Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
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 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: Open a locked bedroom or bathroom door
Getting locked out of a bedroom or bathroom can be a real bummer. Fortunately, these locks are easy to "pick" and get yourself in. This how to shows you clearly what to do to get yourself back inside so you don't feel frustrated all day long. This excellent video takes you step by step through the process. This video talks about 2 different types of locks and the two different types of tools you'll need.
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: Avoid stripping gears on a Rain Bird sprinkler head
Avoid stripping the gears in your Rain Bird 5000 Series Rotor Sprinkler Heads by never turning the turret against the turn. Sean Stefan from Sprinkler Daddy explains in this video tutorial that if you start turning from the left fixed edge to the right, never go back to the left until you've gone all the way to the right. If you don't follow these guidelines, you run the risk of stripping the gears in your Rain Bird 5000 Series sprinkler heads. Then what are you going to water your lawn with....
How To: Tee off sprinkler lines underground
Teeing off sprinkler lines is something you'll probably have to do if you're trenching or pulling that plumbing pipe for your sprinklers underground. It allows you to run your main lines closer to the middle of your yard and then branch off to each individual head.
How To: Attach automatic sprinkler valves
Check out this video tutorial to see how to attach automatic sprinkler valves. These tips on installing your own automatic sprinkler valves from Sprinkler Daddy will help your lawn turn into luxurious green grass, preventing any further landscaping needs. A little bit of water is all it takes.
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: Install a sprinkler head
Check out this video tutorial to see how to install and adjust a sprinkler head as explained by Sprinkler Daddy's Sean Stefan. These are quick and easy instructions to installing an underground sprinkler head.
How To: Connect your sprinkler system to the water line
Connecting your sprinklers to the water line is actually fairly easy when you're installing your own sprinkler system. Basically, you just go to your outside tap, screw it off and screw in your house connection.
How To: Install a drip irrigation watering system
Check out this landscaping video tutorial to see how to install a drip irrigation watering system. You'll need this if you want to keep your garden looking great. You will have to poke a hole in the pipe for every shrub. Then, you'll need to install a coupler. This drip irrigation installation is explained in simple English by Sprinkler Daddy's Sean Stefan.
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: 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: Attach automatic sprinkler valves to swivel manifolds
Learn how to install automatic sprinkler valves with help from Sprinkler Daddy. This video tutorial shows you how to install your own automatic sprinkler valves, specifically how to attach it to the swivel manifold system.
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: Assemble a sprinkler spray head
Sprinkler Daddy's Sean Stefan takes you through the steps to assembling a sprinkler spray head. He also shows how to adjust the radius of the water spray.
How To: Sharpen an axe
In this video, Becky teaches you how to sharpen an axe.
How To: Change the blade on a bandsaw
If you love working with wood, fixing things, and making things, then most likely by now the blade on your bandsaw is tired and dull. Make sure that your woodworking projects are crisp and easy to cut by replacing the dull blade with a new one.
How To: Install a band saw tire step by step
If you work with wood on a regular basis then your band saw probably gets a lot of play time. The more you use your band saw, however, the faster your band saw tire will wear out.
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: 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: Replace a KitchenAid blender coupling
Now that the holiday season is right at our doorstep, you'll probably be doing a lot of blending, cutting, brining, and baking over the next two months. Which means it's more important than ever that all your kitchen utensils are in tip top shape.
How To: Save money on detail sanders by using abrasive paper rolls
Detail sanders are one of the finest tools for polishing wood surfaces to a perfectly smooth finish. But it often costs a lot to replace detail sander sheets. Luckily, there's a way to save some moolah on your sanding sheet needs.
How To: Maintain an edge on your woodcarving knife
The first step needed to maintain an edge on your woodcarving knife is to test the knife each time before use. One sign of a woodcarving knife becoming dull is for the cuts to come off in small splinters instead of curled shavings. One of the easiest ways to sharpen your knife is to hold it at a 20 degree angle on your sharping belt and push away from your person. You must repeat the rolling motion shown in the video around ten to twelve times before retesting for sharpness. This step can be ...
How To: Read a tape measure like a professional
In this tutorial, we learn how to read a tape measure like a professional. Rulers are awkward and you can't measure something over 13 inches with them. A retractable tape measure will measure as long as you would like and it has different markings on it. It has an inch, half inch, and goes on and on. The smallest is 3 32nd's of an inch. As you become more familiar with measuring the tape measure, you will take more accurate measurements for the projects you're working on. When finished learni...
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: Replace the armature in a Porter 4630 cable drywall gun
In this DIY guide from the folks at the eReplacementParts, we learn how to disassemble a Porter 4630 cable drywall gun and replace the armature. 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, take a look.
How To: Adjust the beaters on a KitchenAid stand mixer
In this DIY guide from the folks at the eReplacementParts], we learn how to adjust the beaters 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, take a look.
How To: Measure the pitch, gauge and drive links of a chainsaw chain
Want to know how to measure a chainsaw chain? Pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links are the three numbers you need when it's time for a replacement chainsaw chain. Learn how to take these measurements with this instructional video.
How To: Keep a rotor Dremel tool clean when carving a pumpkin
In this DIY guide from the folks at the Home Depot, we learn how to keep a Dremel tool clean when carving a pumpkin. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the technique in about a half minute. For all of the details, 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: Use the Bosch PMF 180E multi-purpose saw and sander
In this tutorial, we learn how to use the Bosch PMF 180E multi-purpose saw and sander. First, lock the blade into the saw and then place the screw in using a screwdriver. After this, you will be able to use the saw to cut out what you need to on your type of material. Make sure it's plugged in and you have safety gloves on while you're doing this. To change the blade, wear your gloves and unplug the machine. Remove the bolt to get the blade out and then replace it with the blade that you need...
How To: Use a table saw with Skil & Lowe's
In this video we learn how to use a table saw with Skil & Lowe's. The rip cut and the cross cut are two cuts that are most useful. A rip cut goes with the grain of the board to cut it to width. The cross cut goes against the grain and cuts it to length. First, position the board next to the blade and then raise the blade. The blade should be just above where the board is at. Slide the rip ends over to the dimensions you want and then lock it down. Put your safety glasses on, then turn on the ...
How To: Take accurate measurements in your home projects
In this video we learn how to take accurate measurements in your home projects. First, you need to pick up the right tape measure for your project. Once you have picked out the right tape measure, you'll be able to use it for what you are trying to do. Now, learn how to read the numbers that are listed on the tape measure and find the precise measurement of your project. Make sure you take down all of the inches so you build everything correctly and don't have to go back and fix anything that...
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: Maintain your tools for extended usage
In this tutorial, we learn how to maintain your tools for extended usage. First, get a good sturdy brush to clean off all the crusted on dirt from your tool. The dirt will promote rust and deteriorate your tools. Once it's cleaned, also make sure it's dried off from anything that is wet. Also set the tool on a flat surface or table to remove rust off of the tool. You can also sharpen the sides of the tools or shovels so you are pulling out any kinks and making it sharp and more useful. Once f...
How To: Prepare a wall for drilling
In this video we learn how to prepare a wall for drilling. First, check for pipes and cables in the wall using a digital detector. After this, it's a good idea to tape some masking tape with an envelope on the wall to catch and dust and debris that falls off while you are drilling. When you're finished drilling the hole, remove the envelope from the section you are on and continue on to the next part of the wall. It's just that easy to drill a hole in the wall once you know you won't be hitti...
How To: Shapen the blades on a hedge trimmer with a mill file or power grinder
Hedge trimmers are powerful pieces of yard equipment, but even their mighty blades go dull and stop cutting well. Watch this video to learn two different methods for sharpening hedge trimmer blades, one using a mill file and the other using a power grinder.