Hot Tools & Equipment How-Tos
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...
How To: Install a toilet for the Average Joe (or Jane)
When renovating the bathroom, it's always great to get rid of the old and welcome the new. Whether it's tiles, paint, or even the toilet. If you're looking to replace your old toilet with a new one, it can be hard when it comes to installing the new one. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to install a toilet for you Average Joe's, or Jane's. So good luck, pay attention, and be careful. Enjoy!
How To: Install a hidden hitch on a 2005 Toyota Sienna
If you're looking to go out on the road and bring along your boat or trailer, having a hitch is needed. But what if your vehicle doesn't have one or you wish you could have it, but not show? Well this tutorial may be what you need. In this two part video tutorial, you'll be finding out how to install a hidden hitch on a 2005 Toyota Sienna. It may seem easy to do, but it can take a good number of hours to complete. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Add tension to a chain on your chainsaw
When using a chainsaw, it's important to know when and if you need to add tension to your chain. Not doing so can result in a loose chain that can not only damage your machine, but cause serious injury to you or others. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to add tension to your chainsaw easily. Good luck, enjoy, and be careful!
How To: Easily replace a chainsaw chain
When working with tools for your outdoor area, it's always important to know how to replace certain things whenever they may get worn out or break. In this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to easily replace one of the most important parts to a chainsaw: the chain. Without the chain, you'd just have something that is of little use to you. It's fairly easy to do and will have you out working on your yard in no time. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Replace the starter to your trimmer easily
There's nothing worse than preparing to work on your yard and finding out that one of your most important tools is busted. A broken starter on your trimmer can lead to a bad day for anybody. But with this tutorial, replacing it can be easy to do and will have you out in the yard in no time. So check out this tutorial for how to replace the starter to a trimmer easily. Enjoy!
How To: Change Lawn Mower Oil
For some people, Spring and Summer, are two of the most busiest times for a cutting grass. The best tool to use of course, the lawn mower. These useful machines make cutting so much easier and keep your yard free of any mulch. But one of the importat aspect of owning a lawn mower, is keeping it maintained. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to change the lawn mower oil easily. This should be done about once a year. So good luck and enjoy!
How To: Adjust the miter saw on a Bosch 4412 and 5412
A miter saw is a handy portable tool that almost every carpenter or handyman has available. It makes clean cuts to thin pieces of wood in various angles and makes quick cuts. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to make adjustments to a Bosch 4412 and 5412 miter saw. Knowing how to adjust certain parts of the machine is important, because certain parts may need to be moved in order to get the right cut for the occasion. So good luck, be careful, 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: 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 a Porter cable router armature
Knowing how a tool works is different than knowing how a tool works and what makes it work. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to remove a Porter calbe router armature. It may seem like an easy job, but it can be a difficult project for anyone to complete so take your time, have some patience and good luck!
How To: Replace trimmer fuel lines
Replacing a fuel line, is a common practice when it comes to dealing with outdoor tools and equipment. In this tutorial, you'll be focusing on a trimmer fuel line. It's a difficult task that can take some time to complete, but the end result will be a much more efficient working device that will save you time and money. So check out the tutorial above and good luck!
How To: Set up and use a mortise router jig
A router jig is a handy tool for any woodmaker. It helps can clean messes that other tools may have caused and can be used to help finish certain wood projects. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to set up a router jig and then properly use it on any wood project that needs it. So sit back, pay attention, and enjoy! Set up and use a mortise router jig.
How To: Make a zero-clearance dado insert for your table saw
If you're having a problem with chipping when it comes to using your table saw, it may be the type of saw you're using or it could be the lack of a zero-clearance blade insert. Although it may not sound important, a zero-clearance blade insert is an important piece that helps lessen the chance of chipping and it can be a real money saver when you need to make cuts into pieces of wood that don't come cheap. In this tutorial, you'll find out more about a zero-clearance insert and how it will he...
How To: Use a router guide for bushings
A router is a helpful tool that is easy to use and makes wood crafting so much easier. There are many different kinds of tools and accessories that come with a router so it's important to know how to use them and what to use them for. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to use guide bushings for your router and when to use them. It's easy to follow and makes the job much more easier to complete. Good luck and enjoy! Use a router guide for bushings.
How To: Easily use a framing square
A framing square is a common tool that all carpenters use to help make accurate cuts. But many crafted woodworkers also use the framing square as well. Surprisingly, it can be used to make a perfect circle as well as an octagon. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to use a framing square several different ways. Enjoy! Easily use a framing square.
How To: Cut tenons on a table saw using two different tools
A table saw is a powerful tool that can be found in any carpenter shop. It helps make cuts so much simpler than using other power tools. But despite it being so easy to use, it also can be very dangerous for those who have no idea how to use it. So when using a table saw, be careful and wear the correct type of clothing. In this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to use a table saw to make easy tenon cuts. Check it out and enjoy! Cut tenons on a table saw using two different tools.
How To: Choose and use a power drill
Power drills are powerful tools that can help get the job done quickly and efficiently. Now there are many out there on the market that are designed with specific purposes, so it can be confusing when trying to choose the right tool for the job. This helpful tutorial will give you advice on how to choose the right drill for the job and how to use it correctly. So sit back and enjoy!
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: 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: Align your DeWalt DW987 Drill's transmission in place
If you need to align the transmission on your DeWalt DW987 drill, you need to get remove the transmission by taking your time to make sure it stays in one piece. Make sure you have all the gears are together. Line up the slots when replacing the transmission and pull the trigger to make sure you're getting the transmission gears where they need to go.
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: Install an ignition coil on your 2-cycle lawn trimmer
If your ignition coil is out on your lawn trimmer, you will probably have to replace it. You can easily test the ignition with a spark tester before removing it to see if it is indeed your ignition coil. There are a number of things that can go wrong with the ignition, it can simply just not create a spark anymore or it can be acting up where you're lucky if you get it to start up when you need it to.
How To: Winterize your gas-powered tools & machines
Live in an area where you won't be needing your gas-powered tools for the winter? Such as your lawnmower, trimmer, and any other tools you need gas to operate. If you store them away for the winter and come back to use them during the spring time and realize your tools are acting funny, it may be because the gas you left in them has turned into a gel and has damaged the carburetor. You can do a number of things to protect your power tools from such a thing, you can dump all the gas out of the...
How To: Tune up a two cylinder engine on a power tool
The three parts you will need to successfully do a tune up on a two cycle engine are: an air filter, spark plug and a fuel filter. Follow the step by step process to complete the tune up your to mowers, trimmers, and other equipment so you can keep your engines running smoothly and get back to the yardwork.
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: Free rusted parts
In this how-to video, you will learn how to remove rust from metal. This is useful if you have rust on bolts and it becomes hard to remove. You can squirt penetrating oil on the bolt in order to easily take it apart. All you have to do is spray it. Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you still have a hard time, you can use wrenches to do this. You will see that the liquid has penetrated all the way through the threads of the bolt. This is the best way to release any rusty parts. This vide...
How To: Use a holesaw
Looking for an easy way to cut out a large hole from a plank of wood or a sheet of plastic or metal? A holesaw (also styled hole saw) might be just the right tool for the job. For a complete overview of how to use a holesaw-type circular saw to carve holes into your materials, watch this free video handyman's how-to.
How To: Use hollow wall anchors
If you need to fix your plasterboard or drywall, you will probably need to use hollow wall anchors. In this tutorial, learn how to identify, buy and use hollow wall anchors with the Ultimate Handyman. Once you master this skill, you will be able to repair almost any wall easily. Hollow wall anchors are also very useful for hanging anything heavy on an otherwise weak wall. They attach to the back of the plasterboard with little legs so they are more secure than normal nails or screws.
How To: Use a power washer to clean your deck
Interested in renting a power washer to clean gunk from your deck or even have one on hand but want be sure you don't inadvertently damage your home? If so, this DIYer's guide is for you: with it, you'll learn how to use a power washer safely and effectively when cleaning a deck.
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: Pick a lock easily with 2 paper clips
ZurplusFaction shows viewers how to pick a lock easily using 2 paper clips. First, you need to take your first paper clip and fold one end out. Fold it out again and straighten this out. Next, take the folded out in and fold in again so it forms boomerang shape with the paper clip. Now, take your pliers and squeeze this folded part together tightly. With a bigger paperclip, and use wire cutters to cut of a straight piece of the paper clip with a curve at the top. Now, you are ready to pick yo...
How To: Purge, clean, and fill a butane lighter
In this tutorial, we learn how to maintain a butane lighter. There are a variety of butane lighters available, but basics for all of them are all the same. First, adjust the flame dial all the way down to negative. Then, purge the lighter using the back of a wooden match. You will hear a hissing noise as the butane and air escape. Do this until you can no longer hear the noise. You will now clean the lighter by holding a canister of air at a 45 degree angle 3 inches away, spray a few times an...
How To: Pick a door lock
Arthur Cavallin demonstrates how to pick a door lock. To pick a lock, you will need to push up the pins and align them so that the mechanism will open. You will need a tension wrench which you can make with an alan key. You will also need a lock pick which you can make out of a hacksaw blade. Use the tension wrench to apply pressure to the front pin. Then, use the lock pick to push up the back pins. You can also use a quick raking technique to push the pins in. Insert the tension wrench into ...
How To: properly mow your lawn and use different mowers
This video gives you several important do's and don'ts when it comes to mowing your lawn. It starts out by going through a couple different types of mowers, including a manual mower, which has blades on the bottom that are turned from the motion of pushing the mower. He then gives you a tip for how high to keep your grass. Make sure you only take off 1/3 of the length of the grass at a time or it will leave your grass very unhealthy. After you cut your grass, if you've only taken that third o...
How To: Pick a padlock and understand how it works
When picking a padlock, the only part you need to worry about is the part where the key goes into the lock. The locking mechanism has pins attached to springs. The key pins are on the bottom and the driver pins are on the top. The key turns when the pins of different heights are separated, flush and aligned. Stick a tension wrench into the keyway and put pressure on it. Take a pick to push the rest of the pins up until they are flush with the shear line. Stick the tension wrench into the bott...
How To: Reduce your refrigerator energy usage
This video shows several tips that will help you cut down the electricity usage of your refrigerator. Think about what you want from the fridge before opening the door, instead of standing there with the door open while deciding what you want. Set the temperature of your fridge only as cold as necessary, and allow 24 hours for any temperature changes to take effect. Keep exterior condensation switches off unless you need them. Make sure the door gasket is clean and in good condition. Clean it...
How To: Pick a door lock using only a paper clip
In this video, we learn how to pick a door lock with a paper clip. First, make sure you have a door lock that has a pinhole on the outside. Now take your paperclip and open it up so it's straight and flat. Once you've done this, stick your paperclip into the pinhole and wait until you feel a small hole on the inside of the lock and twist the paperclip. Keep twisting the paperclip until the door becomes unlocked, you will hear and feel the lock opening. If the paperclip slips, just stick it ba...
How To: Clean and sharpen garden tools
John White shows how to clean and sharpen your tools by using a file and WD40. He also advises to repair the wooden handles of your tools to prevent injury. Run the file along the back and sides of the shovel. Leave the front part smooth. Make sure you remove any mud to prevent corrosion. Use steel wool to achieve this as well as WD40. Use the file to sharpen the edges of your hoe and again clean with steel wool and WD40. The file is also useful for sharpening trimmers. Clean all the dried pl...