Recent content by secure

inspectorD - quick question. Are you referring to a portable generator type or a permanently mounted whole house back up generator? I have seen the "Hardy" diesel type whole generators advertised a lot in Mother Earth. But I would not think you could come across one for $500. If a portable...

I often had wondered if this product worked well. In fact, a friend of mine and I were discussing this very tool last week. I am so very glad I came across this post and I immediately sent for my free one. Thank you. It is great to "try" tools before having to lay money out on them. BTW - that...

You know what I DID find the gator useful for? Because it tends to "slip" after a certain torque, but that torque range seems perfect for the oil pan drain plug. It tightens it just enough, then "slips" which means I am not over tightening it, which I have a tendency to do. Which is why I never...

In my previous post, I focused on tools that did not necessarily live up to the hype of the product. This one I am going 180 degrees on, talking about tools that ROCK! I have to say the one tool that has absolutely been the "King" in that category at my house was "The RotoZip Saw". Whether...

I am sure, if you are anything like myself, that at some point in your life, you have bought some tool that you thought was going to be great, and it failed you miserably. For example. The "Gator" socket was suppose to replace all of my socket needs. Now, what I have found in using it is that...

Is it better to use additives or just drain the tanks completely? I am unsure in small engines. I know on my motorcycle I drain the tank and the carbs, then I take out the spark plugs and put a few drops of oil in there. Would that work for a lawn mower of similar engined device?

I have a forced air heating system. In the harsh Michigan winters, occasionally the power goes out. When this happens I can still have flames from the gas pipe, but without the air movement, depending on the heat rising is not the best. I have a few kerosene heaters for backups in case this...

I have not tried it yet, but I am going to this winter for sure. I read an article somewhere, I do not recall-maybe Mother Earth News, where you take a spray bottle of water, and bubble wrap (you know, for like securing fragile packages for shipping) to cover the windows. Do it from the...

I have heard of solar collectors for heat, but not to keep a house cool. I have the materials to build a home-made one myself I have been putting off but want to do. One bedroom is the furthest from the heater, and so the air is minimally warm when it reaches it. Making it always cold in the...

The experience I've had is that the larger the window pane surface area, the more likely the double-pane will not hold the argon gas. Then the window tends to "cloud" up on certain days of a humidity range. Although I have not cared enough to find that range... You might have better luck with...

Joined the forum for a couple of reasons. One, I have a house made in the 60s. And with the economy as it is, I can not afford to try and move. So I need to do some things to the house I am in. I imagine that my story will be similar to many right now. Having no choice but to correct the...