Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
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: 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: Install screw hooks into the ceiling
Screwing hooks into a ceiling can be a real pain. In this how to video, home improvement expert Danny Lipford gives you a great tip on screwing hooks into the ceiling. All you need is an electric drill to easily install screw hooks into your ceiling.
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 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.
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: Install and use a dado blade on your table saw
If you plan on making any kind of cabinetry or beds or anything else like that, having a dado blade is a useful and handy tool. What this does is make a u-shaped cut into your piece of wood that is perfect for combing two pieces together to form a sturdy, solid joint. So if you want to find out more about dado blades and how to install and use one check this tutorial out. Enjoy!
How To: Remove and replace a drill press chuck
Like any machine, a drill press chuck is prone to wear and tear and with repetitive usage some parts can become unaligned. If you are going to remove a drill press chuck, keep in mind that also with any machine you work with, you'll want to clean off any gunk that accumulates so you have a properly working machine.
How To: Use a multimeter as a battery tester
Thanks to How To Make Anything, you can learn how to make and do pretty much anything! In this video, learn how to use a multimeter as a battery tester for those days your battery tester is out to lunch!
How To: Bend acrylics (like Plexiglas) with a hot air gun
Have you ever wanted to bend a small piece of acrylic? Well now you can with the help of a traditional hot air gun and this informative video. Make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves before trying this project. Clamp the acrylic to a work table, and proceed to turn the gun on and heat up the piece of acrylic, using a steady back-and-forth sweeping motion. As it heats up, you can use your fingers to gently bend the acrylic upward. Leave it at 90 degrees to cool down for a couple minutes, a...
How To: Use an EMT, or thin-wall, conduit bender
This instructional video will walk you, step by step, through the different parts of a 1/2" EMT, or thin-wall, conduit bender. You'll learn about the arrow, tier drop, star point, and degree scale. For more, or to get started using your own conduit bender, 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: 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: 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: Cut a threaded metal rod or bar to get a nut onto it and make a custom bolt
Threaded metal rods and bars are useful to have around because they allow you to make custom length bolt and nut combos whenever you like. Cutting them to the right length in such a way that your nut will still fit on the bolt can be tricky, but this video will show you just how to do it with a hacksaw and other tools.
How To: Replace the line on a STIHL trimmer Head
In this video, we learn how to replace the line on a STIHL trimmer head. First, remove the spool from the head by stopping the engine and cutting attachment first. Then, grasp the body and insert your thumb into the tab on the head, then rotate around and press on the second tab. After this, press down on the spool and release it from the housing. Now, remove the star nut to remove the head completely. Now, you can replace it with a new one. After this, replace the parts that you took out and...
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: 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: Remove a DeWALT miter saw armature bearing
Removing a miter saw armature bearing on a DeWalt miter saw armature can be a bit tricky if because even if you have a bearing puller, you probably won't have enough space to get it in the armature to be able to get it out. You will get a great tip on how you can use a vise to hold down the armature so you can use both hands to work on getting that bearing out.
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: Easily remove rust from chrome
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remove rust from chrome. The materials required for this procedure are: a few sheets of regular tin foil, some water and an old t-shirt or rag. Begin by crumpling the tin foil into a ball and wet it with some water. Then scrub the rust on the chrome with the tin foil. Continue scrubbing until the rust is removed. Then use the rag to wipe the chrome clean. This video will benefit those viewers who have some rusted chrome and would like to learn how ...
How To: Cut metal with aviation snips
This is an instructional video featuring Doug Prime, founder of the Future Engineers Center at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Aviation snips cut small metal like aluminum, but not big pieces like nails. Nails and large pieces of metal should be cut with bolt cutters. Use eye protection during all cutting of metal. This video shows the cutting of pipe straps.
How To: Polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol
Watch this video tutorial from the Polish Guy to see how to polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol. In this polishing tip we polish a stainless steel roller using Autosol Metal Polish. The tutorial includes detailed work instructions and best practices.
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 a cutting disc for a Dremel rotary tool
Get a little use out of those empty tin cans you are going to throw away. Recycle them into a cutting disc. So, check out this video tutorial to see how to make a cutting disc for a Dremel rotary tool. These Dremel cutting disks are pretty easy to make. Just get a can opener, take off the lid of one of your junk aluminum cans, and begin to disc away. You'll need a Dremel sanding disc for a stencil reference. These are less dangerous than normal sharp cutting disks, not to mention cheap.
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: Use a framing square
Tim Carter of Ask the Builder demonstrates the basics of a framing square. Tim shows how to make the marks for a simple roof rafter.
How To: Construct a cutting torch
What, you need to cut some styrophor or some steel? Well, you're in luck. This will show you how to make a cutting torch to do just that.
How To: Use laser levels for concrete forming
Watch this video from the Concrete Network to learn the proper function and use of the laser level or builder's leveling tools for forming a concrete slab.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Replace a broken belt on your vacuum cleaner
One of the most common problems that vacuum cleaners can have is the belt that drives their brush. They are actually pretty cheap and easy to fix yourself, and this video will show you everything you need to know to remove the old belt and install the new one quickly and easily.
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: Use an angle grinder safely in home construction projects
Angle grinders are very powerful and useful tools, but like many such power tools they are extremely dangerous if you don't know how to use them. This video goes over a variety of must-know safety precautions that you should take before using an angle grinder to grind for your own construction projects. It covers proper eyewear, fire protection, and setting up the device for use.
How To: Use a power edger for a well-manicured landscape with Lowe's
A gas-powered edger will give your lawn a finished professional look with a well-manicured appearance, without taking a lot of time or effort. An edger helps cut away weeds and grass that grows over sidewalks, patios, driveways and curbs. Plus it can get nice sharp looking edges for garden beds, pathways and roads to give your lawn a professional look. Lowe's home improvement expert, Mike Kraft, gives helpful tips on how to use a power edger.