How to Clean & Lube Spinning Reels

Overview

As an ideal maintenance practice for keeping fishing reels, you need to regularly clean and lube them to make sure that they do not rust or get damaged over time. Cleaning and lubricating spinning reels also involves a systematic process for you to assure long-term storage of the device. Dirty spinning reels can cause the reels to rust and eventually become harder to handle. Knowing how to clean and lube your spinning reel on your own can save you a lot time and money.

Skill

Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need

Soapy water

Water

Cloths

Reel lubricant / lubricating oil

Small brush

Step 1

Wash the reel using soapy water and a clean cloth to rub over its areas. Make sure that you remove all dirt and debris, especially in the spool area. Rinse it with water after rubbing it with soap and use a dry piece of cloth to wipe it dry.

Step 2

Take out the reel’s handle by unscrewing it and removing the retaining screw found on its opposite side.

Step 3

Clean the reel’s body using a cloth to get rid of any old lubricant or debris. Apply some lubricant inside your reel before reattaching its handle.

Step 4

Open the reel’s ball and use a small brush to take out any dirt or debris from its bail mechanism. Take out the spool from the fishing reel by taking out its knob found in front of the spool. Turn the spool in counter-clockwise direction and wipe down the spool with a piece of cloth.

Step 5

Get a small brush and clean the exposed mechanism of the removed spool, and apply a small amount of lubricant before reattaching it to the reel.

Step 6

Apply a thin coat of reel oil on the entire reel to provide an additional layer of protection until the next cleaning.

References

SC Surf Fishing: Reel Maintenance Part 1: Spinning Reels

http://www.scsurffishing.com/articles/reelmaintenance.htm

Trails: How to Clean & Lubricate a Spinning Reel

http://www.trails.com/how_2244_clean-lubricate-spinning-reel.html

How to Insert a Grommet

Overview

Grommets are also known as cringles, which are tiny round metal pieces that reinforce a hole on any piece of cloth or fabric. This prevents the fabric from tearing up or opening wider. You will often see grommets on tarpaulins or flags, allowing a rope through. These are also used on handbags and clothes to provide a unique touch and accessory to these items. If you want to insert a grommet on any piece of fabric, you can do it on your own and using a few simple tools.

Skill

Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need

Cloth / fabric

Butcher’s block

Hammer

Saddle punch

Grommet

Grommet setting tool

Step 1

Place the cloth over the butcher’s block. Make a hole slightly smaller than the grommet’s inner opening using a hammer and a saddle punch.

Step 2

Set the half of the grommet that resembles a small top hat into the hole that you just made on your cloth. Force the cloth down around the grommet’s shaft using your nails.

Step 3

Place the bottom part of the grommet setting tool on any flat solid surface, with the tool’s concave side faced towards you. The bottom part of the tool resembles a bagel.

Step 4

Put the cloth with its washer in at the bottom of your setting tool. The grommet’s piece inserted in the cloth must be resting in the tool’s curve, while its shaft is facing up.

Step 5

Slide the grommet washer right over the shaft that is sticking through your cloth and place its grommet setting tool’s tube-shaped section over your washer.

Step 6

Rap and seal the top part of the grommet setting tool using your hammer, hitting it about three to five times to ensure that the grommet stays pressed against the cloth.

References

Wild Onion: How to Insert Grommets

http://wildonionstudio.wordpress.com/2008/10/14/how-to-insert-grommets/

YouTube: How to Insert a Grommet into Some Cloth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKL5sAxvISc

How to Make a Curved Walkway with Pavers

Overview

A curved walkway has a unique charm that appeals to a lot of homeowners. While most people prefer to construct walkways using concrete, pavers allow you to construct a more intricate walkway such as those using curved path walks. The only reason why some are discouraged to use pavers when creating curved sidewalks is because it takes serious effort and time to finish the construction. If you do the task on your own, however, you can save a lot of money in the process.

 

Skill

Moderately Easy

 

Things You’ll Need

Spray paint

Shovel

Plate compactor

Gravel

Sand

Landscape edging

Pavers

Level

Concrete saw

Broom

 

Step 1

 

Mark the area where you wish to create the walkway using spray paint. This will allow you to get a visual of how long, curved or large you want the walkway to be.

 

Step 1

 

Set up the walkway by digging 6 inches of land within the entire area using your shovel. Make sure the walkway has a 2-inch pitch for every 10 feet.

 

 

 

Step 3

 

Tamp down the dirt or land using a plate compactor.

 

Step 4

 

Set a 3-inch layer of gravel and use your plate compactor to tamp it down the area. Cover the gravel with an inch of sand and tamp it down using the same device.

 

Step 5

 

Install the edging of the landscape for your walkway according to the manufacturer’s directions.

 

Step 6

 

Lay the pavers, placing each one on top of the layer of sand. Make sure that the pavers are level beside each other and with all the surrounding pavers, creating the curved motion of the marked walkway. Cut the pavers if needed using a concrete saw.

 

Step 7

 

Sweep the sand in between the joints of the pavers using a broom.

 

References

 

Home Additions: How to Build a Brick Paver Walkway

http://www.homeadditionscontractors.com/patio-additions.html

 

Ask John Eakes: Making Curved Walkways with Rectangular Pavers

http://joneakes.com/jons-fixit-database/1233

 

 

How to Make a Honeycomb

Overview

Honeycomb is often used in crunchy candy bars to provide a tasty treat perfect for holiday and other festive seasons. While you can easily buy honeycomb in the market, it can be a fun and exciting activity to cook the recipe in your home. Nearly every person loves honeycomb, which makes it the perfect dessert or snack to serve to your loved ones. With a few ingredients and a handful of kitchen tools, you can be all set to cook your own honeycomb right inside your kitchen.

Skill

Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need

Heavy based pan w/ high sides

⅓ cup golden syrup

⅓ cup water

1 ½ cups white sugar

⅓ cup honey

Wooden spoon

Thermometer

2 teaspoons soda bicarbonate

Lined baking dish

Non-fluffy cloth

Rolling pin

Step 1

Take out your heavy based pan and mix the golden syrup, water, sugar and honey. Use a wooden spoon to stir all your ingredients together.

Step 2

Place the pan over low heat to allow the sugar to dissolve. Continue to stir the mixture with your wooden spoon to avoid the mixture from sticking at the bottom of the pan.

Step 3

Turn the heat of the stove up and dip a thermometer into the mixture. Wait for it to reach 132 degrees Celsius while you continue to stir it while being heated.

Step 4

Keep the mixture at the same temperature for at least 20 minutes, adjusting the heat in case it gets too warm or cold.

Step 5

Remove the pan and mixture from the heat and set it aside to cool until all the bubbles have disappeared.

Step 6

Pour the soda bicarbonate into the mixture and beat it with your wooden spoon. Transfer the mixture into a lined baking dish and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours.

Step 7

Place the hardened candy into a non-fluffy cloth and break the candy apart using a rolling pin.

References

YouTube: How to Make Honeycomb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5N37wfwYDI

Best Recipes: Honeycomb

http://www.bestrecipes.com.au/recipe/Honeycomb-L4387.html

How to Repaint Steel Railing

Overview

Steel fixtures and furniture can easily rust or lose its fine texture over time. This is why it is essential to maintain its outer material and surface by repainting the steel. Steel railings often require repainting since most people use these as support while walking up and down the stairs or to restrict others from entering a certain area. To repaint the steel railing, you can use a few tools and materials at home. To make sure that you come up with a good repainting job, you need to use the right paint for your railing.

 

Skill

Moderate

 

Things You’ll Need

Steel bristled brush

Metal file

Medium-grit sandpaper

Damp rag

Phosphoric acid

Trim brush

Oil-based primer

Oil-based metal paint

Paintbrush

 

Step 1

 

Remove any visible rust or peeling paint from the surface of the steel railing. Brush a steel bristled brush onto the railing, moving the brush back and forth in quick motions while apply enough pressure on the brush to remove the rush and paint.

 

Step 2

 

Rub a metal file on the surface of the railing, moving the file back and forth to get rid of all the rust.

 

 

 

Step 3

 

Sand the rounded and curved portions of the railing using medium-grit sandpaper to remove the rest of the peeling paint and rust. Use a damp rag to wipe the area from dust and small debris after sanding.

 

Step 4

 

Spray phosphoric acid onto the steel railing, following the directions of the manufacturer. The acid will aid in getting rid of all the remaining rust by combining with it and forming an iron phosphate crust. Leave the acid overnight to dry and brush it off the following day with your steel bristled brush.

 

Step 5

 

Soak a trim brush with oil-based primer and apply a coat of the primer onto the railing. Let it dry for about 4 to 8 hours.

 

Step 6

 

Finish the steel railing by painting it with oil-based metal paint, applying a thin coat with your paintbrush. Start painting from the top of the steel railing, moving your way down. Use quick strokes and leave the first coat to dry for at least 4 hours before doing a second coat.

 

Step 7

 

Leave the paint to dry for at least 24 hours.

 

References

 

Rapid True Value: Paint an Iron Railing

http://www.rapidtruevalue.com/files/rtv/docs/paint_railings.pdf

 

Coates Mitre 10 Home & Trade: Repainting Metal Furniture and Railings

http://www.coateshomecentre.com.au/tips_tricks/tip_paint_metal_furniture.htm

 

 

How to Spray Latex Enamel

Overview

Latex enamel paints provide a more eco-friendly finish to your furniture pieces. This is because latex enamel paint is easy to clean and can last for a long time. Unlike normal paint that easily tears apart after a short period of time or undergoing severe weathers, latex enamel paint is more durable. The best way to apply spray latex enamel paint is to use a spray gun. This will allow you to create even coats and apply the right thickness of paint on your furniture or wall.

Skill

Moderate

Things You’ll Need

HVLP spray gun

Air compressor

Latex enamel paint

Paint thinner or water

Viscosity cup

Stopwatch

Step 1

Attach the HVLP spray gun to your air compressor and test it to make sure that its connections are working and airtight.

Step 2

Pour the latex enamel paint in a clean bucket to start the thinning process. Add 20 percent thinner and stir it with the paint. You have the option to use water as a thinner, just make sure that you get the right consistency, and the paint does not become too thin to avoid separation of colors.

Step 3

Use a viscosity cup to test the paint’s thinning. Dip the viscosity cup into the bucket of paint, submerging it completely. Take out the cup upwards from your bucket of paint and hold the cup over it to allow the excess paint to stream back into your bucket.

Step 4

Time how long the stream of paint develops its first break. Refer to the manual of the manufacturer for the recommended length of time for the paint to be considered properly thinned. If you are short on time, add more water or thinner to the mixture, or add paint of the time is too long.

Step 5

Pour the thinned latex enamel paint into the spray gun’s gravity feed paint reservoir. Set its air pressure in between 15 to 20 PSI and point your spray gun at about 6 to 8 inches from the surface and at a 90-degree angle.

Step 6

Open your material feed to allow the paint to drop to its reservoir and trigger the spray gun, moving across the surface to create an even coat.

References

IGOE: FLOETROL Waterborne Paint Conditioner

http://www.igoe.ie/cms/images/stories/downloads/Floetrol_TDS.pdf

Highland Woodworking: Spraying Latex with HVLP

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/sprayinglatexpaint.aspx

How to Stop Snipe in a Planer

Overview

Planers usually encounter snipes when the board’s trailing end is elevated once it enters the cutting area. The snipe’s length normally corresponds to the specific distance in between the cutter head and the feed rollers. In cases when the board is not supported, this can tilt beneath the rollers. There are different ways for you to stop or avoid this problem. You may run the wood strips along the sides of the planed board or size the wood pieces long and take out or cut off the snipe.

Skill

Moderate

Things You’ll Need

Side strips for work piece

Measuring tape

Work piece (wooden board for cutting)

Planer

Step 1

Check the side strips that you are using and make sure that they are at least an inch wide, with the same thickness as your work piece. Get the distance in between the cutterhead of the planer and any of its drive rollers to get the strips’ minimum length. Use your measuring tape to get these dimensions.

Step 2

Add an inch to the distance of the cutterhead and the drive roller and multiply this number by 2. Add the product to your work piece’s length.

Step 3

Cut the side strips according to the measurements that you got and attach these at the sides of your work piece, making sure they are centered and secured with wood glue. In the process of planning the strips, the strips will reach your cutterhead first and sustain possible causes of snipe. These strips are held flat under your outfeed roller at the same time the work pieces reach the knives. This will help eliminate any unsupported lift that leads to lead-end snipes. Once the board exits the cutter, the tail of the strips is secured by its infeed rollers, preventing the back part of your work piece from tipping up your cutterhead.

References

Highland Woodworking: Understanding Snipe

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/understandingsnipe.aspx

Fine Woodworking: How to Get Around Planer Snipe

http://www.finewoodworking.com/Community/QADetail.aspx?id=30417

New Woodworker: Controlling Planer Snipe

http://www.newwoodworker.com/plnrsuprt.html

How to Seal Travertine Pavers

Overview

Travertine pavers are made from natural occurring stones that have medium density. The material of these pavers is softer than granite but is also harder than soapstone. These are perfect to install both outdoors and indoors. Since travertine features a porous surface, this needs to be sealed appropriately to prevent the infiltration of water. If you want to install travertine pavers in your home, you need to use the proper tools and techniques to make the installation effective. The sealing process can be done using a few easy steps.

 

Skill

Moderate

 

Things You’ll Need

Broom

Chalk

Measuring tape

Thinset mortar

¼-inch notched trowel

Concrete sealer

Cement mixture

Level

Travertine pavers

Rubber mallet

Sanded grout

Damp sponge

 

Step 1

 

Clean the entire floor where you will seal the travertine pavers. Sweep off any tiny debris or trash found in the area.

 

Step 2

 

Measure the floor’s center and use a piece of chalk to mark the area where you wish to lay the travertine pavers. You should have a mark at the center of the floor area and four quadrants for you to easily lay the pavers onto the area.

 

Step 3

 

Spread the thinset mortar starting at one of the four quadrants found at the floor’s center. Use a ¼-inch notched trowel for spreading your mortar

 

Step 4

 

Spray concrete sealer on the pavers prior to laying them on the floor to prevent any form of staining on your travertine pavers.

 

Step 5

 

Pour cement mixture on a 4-by-4-foot area and start laying the pavers using a hand level to make sure that they are all aligned and level. Continue working across the rest of the area, pouring in a new batch of concrete every 4-by-4 feet to prevent the concrete from drying up quickly.

 

Step 6

 

Tap the pavers with a rubber mallet for them to adhere into the grout. Insert the ¼-inch tile spacers in between the pavers and let it set for 24 hours.

 

Step 7

 

Pour sanded grout onto the travertine pavers and push the grout across the pavers to stick all the joints together. Wipe the pavers with damp sponge to keep them clean and leave the grout to adhere overnight.

 

 

References

 

Travertine Pavers Direct: Seal/Protect Your Pavers

http://www.travertine-pavers-direct.com/seal-travertine.htm

 

Travertine Mart: FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

http://travertinemart.com/FAQ.html

 

 

How to Remove Bust Darts

Overview

Darts are made using folds on fabric to create a three-dimensional shape to that piece of garment. These are often used as part of women’s clothing in order to follow the wearer’s shape. There are two types of darts that are often used in clothes, one is the vertical dart and the other one is the bust dart. Bust darts are the short triangle folds providing space for women’s breasts to make sure that the clothes fit close to the wearer. Here is how you can remove bust darts from your clothes.

 

Skill

Moderate

 

Things You’ll Need

Measuring tape

Paper

Pencil

Sharp scissors

 

Step 1

 

Measure the width and depth of the bust dart using your measuring tape.

 

Step 2

 

Place a piece of paper on a flat surface and place the pattern or clothing piece over it. Trace the center front, shoulder seam, neckline, bust point, armscye, hem or the bodice’s bottom part and other notches or marks in need of sewing using your pencil.

 

Step 3

 

Fold the bust dart and use your pencil to mark its center front with the same amount as the dart’s width. For instance, if the bust dart is an inch wide, mark its center front at an inch from the end of the hem.

 

 

 

Step 4

 

Mark the side of the seam from the edge at the bottom part of the piece. This will be the point where your bottom hemline will fall after you fold the dart.

 

Step 5

 

Trace the clothing piece’s armhole as well as the new side seam.  Do the same for the new hemline and cut along your traced marks using a pair of sharp scissors. This will completely remove the bust dart from the pattern piece.

 

 

References

 

Burda Style: How to Remove a Bust Dart

http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/how-to-remove-a-bust-dart

 

Modern Historique: A Brief Look at Pattern Development

http://www.modehistorique.com/research/eliminating_darts.pdf

 

 

How to Remove a Broken Set Screw

Overview

Broken set screws can be difficult to remove as set screws are used to hold a lot of parts together. If its parts are incomplete or have been broken prior to removal, it makes it more difficult for you to take it out. You need to soften the set screw prior to removal in order to prevent damages in the threaded hole where the screw is located or placed. To do this, you will need a few tools and materials to release the set screw from its installation.

 

Skill

Moderate

 

Things You’ll Need

Allen wrench

Carbide drill bit

Cutting fluid

Screw extractor

 

Step 1

 

Turn the set screw’s head in counter-clockwise direction using an Allen wrench. Give the screw a few minutes to cool down in case it jams in the hole where it is placed. Turn the set screw in clockwise direction to achieve a quarter turn before you completely remove the screw.

 

Step 2

 

Install the carbide drill bit in the drill motor’s chuck in case its head breaks off while you attempt removal in step 1. Make sure that the drill bit is smaller than the set screw’s diameter.

 

Step 3

 

Continue to drill slowly into the broken set screw’s shaft. Apply more cutting fluid to your drill bit once smoke starts to form.

 

 

 

Step 4

 

Take out the carbide drill bit from your drill motor when you have a ¼-inch deep hole that is drilled into the shaft of the broken set screw. Place the screw extractor into the drill motor’s chuck.

 

Step 5

 

Reverse the drill motor and set the extractor’s tip into the hole that you just drilled into the set screw. Push your drill motor towards the extractor while you slowly press the drill motor’s trigger. Take out the broken or damaged set screw from the threaded portion.

 

 

References

 

Auto Inc.: The Art of Extraction

http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/may2003/techtotech.htm

 

YouTube: Remove Stripped Screw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cfFh2wQ57Y