Saturday, February 27, 2010

diy boiler

How to DIY Boiler Maintenance

Introduction

Boilers generally last for many years and often do not require too much maintenance. They do need to be looked, at least annually, to be sure that the boiler is still working well and safely. Boilers that are not kept up with are extremely hazardous. Most professionals will recommend that you do not try to do boiler maintenance yourself. However, there are a number of things that you can easily do to keep your boiler in good working order.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

- Carbon monoxide detector

Instructions

Step 1

Install a carbon monoxide detector near your boiler. This pretty inexpensive unit will alert you if your boiler is leaking. Follow the installation instructions that come with the detector.

Step 2

Keep a close eye on your boiler’s pressure. The pressure gauge can usually be found on the side of the boiler. Small boilers’ pressure should be about 12-15 pounds.

Step 3

Release pressure from boilers’ whose gauges measure above normal pressure. Turn the release valve to remove pressure. If you twist the valve and the pressure rises back up right away, call a professional.

Step 4

Clean your boiler room often. Dust can cause overheating by clogging up the boiler fan. Dust in the pilot light area can cause fires and gas leaks.

Step 5

Hire a technician to check your boiler once a year. They are trained to make sure that your boiler is in good working condition. They check that your boiler is set up correctly and that there are no clogged pipes or gas leaks.

Tip

Tenants are not responsible for checking their boilers so if you have a landlord, don’t worry about boiler maintenance.

Warning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous so be careful when taking care of boiler maintenance yourself.

bra

How to Wear a Bra With a Low Cut Dress

Introduction

There are many different style dresses that a girl can wear ranging from spaghetti strap to strapless. Each dress style works best with a different bra style. Low cut dresses are no exception. It may be a little more difficult to find the right bra for a low plunge dress because of the way most bras are made, but after you follow the steps below you will have the proper bra to wear that new low dress you just purchased.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Decide what dress you are going to wear. Figure out what other limitations it has besides for having a low neckline.

Step 2

Go shopping. Try on bras in many different styles. Ask the sale clerk for help with sizing.

Step 3

Try on a bra that is low cut. The front middle might be cut out in a U-shape. Depending on the shape of the rest of the dress, you may want to try a bra that is strapless too.

Step 4

Put the dress on over a couple of the bras. See which bra is the least visible. Wear that bra under the dress when you go out.

Tip

Get a bra that is properly supportive for your body.

Warning

Incorrect bra sizing can cause discomfort.

Style Bakery: Bra For Low Cut Dress

http://stylebakery.com/ask-us/bra_for_low_cut_dress.html

Monkey See: Bras to Wear for a Low Plunge Dress

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/7182-bras-to-wear-for-a-low-plunge-dress

warehouse inventory

How to Prepare Warehouse Inventory

Introduction

Efficiency and organization are the most important qualities a person will need when preparing warehouse inventory. You will need to understand how much of each item needs to be ordered and you will need to figure out how to best set up your warehouse. If you have never worked in a warehouse before, this endeavor will be challenging for you. Eventually you will figure out what is most cost-effective for you and you will have developed a system that you can run efficiently.

Difficulty: Moderately Difficult

Instructions

Step 1

Divide inventory into four sections:

a. Raw materials such as wood and metal

b. Consumables such as gas and oil

c. Work in progress (WIP)- materials that are in the midst of being produced but are not sellable yet

d. Finished goods- products that are ready to be sold

Step 2

Decide how much of each item you need to have on hand. Factor in how often the items sell out and how quickly you can receive a new shipment of the materials. You want to keep as little inventory in the warehouse that you can because items can spoil and it can be costly to pay for warehouse space.

Step 3

Develop a system of sending out inventory. The best methods involve shipping out materials based on the date they arrived at the warehouse. The older the inventory was received, the quicker it gets sent out.

Step 4

Set up shelves and storage areas that are appropriate for your inventory. Make sure the shelves are strong and can handle heavy materials. Be sure that there is room in your storage area to maneuver the items.

Step 5

Install a surveillance system in the warehouse. This will allow you to keep your items safe from outside dangers and from potential slippery-handed employees.

Tip

Keep the warehouse at a cool temperature in order for your inventory to in peak condition.

Warning

Don’t over order inventory or you will risk losing a lot of money.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Intro to Selling HUD Homes

http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD

Friday, February 26, 2010

watch backing

How to Remove the Back of a Bulova Accutron

Introduction

It is not very difficult to remove the back of a Bulova Accutron watch. You may need to take off the back to change the batteries or to let the watch dry out after it came into contact with some kind of liquid. You will need a steady hand and dexterity because you will be working with small tools. You will also need a good deal of patience but it is a very quick task to accomplish.

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need:

- Tiny flat head screwdriver

- Magnet

Instructions

Step 1

Set up your tools. You will be working with very small pieces so find a clean and well-lit area to work in. You may want to work on top of a piece of cardboard or paper to keep all the pieces extra visible.

Step 2

Unscrew the four screws that hold the back of the watch in place. Use the smallest flathead screwdriver.

Step 3

Put the screws on a magnet for safekeeping. This is a good idea to do because the screws are quite tiny.

Step 4

Pull the back off of the watch. It should come off easily. If the back is stuck, wedge the screwdriver between the plate and the inside of the watch and bend so that the backing pops off.

Tip

Don’t forget when unscrewing the screws that turning to the left loosens the screw and turning to the right tightens the screw.

Bulova

http://www.bulova.com/index.aspx

leaky rivets

How to Repair Leaks in the Rivets of a Jon Boat

Introduction

Most Jon boats are made of aluminum, a durable material that does not erode easily and rarely needs a new coat of paint. With proper maintenance, these boats can last a long time. Sometime, the rivets of Jon boats will begin to leak. Although they are not dangerous because only a small amount of water ends up in the boat, it is a good idea to fix these leaks. Most boat owners can seal these leaks up quickly and easily.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

- Permanent marker

- Wire brush

- Hobby torch

- Marine epoxy

- Syringe

Instructions

Step 1

Determine which rivets are leaking. Lower your dry boat into the water and inspect each rivets for leaks. Indicate which rivets leak using a permanent marker. Take the boat out of the water and turn it upside-down.

Step 2

Scrape and clean the area around each leak with a wire brush.

Step 3

Use the torch to dry each leaky rivet. This will prepare the leak areas to receive epoxy.

Step 4

Follow the mixing directions that came with the epoxy. Load the syringe with epoxy.

Step 5

Keep the leaky areas warm as you use the syringe to spread epoxy over each leaky rivet. Apply torch heat to the rivet until the epoxy begins to dry. Let the epoxy dry completely.

Step 6

Float the boat in water. Check that all the leaks have been sealed. If you find other leaks, follow the above steps again.

Tip

Wait for nice weather before beginning this process since you will be working outside and by water.

Warning

Do not attempt to lift the boat into the water alone. Ask a friend to come and help you.

Helium: How to fix a leaking rivet on a boat

http://www.helium.com/items/1129576-how-to-fix-a-leaking-rivet-on-a-boat

hydraulic

How to Troubleshoot a Viking 2 Ton Hydraulic Jack

Introduction

A Viking 2 Ton hydraulic jack is used by professional and amateur car mechanics to lift vehicles in order to repair them. They can also be used to lift a car to change its tire, although they are really too large to keep in your vehicle and pull out on the side of the road for quick maintenance. There are a number of issues that a Viking 2 ton hydraulic jack can have but none of the problems are very difficult to repair.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

- Screwdriver

- Funnel

- Hydraulic floor jack oil

Instructions

Step 1

Check that the weight of the car or truck you are trying to lift up with the jack is not heavier than two tons because that is your jack’s weight limit. Try to lift something above the weight limit will stress the jack and is very unsafe.

Step 2

Inspect the jack before and after you use it. Any fluid leaks, cracked welds, or damaged parts can cause the jack to malfunction. Also look carefully at the ram to be sure that the ram pistons are not pockmarked or rusted. Position the jack on its side and check out the ram in its extended and retracted position.

Step 3

Assess if the hydraulic jack goes up and down properly. Turn the jack handle clockwise to close the release valve. Pump the handle. The saddle should go up a couple of inches. Continue to pump the handle until the saddle reaches its maximum height. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise. The hydraulic fluid will return to its container and the saddle will return to its resting position. If the jack was unable to lift or release correctly, continue with Steps 4 and 5 below before you try to use the jack to lift something.

Step 4

Release trapped air in the jack by turning the handle completely in the counterclockwise direction. Unscrew the oil filler screw. Push on the handle a 10 times to remove all air from the jack. Screw the oil filler screw back into place and test the jack to see if that fixed the problem.

Step 5

Take out the oil fill plug and look in the oil container. Check if the oil level is at the proper level of between 3/16 and ¼ of an inch higher than the cylinder. If necessary, use a funnel to pour in extra oil so that the level is correct.

Step 6

Place the jack under a vehicle. Turn the handle clockwise to tightly secure the release valve and begin to pump the handle. If the jack still doesn’t lift properly, you may have a hydraulic malfunction. This will need to be repaired by a professional, or you may want to throw out the jack and buy a new one.

Tip

Check your owner’s manual for the oil level that is correct for your jack model.

Warnings

Only fill the oil container with quality hydraulic floor jack oil-no kitchen oil.

Do not position the jack under unsecure lift points such as floor boards or subframe because the jack will cave under the heaviness of the axle.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

window tint

How to Remove Window Tint Film in the Heat

Introduction

Window tint film can be hard to remove if you do not use the right techniques. The best way to take off tint film is by using a heat source such as a blow-dryer. Take care when using the blow-dryer for a purpose that was not what the manufacturers intended it for. Follow all of the instructions that came with the blow-dryer to be sure that you will be able to remove the window tint safely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

- Extension cord

- Blow-dryer

- Razor blade paint scraper/rubber scraper

- Paper towels

- Window cleaner

Instructions

Step 1

Plug the blow-dryer into one end of an extension cord that is long enough to reach the car from the outlet. Plug the other end of the extension cord into an outlet.

Step 2

Put the blow-dryer on the highest heat setting that it has. Heat the tint film evenly and softly. Keep applying heat until the film becomes pliable but isn’t melted.

Step 3

Scrape the film off of the glass using a razor blade paint scraper or rubber scraper. Keep the film hot but continuing to apply dryer heat throughout the process.

Step 4

Continue the heating and scraping process until all of the film has been removed. Let the window cool completely.

Step 5

Clean the window with paper towels and window cleaner. This will remove any remaining adhesive.

Tip

You might want to wear heat protecting gloves while working because of the blow-dryer’s heat.

Warning

Don’t get discouraged if the film tears making it difficult to remove little patches. You can remove the bigger pieces first and return to the patches later.

Ezine @rticles: Removing Window Tint and What is Involved

http://ezinearticles.com/?Removing-Window-Tint-and-What-is-Involved&id=2200622

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

rv

How to Rate RV Campgrounds

Introduction

Camping out in an RV has become a very popular vacation that the whole family can enjoy together. There are many factors to consider when choosing an RV camp site. Some of the things that you will have to consider include site amenities, weather conditions, and safety. You can find sites online that reccommend different campgrounds based on their own rating system or you can do your own research and find a site that fits your camping group.


Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Make a list of amenities that you want your campsite to include. Example of potential site amenities are laundry facilities, dump station, wireless internet access, and campground stores.


Step 2

Decide what recreation activities you want at your campsite. Potential activities include swimming, fishing, and boating. You may also want to see if the site has kid-friendly activities if that is applicable to your camping group.


Step 3

Look for a scenic spot to park your RV. National and state parks are beautiful spots to stay but they often don't have water or electrical systems available. Some people enjoy having no outside connections when they are camping. The weather may also affect your site choice.


Step 4

Think about whether you want a campground that is crowded or quiet and isolated. Also find out what kind of safety measures are in place at the different campsites. You may an RV site that has security cameras and lighting.


Step 5

Find out what kind of food is nearby. Decide if you are going to want to eat out of if you will want to build a campfire and roast hot dogs.


Step 6

Choose a campsite that best matches your preferences.


Tip

If you have pets, make sure to check if the site is pet friendly.


Warning

If money is an object, you may want to also consider the costs to stay at different campgrounds.


RV Park Reviews

http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/Georgia/Townsend.html

Go Camping America: Find a Park

http://www.gocampingamerica.com/findPark.aspx


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

maglight

How to Repair a Mag Light

Introduction

A Mag light is a type of flashlight. There are a few different issues that may need to be fixed when dealing with a broken Mag light. Most Mag light problems are with the flashlight’s batteries or with its bulb. If either of those are damaged, the Mag light will not work properly. At the end of your troubleshooting session with the Mag light, you still may ultimately need to replace the Mag light in its entirety.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

- New batteries

- New O-ring

- New bulb

Instructions

Step 1

Take off the cap at the tip of the handle. Remove the batteries by tipping them out of the handle.

Step 2

Check inside the handle for any damp areas and check for damage on the O-ring on the inside of the cap. If there are any damp areas or any O-ring damage, the Mag light will need to be replaced.

Step 3

Put in new batteries and return the end cap to its place. If the light still doesn’t work, the bulb may need to be checked out.

Step 4

Take off the reflector cone and the lens covering. Next, remove the flashlight’s top. Inspect the O-ring under the top. It the O-ring is damp or damaged, put in a new O-ring.

Step 5

Remove from the Mag light the bulb assembly collar and take out the bulb. Look the bulb over. Any debris, damage, or decay could cause the bulb not to work. If necessary, put in a new bulb.

Step 6

Put the flashlight back together. Check if the Mag light works now. If it still does not work, it may be time to buy a new Mag light.

Tip

Don’t buy new parts for your Mag light until you finish troubleshooting its problem.

MagLite: Warranty Service Centers

http://www.maglite.com/repaircenters.asp

fridge door

How to Remove Refrigerator and Freezer Doors

Introduction

You may need to remove you fridge and/or freezer door for many reasons. Maybe you are moving and you need to get the refrigerator through the doorway of your new house. Or possibly, you need to make repair on your freezer. Whatever the case, fridge and freezer doors are easily removable. If your fridge has double doors, you will have a few extra hinges to take out but the whole process will still be pretty easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

- Screwdriver

- Ratcheting wrench

- Nut driver

- Putty knife

Instructions

Step 1

Locate the side of the fridge that has the door handle. You will see a number of hinges that keep the door attached to the rest of the fridge on the opposite side of the fridge door handle.

Step 2

Shut the refrigerator door if it wasn’t closed already. Remove the screws from the hinges with a screwdriver, ratcheting wrench, or nut driver, depending on the type of screws. Put the screws in a safe spot.

Step 3

Pull out the hinge pin. If it is stuck, use a putty knife to move the hinge up so that you can grab it easily.

Step 4

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the hinges have been removed. Put the hinges in the same safe spot as the screws.

Step 5

Hold onto both sides of the fridge door and lift the door up and out. The door should come off easily.

Step 6

Repeat Steps 1-5 to remove the freezer door next.

Tip

Look at the instruction manual that came with your refrigerator for further instructions.