Monday, June 29, 2009

Wire Crimper Selection

Most people who like do it yourself (diy) projects often run into situations where they need to run wire. This job can quickly become very difficult or cumbersome without the proper tools such as a wire crimper or a pair of wire strippers, and more importantly, the correct type of crimper for the job. Wire crimpers come in many different varieties and sizes and the right tool for the job often depends on the type of wire that needs crimped and/or stripped. For example, if you were to attempt to use a RJ-45 data wire crimper to crimp the end of a coaxial cable, you would likely bend the teeth of the RJ-45 crimper. Some people also believe it is perfectly fine to use the stripping blade on any set wire crimpers for any type of wire, regardless of how heavy the gauge. A heavier gauge wire always needs a heavier gauge wire crimper to get the job done right! Although the crimper may not be visibly damaged the first time it is used to cut a heavier than intended gauge wire, in most cases it will weaken the blade, which will cause it to crack and chip over time.

Modular crimper and cutters are great for projects that involve using multiple sizes of connections. If you wanted the flexibility to crimp multiple types of connections like telephone and data, these are the perfect for the job!

The ratchet wire crimper uses a mechanism that crimps stranding and the insulation grip portion of connectors all in one motion for superior strain relief of the hand. These provide an easy means to crimp wires with ease and are also very versatile as many have multiple cavities for crimping wires of various sizes. Crimpers that come with strippers make the experience of wire crimping much more seamless and convenient by incorporating both into a single tool.

Many types of crimpers are able to press standard types of twisted pair cables into RJ10, RJ12, and RJ45 plugs all in a single tool! Having a single crimping tool for all these types of wire is something that everyone could utilize in their tool box. Twisted pair wire crimpers are designed to quickly crimp and cut the wires of RJ-45/11/12 compatible connectors in one easy simple operation! The straight action crimping motion ensures a uniform crimp.

Use cable wire crimpers for BNC or TNC coaxial terminators onto RG-58, RG-59 or RG-62 cable. Install additional cable TV, satellite outlets or cable modems or move existing ones easily with cable wire crimpers.



Autor: Justin D Reed

There is a wire crimper for every type of task. It is important that care is taken in choosing the right wire crimper for the job. For the best wire crimper information, visit http://www.wire-crimper-reviews.com

Copyright (c) 2009 Justin D Reed


Added: June 29, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, June 28, 2009

How to Bleed a Radiator

Bleeding a radiator on an open vented system.

If your central heating is a sealed pressurized type system, or you are not comfortable with basic DIY, you should contact your local plumbing specialist.

When air gets trapped in radiators it causes large parts of the radiator to remain cold even when the heating is switched on, this of course seriously reduces the efficiency of the radiator. To fix this issue, you need to "bleed" the radiator, the first step is to ensure the radiator is cold and the heating is switched off.

The air that's trapped in the radiator will rise to the top creating a pocket that prevents the hot water from getting to that part. Bleeding a radiator is basically the removal of the excess air.

You will only need a basic tool to bleed the radiator, this is called a radiator key. The keys can be purchased at most normal high street DIY stores, there is no need to look for specialist plumbing suppliers. It's also advisable to put down a little protection on your carpets in case there is any spillage, some newspaper or an old cloth is fine, you will also need a rag.

At the top of the radiator on the end you will see a small valve, this is called the air bleed valve and is used to allow the excess air to escape. Using your radiator key gentle slacken off this valve until you can here a hissing noise this is the air escaping. Once the hissing ends, water will start to seep out, at this point you will need to tighten the valve fully again. It's important to ensure the heating is off and the radiator is cool, otherwise the seeping water maybe very hot.

Once the radiator is bled and the valve securely tightened the heating can be switched back on, the system will be automatically topped up with water from the expansion tank, there is no need to top the heating up. Sealed systems however would need to be topped up, hence it's best to call in a heating expert.

Radiators shouldn't need to be bled very often, only occasionally, if they need regular bleeding then air is getting into your system at some point and you will need to call in a professional plumber.



Autor: Paul Southern

Paul writes for Addingtons, a professional plumber in Northampton and Kettering. Specializing in home improvements such as new bathroom installations they have a fine history of high quality plumbing.


Added: June 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, June 27, 2009

DIY Solar Panel Kits - Basic Information Reviewed

Do it your self kits are becoming very popular nowadays. With commercial solar panel systems costing thousands of dollars this puts them out of reach for most families and individuals. DIY solar panel kits are cheap the quality is excellent and reliable. You can hire a contractor to do the work for you and this would still be cheaper them buying a commercial system. But learning how to build a solar energy system would be beneficial to you. With oil prices going hire, lowering our electric bills will become a priority for everyone and you could be the neighbor hood expert since you have built your own system.

Learning to build a solar panel is not that difficult. The DIY kits can be found on the internet but be leery of free ones they are usually not reliable or proven to work. The good DIY solar panel guides are cheap under $50 they have easy to follow instructions that are well illustrated you just follow the steps laid out for you, The real good ones have videos and support so you can ask questions, updates free of charge for life. They will show you the tools you will need and materials to get even were to buy the materials cheap. To put together a panel here are the tools you need soldiering iron, soldier, flux, tabbing, and some photovoltaic cells, just connect the individual cells together and this forms the solar panel itself. Each cell generates a small amount of power when several are put together they will have enough power to run your house hold. The system is clean and renewable itself.

Clean and renewable energy will be in demand more and more, with oil prices rising we will need to find ways to cut are electric bills, solar power and windmills are the only options we have at this point. Learning how to build a DIY solar power kit will increase your knowledge so you can build bigger and better ones in the future.



Autor: Keith Tessmer

Scrambling to pay the electric bills? Learn how thousands of families are saving money and making money with their own solar powered homes To learn how to build your own solar panels, click here


Added: June 27, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Sump Pump Installation - A Basic Guide

If your basement floods every time it rains more than an inch, then you must look into sump pump installation. This article will take you through the basics in a quick and easy way.

First of all you're going to have to dig a hole through the concrete in your basement floor. (I know it sounds hard but I'm sure you can figure it out.) Make sure that your sump basin will actually fit in the hole and then go ahead and sit it in there. After that you just have to add some layers of gravel to the basin. You can go buy some gravel at Home Depot if you don't have any lying around. Then put your stone on the top of your gravel.

You're already about halfway through your sump pump installation. (It's not so bad, is it?) Now you've got to put your actual sump pump right on top of that stone paver that you laid previously on top of the gravel. Hook your PVC pipe and your good old check valve on into the sump pump. This is easy.

Next I want you to drill a hole through your house so that you can feed the pipe on out there. Now seal it all up, all the loose ends. Lastly we need to test so I want you to actually turn your pump on and see what happens. Feed some water into it then go run outside to see if the water is successfully being dumped out there. If everything is golden then I congratulate you on a spectacular sump pump installation, my friend. I told you it wasn't that hard.



Autor: Jeff Olivier

More sump pump installation instructions and tips can be found at http://www.sumppumphelp.com/


Added: June 25, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

DIY - How to Install a Garage Door

A garage door is a great investment for the safety, security and value of your home. Many garage door companies have delivery and installation services with their garage door store which is great for those who want the garage door without the hassle. However, if you enjoy a good DIY challenge and want to save some extra money, you can install a garage door by yourself.

If you are keen to install your own garage door and want to take on the challenge, then go ahead! We have compiled a How To Guide to help you along the way. Before you get started, it is a good idea to have two people work on the job. In case something goes wrong, or in case there is an emergency with the door, it is good to have someone on hand to call for help. Furthermore, make sure you always check the manual instructions that come with the garage door. They may be a little different than the ones listed below.

1. First of all, attach weather stripping to the bottom edge of the first panel of the garage door to keep it lasting longer.

2. Next, set the panel in the doorway and drive nail partway into each jamb to fix it in place. It is best to set the nails at an angle to keep the door in place.

3. Attach the hinges to the top edge of the door.

4. Check the manufacturer guide to see how to assemble the various pieces. A list of instructions will be included in your garage door.

5. Next, install the rollers and any necessary brackets to the door section followed by any wall or jamb mounted brackets.

6. Put the vertical track onto the rollers of the first door section on one side of the doorway. Do the same for the other side.

7. You are now onto the second section of rollers. It is a good idea to have two people work from now on to balance the various roller sections. Lift the section, set it in place and slip the rollers into the tracks on both sides (same as step 6).

8. Before you move onto the next set of rollers you will need to fasten the hinges of the first second to the second one. If you have a power screwdriver lying around, use it.

9. Follow the above two steps (7 and 8) for the rest of the roller sections except for the final one.

10. Next you will need to install the curved and horizontal tracks. Check the manufacture instructions for detailed instructions as all roller doors are different.

11. Make sure the horizontal track is level. Once it is, cut the rear track hanger to the length necessary for supporting the track.

12. Screw the track hanger to the solid framing and mount the track to the hanger. Repeat on the other side with the other horizontal track.

13. Install the final roller section in place (see step 7 and 8).

14. Check to make sure everything is secure and give it a try.



Autor: Jeremy Harmon

This article brought to you by Atlanta's Choice Overhead Door Co. Atlanta's Choice Overhead Garagedoor Company has become the number one choice for Atlanta's garage door needs. We specialize in repairs of existing and sales of new garage doors and garage door openers!


Added: June 24, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, June 22, 2009

How to Buy a Toilet

1. Gallons per flush (gpf): This is the amount of water flushed down the drain after the toilet is flushed. There are four main types of toilets:

a. Regular: 1.6 gallons per flush. This your standard toilet.

b. High Efficiency Toilet (HET): This toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush, which is a little bit less then the average toilet. I have heard that this toilet is very "streaky."

c. Composting toilet: This toilet is not connected to a sewage system, therefore the waste is broken down by bio-degradation. The main purpose of the this toilet is conserve water and to prevent harmful pathogens from being released into the environment.

d. Dual Flush Toilet: Has two flushes 1.6 gallons per flush for solid waste and 0.8 gallons per flush for liquid waste. This type of toilet conserves a considerable amount of water per year. Dual flush toilets are common in Europe, Australia and Asia. They are finally becoming more prevalent in the US.

When it comes to choosing the amount of water per flush keep in mind your sewer and water bills. Dual flush toilets can save the average household up to 20,000 gallons of water per year. My suggestion is to put up the extra money for a water saving toilet today. You will save money in the long run and you will also be helping the environment.

2. Rough in: Before you go toilet shopping I recommend measuring the old toilet for the, "rough in." To calculate your rough in, measure the center of the drain pipe to the finished wall. It is usually 12 inches.

3. One piece versus Two Piece:

a. Two piece toilets are usually less expensive than the one piece toilet. Most of the time two piece toilets are sold with the tank, seat bowl separately.

b. One piece are less likely to leak because the tank and bowl are connected. One piece toilets typically come with all the necessary parts, which are the tank, lid, bowl, toilet seat, wax ring with sleeve, two flange bolts and two bolt caps. One piece toilets have less crevasses than the two piece toilet, which makes the one piece easier to clean.

4. Space constraints: If you have limited space in your bathroom consider a corner toilet or a wall mount toilet. Corner toilets have an angled tank allowing placement in the corner of the bathroom. A wall mount toilet's tank is installed into the wall, eliminating the tank space of a regular toilet. If you decide on a wall mounted toilet, make sure your wall can support the tank.

5. Elongated bowl versus Round bowl: An elongated toilet is about 2 inches larger than the regular round bowl toilet. Elongated toilets are more comfortable.

6. Height: The average height of a regular toilet ranges between 14-15 inches. However taller toilets are available and they range from 16 - 18 inches. These higher toilets are ADA toilets for the handicapped. The handicapped toilets are easier to get up and down, which is helping them gain popularity in the US market.



Autor: William Chesnot

Hello, if you are in the market for a toilet. My suggestion is the MacusTrade dual flush toilets .


Added: June 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, June 21, 2009

What to Cover a Storage Shed With - Metal, Vinyl, Or Wood?

When you are building a storage shed, what do you want to cover it up with. You can choose between the 3 most common types of sidings; metal, vinyl, and wood. Each has it's own pros and cons.

Metal - If you choose to side your storage shed with metal it will be stronger then the other types. It is also pretty inexpensive to buy prefabricated metal siding and and is fire-proof. The only downside is that since it is so susceptible to rust, it isn't as durable as the other types and it may not last as long.

Vinyl - Vinyl is a great thing to side your shed with for a couple of reasons. One it already comes in a color so you won't have to paint it ever. Two it won't rot from water, or split, warp or crack. Also it is impervious to bugs, so they won't be able to burrow in. The downside is that it is more expensive, but it is very low maintenance, and it will last a long time.

Wood - Wood is by far the most commonly used siding, but that is also because it comes in so many different types. You can get regular old plywood and put it up for really cheap, and it will be durable and last. It just won't get awards for looking pretty. Or you could install some cedar shakes because they are much prettier, but more expensive. They are long lasting and rot resistant, but they are a pain to put up compared to plywood. You can find all types of wood siding to fit your budget and preferences, but make sure it is properly treated so that it won't rot and will last you a very long time.

Choosing what type of siding is totally a personal decision. It should be based on average weather, budget and personal preference.



Autor: Tyler D Williams Tyler D Williams
Level: Basic PLUS
I live up in Montana, and I love to snowboard. I also love drawing, animation and music....

I hope that you thought this information was valuable, but if you would like to learn more check out some of my other articles that I have written for this site or check out my website Wood Storage Shed Plans

Packed with over 12,000 different storage sheds and woodworking plans, and hundreds of pages of woodworking tips and tricks, this is a valuable resource for any enthusiast.


Added: June 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, June 19, 2009

Build a Chicken Coop - Why You Should Build Your Own Chicken Nesting Boxes and Chicken Houses

Self sufficiency is a big word these days and it's no surprise considering the economic mess we are in. One great way to move down the path of self sufficiency is to build a chicken coop and get yourself some chickens.

Having your own chickens is great, you won't believe the how good your own organic eggs will taste, not to mention the money you will save.

But you do need to look after your chickens, a happy healthy environment is essential as are good chicken nesting boxes, to ensure your hens lay eggs regularly and stay healthy.

Some things you need to take into consideration when building a chicken coop include, lighting, nesting boxes, how to deal with waste and insulation for both cold and hot weather.

Aside from the obvious benefit of having fresh eggs every day, having your own chicken coup has other benefits including, somewhere to get rid of your food scraps and once the chickens are done with the food scraps, the product that comes out the other end makes some of the best fertilizer money can buy!.

Building a chicken coop is not the world's most difficult process, in fact it's extremely easy, and you can assemble them with materials available at your local hardware store. It is imperative however you get yourself some decent plans to follow, otherwise what could be a fun weekend project could turn into a disaster.

It's also a great project to get the whole family involved in, trust me the reward of seeing your children involved in caring for and raising chickens is more than enough reason in its own to build a chicken coop.



Autor: Roy Pitt

Getting a good guide and clear set of plans is imperative to the success of building your chicken coop and chicken nesting boxes. Visit the following link for a review of an easy to follow guide which will make the process pain free and simple. How to Build a Chicken Coop


Added: June 19, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Doing Asphalt Repairs on Your Driveway

People usually see cleaning of asphalt driveways as hard, tiring, and time consuming. What makes it so is the way they do it. First, they know a lot of things should be done. They get confused with what to do first. Some think they can schedule their tasks in a daily manner. The truth is, repairing an asphalt driveway is just as easy as one, two, three, and four!

Pull out weeds. Wear rubber gloves to avoid getting cuts and injuries from pulling weeds. Hold the weeds on their base, and carefully pull out to get their roots. For tough weeds, use gripping tools such as pliers to pull out at least the part of the tough weeds that catch attention.

If it is hard to remove the roots of the weeds, carefully chip out surrounding of the root, when it is already around to 1 inch wide, and 1/3 inch deep, use a filler to smoothen out the surface. Also, use a chipper to smoothen pointed surfaces. Loose stones should be picked up. Use a broom to remove pebbles.
Get rid of soil and spots. For tough stains like oil or gas stains, use of cleaner is advised. Water in high pressure can be used to wash away the detergent or cleaner residue. Make sure that the driveway is completely dry before moving to the next step.

Use fillers for cracks. For small cracks, use asphalt-emulsion fillers and smoothen the surface. For cracks that are at least 1 inch wide, use cold patches. Pebbles or stones can be used to fill in most of the opening first. Cement can be an option, but this may take quite a while to completely dry. Cover the patch with plywood and drive it over. You can leave the plywood there until the patch is completely dry.

Use sealer once the patch is dry. Let the sealer dry before driving over it. Get rid of excess sealers.For best results, make sure that kids will not dig out the patch or filler out as soon as you turn your back. Remove pointed parts or surfaces as these might eventually lead to injuries. After cleaning and repairing the driveway, make sure that the cars using it are also clean. As much as possible, if mud, or oil, or gas puddles up on the driveway, immediately clean them up.



Autor: Ted Somenol

When you are looking for an asphalt repair you should get someone who is experienced and is a local contractor. If you live in Toronto then you should get a driveway repair Toronto expert.


Added: June 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

DIY Industry Optimistic in Spite of Declines

In spite of declines in the home improvement industry for the second year in a row, future prospects remain optimistic.

According to numbers presented by the Home Improvement Research Institute, the U.S. home improvement products market made $290.5 billion dollars in 2008, which was down from $ 304.3 billion in 2007. In 2009, the industry dropped again to $272 billion. However, it is projected that as various economic stimulus plans gain momentum, and people build cash flow, this number will increase to $290.8 billion in 2010, $321.2 billion in 2011 and continue increasing to 2013. The projected 12% increase for 2011 will be the first double digit increase since 2004.

The overall increase in the renovation industry has become more prominent in today's ailing real estate market. Not only are more consumers primping their homes for sale, but many who were unable to obtain their asking price, have removed their houses from the market and are looking to renovating as an intermediary solution, until things pick up. The downturn in the economy, loss of jobs and layoffs are also forcing homeowners to take on jobs they would otherwise pay a tradesperson to do.

According to Will Parsons, editor of DIY Week, "The trend is for grow your own, cook your own and paint your own."

One sure fire indicator of escalating do-it-yourselfer's is by observing the tool rental industry. Homeowners trying to cut costs will rent a huge variety of equipment instead of paying a professional to do the job. In fact, a number of rental companies have reported increases in business this year. Cincy Tool Rental Inc., a small Cincinnati chain claims tool rentals are up 6% in 2009. Sunbelt Rentals who operate within Lowe's Co. stores, experienced a 47% increase this spring in online tool reservations.

Home Depot's tool rental division noticed a definite trend in yard rental equipment such as aerators, seeding and dethatching tools. Homeowners are also starting to tackle small excavating jobs and renting their own Bobcat's instead of paying the hefty $85/hour fees. The company also noticed an increase in the purchase of high end tools such as snowthrowers (45% increase this winter), and large tillers and tractors.

Gasoline powered log splitters are up 5% to 10% in 2009 as homeowners try to save costs on wood. Currently a cord of wood can be anywhere from $200 to $300 depending on the area and the demand. Accordingly, an 81% increase in wood stoves and fireplace inserts was reported by the Hearth Patio & Barbecue Association. Logsplitter.com noticed a 35% increase in sales, and Termberwolf Manufacturing Corp. has sold 11% more log splitters than last year. Home Depot noticed earnings from log splitter rentals rose 22% in the first quarter 2009 compared to the same time last year.

"If you are a person faced with a possible layoff, you aren't going to buy a boat, but you might buy a log splitter," says David Therrien, Timberwolf's chief executive.

Easter weekend is comparable to Christmas in the home renovation industry. If the weather is good, the public will be out in droves, and stores could realize up to 40 percent of their annual sales from Easter weekend to the end of May.



Autor: Mike Ciucci

Work with a qualified, dedicated agent for your Wadmalaw Island real estate purchase. Find the ideal Charleston S.C. home at BuyingCharlestonRealEstate.com.


Added: June 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Monday, June 15, 2009

The Essence of Handrail Brackets

Rail projects are easy to do as long as you have the right tools with you. They can be accomplished within hours if you follow the proper procedures. Do it yourself handrail projects are less tiring physically as you don't have to bend down when installing them.

Before starting this project, first make sure that you have the necessary materials and tools with you. For your handrail, you will need the tubing, end caps as well as the brackets and screws. The tubing is the pole that serves as the main handrail, the end caps are the covering at the end of the pole while the brackets are the ones that support the rail to keep it balanced and sturdy.

Similar to the rail, the handrail brackets also come in different materials, designs and finishes. They are available in wood, solid brass, cast aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, chrome and bronze. The finishes can either be polished, satin, antique, brushed or oil rubbed, among others.

Compared to the metal and metal alloy materials, wood is lighter and easier to work with. It can be shaped into different styles to fit any stair and to complement your home's interior space.

There's a wide variety of designs for the handrail brackets. I've seen unique designs such as the horse head, lion head and elephant head. However, the parallel or the double brackets are considered the safest to use. This type has one holder nailed to the wall and the other side mounted on the handrail.

When choosing the brackets, you have to make sure that they fit the shape of your rail and they come with the nuts and bolts. This step you should keep in mind especially if you're not purchasing a kit but separate parts. For a straight handrail, you will need up to five brackets but if the staircase is spiral, a curved one or has multiple right angle turns, more brackets will be needed.

The handrail brackets are not just used for decorative purposes. They serve to support the handrail to make the entire staircase durable and safe to use. With brackets, the rail is placed farther from the wall or from the baluster of the stair making it more comfortable to hold on to.

When choosing the brackets, it is ideal that they are of the same material as that of the rail. They have to complement each other instead of being in contrast. But you can pick a design other than the plain ones to make your handrail more attractive.

Additionally, consider the overall style of your staircase before purchasing your materials for the rail. If you're in doubt, you can consult a professional interior designer for advice.

Shopping around is the best thing you can do for this special home project. You can conveniently do this on the internet by searching through the numerous websites that cater to home accessories and fixtures. They normally have photos of these brackets and provide information on their available stocks. You can also check out your local hardware stores or those online if you want.



Autor: Kalyan Kumar Kalyan Kumar
Level: Platinum
Kalyan Kumar is the founder of Rcplinks which specializes in one way link building. His company has been providing link building solutions for over 4 ... ...

For more information on Hand rail brackets, please visit BuyRailings.com, a leading distributor of railings, hand and foot rails, curtain rods and more.


Added: June 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Bonding Adhesion Critical to Success

Modern materials and engineering practices require many sorts of adhesives to create strong bonds between pieces and parts. Bonds may be designed for an attachment during manufacturing processes or for repair purposes after a failure. The first critical step of bonding is finding the proper adhesive to work with the materials that are being bonded. The properties and working time of the adhesive must be considered for the scenario to work and result in a long-lasting and stable bond of the parts involved.

Improper preparation of the bonding surfaces is often the cause of bond failure. It is critical to achieve good contact with the bonding surfaces and materials beneath the outer surface. Some materials such as PVC and ABS plastic can have the surface treated with a liquid primer to create a bonding surface. Other materials require physical material removal and use sanding and grinding to disturb the material substrate to create a good bond. Regardless of material, all surface coatings and contaminants must be removed from the contact area of the adhesive.

Preparing the surface can be accomplished many ways using abrasive tools. Sandpaper is a good starting point, and tools such as grinders and media blasting can be employed, with consideration of chemical strippers for some applications. Critical to this task is the treatment of the entire surface, so that any low spots get prepared as much as the high spots. The entire surface should be uniform and consistent.

There are basically two types of bonding; mechanical and chemical. Chemical bonding creates a bond between the actual material compositions of the pieces. Mechanical bonding creates a bond by attaching the adhesive around the surface irregularities of the part surface, explaining why we desire a rough surface for a good bond. Rough surfaces also give us more surface area for the adhesive to be in contact with. Smooth surfaces, even if chemically bondable, will not provide a bond as well as a rough surface, which has more surface area because of the profile of high and low areas that will contact the adhesive.

Properly prepared parts get the adhesive applied and are pressed together to keep as much contact between them as possible. It is important to minimize the distance between the parts to minimize the stress placed on the adhesive for it to do its job.

Testing of a sample bond is important. If possible, it is always nice to use a couple of small sample pieces to make a trial bond, testing for strength after adhesive selection, surface preparation, and adhesive application. This will help determine if the outcome will be successful. It adds time and minimal expense to the project, but can gather important information about the overall success of the project, and the experience that is gained can be applied to make for a more attractive final bond area.

Adhesives are successfully used in the world we live in. Successfully bonding similar and dissimilar materials can be accomplished by properly preparing the surface, selecting the proper materials, and properly testing the bond on a small scale before the actual pieces are attempted.



Autor: Andrew Keson

http://www.FiberglassBlog.com/
is an information resource about composites and fiberglass materials. Please visit to learn more about plastics and composites materials.

2009 http://www.FiberglassBlog.com All rights reserved.


Added: June 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Thursday, June 11, 2009

How to Create an Aged Verdigris Finish

Do you have the need or want to update the look of your metal, ceramic or wood items throughout your home but can't seem to figure out how? Learning how to create an aged verdigris finish is one way that you can really help update the look of these items throughout your home and really make things look new and fresh again.

When you want to refinish an object in your home make sure that the surface is clean since you will be painting this item and it's pointless to paint over something that is dirty. Once you've cleaned the surface give it time to be completely dry, especially if it's a wood object as some water may get absorbed into the top layer of the wood.

Since you are doing an aged verdigris finish you will want to spray paint the object with a metallic copper or gold paint but you don't have to do the entire object if you don't want, just ensure to do large portions of it.

Now you will want to take a dark teal green acrylic paint and paint this color onto the item but consider using a sponge for this step as you want to keep the metallic color appearing as well as the dark teal green. You want the finish to have a bit of an irregular mottled look so using a sponge can really help with this. Make sure to give the object time to dry and if you are not patient and want it to dry quickly consider using a blow dryer.

Once your object has dried use a lighter verdigris green to contrast with the dark teal green to highlight some areas of the object. Be careful not to over do it or things will not look right. You don't need to go purchase an entirely seperate color, you can just add a white into the dark teal green to make a lighter green of that color.

Make sure that now you have all these paint colors on you've let things dry completely and to help keep things looking vibrant you should place a clear acrylic overtop to act as a protective layer. This will prevent any scratches from appearing that could occur over time.

As you can see it's not hard learning how to create an aged verdigris finish it just takes some time and effort to do. Be patient and you'll love the final outcome to your brand new, yet already used, objects throughout your home.



Autor: Thomas B. Chuong

Thomas B. Chuong is currently writing about topics related to home improvement & decor, personal fitness, and home & garden. Find out more by visiting these sites Chest Furniture, and Patio Heater.


Added: June 11, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

How to Create a Faux Headboard

There are many ways where you can learn how to create a faux headboard but if you don't do it the right way things will not look proper leaving you with a bad headboard that you no longer want to use. Many people consider using a faux headboard because they don't have the funds to buy a brand new one or the room itself is not big enough to accompany a headboard, so the option to go with a faux headboard is the best option.

When you first consider installing a faux headboard you should try getting your hands onto an item that is large enough to match the size of your bed. Many people are known to use old windows that no longer have the glass in them or even antique millwork it's entirely up to you.

To be really creative you could consider placing a piece of a fence you no longer need or a gate onto the wall that is behind your bed. Many people are known to use either picket fences or wrought iron fences, but this is just a suggestion. Once you've mounted the fence onto your wall it's time to really spice things up and put a curtain rod above onto the wall and put cushions or also pillows that are in shams onto the curtain rod with caf� rings. When placing the rod onto the wall make sure that it is not too low as this could cause many head bumps in the night, especially if you like reading in bed.

The ways you can design a faux headboard is endless. There is no specific way of how things should be done as everyone has their own preferences. Some people choose to not have a headboard at all while others will go above and beyond designing one. If you want to design a headboard then go for it, someone is bound to love the idea that you come up with.

Headboards can be a great addition to any bedroom as it gives the entire room a focal point just like various other rooms of your home. By having a focal point within your room people's eyes are drawn to something instead of wondering around looking at everything. This can also allow you to feel more relaxed in amongst your bedroom as it has that complete feeling.

Don't let yourself be lost when it comes to learning how to create a faux headboard as the task isn't a hard one. If there is something in your mind that you love and want to continue throughout your bedroom then do it and catch the eye of many. A faux headboard is a great way to save some money and let your own ideas come to life.



Autor: Thomas B. Chuong

Thomas B. Chuong is currently writing about topics related to home improvement & decor, personal fitness, and home & garden. Find out more by visiting these sites Massage Table, and Curio Cabinet.


Added: June 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Free Home Energy - Do You Need a Commercial System Or Can You DIY?

With the ever rising cost of power to the home, many people have been looking at harnessing the free energy which is all round us. But do you need to buy a commercial ready-made system or is it possible to build your own?

For the average home, the cost of heating is outstripping the average wage increase and many consumers are looking to do something about it. Very few homes lend themselves easily to the use of wind energy or solar energy because they were built long before such ideas became a reality. Even now, new homes are still not being designed to take advantage of free energy sources. The new-build industry hasn't yet woken up to the increasing awareness and demand of the knowledgeable homeowner.

You can go out and buy a commercial energy system and have it adapted to fit your house. However, this can be prohibitively expensive and out of reach for the average homeowner. While the system will start to make savings as soon as it is installed, the return on the investment can be over 10 or 15 years. So the next person to own the home will get the main benefit rather than you!

A viable alternative is to install the free energy system yourself. If you can do almost any type of DIY competently, then you are well qualified to install your own system. The components, in terms of wind turbines and solar panels, are becoming increasingly available and affordable all the time. The technologies associated with these devices is improving rapidly to the point at which every home can afford to generate its own electricity.

The big electricity generating companies are a bit slow at promoting the viability of this technology. It is easy to see why, they have a vested interest in selling you electricity that they have generated.

So the components are readily available. What about the design and construction knowledge? There are many people who offer step-by-step instructions to set up your own energy generator. These are now extremely good and valuable sources of hints and tips to make the installation a success. They even tell you how to sell your electricity to the big electricity companies.

I know of many people who have taken the plunge using these instruction packs and are now reaping the benefits of free home energy. The return on their investment is usually in the range of 2 to 3 years. So I would go for a DIY system every time.



Autor: Al Stewart

Al Stewart is a researcher of technology and has reviewed a number of free energy guides.


Added: June 8, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Learn How to Build Your Own Wind Turbine

Anyone can build your own wind turbine and enjoy the many benefits of this energy saving device. In fact, not only you can save electricity, you can also contribute in protecting the environment by installing such environmental friendly generator. With just some parts available from your local stores, you can easily build a small 10 foot diameter generator that will produce up to 1000 watts in winds of 25mph.

Before you attempt to invest any money to build your own wind turbine, you should check your local area to see if your location is windy enough for a generator to be feasible. Alternatively, you can do a general check around your area with the US Department of Energy's Wind Map. The best areas for an installation is generally in coastal areas, open fields, hill tops.

The demand for such generator has been gradually increasing. In other words, many people have discovered the value of having such a useful device to generate free electricity. Not only can these free electricity power their various gadgets and accessories, they can also do what is right for the environment. There is no denying that such products offer use plenty of fun as well as convenience.

With the present pressurizing economic condition, many people are searching for ways to save money. Having something that will actually decrease the costs is definitely a great bonus. The maintenance of this generator will be the only cost you need to cover. After a few months of saving money on your electric bills, you will be able to cover the maintenance.

Pre-requisites Upon Installation

  • The location that the generator is to be installed on must be at least one acre
  • Ensure that the average wind speed is about 11 miles per hour
  • Ensure that the tower and base are ironclad. You wouldn't want your generator to be damaged by some wind turbulence
  • Ensure that the generator's height is at an optimal distance in relation to the cells

Wind Power Calculations

It is important to do your calculations accurately. To do so, you'll need to know the AMWS or Average Mean Wind Speed of your area and the number of kilowatt hours of electricity that you can expect your home wind turbine to generate.



Autor: Gallen Ho Gallen Ho
Level: Platinum
Enjoys providing useful information for people. Cheers....

Explore the highly recommended Home Wind Turbine site that provides you with wealth of information such as Wind Power Generators, Solar Panels, Benefits and many other informative tips on Money Saving. Alternatively, you can find out more on wind power calculations and wind power installations at the Home Wind Turbine lens; master the knowledge of saving electrical cost.


Added: June 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Friday, June 5, 2009

Residential Solar Electric Power is Easier Than Ever

Wouldn't you like to be able to say goodbye to electric bills and hello to renewable energies? Residential solar electric power is something that can be found in increasing numbers throughout the country as more and more people turn to solar power as one of the best and most reliable renewable energy sources available. The problem most novice environmental warriors find is that the cost of professionally installing solar electric power can far exceed their budget and take well over 10 years or more to see a return on their investment. Even with the newly enacted tax credits for solar panel installation, the return on investment can still be many years away.

However, if you are considering the installation of residential solar electric power, there are alternatives to high cost, professional installation. The most cost-effective way to take advantage of the power of the sun is to install your own system by building the solar panels on your own. Does this sound like a difficult undertaking? Not really since there are now many resources and guides available to show you how to install solar electric power by building your own solar panels. It can in fact be easy to build solar panels with the proper instructions. The parts aren't complicated either. Most of the supplies you would need to build solar panels and construct your own system are available at your local hardware store or you can purchase a solar panel kit, which will include all the parts you require for your own residential solar electric power system.

It is possible to construct several small solar panels to power small appliances or small tools in your workshop. Or for the very adventurous and determined alternative energy seeker, you could build solar panels to service a much larger electric load and ultimately install a residential solar electric power system for the entire home. Once you have acquired your guide, then you are ready to get started building your solar panels. The guide will show you all the components that you will need, most of which are not expensive at all. In fact, most of the parts and components can be purchased from electrical stores and hardware stores for about $200 if you are building a single unit system.

Installing your own residential solar electric power system will not only save you money by building the solar panels yourself, but you can feel proud that you are doing your part for the environment as well. You can start to declare your independence from fossil fuels and make a much-needed impact on the world and in your neighborhood by installing residential solar electric power. By investing in a good do-it-yourself alternative energy guide, it won't be long before you will be the proud owner of your own solar power system built with your own hands.



Autor: Don Alleva

Residential solar electric systems can cost thousands to be installed and in today's economy most of us don't have money to spare. Consider Homemade Solar Energy and learn to construct your own Residential Solar Electric Power System on your own. It will be savings you can bank on.


Added: June 5, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Attic Handrail Safety - Do it Yourself Home Repair

Some stairways that lead up to your attic will have a safety or guardrail to prevent people from falling down the stairs or off of them. Attic handrail safety can provide homeowners with a little peace of mind if they just follow the few simple steps. Make sure that the handrail is at least 42 inches in height. 42 inches is the minimum height for guard rails and can be found in the uniform building code.

The uniform building code is the Bible to the building industry and sets the standard for new construction and remodeling.

The 42 inches will be measured from the floor to the top of the handrail. Some older homes will have handrails that are 36 inches and some of them will be even 30 inches in height. A 30 inch handrail provides limited protection for anyone who is over five foot tall. 30 inches becomes the center point for any one over 60 inches and these people could easily fall over the short handrail.

Now for the homes that don't have any attic handrail safety systems. Some homes that were built before the 1960s won't have a handrail system at all in the stairway. Keep something in mind here, when these people were building these houses, some of them were trying to save money, some of them figured that it wasn't going to be a big deal and other builders simply forgot to install them.

It's not hard to install a working attic handrail for safety but keep in mind, that if the handrail isn't the right height, it will provide you with limited protection. Attic handrails that are lower than 30 inches can provide young children or others who are shorter than five feet with very little protection but can be a safety hazard to anyone over 5 feet tall.

If your attic doesn't have a safety handrail, use caution and be careful in these areas of your home. It wouldn't be a bad idea to install a locking doorknob if your attic access has a door that can be secured to prevent small children or other people from entering these unsafe areas.



Autor: Greg Vandenberge Greg Vandenberge
Level: Platinum
Greg Vanden Berge has works in the construction industry for over 30 years, got his general contractor's license when he was 25 years old and ... ...

Home Attic Repairs

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more Home Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.


Added: June 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

How to Turn Your Walls Into Storage Space

No matter how big a house we are currently living in, there never seems to be enough storage space. When you first moved in there were all these glorious closets and cupboards, and small areas that were going to be perfect for keeping all of our miscellaneous items. When you were looking at the spaces while they were empty you were probably wondering how you were ever going to fill all of them. Now they are stuffed to overflowing and you still have more stuff that needs to be stored and you do not have any idea of where you are going to put it. Have you considered using your walls to create additional storage?

You probably did not know it but there are three creative things that you can do to turn your walls into a useful storage space. The really great thing is that most of the stuff you will need is probably lying around your house already.

Milk Crates

Do you have any of those plastic milk crates left over from when you moved into your house? If you do you can cover them with a layer of paint and hang them from your walls. These are an excellent way to store shoes, gloves, hats, linens, and towels. They work especially well for storing spare toys in your children's rooms. If you do not have any you can normally pick them up at a thrift shop or dollar store. If you can not find any milk crates, ask your local grocer to save you some fruit crates the next time they get a truckload of produce.

Use Broken Furniture

If you happen to have an old wooden bench lying around, you should turn it upside down and nail it onto the wall. Not only will the bench be strong enough to work as a bookshelf but it can also be used as an unusual way to display your favorite knickknacks and collectables. The same can be done with any broken chairs that you might have.

Build a Window Box

For some reason builders never seem to understand the need for additional storage space in the bathroom, they never provide a really good place where you can keep extra towels, shampoos, and other miscellaneous bathroom items. One of the best ways you can rectify this situation is to build yourself an indoor window box. You can make it as large as you like, just make sure that it is located somewhere that you will not be bumping it with your head.

Hangers

If you are looking for additional places where you can hang your jewelry, scarves or ties, you should run to your favorite linen store and pick up a pack of wooden hangers. All you will need is some paint to turn these into really great wall storage.



Autor: Kirby Cranson
Added: June 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/