Jhoff310
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
old hacksaw blade a few washers and 2 drywall screws makes a nifty tape measure holder
Jeff
old hacksaw blade a few washers and 2 drywall screws makes a nifty tape measure holder
Jeff
- Thread starter Ryan
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Farmall 1066
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Slip a 20oz pop bottle over the muzzle of a rifle, or use a liter bottle for bull barrels, to catch cleaning patches and bore brush splatter.
Use old v belts looped around crankshaft to lower it into place. Strong, and won't mar the journals.
18ga stranded wire makes good spark resistant shoelaces.
I mounted all my cordless tool chargers on a board, with power strip attached, so I can carry the whole thing to where tools are being used.
Screw a clipboard to the wall to hold welding gloves.
Dry erase board is among the handiest additions I have made to the shop, also one on garage wall, with oil change mileage written on it.
Keep a list of machinery s/n's in my phone, to help when I need to get parts... Vehicle vin's, tractors, skid loader, baler, swather, mowers, even major household appliances, shop equipment.....this one has saved my *** quite a few times!
Slip a 20oz pop bottle over the muzzle of a rifle, or use a liter bottle for bull barrels, to catch cleaning patches and bore brush splatter.
Use old v belts looped around crankshaft to lower it into place. Strong, and won't mar the journals.
18ga stranded wire makes good spark resistant shoelaces.
I mounted all my cordless tool chargers on a board, with power strip attached, so I can carry the whole thing to where tools are being used.
Screw a clipboard to the wall to hold welding gloves.
Dry erase board is among the handiest additions I have made to the shop, also one on garage wall, with oil change mileage written on it.
Keep a list of machinery s/n's in my phone, to help when I need to get parts... Vehicle vin's, tractors, skid loader, baler, swather, mowers, even major household appliances, shop equipment.....this one has saved my *** quite a few times!
Jswain
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Cut the top off a 2Litre of pop and slip it over your oil filter before you take it off, no mess!
Cut the top off a 2Litre of pop and slip it over your oil filter before you take it off, no mess!
flippin
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
It didn't take me long to realize that one of the bonds shared by all of us is our passion for stuff and collecting things that we might need one day! If you are at all like me, the really good stuff gets put away in a safe place to ensure that we have it when that magical day arrives (truth be told it never happens). The special place is so good that it's exact location is unknown to everyone including ourselves.
Part of my New Years resolution is to reorganize "my spaces" and in so doing I have found some of that great stuff which is exactly where I left it, God knows when. To ensure that I will be able to efficiently retrieve it, I am taking pictures using my Smartphone of the location (shop, office, shed etc) and the container/bin that it might live in. My tip also encourages us to take pictures of the contents of Rubbermaid storage bins or boxes which might be in less accessible areas (shelves, crawl spaces etc) to determine their contents without the agony of actually opening them up.
Hope this helps and Happy New Year to you all!!! 2013 has been a great year here, I have learned so much from all of you, Thank You!!
It didn't take me long to realize that one of the bonds shared by all of us is our passion for stuff and collecting things that we might need one day! If you are at all like me, the really good stuff gets put away in a safe place to ensure that we have it when that magical day arrives (truth be told it never happens). The special place is so good that it's exact location is unknown to everyone including ourselves.
Part of my New Years resolution is to reorganize "my spaces" and in so doing I have found some of that great stuff which is exactly where I left it, God knows when. To ensure that I will be able to efficiently retrieve it, I am taking pictures using my Smartphone of the location (shop, office, shed etc) and the container/bin that it might live in. My tip also encourages us to take pictures of the contents of Rubbermaid storage bins or boxes which might be in less accessible areas (shelves, crawl spaces etc) to determine their contents without the agony of actually opening them up.
Hope this helps and Happy New Year to you all!!! 2013 has been a great year here, I have learned so much from all of you, Thank You!!
inphx
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I sometimes remember to take a squirt of dish washing liquid and work under nails and knuckes till dry. Cleanup later after a dirty job is sooo much easier.
I sometimes remember to take a squirt of dish washing liquid and work under nails and knuckes till dry. Cleanup later after a dirty job is sooo much easier.
parnass
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I have used bicycle inner tubes for all kinds of things including rubber bands, cushion grips, and knife and multitool holsters. Bicycle shops throw out used inner tubes and give them away for the asking.
I've also employed rubber O-rings to make grips, as shown on the first flashlight.
I have used bicycle inner tubes for all kinds of things including rubber bands, cushion grips, and knife and multitool holsters. Bicycle shops throw out used inner tubes and give them away for the asking.
I've also employed rubber O-rings to make grips, as shown on the first flashlight.
jkwilson
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I know this is an old post, but I would never apply compressed air to gasoline. If it sprays out and hits an incandescent light bulb, it will be very ugly. The bulb will shatter and ignite the gas.
Compressed air and flammable liquids don't mix.
I know this is an old post, but I would never apply compressed air to gasoline. If it sprays out and hits an incandescent light bulb, it will be very ugly. The bulb will shatter and ignite the gas.
Compressed air and flammable liquids don't mix.
Ed ke6bnl
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
OK for one of the dumb ones--------- when replacing the toilet paper roll take the old sleeve that is thrown away and fold it in half and place it in the new roll to go on the holder so that it is off center and that person in the house that likes to give the roll a hard pull and unwind 3 feet of toilet paper will find the roll not spinning freely on the holder. but turns off center .Works.
OK for one of the dumb ones--------- when replacing the toilet paper roll take the old sleeve that is thrown away and fold it in half and place it in the new roll to go on the holder so that it is off center and that person in the house that likes to give the roll a hard pull and unwind 3 feet of toilet paper will find the roll not spinning freely on the holder. but turns off center .Works.
fitz11
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
That's a pretty far fetched scenario. I use this method of siphoning all the time and it's not hard to do safely. All you need is a short burst of air to start the siphon, not a constant supply.
That's a pretty far fetched scenario. I use this method of siphoning all the time and it's not hard to do safely. All you need is a short burst of air to start the siphon, not a constant supply.
2many2s
Active member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Don't know if this has suggested but I use the disposable chopsticks that usually comes with asian "take out" for stirring, mixing, and from time to time, as shims. The flat ones that you have to separate work great as shims.
Don't know if this has suggested but I use the disposable chopsticks that usually comes with asian "take out" for stirring, mixing, and from time to time, as shims. The flat ones that you have to separate work great as shims.
jkwilson
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I know someone it happened to. Burned his garage to the ground and it took months for him to recover from the burns. It is not worth the risk.
I know someone it happened to. Burned his garage to the ground and it took months for him to recover from the burns. It is not worth the risk.
MN4x4
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Just ordered one of these from amazon. Agree that it ought to come with a cover. Also, the cap that they ship on the drain is too small for the oil bottles I use but I will just snap it off, drill a hole in the cap from one of my bottles, and snap it on and all will be well.
Just ordered one of these from amazon. Agree that it ought to come with a cover. Also, the cap that they ship on the drain is too small for the oil bottles I use but I will just snap it off, drill a hole in the cap from one of my bottles, and snap it on and all will be well.
dirtybiker
Active member
Re: Tips & Tricks
You guys might think I'm crazy and I thought my boss was crazy also for doing until I tried it. I use Wd40 to change tires and inter tubes on my motorcycles. The wd40 does not hurt the tire, and the tire is only slippery for a few minutes after it dries the tire is back normal. The tire beads on the rim better inter tube does not pinch as much. And also instead of using soapy water it will not rust the rim. I have done it for years I have no problem hanging corners after a fresh tire change. I should mention I still change all my tires with spoons, sweat and muscles.
You guys might think I'm crazy and I thought my boss was crazy also for doing until I tried it. I use Wd40 to change tires and inter tubes on my motorcycles. The wd40 does not hurt the tire, and the tire is only slippery for a few minutes after it dries the tire is back normal. The tire beads on the rim better inter tube does not pinch as much. And also instead of using soapy water it will not rust the rim. I have done it for years I have no problem hanging corners after a fresh tire change. I should mention I still change all my tires with spoons, sweat and muscles.
Re: Tips & Tricks
Ive also used it with a flat blade to get more "bite". A co worker mentioned to me one day how pissed off he was, because he had to remove several phillips head screws that were seized. I told him "before you round those suckers try this" It worked! We both keep putting it to the test with great results!
I waited a while to use this in practice a few times to see how it works...IT WORKS VERY WELL!!
Ive also used it with a flat blade to get more "bite". A co worker mentioned to me one day how pissed off he was, because he had to remove several phillips head screws that were seized. I told him "before you round those suckers try this" It worked! We both keep putting it to the test with great results!cactiki
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
4 tips-
1. Buy a handtruck, NOW,especially if you work alone. Now! I wish I had bought one thirty years ago.
2. Put solid wheels on it. It gets old pumping up the tires EVERY SINGLE TIME!
3. Buy a tiedown strap-$5.00 at Walmart, pays for itself every time I use it.
4. Throw a thick sweatshirt on it when you don't want to scratch something.
4 tips-
1. Buy a handtruck, NOW,especially if you work alone. Now! I wish I had bought one thirty years ago.
2. Put solid wheels on it. It gets old pumping up the tires EVERY SINGLE TIME!
3. Buy a tiedown strap-$5.00 at Walmart, pays for itself every time I use it.
4. Throw a thick sweatshirt on it when you don't want to scratch something.
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mikeburris
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2012
- Messages
- 188
Re: Tips & Tricks
When you are in the middle of a painting project and need to leave for a while/or over night even, wrap the brush/roller in an old walmart bag and twist the open end a few times. I just lay the tool on the wrapped end and it will not dry out. No need to clean when you are going to use again. I don't know how long you can leave them like that without drying out but a few days for sure.
When you are in the middle of a painting project and need to leave for a while/or over night even, wrap the brush/roller in an old walmart bag and twist the open end a few times. I just lay the tool on the wrapped end and it will not dry out. No need to clean when you are going to use again. I don't know how long you can leave them like that without drying out but a few days for sure.
waggie
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
This works. I've done it with both brushes and rollers ($3 to $5 each depending on quality). I can testify that rollers will stay good for at least 48 hours.
I use saran wrap and squeeze the air out.
This works. I've done it with both brushes and rollers ($3 to $5 each depending on quality). I can testify that rollers will stay good for at least 48 hours.
I use saran wrap and squeeze the air out.
Re: Tips & Tricks
If you're single you can do that and then put them in the refrigerator.
If you're single you can do that and then put them in the refrigerator.
stormin
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
old credit cards, fake credit card mailers and any old plastic cards make great bondo spreaders for small jobs or spot putty appliers. i have about 50 i've saved up. when done i just slice them up after use and toss em'.
old credit cards, fake credit card mailers and any old plastic cards make great bondo spreaders for small jobs or spot putty appliers. i have about 50 i've saved up. when done i just slice them up after use and toss em'.
indianbullet
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Soft jaws for your vise
I went through 2/3 of this post and didn't see where anyone talked about it.
My ol man always used 2 piece's of aluminum angle iron to drop over the jaws. I take conveyor belt and notch it so the lead screw/block runs through the 2 pieces of it. It works great. I have also taken old plastic type cutting boards and cut them to do the same thing.
I have also cut the conveyor belt the length of the jaws then cut another piece to be screwed across the top with drywall screws to make 2 pieces of conveyor belt angle iron and it works great as well..
Soft jaws for your vise
I went through 2/3 of this post and didn't see where anyone talked about it.
My ol man always used 2 piece's of aluminum angle iron to drop over the jaws. I take conveyor belt and notch it so the lead screw/block runs through the 2 pieces of it. It works great. I have also taken old plastic type cutting boards and cut them to do the same thing.
I have also cut the conveyor belt the length of the jaws then cut another piece to be screwed across the top with drywall screws to make 2 pieces of conveyor belt angle iron and it works great as well..
santagary
Well-known member
Throbbin Rods
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Spring time means checking the lights on my 3 boat trailers and my utility trailer. I made a jumper plug out of a flat 4 pigtail with the right directional, left directional and parking lights tied to a alligator clip, and the ground tied to one. I just set a motorcycle battery on the trailer tongue and connect the alligator clips to the battery terminals. Lights all of the trailer lights at once, easy to find and fix problems, then off to the next trailer. Saves me a lot of time backing the truck up to 4 separate trailers.
Spring time means checking the lights on my 3 boat trailers and my utility trailer. I made a jumper plug out of a flat 4 pigtail with the right directional, left directional and parking lights tied to a alligator clip, and the ground tied to one. I just set a motorcycle battery on the trailer tongue and connect the alligator clips to the battery terminals. Lights all of the trailer lights at once, easy to find and fix problems, then off to the next trailer. Saves me a lot of time backing the truck up to 4 separate trailers.
1949 caddyman
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
When a wood screw wont tighten up, fill the hole with tooth pics and reinsert the screw. I had some gutters comming loose and found long screws to replace the nails that went into the soffit. The hole was too big for the screw to grab so I put 5 or 6 tooth pics in the hole and the screw held tight.
When a wood screw wont tighten up, fill the hole with tooth pics and reinsert the screw. I had some gutters comming loose and found long screws to replace the nails that went into the soffit. The hole was too big for the screw to grab so I put 5 or 6 tooth pics in the hole and the screw held tight.
the gypsy
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Hi caddyman, I don't want to steal your limelight, but I discovered that using bamboo skewers are better. They don't break as easy. I find the bamboo skewer stonger.
Hi caddyman, I don't want to steal your limelight, but I discovered that using bamboo skewers are better. They don't break as easy. I find the bamboo skewer stonger.
the gypsy
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
try it out let me know how you like or dislike it.
try it out let me know how you like or dislike it.
1949 caddyman
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I didn't have any bamboo, but i did have tooth pics. I'll try the bamboo .
I didn't have any bamboo, but i did have tooth pics. I'll try the bamboo .
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Try drilling out the hole, insert a little bit of glue, and pound a dowel rod in. Then you can redrill. ....and if the hole was off center a little bit you can center it.
Try drilling out the hole, insert a little bit of glue, and pound a dowel rod in. Then you can redrill. ....and if the hole was off center a little bit you can center it.
Re: Tips & Tricks
POS Racing gets the credit.
9v battery will work if you don't have a motorcycle battery handy.
POS Racing gets the credit.
cdestuck
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Speaking on motorcycle batteries I picked up a cheap one, built a nice little box with a carry ******** it and use it for some portable voltage when installing leds on bikes and what nots. Made it just a bit wider to be able to store a pr of 36" leads with gators clips on them
Speaking on motorcycle batteries I picked up a cheap one, built a nice little box with a carry ******** it and use it for some portable voltage when installing leds on bikes and what nots. Made it just a bit wider to be able to store a pr of 36" leads with gators clips on them
LifeLongWNYer
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I used to have trouble keeping the nozzles clean on paint spray cans that I use frequently, but for small touch ups. Now I have a small metal can, like a peanut can, which I fill about half full of automatic transmission fluid. When I finish with a nozzle, I pull it off of the rattle can and drop it into the ATF. The oil keeps the air away from the paint, so that it doesn't dry up, if I don't get it all out of the nozzle.
Plus I always have a supply of spare nozzles, in case one goes MIA.
.
I used to have trouble keeping the nozzles clean on paint spray cans that I use frequently, but for small touch ups. Now I have a small metal can, like a peanut can, which I fill about half full of automatic transmission fluid. When I finish with a nozzle, I pull it off of the rattle can and drop it into the ATF. The oil keeps the air away from the paint, so that it doesn't dry up, if I don't get it all out of the nozzle.
Plus I always have a supply of spare nozzles, in case one goes MIA.
.
Dr. Pepper
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Some people know this, but for those who aren't machinist probably don't. This can be very useful. Ever notice the little divot on the square end of a tap? That's not a tooling mark, it's a guide. Drill your hole of the correct size with your drill press. Without moving the work, take the bit out. Be sure to have your table set low to not interfere. Take a punch that is not bent, clamp it in the chuck. Set the tap in your material and draw the handle down on the drill press to keep pressure on the top of the tap. Turn the tap with an open end wrench and you have threads that are square into the hole.
And a quick and crude way of marking holes to make a flange. Take an old clock face and draw some lines across. Make sure you have the piece centered on the clock face and just transfer the lines onto the material.
Some people know this, but for those who aren't machinist probably don't. This can be very useful. Ever notice the little divot on the square end of a tap? That's not a tooling mark, it's a guide. Drill your hole of the correct size with your drill press. Without moving the work, take the bit out. Be sure to have your table set low to not interfere. Take a punch that is not bent, clamp it in the chuck. Set the tap in your material and draw the handle down on the drill press to keep pressure on the top of the tap. Turn the tap with an open end wrench and you have threads that are square into the hole.
And a quick and crude way of marking holes to make a flange. Take an old clock face and draw some lines across. Make sure you have the piece centered on the clock face and just transfer the lines onto the material.
stormin
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
currently restoring a 68' corvette. sometimes i come across a screw hole a touch bigger than the original screw. i cut a piece of twist tie, bend it in an "L" shape and drop in the hole. it has helped tighten up a few screws painlessly and out of sight.
currently restoring a 68' corvette. sometimes i come across a screw hole a touch bigger than the original screw. i cut a piece of twist tie, bend it in an "L" shape and drop in the hole. it has helped tighten up a few screws painlessly and out of sight.
Throbbin Rods
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
Here is a picture of the first one I built and kept as a spare, had the ring tongue terminals and would put the nuts on, I found the clamps to be quicker and easier. My buddy has the good one working on his trailer. You can do the same thing with a 7 pin if need be.
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Re: Tips & Tricks
I used to have trouble with the lights on my old pickup, which I use only occasionally. I have much less trouble after I put dielectric grease on the base of the bulbs before installing.
I used to have trouble with the lights on my old pickup, which I use only occasionally. I have much less trouble after I put dielectric grease on the base of the bulbs before installing.
Dan_inthewind
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I like to keep a few bar soap handy. When I know I am going to get black and greasy I run my fingernails over and fill them up with the dry soap. It stays in place for a good long time and makes clean up so easy.
I like to keep a few bar soap handy. When I know I am going to get black and greasy I run my fingernails over and fill them up with the dry soap. It stays in place for a good long time and makes clean up so easy.
Re: Tips & Tricks
LOTS of great tips here guys! A couple more. Save those refrigerator magnets you get in the mail...they are handy for holding small screws for RC planes and cars. Take the pad off of a helping hands, and stick it in a magnetic tray..instant, stable solder station..solder flakes right off the tray when done. This works well to protect the interior of a vehicle!
LOTS of great tips here guys! A couple more. Save those refrigerator magnets you get in the mail...they are handy for holding small screws for RC planes and cars.
Take the pad off of a helping hands, and stick it in a magnetic tray..instant, stable solder station..solder flakes right off the tray when done. This works well to protect the interior of a vehicle!Ray-CA
Well-known member
Re: Tips & Tricks
I get tired of having to re-set all my radio stations etc. when I have to clean battery terminals, change batteries etc. so I rigged up a 9-volt battery, battery topper, a set of alligator clips and some wire. Pop the battery into the connector, attach the alligator clips to the battery cables/clamps before you disconnect and you have enough "juice" to save your radio pre-sets etc.
Ray
I get tired of having to re-set all my radio stations etc. when I have to clean battery terminals, change batteries etc. so I rigged up a 9-volt battery, battery topper, a set of alligator clips and some wire. Pop the battery into the connector, attach the alligator clips to the battery cables/clamps before you disconnect and you have enough "juice" to save your radio pre-sets etc.
Ray
