Here are a few times when you may benefit from renting tools or equipment: when the equipment for a job is used less than 55 percent of the time; when the annual cost of rental charges divided by acquisition cost is less than $0.45; when your jobs require special equipment; and when your state has regulations specifically pertaining to air quality.
Proper maintenance of your generator will keep it running right for years. Make sure the oil and air filters are changed regularly and pay attention to any unusual sounds, rattles, or movement. Quick action will prevent future headaches.
Not sure what the best fastener for your application is? That’s when it’s best to bring the details to the experts at a fastener supply company and trust them to sort through their inventory and come up with the right type for your needs.
Sometimes DIY jobs require heavy lifting. That means remembering to lift from the knees in order to avoid back injuries. It's also a good idea when working around heavy objects or tools to wear a pair of steel-toed shoes.
Did you know that the loudest hand operated tool around isn't powered by electricity? Instead, it makes use of air to be able to do its job. Care to guess what it is? If you answered a pneumatic jackhammer then you'd be absolutely right.
If you already have certain power tools, but need specialized attachments for particular projects, you can rent them. For example, saw blades or drill bits designed for use with concrete are commonly rented items.
Unless you’re planning to work full-time as a contractor, renting out equipment will always be smarter than buying. This is especially true for single short-term jobs, in which the equipment is used only once.
If your fiberglass ladder is showing signs of fiber bloom, you will want to replace the ladder or coat the fiberglass sidepieces. Exposure to the fibers isn’t considered dangerous, but the fibers can cause minor scratches and skin irritation.
Instead of spending a bunch of money for a giant whiteboard, did you know you can purchase white board paint at many hardware stores? Roll it onto your walls, let it dry, and suddenly you’ve got yourself an enormous dry-erase board to doodle on.
ASTM B117 defines methods for determining the corrosion resistance of base materials and applied coatings. Fasteners are subjected to a 5% salt spray solution for defined periods to simulate real world conditions that affect performance.
Corded-electric chainsaws use a plug-in power cord and electricity to run. This means they have no engines and considerably less power than gasoline-powered ones. Therefore, corded-electric chainsaws are best when used to cut or saw small trees.
Lock nuts work to stay secure despite vibrations or torque. There are a number of types of lock nuts available serving a variety of needs. These specialized lock nuts include center, castellated, distorted thread, elliptical offset, interfering thread, jam, jet, tapered thread, and top.
The first known screws were found on suits of armor that date back to the 1500s and the first reference to a screwdriver is a drawing from the 16th century. That’s right, the screw predates the screwdriver. Scholars suggest the first screws were tightened with the help of a knife.
Using an aerator on your lawn creates holes in the soil. This allows oxygen in, which encourages worms and various microfauna and microflora. It also improves soil drainage.
To improve rough out capabilities, consider using a twin bore for the process. The configuration balances the cutting forces, allowing four times the material to be removed as compared to a single bore cutting tool.
Did you know that the Black and Decker company was the first to come up with the pistol grip type drills that we're familiar with? This design, which came out in 1917, proved to be so successful that it has remained largely the same for a hundred years.
Did you know the earliest drills may have existed up to 35,000 years ago? They were made of a pointed rock which was spun between the hands. Although the drills were crude and hardly recognizable by modern standards they served their purpose well at the time.
One of the most fascinating examples of tool use in dolphins has only recently been observed when dolphins in Australian were seen tearing pieces of sponge and then wrapping the sponge around their noses to evidently protect their noses while they hunt near the sea floor.
Worried about wind and weather? Coated fasteners could be the ideal solution. Consider traditional galvanized fasteners with zinc coatings for a time-tested approach or opt for layered coatings that contain compounds like zinc, resin and aluminum powder.
There are safety tips that are a good idea to follow even after your job with power tools is done. Be sure to pull the plug directly from the socket, don’t yank on the plug. Also, never carry a power tool by the cord.
"Despite their utility, fasteners developed slowly, and it was only in the 15th century that the first threaded screw was introduced," writes ThomasNet.com. "In this era, fasteners became increasingly complex in their design and dimensions."
"Whether you're a welder or a plumber, a blowtorch could be the very thing you need," writes the website HowStuffWorks. "Of course, you must comply with safety regulations and be familiar with the mechanics before you begin."
