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iOS 17 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

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.

How To: Use a string trimmer (weed wacker) for professional looking edges with Lowe's

There are many tools that homeowners can use to help with the curb appeal of their own and landscape. One of those tools is a weed wacker or string trimmer. This device enables the user to get rid of weeds instantly and makes lines and edges look clean and finished. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to use one in your yard today. So good luck, be careful, and enjoy!

How To: Fix a slack chainsaw recoil starter

In this video, we learn how to fix a slack chainsaw recoil starter. All you need is to wind up the recoil string so the tension can be put back on. First, remove the bolts out (there will be around four of them). Next, lift the side casing off and find the nylon spool with the cable cord wrapped around it. There will be a clock spring around that. Now, wind it up with a screwdriver while holding the spool of the corn and winding up the spoon a couple of times. When you reach the correct tensi...

How To: Install a foot throttle on your lawn tractor

In this tutorial, we learn how to install a foot throttle on your lawn tractor. First, weld the petal onto the base and create your own holder for the rod so it stays in position. You will have to bolt it down so it stays in place and doesn't move. On the other side, put a holder on it so the rod stays in place and doesn't move. There should be a bolt on it so it doesn't move and a clamp that is welded onto the end of it. The, string a thin metal wire to connect onto the end and bolt it onto ...

How To: Use a jigsaw with Lowe's

In this tutorial, we learn how to use a jigsaw. First, measure and mark the size of the circle you need to cut. You can use a compass or trace around a round object. Now, place your wood off of a table and clamp it into a place. Now, drill a starter hold inside the circle and put on your protective glasses. Now, place the saw in the starter hole and saw half way up, or to where you feel comfortable. After this, reposition yourself, then continue on. Make sure you don't force the saw, just let...

How To: Screw drywall to studs with a drywall screwgun

Bob Schmidt teaches us how to screw drywall to studs with a drywall screw gun. A countersink bit is a great option to help you screw drywall studs in. This will fit in a variable speed drill for setting counters and drywall. Use a DeWalt screw gun, which is specifically made to install drywall. It has a clutch driven head with different adjustments on the head for different screws. The gun should be inexpensive and doesn't have a very large motor, so it's perfect for a homeowner. If you just ...

How To: Make a butter knife out of sycamore wood

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a butter knife out of sycamore wood. First, you will take a log then you would split it in half. After this, cleave off a flap off of this. Next, take a knife to flatten it out. Take the width down so it isn't thick anymore. Use a knife to sharpen out the knife so it will be sharp enough to cut into something. Mark the shape so it is in an arrow shape, then make the end of it into a handle shape so you can hold it. When finished, you will have a homemade...

How To: Make your own extension cord caddy out of a bucket

In this tutorial, we learn how to make an extension cord caddy out of a bucket. First, you will need an old bucket that you aren't using for anything else. Then, drill a 1" hole into the bucket on the bottom with a drill. Then, feed your extension cord through the hole in the bottom and place your extension cord in the bucket for transport. You can also place tools you need into the bucket. This is a lot more convenient than having to run around to pick up different tools. This is also a grea...

How To: Use a stud finder to locate your wall studs

In this tutorial, we learn how to use a stud finder to locate your wall studs. First, you will use your stud finder tool and place it against a wall. It will go off when it has found the edge of a stud. Place the finder against the wall then slowly move it until the red light on the top beeps. Move it around to make sure you know exactly where the stud would be located. The finder will go off wherever the edges of the studs are to help you pinpoint exactly where the stud is. You could get wro...

How To: Install dual exhaust on your tractor

In this tutorial, we learn how to install dual exhaust on your tractor! First, find the exhaust strip on the tractor, then detach the muffler and slip the regular pipe into the muffler. After this, get a 3/4" pipe and slip it up into the other pipe and well around it. It should come to the bottom of the tractor. Next, take a bushing and connect it to the elbow pipe. Connect a short pipe and connector to this, then connect a long straight pipe that goes into the dead center of the bottom of th...

How To: Pick any lock easily

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to pick a lock. The material required for picking a lock is a tension wrench and pick. Begin by inserting the tension wrench into the bottom left slot of the lock. Put some pressure on the tension wrench as you pick the lock. Now place the pick into the lock hole and experiment with it. Continue fidgeting and raking the pick in the lock hole until the lock opens. This video will benefit those viewers who have lost the key to their lock, and would like...

How To: Make your lawn tractor faster in three easy steps

In this tutorial, we learn how to make your lawn tractor faster. First, add an exhaust to your lawn tractor with a one inch pipe out the back. Make sure it's secured so it doesn't fall down onto the ground while you're driving the tractor. Also, add on a 51" belt instead of a 52" belt to make the tractor run faster. The last thing you can do to make your tractor faster is to place a spring and wire around the throttle to start the machine faster. This could make your tractor go up to at least...

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: Use and take care of a portable band saw

Using a band saw can be really helpful when you have to cut certain metals nice and neatly. Unlike regular band saws, this tutorial covers how to use and take care of one that is portable. This is especially helpful for this hard to reach areas or projects where it's difficult to remove the metal. So check out this helpful tutorial to find out how to use, take care of, and understand a portable band saw. Enjoy!

How To: Find the best drill bits and use them in metal

In order to find the best drill bits to drill in metal, you should look at the angle of the bit. It will need to have a center point. Bits only cut on the ends. The grooves on the sides are made to remove the excess. The point on the end determines how it will cut. Titanium bits last a long time, but cobalt bits last even longer. They will all eventually become blunt. They will require sharpening.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Sharpen your chainsaw with a hand file

In this tutorial, we learn how to sharpen your chainsaw with a hand file. First, take the cover off of the chainsaw and jam something into place so the chain stays in place. Put gloves on before you touch the chain, and use a hand file to file down on the chain. Look for the shortest tooth and put the file in, holding it well and giving it two or three strokes. When filing, be consistent on each different tooth you are sharpening. You will be able to feel the blade being taken off. You might ...

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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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. ...