You know, since I started this channel I’ve been sharing skills, shortcuts and tricks of the trades to help people in their everyday lives. So today on Repairs101 I’m going to show you even more life hacks!
Safety first
Alright, they say start off with a joke. And in a lot of places I’ve worked, safety and first aid is a total joke. Now you can be prepared for if you or someone around you gets cut real bad. By keeping a sterile compression bandage inside of your hardhat.
In the shop
If the stones on your grind-wheel are getting rounded or getting impregnated with debris. You can make your own wheel dresser by stacking flat washers on a loose fitting bolt.
In the kitchen
Use a spoon to gently pry up under the lid of a jar you can’t open. And pop the seal without destroying the lid.
At home
You can make a fireplace plug like this one out of a piece of plywood, a couple of boards, some handles and some screws in only a few minutes and dramatically cut down on the draft you get when the fireplace is not in use.
In the car
Protect your car’s upholstery with some cheap Polar Fleece blankets. And use them to insulate pizza or other takeout food until you get home with it. If you’re working in the field sometimes you have to get creative. Here’s a solution I came up with for when I needed a vise but didn’t have access to one.
Prevent foul air conditioning system smells by turning off the A/C and running full fan full vents to dry off your car’s evaporator before shutting it down.
At work
Press your finger hard up against a fastener you can’t see to take an impression that will help you identify the tool you need. Repair a stripped out screw-hole by inserting a wooden toothpick or a wood splinter into the hole before driving the screw in. Wrap the head of your fastener in a small piece of paper towel or shop rag to keep it from dropping out of the socket while you’re working with it.
Get some rest
Now, imagine you’re lying in bed trying to sleep and all you can hear is… (FAUCET DRIPS)
If you can reach the supply valves you can just turn the water off and go back to sleep. Failing that, try this old trick my Dad showed me. When I was twelve years old and he caught me tearing into his sink. At three o’clock in the morning trying to get at the valves. Now, if you’re catching drips in a bucket – just put a hand towel in it for a nice soft quiet landing spot while you go back and get some sleep. You can always fix it in the morning. Alright thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe!
