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iOS 18 Tips, Tricks, How-Tos, News

How To: Use and maintain a weed eater

In this series of videos, you will learn more about weed eater maintenance. You will learn about various types of weed eaters, and how to clean them and keep them free of dirt, rust, and grass clippings. You'll get tips on changing the spool, as well as tips on handling both gas-powered and electric weed eaters.

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: Sharpen a blade

Kitchen knives not cutting right anymore? Check out this how-to video; it'll show a way to sharpen up those knives. You'll see how to use a knife steel, a wetstone, and a sharpening machine. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to sharpen any blade easily and effectively.

How To: Use a chalk line marker and tape measure

In this free instructional video series on home and construction tools, learn tips on how to use a chalk line marker and a tape measure. One will allow you to mark a straight line across a variety of surfaces; the other will tell you where that line should go. Our expert will explain some of the basic features of both tools, as well as how to properly and effective use them for any given project.

How To: Use the self-centering mortise jig

The shop-built router jig detailed in this video uses an innovative system to position a workpiece square and centered when cutting matching mortises for loose mortise-and-tenon joinery. This jig relies on two vertically aligned, rotating circles with protruding metal bolts to align a workpiece, and a moveable fence to set the width of a mortise. After watching this video, you should easily be able to use this tool. Use the self-centering mortise jig.

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: Wear a tool belt to provide easy tool access

Danny Lipford demonstrates how to wear a tool belt to provide easy access to your tools. A tool belt is handy because you can keep your materials like nails and screws, in addition to tools, right at your fingertips. A nail apron is lightweight but can slide down because it has thin strings. To solve this problem, loop the nail apron strings around your belt loop. When you put the string around the hammer holder, loop it around a second time to securely keep the hammer in place. A tool belt t...

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: 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 miter saw

A miter saw used to refer either to a large unpowered backsaw or metal frame saw with replaceable blades suspended on rollers in a metal guide that allowed making accurate crosscuts and miter cuts. These types of miter saws are still sold, the Nobex brand being notable. Today, they are generally used in picture framing but have largely been displaced by the power tool in carpentry and joinery operations.

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: 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: Accurately use a tape measure

Not all tapes are created equal, so here are a few tips for making accurate measurements. “Measure twice and cut once,” is the mantra of all carpenters, but it won't make a difference if the measurement is inaccurate or your math is wrong. Accurately use a tape measure.

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: Use a power screwdriver

In this online video series learn from power tool expert and Industrial Technology teacher Jon Olson as he teaches and demonstrates how to use and maintain the power screwdriver. Learn important power tool tips and techniques such as construction work area safety, electrical safety, how to use the chuck on a power screwdriver; how to use a power screwdriver; tool maintenance; battery tool use and care; how to use the torque adjustment collar; how to drive a screw at an angle; how to use the v...

How To: Fold a bandsaw blade

The best way to store a bandsaw blade is to fold it. Here is a simple technique that gets the job done quickly and safely. Wearing gloves if the blade is wider than 1 in. is strongly recommended. Fold a bandsaw blade.