a week away and Christmas arriving steadily, you're going to inevitably get stuck in the kitchen rolling dough, baking pies, and using a bunch of food processng gadgets.
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.
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: Read a Tape Measure
If you don't work in construction or are a woodworking master, you probably aren't entirely sure what all those marks are on a tape measure. Sure, you likely know the basics, like there are 12 inches to a foot, but what are all those little tick marks for? Don't let all those little lines dissuade you from using a tape measure. Follow these guidelines to help you read all those little ruler marks.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Remove router bearings on a Bosch 1611 and 1615
Knowing how to use a tool and how it works, is important for any handyman or contractor. This is important, because if anything happens, they'll be able to diagnose what the problem is and find a quick solution for fixing it. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to remove the bearings to a Bosch 1611 and 1615 router in case you need to. It's a tough project that requires you know how to remove certain parts and then know how to put it back together again. So good luck and enjoy!
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: 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: Dial open a combination safe lock
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to dial open a combination safe lock. Begin by turning the lock 4 times to the left. Then turn the lock 3 times to the right. Now turn the lock 2 times to the left and finish by turning it one more time to the right. Users should hear and feel a click when they finish turning the lock. When locking the safe, turn the lock 4 or more times to the left. to ensure security. This video will benefit those viewers who have a safe lock and would like to learn...
How To: Make your own dry wall tape dispenser
This video shows how to make your own dry wall dispenser. Trying to put the tape between two seams is difficult because you need both hands. This
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: Start a STIHL blower or any other leaf blower
Description: The New Stihl ‘simplified starting procedure’ eliminates the chance of flooding your machine during cold starting by mispositioning the choke.
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: Make cutting discs for a rotary Dremel tool
Check out this handy video tutorial to see how to make cutting discs for a rotary Dremel tool. You can make your own cutting disks easily out of aluminum can lids. Just watch this to see how easy it is to make these cutting discs for your Dremel rotary tool.
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: Install a Battery Float Charger Maintainer on Your ATV
How To Install a Battery Float Charger Maintainer On Your ATV
How To: Make a Magnetic Hammer Handle for Picking Up Nails
Gravity can be a real pain when you are trying to finish a project and your supplies wind up on the ground.
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: Magnetize a Screwdriver
Oftentimes, when using a screwdriver it can be hard to keep the screw connected to the screwdriver. In this article, we show a trick on how you can magnetize your screwdriver so the screw will hold onto your screwdriver. Get a heavy duty magnet.
How To: Keep a portable generator quiet by building an enclosure
Having a portable gas-operated or diesel-operated generator available for your home can be very helpful, but can also be very noisy. If you want to quiet a loud electric generator, take a look at this video to soften that sound on a budget. With a little wood and a few other materials, you can build a fan-cooled 'doghouse' to keep a generator quiet.
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: Make a spark and fire with a 9 volt battery and steel wool
If you're out in the wilderness at night and it's starting to get chilly, you sure as hell better know how to make yourself a campfire. But let's just say you forgot your matches and don't feel like rubbing two sticks of wood together hoping to create a spark.
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!