Power Tool Tip Cleaning Concrete
15 Uses for Baking Soda Storing Garden Tools
Patching Holes in Drywall 1 Patching Holes in Drywall 2
Fixing loose Wood Screws Replacing Ceramic Tile
Repairing Screens Removing a broken Light Bulb
Recaulking a Bathtub Repairing a burn in Carpet
Tool Tip 1
Power tool tip: Dirt and moisture can rob your power tool of life. Tip- put a 1'x1' piece of chamois cloth in your tools case, use the cloth to clean and dry your tool each time you put it away.
Tool Tip 2
Cleaning Concrete: Cleaning stains from concrete can be broken down into three categories.
  1. Oil and Grease (new) stains: Can be removed from a driveway or sidewalk with a mixture of Baking soda and powdered laundry detergent. Mix equal parts of powdered laundry detergent and baking soda in a plastic container. Sprinkle the mixture on the stain. Let stand for 24 hours, then rinse with water. This technique will usually remove most recent oil or grease stains.
  2. Mildew stains: Apply the following solution to the area with a soft brush and let stand for a hour. Then rinse with water.
    1 oz laundry detergent
    3 oz trisodium phosphate (available at the hardware store)
    1 quart of laundry bleach
    3 quarts of water
  3. Rust stains: Apply the following solution the following solution to the stains and let stand for 3 hours, then scrub with a stiff brush and clean water.
    1 pound of Oxalic Acid (Known as "Wood Bleach")
    1 Gallon of water
Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines when handling caustic chemicals as listed above.
Tool Tip 3
15 Uses for Baking soda: Baking soda is a marvelous substance, it can clean and freshen a multitude of household items. Here's a partial list.
  1. Refrigerator: Place an open box of baking soda into refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh. Also works in the freezer, but you'll need a second box.
  2. Carpet: to remove odors, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and let stand for 15 minutes, then vacuum. This will save you money over those commercial brand carpet fresheners.
  3. Sour Drains: pour 1ò2 cup of baking soda into drain followed by 1-cup vinegar. Let the mixture foam up then rinse with hot water followed by cold.
  4. Garbage disposal: pour 1ò2 cup of baking soda into disposal then turn on disposal. Quickly pour 1 cup of water into disposal and turn the disposal off. Let set for 1ò2 hour then rinse.
  5. Microwave: Mix 2 tablespoons with 1 cup of water. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Then wipe out the microwave with a damp sponge.
  6. Cat litter pan: Sprinkle 1ò4 cup of baking soda into litter pan when filling.
  7. Sinks, Tubs and Showers: Use baking soda on a damp sponge, instead of other abrasive cleaners on fiberglass or acrylic bathroom fixtures.
  8. Toilets: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the toilet bowl followed by 1ò2 cup of baking soda. Let stand 1 hour then scrub with toilet brush and flush.
  9. Diaper pails: sprinkle baking soda into diaper pail to help absorb odors
  10. Garbage cans: sprinkle baking soda into your garbage can to help absorb odors.
  11. Cleaning Batteries: Baking Soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because it is a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts Baking Soda to 1 part water, apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and re-connecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery--they contain a strong acid.
  12. Cleaning Cars: Use Baking Soda to safely clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires and vinyl seats and floor mats. Use a Baking Soda solution of 1/4 cup Baking Soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use Baking Soda sprinkled on a damp sponge. Rinse and dry with a soft towel. You will get a clean car, with a scratchless non-toxic cleanser.
  13. Deodorizing Cars: Why does your car still smell after you left the windows down all day? Because the odors have settled into the upholstery and carpet, so each time you step in and sit down, they are released into the air all over again. Eliminate these odors by sprinkling Baking Soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the odors with the Baking Soda.
  14. Cleaning Lawn Furniture: Use a Baking Soda solution of 1/4 cup Baking Soda in 1 quart of warm water to clean and deodorize patio and pool furniture. Simply wipe with the Baking Soda solution and rinse clean. For tougher stains, sprinkle Baking Soda directly on a damp sponge, scrub and rinse.
  15. Oil and Grease (new) stains: Can be removed from a driveway or sidewalk with a mixture of Baking soda and powdered laundry detergent. Mix equal parts of powdered laundry detergent and baking soda in a plastic container. Sprinkle the mixture on the stain. Let stand for 24 hours, then rinse with water. This technique will usually remove most recent oil or grease stains.
Arm & Hammer has an excellent website with dozens more uses for baking soda. You can contact them at www.armhammer.com /
Tool Tip 4
Storing Garden tools for the winter: With just a little effort you can add years to the life of your garden tools. Just follow these steps.
  1. Wash your tools with warm soapy water. Rinse and allow to dry.
  2. Wipe any wooden handles with a coat of linseed oil, Lemon oil or even Olive oil. This will keep them from drying out. It's a good idea to do this several times a year.
  3. Spray all metal parts with furniture polish (pledge etc.) this will lubricate the parts and protect them from rust.
  4. Hang the tools off the ground or put a piece of board or cardboard on the floor so that the tools are not in contact with the floor.
Tool Tip 5
Patching Holes in drywall 1: Small holes in drywall (2 inches or smaller) are easily fixed using spackling compound.
  1. Use a putty knife or old playing card to apply. Smooth the compound into the hole and work in all directions.
  2. If the hole is over 1ò4 in deep you will need to wait for the first application to dry and apply a second layer.
  3. If your wall is textured use a damp sponge to help blend.
  4. If your wall is flat let the compound dry then sand to level and blend.
Tool Tip 6
Patching Holes in drywall 2:Larger holes in drywall require a little more work.
  1. Cut a square patch from a piece of scrap drywall, slightly larger than the hole and any surrounding area that's cracked or damaged. Lay the patch over the hole and trace around it.
  2. Using a drywall saw cut out the square in the wall.
  3. Cut a piece if "Firring strip"(1ò2 x 1 1ò2 board) 4 inches wider than the hole. If the hole is over 1 ft square you should use two firring strips.
  4. Insert the firring strip into the hole and hold it across the center of the hole with at least two inches overlapping each side. Secure with a drywall screw at each end.
  5. Apply spackling compound to all four edges of the patch. Insert the patch into the hole and secure to the firring strip with a drywall screw or two.
  6. Use a putty knife apply compound to all screw holes and wipe away excess from around patch. Smooth so that the patch and screw holes are flush.
  7. After the compound dries, go back and fill any low spots and sand any high spots.
Tool Tip 7
Fixing Loose Wood Screws:You can fix a loose screw in wood by using one of the following methods.
  1. First try using a longer screw, if this doesn't work or you don't have a longer screw, then;
  2. Insert a wooden match, or golf tee into the hole. Score with a knife and break off flush with the hole. Start a centering hole with a nail. Then replace the screw.
Never use glue, if you do you might not be able to remove the screw if the need arises.
Tool Tip 8
Replacing Ceramic Tile:Replacing a cracked or broken ceramic tile is easier than it looks:
  1. Remove the grout around all four sides of the old tile with a grout saw (available for a low cost at your local hardware store).
  2. Score the old tile with two crossed lines (corner to corner) using a glasscutter.
  3. Wearing safety glasses, tap the center of the old tile with a cold chisel (not a woodworking chisel) and hammer. Start gently, adding more force until the tile breaks into four pieces.
  4. Clean out any old grout that remains with a screwdriver, wire brush or the grout saw.
  5. Apply adhesive to the back of the replacement tile and ease into place. Use masking tape to secure until the adhesive has dried.
  6. Regrout the tile in place using the instructions with the grout.
Tool Tip 9
Repairing Screens:always repair a damaged screen as soon as you notice it. If you leave it, the problem will only get bigger.
Fixing a tiny puncture:
  1. Using a pointed tool (an awl, small screwdriver or even an open paperclip); move the strands back into their original position.
  2. 2. Dab the area with clear nail polish (preferred), shellac or clear silicon caulk.
  3. 3. Let dry.
Fixing a rip:
  1. Using a pointed tool (an awl, small screwdriver or even an open paperclip); move the strands back into their original position.
  2. Then sew the rip shut with nylon thread.
  3. Apply several coats of clear nail polish to secure.
Fixing a hole:
  1. Trim the hole so that the edges are straight.
  2. Cut a patch from a scrap piece of screen, slightly bigger than the hole.
  3. Apply clear silicon caulk to the edges of the patch and fit over the hole. Press into place with a slight pressure.
  4. "Gently" wipe off any excess caulk with a clean rag.
  5. Allow 24 hours for drying.
Tool Tip 10
Removing a Broken Light Bulb:Never use your fingers to remove a broken light bulb from its socket. Here's a neat trick.
  1. Cut an ordinary potato in half.
  2. 2. Jam the potato into the socket and twist.
The potato will grab the broken bulb and allow you to remove it without cutting your fingers.
Tool Tip 11
Recaulking a Bathtub:Recaulking a bathtub can be a nasty job. But its important to keep these seams sealed to avoid damage to the underlying wood. Here's some tips.
  1. Remove all of the old caulking. This is the hardest part of the job. A triangle paint scraper works well. You can also use a razor knife, putty knife or even a kitchen knife.
  2. Let the seam dry for 24 hours to let any trapped moisture escape.
  3. Fill the tub about 1ò2 way. This allows the tub to settle into the position it will be in when it's full.
  4. Apply a thin bead of tub caulk to the seam. Use your finger, a old playing card of even a partially melted ice cube (hold in your hand for a few seconds) to shape the joint.
  5. Wipe off excess caulk with a damp sponge.
  6. Let dry 24 hours then drain tub. You're finished.
Tool Tip 12
Repairing a burn in Carpet:Repairing a burn in carpet is easy.
  1. Cut out all of the burnt fibers down to the base, be careful leave as much of the unburned fibers as possible.
  2. Harvest some unburned carpet fibers from an area of the carpet most people never see. The back corner of a closet is a good place. Cut out the new fibers down to their base.
  3. Apply a thin layer of contact cement to the bald spot were the burn was.
  4. Apply a thin layer of cement to the bottom tips of the replacement fibers. Let the cement "film over" then place the new fibers into the damaged area.
  5. Let the cement dry thoroughly then brush and trim the patch.
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