gate

How to Build Gates for a Wooden Deck

Introduction

When you build a deck that is higher than 18 inches (with a fence and a handrail), you should put in a gate too. If you have not previously worked with wood, installing a gate can be challenging. Evaluate if this is the kind of project that you can accomplish and if it is not, call in a professional. If you can handle the task, make sure you have the proper tools and materials before you begin.

Difficulty: Difficult

Things You'll Need:

- Measuring tape

- 2-by-4 boards

- A number of pickets

- Carpenter’s square

- Saw

- Screwdriver

- 1.5 inch deck screws

Instructions

Step 1

Evaluate the distance between the fence posts with a measuring tape. Between these posts is where you will put in the gate. Cut two 2-by-4’s so that they measure one inch less than the distance between the posts.

Step 2

Divide Step 1’s measurement by 5.5 inches. The resulting number is the amount of pickets that you will need for the gate. You will balance out any extra inches with pickets that are less than 5.5 inches and add up to the remaining space needed to be covered.

Step 3

Measure the height of the pickets. Mark the height on the bottom side of the picket. Put the carpenter’s square on the indicator you made. Use that to pencil in a line across each picket. Cut each picket to length.

Step 4

Lay out the 2-by-4’s on a table. Make sure they are parallel to one another. Put the pickets on top of and perpendicular to the boards. The pickets need to have equidistance from the top and bottom of the 2-by-4’s and they need to be evenly spaced between themselves. Attach the pickets to the 2-by-4’s with deck screws.

Step 5

Flip the gate over so that the boards are now facing upwards. Use the measuring tape to find the distance from right corner of the top 2-by-4 to the left corner of the bottom 2-by-4. Add two inches to that measurement.

Turn the gate over so that the 2-by-4's are facing up. Measure from one corner of one of the 2-by-4's to the corner of the other and then add 2 inches. Place it on the gate from one corner of the 2-by-4's from one corner to the other. Draw a line that will indicate where to cut it to make it fit between the two horizontal 2-by-4's to form a "Z" on the back of the gate. After you cut it, put it in place, turn the gate over and secure it to the pickets with the deck screws.

Tip

You can make the spaces between the pickets wider instead of using a few smaller pickets to fill in extra space you may have found in Step 2.

Warning

Don’t forget to wear protective gear while working on the gate.

Build Eazy: The Project List

http://www.buildeazy.com/fp_start.html

HGTV: Decks

http://www.hgtv.com/topics/decks/index.html

axle bearings

How to Fix Rear Axle Bearings

Introduction

Rear axle bearings, or wheel bearings, are the part of the vehicle that let the wheel turn easily. Rear axle bearings take some of the weight and responsibility away from the axles. You will know that your bearings need to be replaced if you hear a grinding or whining noise when the vehicle is moving. Rear axle bearings are one structure made of many parts that can be easily removed. Every vehicle is different so research the best way to fix your specific vehicle’s rear axle bearings.

Difficulty: Difficult

Things You'll Need:

- Wheel blocks

- Tire wrench

- Jack

- Jack stands

- New wheel bearing hub

Instructions

Step 1

Put the front wheels on wheel blocks. Use a tire wrench to loosen the lug nuts. This is accomplished by rotating the lugs 45 degrees in the counterclockwise direction.

Step 2

Elevate the vehicle by putting a jack under the back jackpoints and lift up. The rear jackpoints might be pinch welds below the passenger doors or they might be spots under the vehicle. Rest the vehicle on jack stands.

Step 3

Pull off the remaining lug nuts and remove the wheel. Take off the bolts that keep the brake caliper in its place. Remove the caliper from the break rotor and fasten it to the coil springs which are found above the brake system. Remove the brake rotor disc from the hub.

Step 4

Use an impact wrench to take the hub nut off. Make sure the thrust washer behind the hub nut comes off too. Take off the wheel hub from the rear wheel.

Step 5

Put in a new wheel bearing hub. Use a torque wrench to tighten the hub nut to 70-80 lbs-ft. Find out what setting is right for your vehicle.

Step 6

Put the rotor back in place. Cut the zip-ties. Place the caliper back on top of the rotor. The caliper bolts need to be tightened to 35-56 lbs-ft. Find out what setting is right for your vehicle.

Step 7

Reattach the wheel to the vehicle. Let the vehicle rest back on the ground. The lug nuts need to be tightened to 75-105 lbs-ft. Find out what setting is right for your vehicle.

Tip

Check your owner’s manual for information about your vehicle’s specifications.

Warning

Vehicles can be heavy. You may want to ask another person to help you jack the car up.

2 Car Pros: Repair Topics / Axle Bearing

http://www.2carpros.com/topics/bearing.htm

bath

How to Repair a Shower Recess

Introduction

Shower cracks need to be repaired as soon as possible. If these cracks are not corrected quickly, they can lead to water damage of the floor of walls beneath the shower. You do not need to replace the shower pan-repairs will suffice. Acrylic and fiberglass are the most common materials used for showers and both of these materials can be repaired in the same way. Every shower is different so find out what is the best way to repair the model of your shower or bathtub.

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

- Sandpaper (120, 240, and 400 grit)

- Two-part epoxy

- Plastic putty knife

- Coarse sponge

- Spray degreaser

- Hardner

- Color tint

- Protective gear

Instructions

2-Part Epoxy Repair

Step 1

Smooth cracked areas with varying grits of sandpaper. Begin with the 120-grit and continue until you reach the 400-grit sandpaper. Get rid of any unattached pieces of material.

Step 2

Work the two-part epoxy into the deep cracks. Use a plastic putty knife to apply the two-part epoxy. Wait a good number of hours for the two-part epoxy to dry.

Step 3

Check if it is necessary to put on a second layer of the two-part epoxy. If it is, then apply the second coat. Let the two-part epoxy dry for many hours before you use the shower.

Tub and Shower Repair

Step 1

Smooth cracked areas with sand paper, just like in the first section. Clean the place that you plan to fix. Use coarse sponges and a spray degreaser for that task.

Step 2

Mix any necessary tint into the hardner. Apply the hardner. You can put on the hardner with a spray or a brush. Let the hardner dry for a number of hours.

Step 3

Overlap the application with one or two coats of catalyst. Allow it to dry for a number of hours. Your shower should be ready to use as soon as it is completely dry.

Tips

The two-part epoxy will mix by itself so you do not need to measure and mix its ingredients.

You can buy a tub and shower repair kit. Most kits include sandpaper, hardner, mixing container or spray bottles, catalyst, and occasionally color tint.

Warning

Don’t forget to wear protective gear.

Fix A Bathroom: DIY Shower Repair for under $50.

http://fixabathroom.com.au/html/diy_shower_repair.html

car

How to Replace a Rearview Mirror in a Corolla

Introduction

In most vehicles, the rear-view mirror is bonded to the windshield by special glue that can support the heaviness of the mirror. Eventually, the glue dries and weakens and the mirror no longer sticks to the windshield. Replacing a rear-view mirror is not difficult or time-consuming. You will spend most of your time waiting for the glue to dry enough that you can drive your care safely again. Check the owner’s manual of your Corolla for further instructions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

- Allen wrench

- Razor or putty knife

- Alcohol

- Activator

- Glue

- New rear-view mirror

Instructions

Step 1

Detach wiring that may be attached to the rear-view mirror by pulling tabs away from the harness. Use an Allen wrench to loosen the screw on the rear-view mirror. Slide the mirror off.

Step 2

Locate the metal button that will be attached to the windshield. Trace the place that the button is with a writing utensil. This mark will tell you where to install your new mirror.

Step 3

Scratch the button off slowly using a razor or a putty knife to scrape away the glue holding the button in place. Do not use too much pressure or the windshield will crack. Make sure the area where the button was sitting is smooth.

Step 4

Clean the area where the button was with alcohol. Use alcohol to clean the button too. Wait five minutes for the button to dry.

Step 5

Break open the vial of activator. This will cause the cotton in the vial to fill up with fluid. Put activator on the button. Squeeze out one drop of glue and let it fall onto the button. This will cause the activator and the glue to mix.

Step 6

Hold the button onto the windshield, glue side down, for around 60 seconds. The button needs to sit for over an hour. This is necessary in order to make sure that the button bonds to the glass properly.

Step 7

Attach the new rear-view mirror onto the button by sliding the back of the mirror onto the button. Secure the mirror by tightening the Allen screw and fiddle with the mirror until you are happy with its position. Reattach any wires that you disconnected.

Tip

If the button is not securely attached after waiting an hour, remove the mirror and wait another hour for the glue and activator mixture to dry properly.

Essortment: How to install a rear view mirror in an automobile

http://www.essortment.com/all/howtoinstallr_rlbd.htm

power washing

How to Add to a Pressure Washer to Wash Cement

Introduction

Cement may not seem like something that requires cleaning, however dirt finds its way easily into the bumps and cracks of cement. Cement’s uneven surfaces can be difficult to clean. You will need to prepare the area that you intend to pressure wash. Pressure washers push dirt out effortlessly. They require very little manual labor on your part. Pressure washers may seem daunting if you’ve never used one, however, they are not at all difficult to maneuver.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

- Broom

- Unscented cat litter

- Pressure washer

- Bleach

- Water

- Mop

Instructions

Step 1

Straighten up the area that you intend to wash. Remove all loose items such as toys or hoses. Sweep the area with a broom.

Step 2

Sprinkle unscented cat litter onto any oily or greasy spot on the cement. Wait five minutes for the litter to soak up the oil. Remove the litter by sweeping it away with the broom or by briefly running the pressure washer over the cement.

Step 3

Pour a mixture of one part bleach and three parts water onto the cement. Use a mop to cover the cement with the mixture. Let the mixture sit on the cement for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4

Start at the back of the area that you want to pressure wash. Point the pressure washer towards the ground. Turn the pressure washer on.

Step 5

Pressure wash the cement in a sweeping motion. Walk backwards slowly as you spray. This will allow you to cover the entire surface area without stepping on what you have just sprayed.

Warning

Make sure to clean off the plants that were near where you were using bleach because bleach is very harmful to vegetation.

maytag

How to Place a Lid on a Maytag Washing Machine

Introduction

Maytag washing machines are easily serviceable. If your Maytag washing machine has a broken or damaged lid or lid hinge, you can fix the problem yourself. You will have to remove the faulty lid before you can replace the broken lid. Once you complete your repair, you can begin to use your washing machine again. Every machine is different so check your owner’s manual to find out information about your own specific model.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

- Screwdriver

- Large blade putty knife

- New lid

Instructions

Step 1

Pull the Maytag washer plug from its outlet. If your Maytag washer is leaning against a wall, move it off the wall. This will allow you easier access to turn the machine’s control console and its top panel into their repair positions.

Step 2

Remove the screws that attach the control console to the Maytag washer’s top panel. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Next, turn the control console into its service position.

Step 3

Wedge a large blade putty knife into the space between the front and top panel. There are retaining clips two inches from each corner. Release each clip by pressing on the clip and lifting the top panel up at the same time.

Step 4

Rotate the top panel into its service position. The panel will now be resting on its hinges. Find the hinge screws under the top panel. Remove the screws on both sides with a screwdriver. Remove the old lid from the top panel of the washer.

Step 5

Replace the old lid with a new lid. Screw back in the hinge screws with a screwdriver. Rotate the top panel out of its service position.

Step 6

Press the retaining clips back into place. Remove the large blade putty knife from between the top and front panel. Return the control console to its non-service position. Reattach the control console to the washer’s top panel by returning its screws. Plug the Maytag washer back in and push it back against the wall.

Tip

Check your owner’s manual for further instructions.

Maytag: Washers

http://www.maytag.com/catalog/category.jsp?cat=18

Repair Clinic: Washing Machine Troubleshooting

http://www.repairclinic.com/Washing-Machine-Troubleshooting

light calibrate

How to Calibrate a Light Meter

Introduction

Shoot films is not easy or cheap. Proper lighting is necessary for a good movie. A light meter is used in film to calculate how much light is essential for a shot. You will need to calibrate your light meter to your camera and your lenses. This will enable you to take shots that will be correctly exposed. Different environments will require different light meter calibrations. Check the instructions of your own equipment for additional directions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

- Camera

- Film stock

- Lens

- Light meter

Instructions

Step 1

Choose the camera, film stock, and lenses that you will be using during your real shoot. Calibrate these materials. This will allow you to have properly calibrated equipment for real future uses.

Step 2

Adjust the camera shutter speed to 1/24. This is the standard camera shutter speed. Place the film in the camera. Check and record the ISO rating.

Step 3

Pick a subject. Set up the lighting so that the subject can be recorded properly. The best lighting will be flat and even.

Step 4

Point the light meter’s sensor towards the camera. The meter should be in front of the subject. Take care that your shadow does not block the sensor’s light.

Step 5

Enter the camera’s shutter speed and the film’s ISO into the light meter. This will give you an f-stop reading. Capture 4 shots of a few seconds. Their f-stops should be -1/2, +1/2, -1, and +1 higher and lower than the light meter’s reading. This procedure is called bracketing.

Step 6

Develop the film. Find the shot that is properly exposed. Use that shot as a model of how to adjust the light meter to the lens and the camera.

Tip

Don’t use just any old camera equipment. Try researching what camera will work best with the project that you will be working on.

ProVideo Coalition: Calibrating a Light meter for Digital Video

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/freshdv/story/calibrating_a_light_meter_for_digital_video/